Alcatraz presents the festival experience of the future

Welcome to the Meta(l)verse

Alcatraz, the iconic hard rock and metal festival, once again leads the pack by offering its festival-goers a revolutionary experience. Last year the festival organisers claimed the prestigious Henry van de Velde Award for their wheelchair-accessible VR mosh pits. This year Alcatraz reaffirms its innovative outlook with the Meta(l)verse project. For this new endeavour, Alcatraz teamed up with TheMeadow.io, a company that is developing the festival arena of the future by integrating multiple festivals into a single virtual environment: the metaverse. This project creates fresh opportunities for the music industry and its ecosystem by making new technologies accessible to the public at large.

A taste of the Meta(l)verse

At this year’s festival, which takes place from 9-11 August, festival-goers can catch a glimpse of what the future has in store. In a specially designed trailer, visitors can create their own avatar and experience a virtual video like never before. Incidentally, the band performing in 3D is Secondhand Saints. The ambitious up-and-coming Flemish metalcore band formed during the pandemic and unleashes metalcore with generous electronic influences. With the aid of VR glasses and special vests that make the music ‘tangible’, this experience promises to be a memorable addition to the festival.

Immersive technology for all ages

All visitors are invited to take part in this revolutionary experience and discover the awesome possibilities of the Meta(l)verse. Because those who think that hi-tech experiences are only for the younger generation are very much mistaken. Studies have shown that the popularity of the metaverse will explode in the coming years, especially in the live event and entertainment industry, creating opportunities for all ages. Maurice Engelen, known for Praga Khan and Lords Of Acid, and co-founder of TheMeadow.io: “In TheMeadow.io, we can bring all parties together: artists, fans, but also brands and festivals or clubs. It’s an innovative way for each of these stakeholders to deliver their unique message to the audience.”

Future vision

This year the primary focus is on introducing metalheads to such experiences but Alcatraz has ambitious plans for the future. TheMeadow.io founder Luc Van Utterbeeck explains: “In the next phase the Meta(l)verse Alcatraz island will be expanded with additional stages, performances and gamification options, such as avatars in Safety Jogger Works footwear that enables them to run faster, or trophies and badges awarded by Widem Logistics for completing challenges.” TheMeadow.io combines technology and music in an innovative way and has benefited from the support of Safety Jogger Works and Widem Logistics from day one. “They believe in the potential of new technologies to take the music experience and fan involvement to a whole new level.”

Join the Meta(l)verse revolution

Alcatraz invites everyone to embark on this exciting journey and get a taste of the festival experience of the future. Drop by during the festival from 9 through 11 August 2024 and discover first-hand what the Meta(l)verse has to offer.