Muse Announces Mixed-Reality Virtual Stadium Experience With Stageverse

Courtesy Stageverse – Simulation Theory
A stage shot from Muse’s new “Virtual Experience,” produced with Stageverse.

This fall, Muse will return to stadiums – virtual ones, at least – with the launch of “Muse’s Simulation Theory: Virtual Experience,” which will offer up a mixed-reality experience for fans with a combination of concert footage and digital socializing.

The main attraction for “Virtual Experience” is 360-degree, 6K footage of Muse’s sold-out July 2019 show at Madrid’s Wanda Metropolitano Stadium – where the band moved 50,719 tickets and grossed $4.08 million, according to Pollstar Boxoffice reports – allowing for viewers to engage with the show from multiple different angles. Users will also be treated to “show visuals reimagined for a 3D space,” according to a press release.

But the experience doesn’t end there. As other streaming platforms have increasingly done in recent months, the “Virtual Experience” – the first major music event from virtual entertainment app Stageverse – will allow fans “to meet up with fellow attendees as avatars,” “play with interactive toys” and buy merch.

“The music of Simulation Theory was conceived as a 50/50 blend of analog and electronic instruments, so our goal has always been to create experiences that redefine the human role in programming and technology,” Muse frontman Matt Bellamy said in a statement. “We can’t wait for our fans to be able to truly immerse themselves in our Simulation Theory world and take full advantage of everything that the Stageverse experience will offer.”

Stageverse was launched by Stage, Inc., the entertainment technology company founded by Tim Ricker and Claire Seidler in 2017.

“Virtual spaces are more relevant to our daily life than ever as we all search for new ways to share experiences and connect with each other in real-time that goes beyond the chat window,” Ricker, who serves as CEO and Chief Product Officer, said in a statement. “We’re proud to introduce the next chapter of virtual entertainment with Stageverse, which allows you to participate outside of physical limitations and engage with contemporary creators in innovative, unexpected ways through the ubiquitous access of mobile phones and the next generation of devices. The growth of future-culture will be defined by how elements of the familiar, like going to a concert or brick-and-mortar shopping, are seamlessly integrated into wholly new experiences, which we’re excited to introduce at Muse’s Virtual Experience this fall.”

The “Virtual Experience” wasn’t Tuesday’s only Muse news. The band also announced a full-length movie, “Simulation Theory,” which will hit select international IMAX theaters and streaming platforms later this month. The movie utilizes footage filmed at Muse’s September 2019 concerts at London’s O2 Arena – where they moved 30,600 tickets and grossed $3.57 million over two nights – and shares its name with the band’s most recent album, released in November 2018.

Muse ranked No. 13 on Pollstar‘s Top 100 Worldwide Tours chart in 2019, with $97.6 million grossed globally.