photo credit: Warren Whitmore
Last Wednesday I made the trek from Washington, DC to New York City to see Avicii at Radio City Music Hall. I knew that I would only be in New York for less than twenty-four hours, so instead of bringing clothes/make-up/etc., I stepped on the bus fully decked out. After a four and a half hour bus ride in my awesome fury boots and glittered out tiger dress, I finally made it to New York.
Radio City Music Hall was an interesting choice of venue for Avicii. While it held a ton of people – the biggest indoor theatre in the world — the music hall contained permanent rows of seats making the venue look more movie theatre style than a dance/music venue. My ticket had given me a seat number as if anyone planned to sit during Avicii’s set! Even with the odd seating arrangement, it didn’t stop anyone from dancing. Avicii was surrounded by a truly passionate audience, sending off a positive vibe throughout the theatre. People were huddled around the stage, in the isles, on top of seats, and on top of other people. Although it was a full house, the whole back of the venue was open because no one wanted to be in the back, and no one was sitting down. Literally everyone was dancing!
Photo Credit: Warren Whitmore
Avicii played his set on top of a huge head structure. The set was visually stimulating as the shining lights played with the head and the background of the stage. The spotlights above and below the stage, and the projection of images in specific songs were really well done. Especially in Avicii’s popular song, “Levels,” the projection put a pair of pink women’s lips on the giant head, and these lips sang to the lyrics, “oh sometimes I get a good feeling.” The lights were also spectacular when Avicii would mix in some Dubstep; and while the lights would go crazy, so would the audience.
Photo Credit: Warren Whitmore
The attire at this event was all over the place. While some people wore the wild outfits that you would see at festivals, others were in regular shorts and t-shirts. But everyone mixed; there never seemed to be any groups of people segregated to their choice attire. This was definitely an event where everyone came together to enjoy the music.
My main criticism was that Avicii’s set ended at 11pm! When does anything end at 11pm in New York? But I guess since it was a Wednesday night, the time made sense for those of us who have things to do during the weekdays. Regardless, Avicii rocked it, and I’m sure he’ll have many more, late-night events to play in New York!
Photo Credit: Warren Whitmore
