If you were standing in the middle of the Los Angeles State Historic Park last September, you probably felt it. That specific, humming energy that only hits when 15,000 people realize they’re witnessing a career-shifting moment. For years, the knock on Zedd was that his sets were predictable. Fun? Absolutely. But a bit like a "Greatest Hits" CD on repeat. Zedd in the Park 2024 took that narrative and basically threw it into the LA River.
This wasn't just another stop on a tour. It was a victory lap for Telos, his first album in nearly a decade.
The Setup and the Chaos
Honestly, getting into the venue on Friday, September 6, was a bit of a mission. The line for merch looked like something out of a Black Friday fever dream. But once you were on the grass, the vibe was pure summer in LA. Insomniac clearly didn't skimp on the production this time around. We’re talking massive LED monoliths and enough lasers to be seen from space.
The heat was real. 90 degrees in the afternoon. Most people were huddling near the water stations or trying to snag a spot under the few trees available before the sun finally dipped behind the downtown skyline.
A Lineup That Actually Made Sense
Most DJs just pick their buddies for support acts. Zedd seemed to pick people who actually matched the Telos aesthetic. Friday had Madeon, which, let’s be real, is basically a co-headliner at this point. His set was melodic, dense, and perfectly transitioned into the night.
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Saturday, September 7, felt a little more experimental. We had San Holo bringing out the guitar, which provided a nice organic break before the heavy electronic onslaught. The rest of the support roster—Grey, Mesto, and Ellis—kept the energy high without blowing the speakers out too early.
- Friday Acts: Zedd, Madeon, Party Pupils, Grey, Mesto, Ellis, Zensei.
- Saturday Acts: Zedd, San Holo, Throttle, Grey, Mesto, Ellis, Zensei.
What Really Happened During the Set
Zedd opened with a remix of Radiohead’s "Everything In Its Right Place." It was a bold move. It’s moody. It’s not a "banger." But it signaled that we weren't just here for "The Middle."
The real shocker? The live instrumentation. Zedd spent a significant chunk of time behind a drum kit and a piano. When he played "Sona" with the Irish folk-influenced sounds of the olllam (yes, that's how they spell it), the crowd actually went quiet for a second. It was musical. It was nuanced.
Then, of course, the hits happened. You can’t have Zedd in the Park 2024 without "Clarity." When that piano intro started, the entire park turned into a giant choir. It’s a bit cliché, but hearing 15,000 people scream "Cause you are the piece of me I wish I didn't need" still gives you goosebumps.
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The Guest List
He didn't just play the tracks; he brought the people.
- Bava showed up for the live debut of "No Gravity."
- Remi Wolf appeared for "Lucky," which was easily the most "fun" moment of the night.
- Bea Miller hopped on stage for "Out of Time."
It felt like a curated variety show rather than a standard DJ set.
The Aftermath and the VIP Situation
There was a lot of chatter online about the "Clarity VIP Skydeck." It was expensive. Like, "rent payment" expensive. Was it worth it? If you hate being touched by sweaty strangers and want a private bar, maybe. But the real magic of Zedd in the Park is being on the floor.
The sound quality was mostly great, though if you were standing too far to the left near the food trucks, the bass got a little muddy. That’s just the reality of outdoor city shows.
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The night didn't end at the park, either. The Saturday afterparty at Avalon Hollywood featured a Zedd B2B Madeon set that went until the sun was basically coming up. If you missed that, you missed the "raw" version of the festival.
Final Thoughts for the Fans
If you missed the 2024 edition, you missed Zedd’s "musician" era. He’s no longer just the guy behind the CDJs; he’s a conductor.
Actionable Takeaways for Future Attendees
- Hydrate Early: The LA State Historic Park has almost zero shade. If you’re there for the 5:00 PM openers, drink twice as much water as you think you need.
- The Merch Game: If you want the event-exclusive jerseys, you have to go the moment the doors open. They sold out of most sizes by 7:30 PM on Friday.
- Transport: Don't even try to Uber out of there at midnight. Walk three blocks toward Chinatown before you even try to call a ride, or better yet, take the Gold Line (L Line) Metro.
- Setlists: Keep an eye on sites like Setlist.fm. Zedd tends to keep the core of his Telos tour similar, but the "In the Park" shows always get at least two or three "holy crap" exclusives.
The 2024 event proved that Zedd still has the pull to shut down a corner of LA. It wasn't just a rave; it was a statement.