Late Night on Friday was its own entity at Bonnaroo as the combination of Daryl Hall & Chromeo’s live debut, the Flaming Lips’ performance of Dark Side of the Moon coupled with the dance party machine that is LCD Soundsystem made this perhaps my favorite Bonnaroo late night of all-time.


[I Can Go For That]

The much anticipated performance of Daryl Hall & Chromeo began around midnight and it was non-stop entertainment from the get go. The crowd was chanting “CHROMEO-OH-OH” ever so loudly to get pumped for what was in store. At first, I was unsure if Daryl Hall would be bringing his band, but as soon as I noticed the setup I was pleasantly surprised.

The show began with an Out of Touch that quickly turned into a singalong, before giving way to Tenderoni which sent everyone into a dance frenzy. Throughout the performance the group switched between Hall & Oates classics and the funky hits of Chromeo. Bonafide Lovin’ featured an awesome flute solo and turned into a great disco tune, Private Eyes got the crowd involved with a clap along during the chorus while Fancy Footwork got the crowd moving. You Make My Dreams Come True made for the perfect closer thanks to impressive work from each member of the ensemble.

Daryl Hall & Chromeo 6/12/10 Late Night

Out of Touch, Tenderoni, Unknown, Waiting 4 U, Family Man, Mama’s Boy, Kiss On My List, Bonafide Lovin’, Private Eyes, 100%, I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do)

Encore: Fancy Footwork, You Make My Dreams Come True

Next up was the Flaming Lips’ performance of Dark Side of the Moon. I was curious as to both the band’s interpretation of the music but also the actual production of the show – because if there’s one thing the Lips do well it’s putting on a spectacle of a performance.

READ ON for more on Friday night at Bonnaroo…

As always, the Flaming Lips delivered on both performance and stage presence. The stage backdrop was large and featured images that seemed inspired by the Kool Aid Acid Tests. The whole performance from lights, stage design and song was heavily psychedelic. The Breathe performance was particularly spacey with almost grungy undertones. Time was absolutely mesmerizing and intense, while Brain Damage was very passionately performed. Finally, Wayne Coyne’s vocals gave Eclipse the hauntingly beautiful tones it deserved. Ironically, the whole performance reminded me of more A Saucerful of Secrets-era Floyd than it did DSTOM because it was so intense, yet spacier than that of the original.

Following the Flaming Lips was LCD Soundsystem’s performance. James Murphy and company did not disappoint at Bonnaroo. The set my have started a little late but the band more than made up for it. The first single of the group’s new album, Drunk Girls, got the crowd involved and they seemed to never stop dancing.

Pow Pow was impeccably performed; while Daft Punk is Playing at My House and Tribulations seemed to keep the crowd energized. The show started to wind down with a version of Losing My Edge that brought out the spirit of David Byrne from the Remain In Light era only perhaps a little more edgier. I simply never stopped dancing at this show and I couldn’t have imagined a better way to end the night.

The best way I can sum up the Friday late nights are by borrowing lyrics from Lady Gaga. Each performance easily ”left my head and my heart on the dance floor” and by the end of the night I was completely spent but it was worth every single minute.

Stay tuned for more coverage from Saturday and Sunday at Bonnaroo…

Jennifer Kirk

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