On their Bigger Than All Of Us tour stop at Forest Hills Stadium in New York, Above & Beyond presented a vision of what dance music culture is all about.
“This culture has always been about acceptance.” These words, written by Paavo Siljamäki, glowed across the stage’s screen during Above & Beyond’s recent performance at Forest Hills Stadium. They were bright and large and onscreen for just a few seconds, yet the sentiment was felt and seen throughout the night.
Above & Beyond have long been known for producing some of the scene’s most memorable hits, with such songs touching on the very things that make us human. Love, grief, solitude, community, hope: these are all subjects that continue to appear in their latest body of work, Bigger Than All Of Us, but they are framed in a way that encourages the listener to explore these experiences in a communal manner. As such, fans in New York felt the full depth of these themes on the night of September 5.
The heart of dance music culture was on full display at Forest Hills Stadium.
Like every A&B show, the crowd radiated with warmth and positivity. People were dressed in merch from past performance milestones, and there were heart-shaped balloons and handmade signs with messages like “Let us push love into the universe.” It was impossible to escape the feel of euphoria in the air.
A testament of Paavo’s message was notable right away: the show had its ADA area placed at the front left side facing the stage, with a rotating pair of sign language translators directly facing the section onstage. Usually, the ADA area at shows is not situated so close to the front, so it was a delightful surprise to see the intentional inclusion of all ravers.
For this stop, Paavo was joined by Tony McGuinness, and their chemistry behind the decks amplified the crowd’s energy. Their acts of embracing, smiling, and laughing were punctuated by the cinematic visuals that appeared behind them. From the first note to the last, their set was a journey, and the audience was hooked.
Heartfelt performances like this demand more than just song selection.
The DJ has the difficult task of crafting a mix that places those moments of tension and release in harmony. A transition too quick, and the crowd has to abruptly let go of what they’re feeling to make space for something new. A pivot to an idea too polar, and the crowd is now faced with an inner struggle.
Accomplishing a performance of this emotional stature requires a perfect balance of flow and flourishing, which is why Above & Beyond has succeeded in keeping their audiences engaged and present.
That evening, though people had their phones out, one did not witness the sea of devices that has become common in today’s concerts.
Instead, people were tuned in to Paavo, Tony, and one another. This act of existing had a profound effect on each capstone, from the soulful lyrics of “Here Before” to the fan-favorite moment of pressing the button, to the crowd echoing the melodies of classic hits like “Thing Called Love” and “On My Way to Heaven.”
It was a night of vulnerability, and Paavo’s message was proven to be true.
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