Renee’ Rapp and The Killers Kick Off Outside Lands 2024 Sweet 16 Celebration – Day 1 Recap
It was the Sweet 16 for Outside Lands 2024, and San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Park was buzzing with excitement as the festival kicked off its three-day extravaganza. This year, festival-goers were greeted with exciting new features like “City Hall,” a whimsical spot where couples could tie the knot right on-site, and the vibrant CASA BACARDÍ stage, complete with a two-story dance floor that brought Latin beats and Reggaetón rhythms to life. As the sun set over the foggy city, the first day unfolded with a mix of exhilarating performances, unexpected moments, and enough musical variety to please even the pickiest of festival fans.
Land’s End Stage – The Last Dinner Party: A Swashbuckling Start
The Last Dinner Party swashbuckled onto the Land’s End Stage to kick off my festival experience on Friday afternoon. The British indie rock darlings, winners of the Brit Rising Star Award, came dressed to impress—or perhaps to pillage—with ruffles, lace, long skirts, wide belts, and pirate-style black leather boots that gave off major Pirates of the Caribbean vibes.
Their set featured tracks from their latest album, Prelude to Ecstasy, alongside other fan favorites, each song a blend of dramatic orchestral gestures and raw, raunchy guitar solos. The band, which is proudly queer and nonbinary, moved in a choreographed line across the stage, delivering post-punk femme-core rock that challenged gender roles, toxic relationships, and Catholic guilt.
With their theatrical flair and classical training, The Last Dinner Party proved they were not just a gimmick but a serious force in the indie scene. By the time they finished their set, they had the crowd hooked, a fitting start to the festival’s eclectic lineup.
Land’s End Stage – Young the Giant: A Larger-Than-Life Presence
Next up on the Land’s End Stage was Young the Giant, led by frontman Sameer Gadhia, who emerged in a striking white linen ensemble topped with a floor-length embroidered coat from India. Guitarists played barefoot, adding to the band’s free-spirited, worldly vibe. Visually, their setup was reminiscent of Abbey Road meets The Brian Jonestown Massacre, combining a polished stage presence with a hint of rock ‘n’ roll chaos.
The band’s setlist was a journey through their five-album discography, weaving hits like “Cough Syrup” and “My Body” with newer tracks from American Bollywood. They even threw in a surprise cover of Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso,” which delighted the crowd. Young the Giant’s sound was an epic blend of orchestral electro synth-pop and indie rock, and their live performance felt like an all-encompassing experience—grand, emotional, and powerful. Gadhia’s ability to command the stage made it clear why he was one of the first South Asian men to headline the Forum in LA.
Sutro Stage – Tyla: A Set that Fell Flat
Unfortunately, not all performances were hits on the first day. South African artist Tyla, the Best New Artist at the 2024 Grammy Awards, was scheduled to perform on the Sutro Stage at 6:05 p.m. However, she didn’t take the stage until 6:37 p.m., leaving the audience waiting for over 30 minutes without any explanation. To make matters worse, she only performed four songs—a brief set that left many fans frustrated, especially after a recently canceled North American tour.
Despite a visually stunning setup featuring a gigantic tiger statue, the performance felt lackluster and rushed. Many in the crowd abandoned the stage midway through to catch other acts like Jungle or Reneé Rapp, turning what could have been a festival highlight into a disappointment. It was a shame, as Tyla’s talent is undeniable, but the execution missed the mark.
Twin Peaks Stage – Reneé Rapp: A Superstar in the Making
Over at the Twin Peaks Stage, Reneé Rapp brought a refreshing change of pace. The former Broadway star, best known for her role as Regina George in the latest Mean Girls movie adaptation, captivated the crowd with her dynamic vocal range and magnetic stage presence. Dressed casually in baggy jeans, a long-sleeve shirt, and a hat, Rapp looked more ready for a skatepark than a festival stage, but her raw charisma and talent needed no embellishment.
Performing songs from her album Snow Angel, including “Pretty Girls,” “Lust,” and the eponymous “Snow Angel,” Rapp had the crowd in the palm of her hand. Her partner, English rocker Towa Bird, watched from the side stage, braving the chilly weather in a Fred Perry sweatshirt.
Though I had hoped for a duet, it never materialized. Regardless, Rapp’s connection with the audience was palpable, proving she’s more than just a pop sensation—She’s a multifaceted performer who can easily dominate any stage. Her set was a reminder of a young Kelly Clarkson, full of promise and versatility.
Land’s End Stage – The Killers: A Neon-Lit Spectacle
As the sun dipped below the horizon, I stopped to grab a scoop of cherry chip ice cream with hot fudge at the Humphrey Slocombe truck with my friend Jackie. We were making our way back to the Land’s End Stage when we heard the unmistakable opening notes of “Somebody Told Me,” The Killers’ breakout hit. The stage lit up with a spectacular laser light show, and we hurried to join the massive crowd already gathered.
“We’re The Killers, and we’re a great rock ‘n’ roll band,” lead singer Brandon Flowers declared, clad in a black and burgundy velvet tux jacket that gave him a look somewhere among Chris Isaac, Nick Cave, and Morrissey. His stage presence was magnetic, channeling Young Elvis energy as the band launched into a 17-song set that was equal parts hits and newer, spaghetti western-influenced tracks.
The Killers delivered a performance that was both a tribute to their Las Vegas roots and a testament to their status as veteran musicians. They brought all the glitz and glamour of a Vegas show to Golden Gate Park, complete with a brief cover of Erasure’s “A Little Respect,” gospel-style backing vocalists, and a custom keyboard with their iconic “K” in lights. The energy peaked with “Human” and exploded with the closing track, “Somebody Told Me,” leaving the crowd dancing and singing along in what felt like a communal celebration.
The first day of Outside Lands 2024 was a thrilling mix of highs and lows, setting the stage for what promised to be a memorable Sweet 16 celebration of San Francisco’s premier music festival. Stay tuned for more as the week unfolds.
