The second day of the iconic Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival was filled with unforgettable performances by today’s biggest and brightest stars. Some of the artists from today’s lineup include Kendrick Lamar, Alabama Shakes, Earth Wind & Fire, Nine Inch Nails, Against Me!, Deadmau5, Run the Jewels, Tears For Fears, and Kacey Musgraves. Even though the heat can be unbearable at times, these artists made us forget how hot and humid it is here at Bonnaroo – as they commanded the stage and our attention.
The Top Five performances from Friday include:
Number Five: Alabama Shakes. The band is led by singer and guitarist Brittany Howard. Howard’s energy on the stage is impossible not to grab one’s attention. The band’s 1950s-60s-era music is simply infectious and it represents exactly what Bonnarro stands for- big sounds, fun times, and jaw-dropping performances. Alabama Shakes performed songs such as “Always Alright,” “Shoegaze,” and “Sound & Color.”
Number Four: Tears For Fears. Perhaps Bonnaroo wouldn’t be the same without its classic rock performances. Even though Tears For Fears ruled the music charts in the 1980s, the duo proved they can still rock out with the best in new wave music. The band played some of their chart-topping hits including “Shout,” and “Everybody Wants to Rule the World.”
Number Three: Against Me! Punk rock’s “Queen of the Night” award goes to frontwoman Laura Jane Grace. Grace has been a positive light and powerful influence ever since she came out as a transgender woman three years ago. The band rocked out to “Unconditional Love,” True Trans,” and they also played songs from their albums Searching for Former Clarity, New Wave, and White Crosses. The crowd got a little too rowdy during Against Me!’s set, and some people were escorted out for crowd surfing.
Number Two: Kendrick Lamar. Performing on the “What Stage,” Lamar showed the audience why he’s one of hip-hop’s most elite rappers. The fans were so eager to catch Lamar onstage, the field was completely full one hour before he took the stage. Lamar performed some of his big hits from his projects good Kid, m.A.A.d city and his latest project To Pimp a Butterfly. His latest effort features the songs “i,” “The Blacker the Berry,” “King Kunta,” and “Alright.”
Number One: Deadmau5. The best performance of the day goes to the undisputed “King of EDM.” His set electrified the crowd, that was mostly filled with fans wearing Deadmau5 masks. With his hits “Ghosts & Stuff,” “Strobe,” and “Avarita” blasting from the “What Stage,” Deadmau5 single-handedly delivered a performance fans will definitely be talking about for years to come.