Zeds Dead “Return to the Spectrum of Intergalactic Happiness” live

Iconic DJ duo, Zeds Dead, continued their winter tradition by playing a live show in Chicago. This year, the celebration ascended to arena status as they took over the Windy City for a special 2-night Return to the Area Intergalactic Happiness tour event. The city has played a part in Zeds Dead early success and they always make sure to pay back the favour by going all out in the winter.

The below-freezing temperature was a rough journey as fans ran against the frosty winds towards the entrance. Those lucky enough to grab a main floor ticket made sure to get as close to the stage as possible. Others took to the upper levels to grab seats. All spaces had a great view of the stage with a giant screen behind the DJ booth offering a closer look for all. 

The opening night began in the dark with the crowd cheering in excitement. A giant projector screen took on a voyage of the Milky Way, and as we slowly crept to Earth, you could hear music in the distance. Hook and DC waltzed on stage dressed in black snazzy suits, greeted with a standing ovation from the fans. Zeds Dead wasted no time getting to work with an opening mix of Eminem’s “My Name Is,” but replacing the answer of Slim Shady with “Zeds Dead”. Playing to the city, they spun a little rendition of Frank Sinatra’s “Chicago” mixed with heavy bass that got the crowd roaring in amazement. It then turned into Blues Eyes meets Bed-Stuy as it blended into an electronic remix of Biggie Smalls’ “Big Poppa”. The hip-hop fanatic in me loved their tributes to legends that came before. 

Hip-hop throwbacks continued with Dr. Dre’s “Xxplosive,” the smooth voice of Nate Dogg’s echoed throughout the venue. Bridging the sonic sound into Stevie Ray Vaughn’s guitar solo, showcasing ACL TV”, in its entirety was genius. Sticking with the desperado script, they had a montage of old western film, The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly sampling Ennio Morricone’s “Ecstasy of Gold,” with their collaborative track with GRiZ “Ecstasy of Soul”. The good was the music, the bad was nothing, and the ugly were the faces we made when the nasty bass dropped. Afterwards, they hyped up everyone with “Collapse,” one of their most recognisable songs.

The second night had a lot to live up to. The crowd was just as enthusiastic, if not more so, in anticipation of the closing performance. Things started off funky with “Ratchet,” a song most haven’t heard in years! Letting you know the night was going to be intimate, they did a remix to Justin Timberlake’s “Sexy Back” with red lights blaring across the space. Things took a spooky turn when they mixed JT’s track into “The Twilight Zone,” taking us into a spiral of heavy bass. To take us out of the spell, the duo light echoed the vocals of Ella Fitzgerald’s build-up for “One Of These Mornings”. Her soothing voice broke through the chaos, calming our nerves before unleashing heavenly bliss.

Although a newer song off Return to the Spectrum of Intergalactic Happiness, it’s already become a hit with the Zeds’ ongoing category. They continued with banger after banger playing “I Got 5 On It,” Cypress Hill’s “Insane in the Membrane,” and Missy Elliot’s “The Rain” blended into their rendition of Ann Peebles’ “I Can’t Stand the Rain” with Zeds Dead’s own “Sweet Memories”. 

The evening sendoff featured a range of positive messages from their video, “Channel Flipping 2: Only You”. It was inspirational to watch as everyone momentarily stopped dancing and viewed the screen to reflect. Not only what we just experienced as music lovers, but our own power to create and live the life we want. It’s on us to make a better tomorrow, and the reminder was beautiful to witness. 

To pick a favourite night is like picking a favourite child. Sure, we all have one, but you shouldn’t say it out loud. Both were special in their own ways and brought something different. The event was the perfect cap to close out the year.