Pokémon is celebrating the franchise's 25th anniversary in style with a special virtual concert headlined by Post Malone later this month, which The Pokémon Company announced with a surprise trailer. The global music event on February 27, also known as Pokémon Day, will kick off The Pokémon Company International and Universal Music Group's yearlong music program.
The Pokémon Company kicked off its 25th anniversary celebrations back in January. The long-running franchise was honored with an adorable Pokémon tribute video just a few weeks ago. The clip featured the original Poké Ball from all the way back in 1996 as it traveled through generations of Pokémon trainers and games. The Pokémon Company's tribute paid homage to the original Pokémon anime and plushies, as well as the Poké Ball factory and Pokémon GO. That video was just the beginning in what will no doubt be a huge milestone year celebrating all things Pokémon.
The Official Pokémon YouTube Channel dropped a trailer inviting Pokémon and music fans alike to Pokémon Day Virtual Concert on February 27. In the video, Post Malone can be seen entering a crowded concert arena as his voiceover gives a shout-out to all the fans who have made 25 years of Pokémon possible. He even pulls out a Poké Ball and transforms into a 3D-animated character, looking similar to the style adopted in recent films and games. The concert can be watched on the Pokémon YouTube and Twitch channels, as well as its 25th anniversary website, at 4 PM PT/7 PM ET on Pokémon Day. At the end of the concert, more details about the P25 Music Program will be revealed, of which pop star Katy Perry was announced to be a collaborating artist in January.
Of course, there's no need to wait until February 27 to start celebrating the Pokémon franchise's birthday. In the days leading up to the concert, The Pokémon Company International will launch several activations across the Pokémon brand. On February 20, fans can participate in a contest for the chance to become an NPC in the Pokemon GO Tour: Kanto event. Additionally, on February 25, The Pokémon Company will give a special code that unlocks a Pikachu that knows the move Sing in Pokémon Sword and Shield. The Pokémon Company teases that even more announcements will come during the week of the concert.
There seems to be no better way to celebrate a major anniversary than with music - something that Pokémon fans of all walks of life can appreciate. This is especially true in a time where in-person concerts are out of the question for many parts of the world. One need only take a look at the success of Fortnite concerts to see that these virtual music events are a great way to bring people together. With Pokémon's P25 Music Program on its way, there's a high chance that more high-profile performances will come in 2021.
Source: Official Pokémon YouTube Channel