The Telegraph reported that Terra Firma is planning to broadcast live music events of EMI artists at movie theaters. An EMI spokesperson confirmed the report. The company owns Odeon and UCI, the largest theater outside of North America, and is looking to use this new format as a part of its transformation.

"Coldplay, the Spice Girls and other performers signed to the EMI label will be given the option of broadcasting a live concert to screens in dozens of cities. The format would be used to launch new albums, with fans, media and music executives invited to the screenings and given the option of picking up the CD or film of the concert on their way out of the cinema."

With most expectations for new revenue coming from mobile, this is an interesting development. And it's a good idea, though whether or not consumers will buy into the final product is far from known. I assume the price of admission will be similar to a movie. That's good, because concert ticket prices are getting ridiculous. And fans in markets not on a tour's route can still experience a live show. Incremental CD sales will be there, in small numbers, but the focus should be on revenue from the screenings.