We wrote last year about Paul McCartney’s iconic performance at Firefly. While it is hard to beat that, Firefly outperformed itself this time. This year’s lineup included Mumford & Sons, Deadmau5, Kings of Leon, Fetty Wap, and many more. Below is our review of the festival’s highlights.
Florence + The Machine
One could easily notice the “gay pride” theme at Firefly in light of recent shootings in Orlando. Florence and the Machine, one of the festival’s headliners, dedicated her hit song “Dog Days Are Over” to the LGBT community. Singing with the crowd her ballade “Spectrum,” Florence Welch wrapped herself with a rainbow flag. With Welch’s vocals and choreography, the set was easily one of main highlights of this year’s Firefly.
Kings of Leon
The band was set to perform on Firefly’s main stage in 2015, but the weather had a different agenda. Kings of Leon returned for redemption this year and did a hell of a show. Halfway through the performance the band brought onto the stage Baaba Maal to perform the songs off their new album – Johannesburg – including “Si Tu Veux” and the hit “There Will Be Time.”
Ellie Goulding
You won’t believe you actually know so many Ellie Goulding’s songs. Her performance was studded with her well-known hits “Lights” and “On My Mind.” Ellie’s energetic dance set slowed down for a song dedicated to Ellie’s friend, performing which the artist got a tad emotional.
Blink 182
Oldie but goodie. The legendary pop-punk band is back this year with their new album – California – the first one since 2011. But all we want to hear are the classics, like “All the Small Things” and “First Date.” Even though Tom Delonge left the band, the set attracted tons of people. With only one other punk band at the festival that mostly attracts “indie” artists, Blink’s performance totally hit the spot.
Deadmau5
It was raining glow sticks during the artist’s dance set. Deadmau5, Firefly Festival’s first-ever DJ headliner, chose the festival over EDC Las Vegas and we are so happy he did. Deadmau5 played some incredible tunes, such as “Imaginary Friends”, “Avaritia”, “Strobe”, as well as his latest release “Snowcone” and his collaboration with Kaskade “Beneath With Me,” just to name a few.