Death from Above 1979

2011 was a very important year for Lollapalooza- it was their 20th anniversary. It was also a very important year for Death From Above 1979 fans - it was the year the dance-punk band reunited.
Only performing live twice since their breakup, at SXSW and Coachella, Lollapalooza would draw the band the biggest crowd anyone playing in the afternoon ever had that weekend. The backdrop was a satirical tombstone proclaiming "Death From Above 1979, 2001-2006" which amused the fans in the crowd.
As soon as they stepped onto the stage (Jesse F. Keeler dressed in all black and Sebastien Grainger the antithesis in all white, bleached hair to match) the crowd erupted with cheers. The moment they began playing half the crowd was swept back to memories of their formative years listening to the distinctive sound and the other was in the midst of their teenage rebellion and seeing an iconic band they never thought they would be able to see. From the title track "You're a Woman, I'm A Machine" to the notable "Black History Month" DFA1979 did not disappoint.
There I was second row from the barrier, a 5'4" teenage girl surrounded by guys at least 6 feet tall right in the middle of the excitement with my friend, gradually drifting farther and farther away and it was one of the most memorable times in my life.
This experience also led to the inconceivable coincidence that the next year would bring, I would stand right next to the same guy at a Bloc Party gig that I did for DFA1979, and we would meet again after seeing Jack White. That is the true magic of Lollapalooza, reuniting bands and fans alike.

Death from above don't disappoint!

I've seen them thrice now, before the breakup, at Brooklyn waterfront and at 9:30 club last night. Obviously they played a lot from the physical world since that's what the tour is for. The new album was iffy. it was a departure from their earlier work and a bit lighter and… accessable; the performance was amazing and the new tracks are much heavier live!

They also played classics and the opener band was a red herring; they had to put a opener for some reason for the venue or something. Much to the crowd's delight the played all night! Double encore! I'm just a little disappointed because my friend told me afterwards they've been performing a MSTRKRFT encore… regardless they kicked ass!

Actually, there was one little hiccup: I'm pretty sure in the first song (turn it out!!!! Right?!?!) right when the drums come in Sabastien Grainier missed a beat, just one. It was fine. Oh and the pit was virtually nonexistent tons of people just got annoyed. Some guys took it upon themselves to elbow and push me all night, but they couldn't bring me down. That's just dc these days; fucking lame.

All in all, fucking amazing!!!!

One hell of a night.

From Biblical, the opening act, to the encore, to a friend's old friend who got kicked out for jumping the coat check line, it was pure rock n' roll.

The anticipation from when I bought the tickets to the night of the show wasn't even close to the level of energy that not only I had, but that you could feel in the room. Song after song they hit every note with perfection.

One hell of a night.

The only thing I regret is not watching Death From Above 1979 from above... NAH, just kidding.

While that might be nice to watch some bands, DFA 1979 has to be experienced in the pit. At the very least, the absolute very least, in the main crowd. Their music emits an astounding amount of energy and the people, the fans, also emit an equal amount of energy that you have to experience by being shoulder to shoulder with random strangers and friends.

My only honest to god regret is not having been to a show of theirs 10 years ago.

I saw these guys when they stopped by in Detroit in November. It was perhaps the most amazing thing I have ever seen.

Maybe I just got lucky, but Jesse and Sebastien absolutely nailed it, every bit as good if perhaps even better than the recorded tracks. They are loud like nothing I've ever heard before or will ever hear again (earplugs strongly recommended) and absolutely amazing onstage. It's like staring up from below the foot of a giant. Their stage presence is commanding at least and staggering at most.

In short, if you are looking for a very loud, high-energy concert comparable to being caught in a jet engine full of bass-heavy punk rock, this is the place.

Possibly the worst gig I've been to. Timing was off, singing was terrible, lighting technicians couldn't keep up with them so lights were going off the beat. At one point they said something like "Are you saving the noise for another band? we're the last band". I imagine most were quiet like us because it was embarrassing. It took a while to work out what each song was as they were playing. One of my friends ventured to the front to investigate but it was empty so came back, another couldn't bear it and left.

I go to a lot of gigs and Brixton Academy has to be one of my favourite venues. This was a real shame :(

DFA 1979 are an incredible band to watch live. I have never seen so much sound come out of two people. Between Sebastian's superbly tight drumming on such a simple kit (no crash cymbals, one cowbell and a ride cymbal) and his endless screams, and Jesse's bass that he shreds like a guitar and his work on the keyboard, these two are simply a must-see live. I even managed to walk away with one of Jesse's picks.

Overall great show. Tons of energy on stage and on the floor. The dynamic between these two musically is so unique. Jesse's basswork is mesmerizing. Half the time you think he's actually playing guitar. Sebastien owns it on the drums and on the mike. No doubt about it, DFA1979 is an amazing band to see live!

Great show. The mosh pit was perfect. They even said my father should've pulled out. Can't beat that! The audio was loud but not too loud which made it even better. No hearing protection needed if you're very sensitive about that. Does make your ears ring afterward but its totally worth it.

Amaze-radball-saucicity. Blew my mind by starting off with all of Heads Up (as advertised) but was even better than I hoped for.

I loved the venue too -- tiny, and really felt like it was early on in their career.

Excellent concert would definitely go to all future events!! Well done!! Opening act les butcheretes were amazing and DFA boys killed it great set great sound great performances !!! Can’t wait to see them again