Block rocking feats
Blockchain is being embraced across the live music industry , from tout-proofing tickets and enhancing cashless systems to potentially transforming the content of merch desks forever . Access investigates .
Words : Christopher Barrett
Perhaps best known as the record-keeping technology that underpins cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin , blockchain is increasingly being used by the events industry for an array of purposes , from providing the bedrock of secure digital tickets and cashless systems to tracking and recording the completion of tasks and safety protocols on event sites .
Essentially , blockchain enables the storage of historical records that can be added to but not altered . Or , as Syniverse Technologies ’ Monique Morrow eloquently puts it , “ It ’ s a ledger for storage , a database connected together by blocks that is immutable – it ’ s a single source of truth providing you with complete transparency .”
Blockchain is an obvious fit for the ticketing industry and its battle against touts and counterfeiters . Among the many services to make use of the technology is Eventbrite , while Ticketmaster has made significant steps into the field , not least with its acquisition of blockchain ticketing platform UPGRADED in 2018 .
Meanwhile , cloud-based ticketing engagement platform SecuTix and its mobile ticketing application TIXnGO are becoming increasingly widely used across the events industry . West Bromwich Albion FC is the latest client win for the white-label B2B service , while others include UEFA , Lancashire Cricket Club and the Paléo rock festival in Switzerland .
TIXnGO ’ s blockchain technology
“ It ’ s a single source of truth providing you with complete transparency .”
Monique Morrow
creates a unique , encrypted , ticket for smartphones that is completely traceable . It removes the risk of counterfeit tickets and makes it easy for fans to transfer or resell securely . The platform also provides an option for Covid self-certification .
SecuTix Northern Europe ,
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