Over the course of 3 days this past Halloween weekend, a record breaking 100,000 people attended Voodoo Music Festival in New Orleans. Those numbers are not surprising, considering the eclectic array of musical genres on the bill for each day; a range that would appease the most particular of music critics.

The opening day of the festival started with long lines that extended well beyond the festival promoters expectation. It was clear that the festival was not prepared for the massive influx of attendees arriving on the first day. The complication stemmed from the lack of entry gates at the front entrance of the festival that left people waiting for 2-3 hours. The line debacle was quickly forgotten once attendees were inside the festival and treated to bands like, Twenty One Pilots, Zedd, Rise Against, Slayer, Action Bronson, and Outkast; especially with unconfirmed rumors circulating that this would be the legendary hip-hop duo’s last concert together.

Day two saw the festival make true to their promise of rectifying the issue of seemingly mile long lines as there was hardly any wait, which gave people ample time to enjoy the full day of diverse music. Saturday’s highlight acts were, Skrillex, 30 Seconds to Mars, Arctic Monkeys, Death From Above 1979, and the “Miseducated” Diva herself, Ms. Lauryn Hill. True to form, Ms. Hill arrived 45 min late to her headlining set only to be cut off midway through by festival organizers due to time constraints. But as harsh as it was to get the hook on the first stage, she was allowed to finish her set at a smaller stage later that night only to be 45 min late a second time. Even with a shortened set, she still delivered an amazing performance.

The closing day was an epic conclusion to the highest attended Voodoo Fest in its 16 year history. Key acts of the day included AWOLNATION, Pretty Lights, Fuel, and New Orleans native Trombone Shorty. But, as expected, festival promoters saved the best for last with the talented and legendary Foo Fighters. With a two and a half hour set, they were able to play song s ranging from classic Foo, like “Monkey Wrench”, “Hero”, “Learn to Fly,” and “Pretender”; as well as the latest single off their new Sonic Highways album, “Something From Nothing”. Fans know a Foo Fighters show isn’t complete without their epic cover songs and they did not disappoint with their selection for this festival with songs like Van Halen’s Aint Talkin Bout Love, Tom Petty’s Breakdown and an excellent rendition of David Bowie and Queen’s, Under Pressure, sang as a duet by drummer Taylor Hawkins and front man, Dave Grohl . The Foo Fighters closed their set and the headlining Ritual Stage with their most popular hit, Everlong, who’s lyrics were ever so fitting, as they left many thinking “if anything could ever be this good again.” Here’s looking to next year, Voodoo Fest!

Foo Fighters

30 Seconds To Mars

Rise Against

Awolnation

Awolnation by Jenn Devereaux

Outkast

Death from Above 1979