SATURDAY

Another smashing success for Riptide’s fourth year! Riptide took place on the sunny beaches of Fort Lauderdale; and returned to being a two-day event unlike the previous year. On the bill this year were artists such as The Killers, Jimmy Eat World, The 1975, Switchfoot, The Revivalists and many more. A mass of eager, excited concert-goers waited outside of the entrance gates looking through the schedule to see their favorite bands’ set time.

After walking through the gates you are greeted with a colorful inflatable walkway that leads you to many booths full of alcohol, body art paint, games, an oversized beach ball for photos and much more.

First time attendees were pleasantly surprised to discover that the entire festival was literally on the sand. Many were happily sprawled across beach towels and blankets while rocking their bathing suits, soaking up the sun and listening to great music.

THE 1975

British pop-rock band, The 1975 from Cheshire formed in 2002 and are currently working on their fourth studio album. Matt Healy’s energetic live performance was enhanced by theatrical expressions and moody, pastel lighting. Healy’s hard addictions and battles with depression are translated into their music as they go from heavy guitars to sentimental references and pop influenced sounds. The band was joined on stage by two backup dancers that

THE KILLERS

This was our first time seeing The Killers and we were amazed at the sea of 35,000 people that were gathered to watch this legendary moment. The Killers are a staple all-American rock band that formed in 2001 from Las Vegas, Nevada. Their performance was nostalgic as they played some of their hits like “Mr. Brightside,” “Somebody Told Me,” and “When You Were Young.”
During their set, something great happened to a young teenage boy in the crowd when frontman, Brandon Flowers saw a sign he was holding asking to let him join them on stage. “Iike your face,” said Flowers and pulled him on stage. Jason Verebay annihilated the drum kit as he jammed out to “For Reasons Unknown” and left the crowd shouting his name afterwards. They also covered Tom Petty’s “American Girl” and “Free Fallin” and closed their set with “Mr.
Brightside.”

THE REVIVALISTS

This eight-piece rock band from New Orleans, Louisiana was one of my personal favorites this year. Their soulful vocals, jazzy horns and rock n’ roll style has made an impact on many. The continuous rise onto festival mainstages while they tour the nation performing to thousands has become their ‘new norm.’ I could overhear first-time listeners in the crowd talking about how good their music is while watching them light up the stage. A giant, red LED heart strung behind them during their performance and lit up the stage as they played fan favorites such as “All My Friends,” “Soulfight,” and “Wish I Knew You.”

SUNDAY

Doors opened at 12pm Sunday afternoon; there was anticipation and excitement floating through the air. People were chatting amongst themselves sharing stories of their first time seeing their favorite bands perform. As you walk through the man made beach walkway to your right- Meg Myers were set to perform on the Underground Lauderdale Stage as the opening act. Throughout the day, the beach became packed with fans laying out and enjoying the radiant sun rays while jamming out to the songs being performed. During set up time for the next performance, a Publix Maximus truck was parked on the side between the main and underground stage, performing an cook-off at the culinary stage. A large overhead flat screen monitor, capturing the intimate moments between the chef and the grill, while a crowd gathered enjoying the moment.

BARNS COURTNEY

Right from the start, Barns Courtney warmed up the stage with “Fun Never Ends”. The crowd went from chit chatting with one another to pass the time, to moving and grooving along to every beat. He drew people in right from the start with his rockstar persona and hip shaking moves. His glam rock outfit attributed to his stardom, with a print button up shirt, purple velvet suit and shaggy hair. Rocking the stage with his charismatic charms and swinging the mic from time to time catching the attention of many, while we hope that he successfully catches the mic on its way back around.

SWITCHFOOT

Switchfoot came out with high energy rocking the crowd from the jump, without leaving any room to catch your breath. Lead singer, Jon Foreman, bravely jumped from the high stage onto the speakers and onto the barricades separating the crowd from the photo pit. Climbing on the barricades and stands up with the support of the crowd to be held up, as fans push and squeeze their way to the front in hopes of getting a closer look at the lead frontman. Fans within the front row had the time of their lives as they were able to experience a touch from the singer. Holding hands and greeting many as he continues to sing the lyrics to The Sound, the crowd were overjoyed. Rocking out the stage and the crowd with old and new hits from our childhood. Leaving the feeling of nostalgia in the air.

JIMMY EAT WORLD

Jimmy Eat World was one of the most highly anticipated bands of the weekend. Even if you weren't a fan of Jimmy Eat World, everyone knows their biggest hit known to man. The Middle is the song that will live until the end of time no matter the century. Listening to Jimmy Eat World makes you feel nostalgic as if you were back in '01 in your dark emo phase with the music blared up in your room, hiding away from the world. Ending the two night festival with a banger and leaving us wanting more. Make sure to check out any future announcements from 104.3 The Shark for another year of Riptide.

Coverage by Tia Powell and Viviana Franco

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Riptide Music Festival 2019 104.3, The Shark did it again