San Francisco USA
Written By Sason Bishope Parry
San Francisco brought back some much-needed musical excitement to eager fans and a city hungry for entertainment, music, and nightlife. Saturday, June 1st, concert at downtown Civic Center plaza featuring EDM Superstar’s Skrillex and Fred Again seemed like it came out of nowhere, with its last-minute announcement. However, organizers, Another Planet Entertainment, whose offices are directly across the street from the plaza inside Bill Graham Civic, worked behind the scenes planning the event for months. Tickets went on sale the week of the show, and music fans snatched up all 25,000 tickets within an hour, showing the demand for more events to hit the big city.
The Civic Center plaza was transformed into an electrifying dance playground as Skrillex and Fred Again delivered a rave for the ages. With pulsating beats, bass drops, mind-blowing visuals, and a crowd ready to dance the night away, it was a night that no one would soon forget. As the sun set, the energy at the Civic Center began to rise, and so did the ice-cold breeze of San Francisco’s unpredictable weather. However, the air was also buzzing with anticipation as mostly under 30 – fans, decked out in their best and sexiest rave gear, gathered in droves, packing into the outdoor venue.
The stage production was nothing short of spectacular, with a massive stage that was erected directly in front of City Hall, and the entire plaza was closed off. The crowd was a vibrant tapestry of ravers from all walks of life and ages, united by their love for electronic music. Neon lights, glow sticks, and colourful outfits added to the festive atmosphere. There was a palpable sense of community, love, and camaraderie as strangers became friends, dancing together under the open sky.
The opening act set the tone, but it wasn’t until the main event’s superstars took the stage that the party truly ignited and blasted off. Skrillex and Fred again took the anticipated and massive crowd on a three-hour, adrenalin-fueled dance set that had everyone dancing nonstop. The sound was crystal clear and phenomenal, so kudos to whoever handled the systems. The music and mixes played by both headliners were predominantly comprised of songs they both produced, including “Rumble,” “Turn on the Lights,” and “RATATA,’ which were felt from the front of the stage to the back and I’m sure in a few living rooms close by. Remixed versions of Kendrick Lamar’s hits “Humble” and “Money Trees” were highlights amongst most that attended.
Massive LED screens, lasers, and pyrotechnics synchronized perfectly with the music, creating an immersive sensory experience. The visuals ranged from abstract art to mesmerizing light shows, amplifying the energy and making the entire Civic Center feel like a futuristic rave utopia. Skrillex reminisced about memories of being raised in the city,
spoke of his upbringing with the excited crowd, and reflected on how he would often walk through this place as a child. It was a lovely and engaging moment of gratitude from an artist who has become one of his generation’s biggest producers and DJs.
The night was full of surprises, as Skrillex and Fred Again’s back-to-back set was pure chemistry and fire. They seamlessly transitioned between tracks, keeping the energy at an all-time high. Skrillex walked out several times from behind the decks and on top of risers to energize the crowd, while Fred Again kept the mix flowing. At one point, they even invited a few lucky fans on stage, turning the rave and stage into a shared celebration of music and life. Another highlight was Anderson Paak, who joined the EDM giants for a performance of his new collaboration with Fred Again, “Places to Be.” Fans lost their minds and couldn’t have been more thrilled by this surprise guest performance.
As the night’s 10 PM curfew hit, the beats were cut short, but not without the final echoes throughout the Civic Center, leaving everyone in a state of exhilarated bliss. The rave was a perfect blend of high-energy performances, stunning visuals, and an unforgettable crowd vibe. Skrillex and Fred Again proved why they are at the forefront of the electronic music scene, delivering a night that was one of San Francisco’s biggest events this year and one that will be talked about for years to come.
For those lucky enough to grab a ticket, it was a night of pure RAVE magic! Here’s to many more nights of raving under the stars in San Francisco!
