Channel Flipping with Zeds Dead: the Arena of Intergalactic Happiness tour takes over Chicago

Zeds Dead returned to Chicago on December 12th and 13th for their annual winter run through the Windy City.

This continued winter tradition dates back over a decade, bringing together Zeds Dead community members from all over the country. The Arena of Intergalactic Happiness took place at a venue never before used by the duo, The Wintrust Arena. Fans eagerly snatched up tickets for one or more nights, with unmissable opening acts by Jade Cicada, Apashe, Delta Heavy, Esseks, and more.

Throughout the weekend, Zeds Dead stayed true to their latest and greatest theme, channel flipping. This theme has been demonstrated in recent YouTube video releases and social media posts as part of the promotional content for their latest album, ‘Return to the Spectrum of Intergalactic Happiness’. I was constantly amazed by their ability to weave the past into the present, with the opening night being my absolute favorite. Kicking things off, the boys began with an iconic Eminem remix, one that North Coast Music Festival fans might remember from Zeds Dead’s set there last August. Up next, the boys featured “THE ANTHEM”, a heavy hitter from Space Lace’s recent album drop, ‘Vaultage’. 

What came next was an unexpected twist: Zeds Dead’s remix of Frank Sinatra’s legendary song, Chicago. Being from Chicago myself, I may be a bit biased; however, I had no idea this classical tune could be transformed into such an iconic banger. This was only the beginning of DC and Hooks showing off their impressive musical range. The duo played out a wide variety of genres, captivating the audience throughout the weekend. Visually, the show danced across the Milky Way, its movements mixed into a dreamy, intricate beat that felt intentionally designed. 

The night featured fan favorites such as Ecstasy of Soul, Collapse, and a personal favorite of mine, Coffee Break. Other honorable mentions from the evening include Zed’s Dead’s remix of The Chain by Fleetwood Mac and Barkmode by Distinct Motive and Ganja White Night. The evening concluded with Zeds Dead’s remix of Pure Imagination from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. We stepped out of the stadium and back into the frozen city streets, grateful for what we had just experienced, already wondering what surprises night two would bring.

While arctic blasts were enough to prompt most folks to stay home (30 below wind chill warnings for night two, yikes!), that certainly did not scare away Zeds Dead’s loyal following. Venue staff did an excellent job mitigating the crowds, preventing lines from forming in the brutal weather, and getting fans inside the stadium as quickly as possible. Night two began by taking fans on another galactic journey. We were quickly immersed in a glowing galaxy, dancing among the lasers as a spaceship flew down to greet us. An “In the Beginning” Remix began to play as the crowd stood up from their seats in excitement. The boys were back, tuxedos and all, ready to give us another remarkable night that we could never forget.

Continuing with notes of nostalgia, the boys dropped a remix of Pop That by Drake and Lil Wayne. We danced the night away as the bass shook through the stadium speakers, electrifying our souls with each visual cue and unexpected song choices. Compared to Night One, the hip-hop hits were stronger, and the music a bit heavier, keeping the energy high all night long. Hearing Hold My Hand, my favorite track from Return to the Spectrum of Intergalactic Happiness, was the highlight of my evening. Zeds Dead did not hold back, gifting us with classics like Lost You, Stars Tonight, Eyes on Fire, and Rave. More recent hits, like Gassed Up ft. Subtronics and Make it Wobble with Wooli and Kill The Noise were played out perfectly within a sea of lasers, melting minds and hearts all over the arena.

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As night two came to an end, we bundled up and prepared for the final set of the weekend, the afters at Ramova. The official Zeds Dead after party happened just down the street, at a smaller, more intimate venue. As for the details? Well, what happens at the afters, stays at the afters. All I can tell you is that Woman Wine and White Satin were both played, and you’d better not miss the next one.

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Raquel Dixit

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