From the get-go you knew this show was going to deliver on all fronts. With a line up like that, it would be more difficult for the show to suck then to kick ass. The anticipation has been building since the beginning of summer. When it was announced Bassnectar would be playing Madison Square Garden, it wasn’t an option to NOT go. The Garden is the mecca for all musical artists, it’s the place you play when you know you’ve made it. It’s the place you play when you are officially accepted into the realm of legends. Not only did Lorin and crew play MSG, they sold it out. This makes for a show the people of New York and all over the country will be talking about for years to come. This was a show that your kids will ask if you about, just like I have asked my father if he’s seen Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd or the Grateful Dead. Those were shows I would KILL to see, I’m sure this one will create the same feeling in the youth of the next few generations. What made this one extra special for me is that I got to bring my father along for the ride. He introduced me to concerts and all sorts of music throughout my childhood. I wanted to share the experience of what makes Bassnectar so great with the person who made me the most passionate about music. And what better place then Basscenter at Madison Square Garden?
As the crowd was filtering in, Paper Diamond took the stage. He really got the night moving with some interesting mash ups and unique bass music. The outline of the “spaceship” that would be Lorin’s launchpad was waiting ominously in the background. This huge structure sat silently waiting that you knew would soon be full of life.
It was Rusko turn at the decks and more people were piling in. He added that good ol’ London England dubstep feel to the show. All the songs of his set were from 2005-2009, he even mention so towards the end. The crowd went off for that original dubstep. Running through classics like Woo Boost and Rutten by Skream.
Next up was Big Gigantic, these guys are always a pleasure to see. This was also when my father started getting more into it. With Dom ripping the sax and live drums by Jeremy, it was an outlet for him to relate to. By this time, MSG was almost at capacity, the waves of energy clearly visible from my seats in the 100 section. It’s amazing to see the progression of these 2 guys. I remember seeing these guys with 400 people there, now they are playing the Garden.
Now for the man of the hour, the holy one himself, Bassnectar. The energy in the room was distinct as if a huge pot of boiling water was about to spill over the edges. Excitement radiated through the Garden as the lights went down and the the classic 5 tone sequence from Close Encounters of the Third Kind rang through the stadium. A massive Bass rush cascaded out the sound system letting us know they have officially turned on Lorin’s speakers. The crowd roared with passionate hysteria. Even my pops had a look on his face that screamed astonishment. Lorin then kicked it into gear with Wildstyle Method, as the crowded screamed “WILDSTYLE” followed by “METHOD” you can hear Lorin exclaim to the audience it was the loudest he’s ever heard.
Being at this show was monumental, it will go down as one of the most legendary shows at MSG. I can guarantee there has never been that much energy inside of the Garden. If you missed out I feel for you, I really do. If you were there just remember people will be living vicariously through us by watching shitty YouTube videos for years to come. They will never know the exhilaration of what it was like to participate in the most tremendous show to ever hit Madison Square Garden.