The Swedish House Mafia’s Black Tie Rave Reviewed

New York City is a place that the Swedish House Mafia had become very fond of; and vice versa. It's the place where they sold out the world's most famous arena, Madison Square Garden, in 9 minutes in 2011. That show, which took place on December 16th, 2011, would be remembered by New York's dance music fans as one of the most incredible shows and performances of recent memory. Now on their final tour as a group, the Swedes returned to New York City for the final time. This time around, they would sell out that same venue in one less minute than in 2011, as well as sell out 3 consecutive nights at Brooklyn's Barclays Center. This was just part of the Swedes' takeover of the Big Apple, which also included a ceremonial lighting of the Empire State Building, which would shine in the blue and yellow colors of their native flag, the opening of a pop-up store consisting of all Swedish House Mafia merchandise, and one of the most amazing dance music events to ever hit New York; The Black Tie Rave.

The event held at Hammerstein Ballroom served as a charity event that benefitted the organizations of Save The Children, The Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City, and the New Jersey Relief Fund, and raised money towards Hurricane Sandy relief. Thanks to these wonderful charities, New York was given an extra night with Axwell, Sebastian Ingrosso, and Steve Angello, and gave the city a great reason to rave.

After opening sets by Carl Kennedy and Pete Tong, the sharply dressed contributors of the Black Tie Rave were greeted by the Swedish House Mafia, who took the stage in their tuxedos. Though both the performers and the audience appeared different, this show contained all the energy of the neon-colored raves the Swedish House Mafia are used to playing out to. The Hammerstein Ballroom provided the smallest, most intimate setting these superstars could have been enjoyed in. A packed floor and two balconies of tuxedos and ball gowns rocked to the sounds of the Swedes, who came equipped with an arsenal of both expected and unexpected tunes. A flurry of laser lights, fireworks, and flames accompanied their high-energy sounds, and illuminated the venue, exposing the finely dressed crowd of fans. As their set came to a close, their popular hits "Don't You Worry Child" and "Save The World" incited full crowd sing-alongs, and "One" had the city that saw the track's first ever live play, raging harder than ever.

All in all, this was a night that all who enjoyed it won't soon forget. It began a weekend that would end with an emotional farewell to the Swedes at the Barclays Center, and gave the city of New York a night to dance for a good cause. From the well-dressed attendees to the Swedish House Mafia's unforgettable set, the Black Tie Rave created a lifetime of memories. As we prepare to say goodbye to the Swedish House Mafia for good, this is an event that both New York and the Swedes will fondly look back on. They came, we Black Tie Raved, and we loved!