ROCKSTAR ENERGY PRESENTS... LEEDS FESTIVAL 2024 - SUNDAY // BRAMHAM PARK, LEEDS
LANA DEL REY & FRED AGAIN… CLOSE OUT
ROCKSTAR ENERGY PRESENTS… LEEDS FESTIVAL 2024
AT BRAMHAM PARK
★★★☆☆ (3.5/5)
LANA DEL REY HEADLINING FINAL DAY OF ROCKSTAR ENERGY PRESENTS… LEEDS FESTIVAL 2024
PHOTOCREDIT: EMILY MORCOVECCHIO
The final day of Leeds Festival 2024 started on a sour note, with wild gusts of wind wreaking havoc on the campsite once again. By midday, tents were collapsing all over the place—ours included—which left us without shelter for the final stretch. Many festival-goers, disheartened by the ongoing weather issues and frustrated by the loss of the BBC Radio 1 and AUX stages, were already packing up, preparing to leave as soon as the last act finished. The decision to allow those who had Friday day tickets, to stay for the whole weekend, a move that was probably meant to have appeased fans after Friday’s debacle, only added to the tension, with many feeling it cheapened the experience for those who had paid full price for the weekend. While some of the day’s performances offered brief moments of relief, the overall mood was one of disappointment, especially when compared to previous years.
The day’s main stage lineup kicked off with Zion Vinci, who brought a much-needed boost of energy to the weary crowd. The young artist, known for his genre-blending style that mixes R&B, hip-hop, and soul, delivered a set that was both smooth and dynamic. Tracks like "City Lights" showcased his vocal talent and lyrical depth, giving those who arrived early something to smile about despite the tough start to the day. Vinci’s performance set a high bar for the rest of the acts, making it clear that, at least musically, the day had potential.
Next up was Courting, the Liverpool-based band who have been making waves in the UK indie scene. Their set was filled with the kind of jangly guitars and witty lyrics that have earned them a loyal following. Tracks like “Grand National” and “Tennis” got the crowd moving, with their high-energy performance serving as a stark contrast to the gloomy weather. Courting’s ability to engage the audience, despite the ongoing wind and the increasingly muddy conditions, was impressive, proving that they are a band worth watching.
The Festival Republic Stage continued to be a hub for diverse talent on the final day. Thxsomch opened the stage with a set that showcased his unique blend of emo-rap and alternative rock. Dead Pony followed with a high-energy performance that had the crowd bouncing along to their punk-infused tracks.
Following Courting, Dead Poet Society took the stage and delivered a hard-hitting set that cranked up the intensity. The American rock band brought a mix of gritty vocals, heavy riffs, and pulsating drums that resonated with the crowd. Their performance of “.intoodeep.” and “Salt” was particularly impactful, drawing in fans of heavier music and providing a much-needed adrenaline rush. Dead Poet Society’s raw energy and powerful sound made their set one of the highlights of the day, especially for those craving something with a bit more edge.
The Last Dinner Party, who had performed on a smaller stage last year, showed just how much they’ve grown in popularity since then. Their set drew a sizable crowd, many of whom were eager to see how the band would handle the bigger stage. They didn’t disappoint. With a blend of theatrical rock and haunting melodies, The Last Dinner Party delivered a performance that was both captivating and original. Their set was a clear sign that this band is on the rise, and it’s likely we’ll be seeing a lot more of them in the future.
Bleachers brought a dose of feel-good vibes to the main stage with their upbeat, anthemic sound. Led by Jack Antonoff, the band delivered a set filled with singalong moments and infectious energy. Songs like “I Wanna Get Better” and “Don’t Take the Money” had the crowd dancing and singing along, providing a brief but welcome escape from the harsh conditions. Bleachers’ performance was a reminder of the power of live music to lift spirits, even when the festival experience itself has been less than ideal.
Fontaines D.C. followed Bleachers with a set that was nothing short of a masterclass in post-punk. The Dublin band brought their brooding intensity to the main stage, delivering a performance that was both powerful and poignant. Tracks like “A Hero’s Death” and “Televised Mind” were delivered with a raw emotion that connected deeply with the audience. Fontaines D.C. have built a reputation for their electrifying live shows, and their Leeds performance only cemented that further. For many, this was one of the standout moments of the entire weekend.
FONTAINES DC PERFORMING ON FINAL DAY OF ROCKSTAR ENERGY PRESENTS… LEEDS FESTIVAL 2024
PHOTOCREDIT: GEORGINA HURDSFIELD
Thus Love brought a darker, more atmospheric sound to the stage, while The Scratch delivered a set full of Irish folk-punk energy that had the audience stomping and clapping along. Dream Wife closed out the stage with a fierce, feminist punk performance that was both empowering and electrifying. Their set was one of the highlights of the day, proving that the Festival Republic Stage was the place to be for those looking to discover new and exciting acts.
Despite the challenges of the weekend, the BBC Introducing Stage continued to unearth hidden gems on the final day. Arxx kicked things off with a powerful set that blended grunge and pop, making for an engaging start to the day. Welly and Sun King kept the momentum going with their unique sounds, offering something fresh for the audience.
Bottle Rockets delivered a solid performance that mixed indie rock with a touch of blues, while Wunderhorse closed out the stage with a set that was both introspective and intense. Their performance was a fitting end to the BBC Introducing Stage, showcasing the kind of raw talent that the stage has become known for.
The artist we were most eager to see was Raye, and she absolutely delivered. Known for her powerhouse vocals and catchy pop tunes, Raye took the stage with a confidence that immediately won over the crowd. Her performance of hits like “Escapism” and “Prada” had everyone singing along, and her vocal performance was outstanding with an impressive ensemble accompanying her on
Anticipation was high for Lana Del Rey, especially after reports of her underwhelming set at Reading Festival. Unfortunately, despite improvements in the audio quality, she was still late to the stage at Leeds, which frustrated some in the crowd. However, when she finally began, the performance was much improved from the previous night. With her father in the wings capturing the moment in photos and fans who had been waiting all weekend wearing her t-shirts, Lana delivered a beautiful and ethereal set. Her dreamy, melancholic style resonated deeply with her die-hard fans, who were thrilled to hear hits like “Summertime Sadness” and “Young and Beautiful” live. While some moments saw the energy dip, the performance ultimately satisfied those who had eagerly awaited her appearance.
Closing the main stage was Fred Again, an artist we weren’t overly familiar with but who clearly had a massive following at the festival. As soon as he took the stage, the crowd came alive, with thousands of festival-goers eagerly awaiting his performance. Fred Again delivered a high-energy set filled with pulsating beats and euphoric drops that had the crowd dancing into the night. His blend of electronic music with live instrumentation created an immersive experience that was a perfect way to close out the weekend’s main stage acts. Even for those unfamiliar with his work, it was impossible not to get caught up in the energy of his set.
LANA DEL REY HEADLINING FINAL DAY OF ROCKSTAR ENERGY PRESENTS… LEEDS FESTIVAL 2024
PHOTOCREDIT: EMILY MORCOVECCHIO
Over on the Chevron Stage, the day’s lineup was a mix of DJ sets and live performances that drew in a steady crowd throughout the day. Efan and DJ Jackum kicked things off with solid sets that got the early risers moving. A Little Sound and 4am Kru kept the energy up with their high-tempo mixes, while Skrapz delivered a hard-hitting rap performance that drew a sizable crowd.
Barry Can’t Swim and Goddard. brought a more melodic, house-driven vibe to the stage, offering a nice change of pace before the evening acts. Sonny Fodera’s set was a crowd-pleaser, with his signature house beats getting everyone dancing. The rescheduled Wombats closed out the Chevron Stage, and they did so in style. Their infectious indie-pop anthems like “Let’s Dance to Joy Division” had the crowd singing along, providing a satisfying end to the stage’s lineup.
Sunday at Leeds Festival 2024 was a day of highs and lows. While the performances themselves were strong, the overall atmosphere was still tainted by the ongoing weather issues and the frustrations of the weekend. The line up had moments of brilliance, with acts like Fontaines D.C., Raye, and Fred Again standing out, but there was a palpable sense of disappointment among festival-goers, many of whom felt the final day line up didn’t live up to previous years. As tents collapsed and tempers flared, the festival ended on a somewhat bittersweet note.
Leeds Festival 2024 was, unfortunately, a weekend that will be remembered more for its challenges than its triumphs. From the chaos of Storm Lilith on Friday, which saw stages closed and performances cancelled, to the ongoing weather woes that plagued the campsite throughout the weekend, it was a festival that struggled to find its footing. While there were certainly standout performances—Catfish and the Bottlemen, Gerry Cinnamon, Blink 182 and Raye— among them—the logistical issues and stage closures overshadowed much of the weekend.