Outside Lands 2015 Recap

August 7th, 8th and 9th marked this year's Outside Lands Fest and for the 8th year in a row the Music, Food and Art Festival did not disappoint!  Warm sunshine added to the enjoyment as thousands of people flocked to Golden Gate Park to peruse 70+  food vendors  and 100+ bands  over the weekend long fest this year.  

Here are some highlights from the festivities!

Friday, the first day of the festival, Swedish sisters of the folk-indie duo, First Aid Kit graciously hit the main stage just past 3:00 that afternoon. Along with friendly banter and popular songs off last Summer's Stay Gold, the girls covered Black Sabbath's "War Pigs". It was pretty awesome to hear their danity version of Ozzy's heavy metal hit in the middle of the park! 

Across the way on the Sutro Stage in Lindley Field, George Ezra covered "I Try" originally by Macy Grey. By the sound of the throngs of fans singing along, I'd say the guitarist's rendition was an overall crowd pleaser!

Cold War Kids @ Outside Lands 2015
Photo by Marc Fong 

Though I only had enough time to catch one song from 2015's favorite indie-pop-ska act, Misterwives , after lunch on Saturday,  I was more than happy that I did! Daring to wear white denim and matching Doc's, the band's petite leading lady had a big stage presence with a bubbly, charismatic, extremely engaging energy.  Hopefully I'll make it to the fun filled show at The Fillmore when they return this October!

I never noticed how much the lead singer of Cold War Kids  looks like Will and/or Win Butler of Arcade Fire until seeing them at Outside Lands on Saturday. Stern yet playful, Willett demanded attention as he and his band mates each played various instruments including, keyboards, guitar and maracas throughout the set which  included "Hang Me Out to Dry" as well as songs off of their new album.

Billy Idol @ Outside Lands 2015 
Photo by Marc Fong

It was pretty neat hearing the infamous Billy Idol sing his 1980's hit "White Wedding" as I made way over to the Sutro Stage to catch some of the Milky Chance set.










The massive crowd was way too out of control  to make it to the Twin Peaks Stage Saturday Night headliner, Kendrick Lamar (where I later heard later people had to get rushed to the ER after catching shoes and bottles to the face) but after 7 years I did finally make it to my first OSL after show!

Kendrick Lamar  @ Outside Lands 2015 
Photo by Marc Fong

Unknown Mortal Orchestra  @ The Indpendent 8/8/2015 
Photo by Marc Fong

Unknown Mortal Orchestra  played the Twin Peaks Stage at 2:00 on Saturday afternoon and their OSL night show at The Independent, which  was announced late that week, sold-out super quick! They started after 11:00 that night,  keeping to themselves on the dimly lit stage as they filled the intimate venue with ambient, psychedelic indie-rock. After spending all day outside at a music festival, the stoner friendly set was a very nice way to unwind.







If you've been missing the band fun. as much as I have hopefully you were at Outside Lands on Sunday for Nate Ruess!  He was full throttle the moment he burst on to the main stage at 3:00 and never (really) slowed down. Kicking off the set with songs from his solo album, Grand Romantic, he'd pause briefly  between songs to introduce the next one, thank his beloved fans, or express his excitement for playing Outside Lands again (fun. played the same stage in ...) before jumping (quite literally) back into the performance. He and his band did a great cover of  Prince's "Let's Go Crazy" in the beginning of their set before later playing hits by fun. including "Carry-On" and "Some Nights".

Nate Ruess @ Outside Lands 2015 
Photo by Marc Fong

The Panhandle Stage was the place to be at 5:55 on Sunday evening for Dan Deacon's set!

Dan Deacon @ Outside Lands 2015 
Photo by Nikki DeMartini

Dan Deacon  @ Outside Lands 2015 
Photo by Marc Fong

The University-trained composer took the stage accompanied by a drummer and an instant fan connection was made as he invited everyone there to bring a hand to their chin, raise their head to the sky and blow any anxieties to people  passing by the pandhandle stage. Though the visual pleasing light show his shows are known for was hindered because of the time of day he played, Deacon's interactive crowd participation was on point with insightful  exchanges and even included a Kanye-esque request for fans clear a circle in the middle of crowd. To his credit Deacon's request was warranted with dance off purposes and fans were happy to oblige. His lighthearted demeanor carried the dancey set with a feel good vibe. 

Mac Sabbath @ Outside Lands 2015 
Photo by Marc Fong

Parody Heavy Metal tribute band, Mac Sabbath was the last band to play the GatsroMagic Stage this year.  Chef's prepared chicken nuggets behind the visually vivid, LA based band cover Black Sabbath songs with lyrics based around McDonalds and the fast food chain's menu.
With full on costumes, crazy fun and animated stage antics, Ronald Osborne, Slayer McCheese, Grimalice and The Catburgler deliver a highly entertaining show!

Green Velvet @ Outside Lands 2015 
Photo by Marc Fong

I had never heard of the Techno DJ duo Green Velvet before seeing a few songs of their set on Sunday night and I am so happy that  Outside Lands introduced me to them! I had a blast getting my dance on to their dance-party-anthem track, "Hit Me With Those Laser Beams".

A bedazzled and absolutely fabulous, Sir Elton John was an unforgettable way for Outside Lands 2015 to end! Nearly 70 years old, the Tiny Dancer singer sounded flawless through out his two hour long set.  Everyone in attendance would probably agree that it's an honor to have seen him perform live! 

Elton John @ Outside Lands 2015 
Photo by Marc Fong

Here are some other highlights aside from all of the music at Outside Lands 2015: 

- Best Meal:cheese burger and spicy fries from 4045 Meats. I love me a burger and this is easily the best dang burger in the city! 4045's cheese burger needs no added fixin's because it's juicy quarter pound, grass fed beef patty is loaded with crispy lettuce, melted Gruyere cheese and a secret sauce that's absolutely delish on a grilled sesame/scallon bun. Paired with a side of their spicy fries: hand-cut, tallow fried french fries topped with chimichurri sauce and a lemon-parsley aioli this filling meal is not intended for the light eater! This is high quality fest fuel that'll fill you up and keep you going. 

 Outside Lands 2015 
Photo by Marc Fong

- Trending: People carrying signs so the rest of their crew can spot them and get to them in the thick of crowds has always been a big thing at OSL. There have been some good ones over the years but this was the first year a bunch of  people carried huge photos of their own faces around! This new fest fad is funny and kind of trippy!