The New York crowd, the featured flags from many countries worldwide, was well aware that they were in the presence of electronic dance music royalty: Mr. Armin van Buuren. “What’s up, New York?” Armin asked. “Who’s ready for a State of Trance?”
“Are you ready for this?” he asked. “Let me see your hands up.” He had the fans hopping and jumping around to the uplifting “Sunny Days,” which featured the sultry vocals of Josh Cumbee, and the stage was comprised of an orange backdrop.
“Electric Zoo, How are you feeling? I’m going to put you in a State of Trance tonight, but I’ll need some help. Put your hands up all the way in the back,” he said. “I have a question. Who is ready to go harder and faster right now?” he asked, and the fans went nuts.
He included a neat remix of Zedd and Alessia Cara’s “Stay,” which was accompanied by green laser lights and pyrotechnics. Equally fun was his mash-up of Markus Schulz and Delacey’s “Destiny.”
“Everybody put your hands up! Electric Zoo, how are we feeling?” he asked. “New York, are you ready?” He immediately broke into a remix of Linkin Park’s “In The End,” with a fiery background, thus paying tribute to the late Chester Bennington (similar to how Markus Schulz paid homage to him two days prior at the Riverside Stage at Electric Zoo).
“Who’s in the mood for some real love?” he asked. “I Need You” was another gorgeous track with a smooth groove to it.
Ever-gracious, Armin invited Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano up on stage with him to perform the track that they collaborated on together, which was well-received. The energy that all three electronic musicians had was infectious. “Let’s light it up,” the Dutch duo said.
“One more time. Make some noise for Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano,” Armin said, praising his special musical guests. It was followed by the mid-tempo and adventurous “Heading Up High.”
“Who’s ready for some State of Trance?” he asked, and the fireworks blasted off, which were reminiscent of a 4th of July celebration. Then a “fake blackout” followed, which was perfect for his next song, the clever “This is a Test.”
“New York! You are beautiful,” he said, complimenting his fans in the “Big Apple.” He continued with the gorgeous track “Saving Light” by Gareth Emery and Standerwick featuring the angelic voice of HALIENE.
“Electric Zoo, who’s ready to go absolutely crazy right here, right now. Electric Zoo, are you ready?” he asked, and had the listeners jumping. “Thank you, New York.”
“How are one more before I go?” he asked, and the crowd was all for it. He closed with an “old school” tune, “Denominator,” with its “I’m Bigger, and Bolder” lyrics displayed on the giant televised screen. Armin really got into this song and even stood on his DJ booth. His set closed with laser lights and fireworks.
The Verdict
Overall, Armin van Buuren is the master of electronic dance music. His performance at “Electric Zoo: The 6th Boro” was tremendous and captivating. Armin only gets better with age and experience, and he is able to deliver hit after hit, and the entire venue loved him. Congratulations Armin for yet another stellar live show, which garnered five out of five stars.
