Post Malone will be kicking off the festivities for P25 music, a program the Pokémon franchise has created to help celebrate 25 years of video games, apps, shows, movies, and merchandise.
The brand is partnering with Universal Music Group and working with music artists on creating Pokémon music. Songs will be released throughout the year and artists like Katy Perry will be a part of the project.
“Celebrating 25 years is a big deal, so we decided to do it together,” said Malone who also turned 25 in July.
The “Sunflower” singer grew up with the franchise and is a big fan, he even still has a Game Boy Color so that he can still play older Pokémon games. The artist describes the virtual Pokémon concert as “one of the coolest things I’ve been a part of.”
This isn’t the first time the Grammy Nominee took part in a live-streamed concert, he headlined Bud Light Seltzer’s New Year’s Eve 2021 Livestream.
With the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Livestream shows are the new way to interact with fans. While not ideal, Malone recognizes some benefits of this new platform of entertainment.
“I think the livestream thing has been a great way to keep the music going, and to support some great causes, partner with cool brands and kick some ass,” said the artist to Billboard
In the sneak preview for the Pokémon Day concert, Malone transforms into a virtual version of himself as a Pokémon trainer.
Pokémon.
Post Malone.It’s the concert you never saw coming, Trainers.
Don’t miss your chance to be front row for the Virtual Experience on #PokemonDay!https://t.co/q8YMsliBjI pic.twitter.com/wFTuRfWQFo
— Pokémon (@Pokemon) February 11, 2021
His new appearance comes with mixed reactions from fans. Some are hyped for the artist’s performance while others are too focused on how unsettling virtual Posty looks.
therapist: pokemon trainer post malone is not real, he can't hurt you
pokemon trainer post malone: pic.twitter.com/jQ9yF5urTu
— smoov (@smoov22_sonic) February 11, 2021
Post will hit the stage on Feb 27 at 7:00PM EST. The performance will be streamed on YouTube, Twitch, and Pokemon.com/25.
Prior to the big show, fans can celebrate the anniversary in multiple ways. The franchise will be hosting a gaming event, Pokémon GO Tour: Kanto, on Saturday, Feb. 20.
They will also be sending out a password that will help players unlock a new Pikachu for the Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield games on Thursday, Feb.25. The special Pikachu will be able to perform the “Sing” move in honor of the anniversary’s musical theme.
Finally, leading up to Malone’s performance on Feb. 27, fans can tune into Pokémon TV via the web or app, and watch music-themed episodes of the Pokémon series.
More festivities and music artists will be announced so keep an eye on Pokémon’s social media and website for the latest updates.
