Garrix opened his set with a killer remix of “Animals.” “What’s up New York? My name is Martin Garrix. I’m so happy to be here. Make some noise,” he said, and managed to get everybody to put their hands up in the air, and he had the fans jumping along.
He continued with a mash-up of Bastille’s “Pompeii,” which included neat pyrotechnics, as well as the liberating “Lions in the Wild,” where the stage was graced in red lights and confetti.
Equally impressive was his remix of the infectious “Don’t Look Down,” his collaboration with Usher, where he was standing on the DJ booth, and he had the fans clapping along, as a psychedelic backdrop displayed on the screen. “Let me see your lights up in the air,” Garrix said, encouraging their fans to light up their phones. “Virus” was another highlight track in the live setting.
Other noteworthy remixes were The Weeknd’s “Can’t Feel My Face,” where everybody was singing along, as well as OMI’s mellow hit “Cheerleader” and Fifth Harmony’s “Work From Home,” which featured a thunder background.
“New York, are you ready to jump? Put your hands up. 3-2-1. Let’s go,” he said, and immediately broke into the crisp “Roses” by The Chainsmokers, featuring vocals from Rozes. “Everybody ready to go crazy?” he asked, and delivered another remix of “Animals,” as green lights dimmed from the stage, and he was taping the crowd’s reaction on his cell phone.
Garrix tipped his hat to Calvin Harris by playing “How Deep is Your Love,” coupled with white laser lights, as well as DJ Snake’s “Lean On” and a remix of Drake’s “Hotline Bling,” as everybody was clapping along. He took his fans on a trip down memory lane with Daft Punk’s “One More Time,” which had a retro vibe to it.
“Thank you guys so much for being such an amazing crowd tonight,” he said, praising his Jones Beach audience. He noted that he almost did not make the show due to the “shitty airlines,” yet being here is “fucking awesome.” It was followed by the refreshing “Now That I’ve Found You.”
“New York. I love you guys. Make some noise for yourselves,” he said, and he concluded his set with his brand new single, “In the Name of Love,” where he collaborates with songstress Bebe Rexha.
The Verdict
Overall, Martin Garrix was able to get the party started at the Nikon at Jones Beach Theater. Garrix’s set was highly eclectic in musical styles and his energy level was incredible. At times, with the fireworks and pyrotechnics, it felt like a 4th of July celebration. He was able to spin the records with much comfort and ease, and allowed his fans to let loose and thanks to his catchy melodies, he was able to lure his listeners in. It would not be a surprise if he gets voted as the No. 1 DJ of 2016 in DJ Magazine, which will be announced later in the year, and if that does happen, it would be based on merit. His live show at Jones Beach garnered an A+ rating.
For more information on electronic mega-star Martin Garrix and his touring dates, check out his official homepage.
