Fred Again at Alexandra Palace

Fred Again resumes his USB002 tour with a four-night residency at Alexandra Palace, alongside special guests, all revealed on the day, following a six-night set of shows in New York City.

This is no ordinary concert. Timings for the gig started as early as 5pm (unlucky for those still at work), while the fortunate began heading toward the stage, merry with the prospect of seeing the popular producer live.

Fred is on stage with a few artists, including Joy Anonymous, who blessed us during the pandemic, playing free, spontaneous concerts across London’s Southbank. As the DJ performs short sequences on his Native Instruments Maschine and CDJ/s mixer, these are interspersed with the standard disk scratches. Mala and Magugu’s Militant Don resounds in the cavernous hall, its booming vocals complementing the dark, minimalist vibes. As the music echoes, Fred and co are soon joined by fans who dance at the bleachers, a privileged bunch.

There are some decipherable tracks such as Energy by Flava D and Stush, and Hard by Breakage (featuring David Rodigan and Newham), both big elements of tonight’s rave. The hype is pertinent and present throughout the set, tracks like Lights Out (HAAi, Fred Again and Romy) pumping everyone with a lively spirit. Another hit with the crowd is Booo (featuring Ms Dynamite) by Sticky, introducing a more industrial sound and showcasing the lengths and breadths Fred and the gang are able to reach.

Solo takes the room by storm: a hit dopamine-infused track with British-Angolan rapper and singer, Blanco, that leaves everyone ecstatic. The same positive vibes are resonated through Tate (How I Feel), after which Fred exclaims that he experienced the same feeling as the crowd, after seeing the names on the poster for tonight; it is clear the four-night stint is an emotional gig for the DJ, and how elated he is to be performing on home turf.

The barrage of strobe lights during Kammy (Like I Do) is rave music at its peak. There is a white gossamer-like sheet above, which slowly descends and floats, syncing with the music. MPH does a great set, including his remix of Calvin Harris’s I’m Not Alone, the crowd on an absolute high. Argentinian duo Ca7riel and Paco Amoroso meditate while the music continues, giving the impression of conceptual art, before belting out Beto’s Horns with Ezra Collective, a party anthem if ever there was one. Joy Anonymous decides to give us Prodigy’s Firestarter, always a banger in a live setting, then surprises us with Franz Ferdinand’s Take Me Out, a euphoric track that goes down a treat. Described as the rave angel by Fred, Romy and the producer give us a beautiful and emotional rendition of Strong, uplifting and unifying.

Turn on the Lights is as epic as anticipated, along with Victory Lap, both highlights. Rappers D Double E and JME have a battle on stage, hyping up the already heightened atmosphere; at this point, though, the bass is at a deafening level. Fred is then accompanied by more greats of the British music scene, Mike Skinner of The Streets and rave giants, Underworld, in a b2b, the latter giving us Born Slippy (Nuxx) and Two Months Off, with the popular refrain, “you bring light in,” Fred clearly having the time of his life. There is a beautiful message throughout tonight’s performance, which is upheld by an artist who exclaims that we should remember this “feeling of gratitude, that you have right now, and the feeling of inclusivity, and safety, and the feeling of belonging…I need you not to lose that feeling…” while Marea (We’ve Lost Dancing) plays, pure bliss, and full of an unforgettable depth. If that wasn’t enough, Fred drops Lights Burn Dimmer by Jamie T, a fan favourite for months during live shows.

There is an undeniable comradeship on stage, and together with the words of positivity, this five and a half hour rave party is one for the history books.