The Chainsmokers are an American DJ/ producer duo consisting of Alexander “Alex” Pall and Andrew “Drew” Taggart. They are most known for their song featuring Halsey, “Closer” and their Grammy awarded song “Don’t Let Me Down” featuring Daya. However, these songs were released in 2016 and 2017, seemingly during their peak as public performers, so why did EDC choose them for the closing ceremony this year?

The Chainsmokers’ set was notable for all the wrong reasons. Not only did the crowd deplete in size significantly by the end of the performance, but every single time they did a call and response, they were met with crickets. It was sort of sad to watch. Pall and Taggart constantly shouted questions or commands to the crowd who really did not respond. No doubt there were thousands of people still there, but it didn’t really sound like it. A specific moment I remember is when they decided to queue a remix of “I Write Sins Not Tragedies” by Panic! At The Disco, which produced loud “NOOOO”’s, groans and sounds of distaste from the crowd. It honestly seems like their set is stuck in 2016.

To focus on the positive aspects of their performance, The Chainsmokers did play a few good remixes of “Sweater Weather” by The Neighborhood and “Yellow” by Coldplay. I would argue these songs are timeless and great sing-along songs, but it seems again like there was no incorporation of any music released after 2017.

While closing their set one of The Chainsmokers asked the crowd “I’m running out of time, do you guys want an after party?” No surprise, he was met with a few cheers, but mostly laughs. To top it off, they went over time to play “Closer” featuring Halsey, which would have been a great conclusion song to EDC if it was 2017.

Overall, the set was entertaining for the wrong reasons. The people around me shared the cringey experience together and it is honestly unforgettable because of the awkward moments. Is this what EDC intended for its grand closing ceremony? We’ll never know. 

Review & Photos by: Emily Tonnessen

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