As the crowd stood in the dimly lit Microsoft Theater you could feel the energy. Both Robotaki and San Holo came out firing each playing an amazing set. While Robotaki took things to a new level by playing one of his unreleased singles, San Holo didnt hold back either. He blasted his new song “Light” as fans sang along. After the wave of excitement from the opening acts had passed, it was finally time for the main event. Fans could not stand still as they looked up at the LED screens with excited anticipation for what was about to come. As the lights started to dim, the cheers grew louder and louder until a huge blast of music erupted from the speakers.
What followed was over an hour of some of the most incredible music I have ever heard. In my short 28 years on this planet I have been fortunate enough to see over 500 sets of music, including both DJ and live sets. Just to give you an idea, I have seen: The Eagles at Madison Square Garden, The Who in Atlantic City, Run-D.M.C in Philadelphia, Jack U with Diddy and Justin Bieber at Ultra in Miami, and even Eric Prydz B2B DeadMau5 at Tomorrowland in Belgium. Still, even having seen some historic performances, I would still place this Porter Robinson – Madeon set high up on that list.
When a fan goes to a concert they expect to hear some hits, maybe one of their favorites, but not much more. Shelter Live will give you so much more…more than you could ever ask for. This show isn't simply 15 tracks performed on a stage, but more of a story told through instruments and visuals. The Shelter Live tour is the equivalent of going to a hollywood movie – 75 minutes of visual story telling. Porter summed up the visual experience in an interview on the Sirius XM station, BPM: “Part of the whole ambiance that we were going for by selecting so many seated theaters is to really distinguish this from an EDM show.”
Between the pyro, the visuals on the Multiple LED's and the performance by these two, this was one concert you CANNOT MISS. If you are the type of person who has listened to Porter's ‘Worlds' or Madeon‘s ‘Adventure' on repeat, than this will be the show of the year for you. If I have not convinced you that you need to see this show, then consider the following: The duo further explained in their BPM interview that this collab wont be forever. Madeon stated, “What makes it special is that we are gonna go back to our solo projects, we know this is a transient moment and were taking it all in and enjoying it immensely.”
Sadly, my fellow Americans, unless you live on the west coast, you have missed out on this amazing show. There are only a handful of shows left, taking plave in Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Arizona, and California. After those stops are over theses guys are headed overseas to take over Europe. If you live in Europe than you still have a shot for some great tickets. Follow the link here for a fill list of shows and ticket sales. If somehow after this entire review and all these photos you still aren't convinced, consider this one last thing: after this weekend's shows in LA, Zedd sent out the below tweet. So again, if you missed this one my heart goes out to you. Who knows though…maybe Porter and Madeon recorded one of these sets to stream later on on soundcloud? We can all wish right?
Do yourselves a favor and check out the new @porterrobinson& @madeon tour. Hands down: Best show I've ever seen!!!
So proud of u boys!!!! ? pic.twitter.com/B4eN19YRAV— Zedd (@Zedd) November 28, 2016
All photos by Joseph D'Oria, full gallery here.
