Eagerness and energy exploded as LMFAO electrified approximately 10,000 “party people” assembled at CSUN’s Big Show X Saturday night.
Electro-pop/hip-hop group LMFAO bombarded spectators with infectious beats and catchy lyrics that even stirred the casual fan to sing along. Comprised of Redfoo and Sky Blu, the respective son and grandson of legendary Motown record producer Berry Gordy, LMFAO effectively entertained with a spectacular show. Unfortunately, the opening acts proved dull and uninspiring.
Fans arrived before 2:30 p.m. and the major crowd streamed in around 6 p.m. as DJ Bamaca steadily spun beats for the next two hours. The crowd stirred into a frenzy as DJ Bamaca’s bombastic and blaring bass remixes induced individuals close to the stage to crowd surf and even chicken fight one another.
Embarrassingly, Matty the Matador and cast members of Knott’s Scary Farm performed the “chicken dance.” What’s worse: Witnessing that exhibition, or realizing people actually agreed to do the chicken dance?
The intensity escalated once DJ Shortman geared up for Kevin Rudolf, but the passion diminished until LMFAO performed. Non-stop remixes of Katy Perry, Akon, David Guetta and Flo Rida entertained fleetingly.
Rudolf opened with “I Made It (Cash Money Heroes),” which features Birdman, Jay Sean and Lil Wayne. The crowd immediately transformed into a sea of cameras chronicling the song with recordings and photographs.
Momentum and enthusiasm disappeared for the rest of Rudolf’s set. Inconsistent, lackluster performances blended with remixed songs added to the dullness. Spectators relaxed on steps adjacent to the library’s Oviatt Lawn and patiently waited to be entertained.
Rudolf moderately redeemed himself by concluding with “Let it Rock,” his best known (and debut) single, which features Lil Wayne and reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. After minor technical difficulties, the show truly kicked off with LMFAO.
Springing forward around 9:50 p.m., LMFAO’s “Rock The Beat,” using samples from Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger,” revitalized the crowd after Kevin Rudolf’s dismal performance. The entire crowd was pumped and amped for an exhilarating night.
The band commenced with “Get Crazy” and “Lil’ Hipster Girl” before performing their first hit and signature song, “I’m in Miami B****.” Since the song title varies by the location LMFAO performs at, they used the alternative, “I’m in LA B****.”
Seamlessly, LMFAO kept up the pace with Sky Blu doing his shtick (of breaking up with his girlfriend) to transition to “Leaving U 4 The Groove.” Redfoo followed up and discussed his ex-girlfriend before singing “I Don’t Wanna Be.” LMFAO’s continuous energy embodies them as one of the most fun bands to watch live.
During “I Am Not A Whore,” the entire crowd exploded with eagerness and enthusiasm. Their songs spoke primarily about promiscuous sex, hooking up at clubs and drinking, but “La La La” showed their softer side. LMFAO also played their new song “Put That A** to Work” for the first time in Los Angeles. Having received enthusiastic fan reception, the song seems destined to emerge as another instant club classic.
Saturday night surfaced as CSUN’s 10th Big Show and also the birthday for Sky Blu’s father, Berry Gordy IV. Sky Blu, Redfoo and the audience sang “Happy Birthday” before closing their set with “Shots.” Even more enthusiastic than before, the audience became enthralled, enamored and ecstatic when fans finally heard LMFAO’s most memorable drinking song.
After a brief break, LMFAO returned and encored with “Yes.” The group’s energy fueled the Oviatt Lawn crowd into a frenzy. The show ended with Redfoo crowd surfing and losing everything but his pants in the process. Sky Blu wasn’t as lucky and barely remained covered with his tattered pants exposing his purple LMFAO underwear before he came back on stage. The crowd fittingly walked away as fans, students and spectators screamed off into a marvelous, momentous Saturday night. Good vibrations extended all around the Big Show X event.
