Tiesto at UIC Pavilion Review

The electronic scene has transformed and combusted into an astronomical force in the last few years. There are very few DJs who can say that they are one of the reasons for the latest growth of electronic music lovers. Tijs Verwest, better known as Tiesto is his own galaxy in the complex universe of electronic music. Tiesto has sold millions of copies, sold out arenas and is basically considered The Beatles of electronic music, so when Tiesto announced that he would be touching down in the windy city for his Club Life: College Invasion tour at the UIC Pavilion, I knew this was going to be one of the top EDM events of the year.

As people piled into the arena, I noticed that two different kinds of fans were gathering: the neon colored tutu wearing rave crowd and a more conservative club crowd. Smiling faces found their seats in the stands or assembled inside of the sweaty, but coveted general admission dancefloor. Then 23 year old fast rising star, Zedd hit the decks and the party had officially started.

He kept the crowd going with a high energy set that was laced with favorites including his single “Clarity” and of course the song that everyone was waiting for “Spectrum.” During “Spectrum”, I looked over and a Chicago police officer was grinning and grooving just as hard as the crowd, proving that Zedd brings the best out in everyone.

After Zedd finished his set, to a screaming crowd, it was now time for the headliner of the night to make his appearance. The name Tiesto flashed across the monitor, and the crowd went nuts anticipating the best DJ in the world about to hit the stage. He dropped the first beat and sent shockwaves all over the UIC Pavilion.

Anyone expecting to hear a full trance set from Tiesto, might have been disappointed, but he did put on an amazing show. Tiesto’s relevancy in the EDM scene for over a decade is something that is nearly impossible to attain, but it became apparent why during his set. His set was almost like a time capsule of the electronic scene beginning with some house, before breaking into some “Don’t Worry Child” by Swedish House Mafia, and even dropping some trap inside the UIC Pavilion with Hardwell’s “Spaceman (Carnage Festival Trap remix).” Ending the night on a perfect note with Sandro Silva and Quintino’s “Epic”, me and the crowd left satisfied having seen one of the most influential figures in electronic music.