Festival fans on the r/festivals subreddit shared passionate takes on the best and worst artist performances they have witnessed at major music festivals over the past decade. The discussion revealed how critical artist energy and crowd engagement are to the festival experience.
Criticized Performances:
- Smashing Pumpkins: Some fans claimed the band "phoned it in," although their 2015 Lollapalooza set in Chicago was generally seen as solid with classic tracks like Cherub Rock and Tonight, Tonight. Reviews indicated it was enjoyable if not transformational.
- A$AP Rocky (Lollapalooza 2015): His set escalated into chaos when the crowd surged past security barriers, leading to his arrest. This incident overshadowed the music and remains a notable moment from that year’s fest.
- Kanye West (Bonnaroo 2008): Technical problems, including sound issues, marred his performance, contributing to a disappointing fan reception.
- Snoop Dogg (Bunbury Festival): Received criticism for a lackluster set, though specific issues weren’t deeply detailed.
- Playboi Carti & Three 6 Mafia: Cited as delivering subpar live performances by multiple users.
Highly Praised Performances:
- Gesaffelstein (Seismic Dance Event 2024): Celebrated for an intense and energetic set that resonated well with dance music fans.
- Earth, Wind & Fire (Okee 2023): Earned acclaim for a vibrant, timeless show that engaged the crowd powerfully.
- The Chemical Brothers & The Prodigy (Coachella): Both acts hailed for dynamic stage presence and energizing festival crowds.
- LCD Soundsystem (Pitchfork Festival): Recognized for blending nostalgia with a lively performance that captivated attendees.
- Dopapod, Vulfpeck, OddMob b2b Omnom: Smaller acts noted for excellent vibes and strong audience connection.
This thread underscores the unpredictability of festival sets and the importance of artist dedication for creating memorable festival moments. Fans treasure those live shows that transcend expectations, while underwhelming sets become cautionary tales.
Source: r/festivals
