NOS Alive 2017 as we lived it

Jul 17

Jul 17 NOS Alive 2017 as we lived it

Set on the sun-drenched coast of Lisbon, NOS Alive got world-famous names and underground talent. The festival is included to the list of best European festivals, and it took place between 6-8 July 2017. Three-day tickets were sold out months in advance, as the expectations for this year were high.

Its killer lineup is a pure victory. With such names as The Weeknd, Foo Fighters, Depeche Mode, Royal Blood, Alt-J, The xx, Peaches or Cage The Elephant the festival became a dream that came true in the wonderful city of Lisbon. Located in a beautiful area, NOS Alive got 3 large stages, a number of food and beverage spots, and a flare of traditional Portuguese street.

Thursday – July 6

The first visit to the main NOS Stage, was for Alt-J and its characteristic live show. It would be foolish not to remember great songs like Breezeblocks, Left Hand Free or In Cold Blood. It’s almost impossible not to chant them. All of it was paired with colorful installations making an epic begging of the festival.

After the grand opening it was time for one of the most vibrant bands. Phoenix started their set with Ti amo, followed by Tuttifrutti, J-Boy or Fior di Latte, along with If I Ever Feel Better, Lisztomania and 1901.

The first day of NOS Alive got a sensational group on its list. With the first Intro chords The xx created a sense of ecstasy that very few bands are able to deliver. The new album, I See You sounded almost from start to end. Dangerous, A Violent Noise, On Hold, Say Something Loving, Lips... one after another they were showing us why their new album is among the best of 2017.

Then it was time to see one of the most hype bands - Royal Blood. Mike and Ben have managed to generate very high expectations. While it’s true that their 2014 tour could be negative for the excess of shows, it should be recognized that it allowed them to grow. At NOS Alive their set maintained a very intense dynamic. It was filled with constant interaction with the crowd and several drum solos that inevitably led to highly anticipated mosh pits. Out of the Black, Little Monster and Figure Out, along with Where Are You Now?, Lights Out or I Only Lie When I Love You, left us speechless and wanting more.

Starboy was headlining the night. Paired with an impressive fire show, The Weeknd delivered the most known songs of his latest work, such as Party Monster, Secrets, False Alarm or the beautiful I Feel It Coming, which got the crowd to chant as if there was no tomorrow. The show finished with Starboy, I Can’t Feel My Face and The Hills.

Friday – July 7

The 2nd day of NOS Alive began with The Cult. A live show that won’t go down in history but will be remembered with love. Classics such as She Sells Sanctuary or Fire Woman did not fail the audience that knew what they were going for.

Later that day The Kills deployed their entire arsenal. Their latest album Ash & Ice, with songs like Doing It to Death, Siberian Nights or Heart of a Dog, is totally amazing to enjoy live. Future Starts Slow was an accurate shot as well.

The main course: Foo Fighters landed to Lisbon after the six years since their last visit to Portugal for the fifth anniversary of NOS Alive in 2011. It’s hard to say if all the concerts of this band are like that, but during the 2,5 hours that it lasted, we got the feeling of living something unique. Dave came to the crowd jumping and meeting people even at the sides of the stage. The band also invited Alison Mosshart (The Kills) to sing a new song from their next album. It was easily one of the best performances of NOS Alive this year. The Foos played Walk, Learn to Fly, Everlong, Best of You, Run, These Days, My Hero, Times Like These... they did not leave out any of their best-known songs.

Saturday – July 8

The final day of the NOS Alive 2017 began with Imagine Dragons - a band that is presenting its third album, Evolve, showing their most mainstream side. Dan Reynolds went throwing himself to the floor and playing asleep during a guitar solo. All the songs from their first album were chanted as hymns: Radioactive, On Top of the World or Hear Me. However, the singles of their recent album did not get the same effect.

Cage The Elephant were one of the revelations of the festival. They gave a whole show at the overflown secondary stage. Those who discovered them thanks to their self-titled album, or those who discovered them with Tell Me I’m Pretty, both of the worlds have enjoyed their set. Matt Shultz got an insane energy and was delivering his best. The band interacted with the crowd and had that point of madness that makes it memorable. From Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked to Cigarette Daydreams, through the eternal Come A Little Closer or Trouble, they wrote a whole new page on how a great rock show should be.

The last bullet in the chamber was Depeche Mode. Dave Gahan appeared on stage and the crowd went ecstatic for the gift that NOS Alive provided. Their new album Spirit sounded almost entirely, where the single Where's the Revolution? took the lead. We also got big classics on the setlist such as Stripped, Enjoy the Silence, and Never Let Me Down Again. The closure was rather epic: Personal Jesus - the hit of electronic rock.

With the motto "Beach by day, music by night" NOS Alive is at its full glory. The site, which is only 15 minutes from the beach, lets you fit some swim, sunbathing or surf in your festival schedule. It's one of the best options if you go for a stunning lineup and guaranteed sun.

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