Just announced!
Alongside The Prodigy, Underworld, LCD soundsystem and more!
DESPACIO!!! CHEMS DJ SET!!! FUCK YEAH!!!
Oh!
https://www.instagram.com/p/DJkLXk2SPV_/
Thats some lineup :music
Edit: Ok, so whats Ski Aggu doing on that list? Does anybody outside of germany even know him?
hard to say no to this!
Christina Aguilera is an unusual one...
Never thought I see Chems, Moby, Underworld, and Prodigy all in one place ( I'm sure they were or in some mixed way back in the day)
:o
Tiered GA pricing. 2 day pass starts at $399 and 1 day starts at $279... Ouch!
The DJ set will likely be no more than 1hr30mins. I don't think they've had a singular artist or DJ surpass that set allotment.
That being said, they've twice debuted a new track at DJed festivals that were produced by Goldenvoice.
Coachella 2001: It Began In Afrika
Coachella 2009: Escape Velocity
Portola 2025: ?? (Not guaranteed)
That line-up looks fantastic!
Quote from: Bosco on May 12, 2025, 21:06hard to say no to this!
Christina Aguilera is an unusual one...
They always have a pop act or two - was Nelly Furtado and Natasha Bedingfield last year
Quote from: Bosco on May 13, 2025, 01:54Tiered GA pricing. 2 day pass starts at $399 and 1 day starts at $279... Ouch!
The DJ set will likely be no more than 1hr30mins. I don't think they've had a singular artist or DJ surpass that set allotment.
That being said, they've twice debuted a new track at DJed festivals that were produced by Goldenvoice.
Coachella 2001: It Began In Afrika
Coachella 2009: Escape Velocity
Portola 2025: ?? (Not guaranteed)
Chems do have a special billing though on it. I doubt they would bother for less than 2 hours - they usually like 3 hours, they did 2 at Glastonbury when basically everyone else did a single hour on Arcaida for example.
Shame the lineup suggests they will be at the same time as LCD :( . Portola always has unreal lineups
Last year had nothing over 1h30, but there were 2 hour sets in 2022 and 2023, although both were b2bs but there are two of them I guess! (assuming these clashfinders are correct)
https://clashfinder.com/s/portolafestival2022/
https://clashfinder.com/s/portolafestival2023/
Quote from: ThePumisher on May 12, 2025, 21:01Edit: Ok, so whats Ski Aggu doing on that list? Does anybody outside of germany even know him?
I was thinking the exact same thing. Never would have guessed The Chemical Brothers and Ski Aggu out of all people would be in the same building
Quote from: gfa2001 on May 13, 2025, 08:40Shame the lineup suggests they will be at the same time as LCD .
I don't think they will overlap. Christina Aguilera (Main) will most likely be counter programming to Chems (Warehouse). And Anti Up (Warehouse) will probably be the counter to LCD Soundsystem (Main).
As for set times. Chems did 1hr30mins at Coachella 2009, I wouldn't expect anything more than that. Nothing wrong with a little more condensed set. That Coachella DJ set in 2009 was pretty legendary and straight fire (Am I doing it right, kids?). Probably the last time the Sahara tent was its proper self before it became the monstrosity it is now.
When the NY set was announced, I had hoped the Chems would make their way out west. Then the Portola announcement. My jaw hit the floor twice. Once for the Chems, and again when I saw the rest of the lineup! Holy wow! :o
To anyone on the fence, never ever underestimate the power of a Chemical Brothers DJ set! And don't let their not playing a live gig and the absence of giant robots dissuade you from going to this festival. Saw the Chems DJ and reveal Escape Velocity at Coachella and it was positively electric. Hopeful. Magical. I had seen them DJ before but was not expecting to feel the things I was feeling during that set!
And Portola is such a fabulous festival. Seeing the Chems there at the first Portola brought me back to the first time I saw the Chems (in my mind, lol) Just go, if you can. San Francisco is just... a vibe. <3
That said the timing and logistics on my end will force me to miss out on this one, I'm afraid.
Quote from: Bosco on May 13, 2025, 19:10I don't think they will overlap. Christina Aguilera (Main) will most likely be counter programming to Chems (Warehouse). And Anti Up (Warehouse) will probably be the counter to LCD Soundsystem (Main).
As for set times. Chems did 1hr30mins at Coachella 2009, I wouldn't expect anything more than that. Nothing wrong with a little more condensed set. That Coachella DJ set in 2009 was pretty legendary and straight fire (Am I doing it right, kids?). Probably the last time the Sahara tent was its proper self before it became the monstrosity it is now.
The special billing suggests the chems are headlining the warehouse to me (and will therefore clash with LCD, who would be headlining the main stage).
Quote from: gfa2001 on May 14, 2025, 13:35The special billing suggests the chems are headlining the warehouse to me (and will therefore clash with LCD, who would be headlining the main stage).
I see what you're saying. But 99% certain Goldenvoice wouldn't let LCD Soundsystem conflict with Chemical Brothers. Same as Moby, Underworld, and The Prodigy on Sunday.
I'll drink a beer in your honor if I'm wrong.
Got my ticket!
Servers were down for a good 20-30 min for the presale. They also disconnected us while we were in line!
Was in third in line , disconnected, now behind 344th place.
Then they paused the line after everyone's difficulty getting in! Then it started again! Took me a good 4 min to seal the deal!
DESPACIO AWAITS! HAPPY TO BE A PART OF THIS!
Quote from: inchemwetrust on May 14, 2025, 22:16DESPACIO AWAITS! HAPPY TO BE A PART OF THIS!
Happiness awaits us! The video above is from the Hammersmith gig in December 2013. It was bliss.
Had the same issue as you
@inchemwetrust with tix. Got mine for 2-day. Portola has been my yearly pilgrimage. Every year has me coming out with a mad story.
With this being my first chems DJ set and first Despacio in a decade... I'll be in heaven.
@whirlygirl :( man...I was hoping to see / hug you and stash again...
Quote from: rynostar on May 15, 2025, 21:52Happiness awaits us! The video above is from the Hammersmith gig in December 2013. It was bliss.
Portola has been my yearly pilgrimage. Every year has me coming out with a mad story.
With this being my first chems DJ set and first Despacio in a decade... I'll be in heaven
I've been watching this one for a bit
https://youtu.be/ztcVU_PQYLE?si=6eSiGSXXnkQJmqD5
So, this is the Balearic music the Chems have been talking about in so many interviews when DJing in Ibiza right?
Very interesting yet I feel a calling for me to glue my eyes to that glimmering ball in the middle of this elite sound system.
This will be my first DESPACIO and my 2nd Chems dj set! Your gonna love it so much Ryno, when we get done and step out from both those dj sets, we're gonna be glowing brighter than Gandalf the White himself.
I originally planned to do both days but I'm saving my expenses for a vacation that's coming next month, so I'll be going on Saturday only!
It's gonna be weird without Whirls and hubby not coming. 😥
I can't wait to meet any of you who decide to come to SF!
I have the heart and desire of someone who wants to be there, and certainly will be keeping that time open to try it and make it happen. But if I'm honest, I've failed to deliver on these west coast opportunities for awhile now.
One thing I know is, this DJ set is gonna be an epic night with a great crowd.
Does anyone have a feeling they might do an official pre or aftershow (DJ) gig?
I am pumped for my first Chems DJ set! Also glad it's on the less-stacked day for me lineup-wise, less chance of conflicts I care about.
Also excited for my first Despacio experience, not to mention more Prodigy & Underworld. What a gift!
Quote from: Bosco on May 17, 2025, 17:57Does anyone have a feeling they might do an official pre or aftershow (DJ) gig?
Oh don't you get our hopes up. Where would that even be? (1015 folsom?, ugh!)
Quote from: shakermaker on Jun 05, 2025, 17:37Oh don't you get our hopes up. Where would that even be? (1015 folsom?, ugh!)
I didn't put much thought into that. Probably would have to be a capacity of around 2000 or more to meet demand. But the further I think about it, Goldenvoice/Portola probably have a contract that restricts an after show unless it's promoted by them. Furthermore, there's probably more to this year's contract that potentially runs into next year... ok, I'll stop.
Quote from: Bosco on Jun 06, 2025, 23:18But the further I think about it, Goldenvoice/Portola probably have a contract that restricts an after show unless it's promoted by them.
Oh they absolutely do, but they always host a series of pre/post parties leading up to and during Portola weekend, including some acts on the Portola lineup, so it's not out of the question.
Quote from: shakermaker on Jun 10, 2025, 20:18so it's not out of the question
(https://media.tenor.com/cGvzY0326soAAAAM/go-on-cards.gif)
Quote from: Enjoyed on Jun 12, 2025, 04:35(https://media.tenor.com/cGvzY0326soAAAAM/go-on-cards.gif)
They call it "Portola Week".
Some are literal afterparties on the nights of the festival, others are in the days leading up to Portola weekend, occasionally one or two after. Some feature acts on the lineup, others are acts that would fit the bill but not playing the festival.
A handful of shows will be announced independently. Then there's an announcement of the full roster, including some that were already announced, but mostly first time announcements.
Last year that announcement happened Aug 19th.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Portolafestival/comments/1ewinbo/portola_week/
https://www.facebook.com/portolafestival/posts/pfbid021Zo62GSRuatiWtzDhxa4LcBrKUBNvjG9g2doJf1eLdLiQraZ6o94y89723B6911kl
tl/dr: watch out for Goldenvoice show announcements
So looks like there is in-fact a 30 minute overlap with LCD Soundsystem which is not ideal but also not egregious. Still not entirely sure why the organizers would let these two acts conflict at all.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DMisWdlSq2O/?img_index=1
Quote from: Enjoyed on Jun 12, 2025, 04:35(https://media.tenor.com/cGvzY0326soAAAAM/go-on-cards.gif)
Portola week has been announced. (A full week earlier than last year!)
Aaaand, no chems DJ set included.
Although there is a mysterious 'TBA', just to keep us all hanging.
(https://aegwebprod.blob.core.windows.net/content/content_images/664/2mPc9x78TchiQc8gqKA5MHFgdE228xtepCHoNzvn.jpg)
If Tom and Ed show up to any after-shows, in some capacity, it will probably be at that The Dare party at 'The Midway' featuring 2ManyDjs Saturday night. And if I'm understanding correct, '888 Garage' neighbors 'The Midway', so I suppose The Chems could be there as well, but my guess is it's James Murphy as TBA. Which again, could also be another place for a Tom and Ed sighting.
Either way, bummed I'm almost certain not gonna make it out for this. Hoping someone can pull through for a full quality recording of this set, without sacrificing their experience!
Yeah 888 garage and Midway are both on the same piece of land, immediately next to the festival ground. Ideal for both performers and attendees to quickly go from one to the next.
With Peggy going straight from closing the warehouse to 888 on Sunday night, it's within the realms of possibility that Chems could too, if anyone really wants to keep hopes up.
Even if that happened though... what to expect? Would they do the same DJ set back to back, or would they be distinct sets?
From our limited history of small "specialized" DJ sets we know about. I would say it would lean away from the earlier set they play at the festival. Probably more focus on old-school favorites of theirs that longtime fans have come accustomed to over the years.
Something like the Heavenly Social set in 2019 pops to mind.
Quote from: MorningLemon on Apr 16, 2019, 00:10OK the following tracklist is 100% correct and in order until Happy Mondays. After that there was some rock and then they finished on The Clash. Prodigy's remix of Method Man was played by Justin Robertson... who also dropped other Social anthems like "Wede man", etc.
Anyways, this set was fucking off the chain to a nation rocking!!!
Live at the Social Vol. 1 intro ("Ladies and Gentlemen Mind Bending Chemicals")
Love Unlimted Orchestra – Strange Games and Funky Things
The Temptations – Ball of Confusion (That's What the World is Today)
Mekon – Phatty's Lunchbox (original 12")
Cash Money & Marvelous – Mighty Hard Rocker
Sly & Robbie – Boops (Here to go)
Ceasefire – Trickshot
Carlos 'After Dark' Berrios – Doin it after Dark (D-Skis dance)
Depth Charge – Shaolin Buddha Finger
Prodigy – Voodoo People (Chemical Brothers mix)
Kenny Dope/Kenny Gonzalez – Makin a Living
Criminal Element Orchestra – Put the Needle on the Record
Eric B & Rakim – Juice
The B-Boys – Rock the House
Lionrock – Packet of Peace (Chemical Brothers mix)
Johnny Vicious – Believe This
MARRS – Pump up the Volume
The Chemical Brothers – Got to Keep On/Fantai
Emmanuel Top – Lobotomie
The Beatles – Tomorrow Never Knows
Renegade Soundwave – Renegade Soundwave (Leftfield mix)
Bomb the Bass – Bug Powder Dust (Chemical Brothers mix)
The Chemical Brothers – We Got to Try
The Chemical Brothers – Song to the Siren
Happy Mondays – WFL (Vince Clarke mix)
---
The Clash – Train in Vain
On/Off topic. Just had these completed.RFC_7845.JPG
I've also had a T-Shirt made that I wore to the set in Toulouse ;D
PXL_20250821_074151504~2.jpg
Damn! Everybody making theirs own shirts! Better pull one out of my butt that's just as good as the ones above! I thought of a 'let forever be' shirt but can't seem to put it on paper for great ideas.
15 more sleeps peeps!
Extremely pumped for Portola next week! What a lineup!
For those going, I recommend upgrading GA passes to VIP at the festival. The VIP area at the Warehouse stage is the best place to catch The Brothers. Sounds like the festival isn't selling well. You might be able to get a deal upgrading at the upgrade booth.
they are currently offering 25% off tickets with the code WAYMO25
must reaaaallly not be selling well
If this is Portola's swan song, rename it and bring it to Chicago.
Quote from: crosscrops on Sep 10, 2025, 02:28Extremely pumped for Portola next week! What a lineup!
For those going, I recommend upgrading GA passes to VIP at the festival.
I'm considering that right now, but then again, I never paid VIP for a Chems show ever. I know that VIP XL gets you on the warehouse stage (limited number+ artist permission)
I like dancing with my homies and homettes in the crowd though. Tbh, I won't get excited till I get there! Life is kind of getting in the way right now, and my escape route will be at 8pm friday night when I leave work.
Looking forward to seeing all of you, minus the hair on my part! :)
Considering this shindig is in a few days...
Roll call?
I'm going
I think Inchem is going.
Others?
Quote from: rynostar on Sep 18, 2025, 01:49Considering this shindig is in a few days...
Roll call?
I'm going
I think Inchem is going.
Others?
Shakermaker
Crosscrops
Rynostar
Me
I'm planning to get to the warehouse around 8pm for a good spot, but would like to meet up and coordinate with any of you to get team chemical to...ASSEMBLE!
Of course, prior to that, I would love to Despacio, and even perhaps some food together before the main course at night.
Got my eargasm plugs in today! Ohhh! They got pretty LED lights on them!
Im hoping to get my Surrender promo copy signed ( crosses fingers)
In the building! Jazzed to see the 237 Turbo Nutters and one-half of Beyond The Wizards Sleeve!
EDIT: ...wait I thought this was the Knockdown Center thread lmao
Quote from: Champiness on Sep 19, 2025, 00:36In the building! Jazzed to see the 237 Turbo Nutters and one-half of Beyond The Wizards Sleeve!
Hey Champi!! Tell the bros to save some for us in S.F. Enjoy your night brother!
Have the most beautiful time, you guys!
Love is all ❤️
wow.
Dj set was mind-bending! Got close enough to cheer them on!
Just got to my hotel. Will post pics ,vids , and thoughts tomorrow when I leave SF!
Ryno and Pooter! Did you guys make it home?
The set was everything I thought it would be! Was happy that I was able to hear Superflash finally, the Chems HBHG remix with green 'freakin' lasers everywhere,The massive EBW at the end with the NG vocals, and the energy the bros were giving on the decks! For once, this DJ set was a great distraction from what's been going on in California, but the bros helped this brother out!
I lost contact with Ryno ( reception still shit at Portola)!and because of that I wasn't able to meet him prior and cut some rug at Despacio (mmm... despacio!) but...
I got a late text from him saying he was on stage right at the Caribou set. So right when I was about to search for Ryno, I see this guy with a slight beard, glasses, wearing a Chems shirt with a sport coat over it. Ladies and Gentlemen please welcome Madpooter (Applause meter) He also brought a friend with him (damn I suck remembering names) but he was cool as fuck as we danced together at the last Portola with the Chems!
I give Poot a hug and then he then escorts me to Ryno ( wearing his new Despacio shirt loud and proud), in which I give him a hug as well. So we're all talking and catching up while nearing the end of Caribou's set. When then went to the main stage to get a few songs out of LCD, and then went straight into the warehouse to see the brothers!
I able to get some shots on the railing to see the bros up close and personal. Minimal recording on my part as I was so fixed to the music!
https://youtu.be/yJSe153GjkI?si=oV1H53e85l_dakK7
https://youtu.be/RpwQKIl4kxA?si=aT1nI-TJBpj5qf1a
https://youtu.be/-SIkDe5E4FQ?si=1eO_tkmf9babIGwF
https://youtu.be/1rfpmBHB5KI?si=Vox6ejaT2Nghpj_k
https://youtu.be/QdvqkojSzNo?si=9eIg_zc20AvQy1ys
Tbh , I wish the set was much longer, but any DJ set right now to hold me till the next live gig is good enough to me! Oh and when they played SG, It felt like Christmas to me for some good reason!
Ohh and that red chems shirt at the booth didn't say portola on it! It still has the New York print on it! 😥
Once again! Thank you T and E for coming out again to flex your deck skills in our state while providing peace thorough your music!
Quote from: inchemwetrust on Sep 24, 2025, 06:54set was a great distraction from what's been going on in California, but the bros helped this brother out!
I feel you! I'm glad you had a well-deserved fun time and enjoyed yourself to the fullest! Were you able to make yourself a shirt like this guy?
Screenshot 2025-09-22 at 22-50-30 2025_09_18 Knockdown Center NYC USA DJ Set - Live - The ChemBase.png
Portola was fantastic as always!
A great set from The Chemical Brothers though I wish it was longer. Superflash is such a moment! The crowd was loving it.
Also need to call out the performance from 2manydjs and Erol. WOW! Doesn't get much better than that.
Lastly, Underworld put on a show. I've seen them around 10 times and this was by far the most pounding, aggressive sound I have seen them play. We had such a great time that we ended up going to the afters to see them play b2b with Brutalismus 3000.
Portola is becoming my favorite electronic dance festival in the US. I hope their ticket sales were strong enough to keep the festival going. Til next year!
Quote from: Csar on Sep 24, 2025, 22:26Were you able to make yourself a shirt like this guy?
what does this shirt say?
"tom and ed" in the Sho font
Quote from: shakermaker on Sep 28, 2025, 07:14what does this shirt say?
What Stefan said (could also be the Dustmites font), plus there's something written above the T&E lettering (maybe "welcome"?).
It's from the Knockdown footage
@Bosco posted:
Spoiler
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnLlBd1Yfhg&t=4856s
nice article from SFGate, though nothing new to take away from it that I picked up on.
https://www.sfgate.com/sf-culture/article/chemical-brothers-threats-rock-90s-act-california-21067387.php
Thank you for uploading these videos! Was there at their dj set at Portola vibing hardcore :Cray , it was so good it went too fast . Hearing « Superflash » was the highlight !! I was so bummed at the merch booth they only had the red tshirt with the dj set of NYC at the Knockdown center on it.
Dav
I just uploaded the only video that i took during their dj set
Enjoy ! :music
https://youtu.be/A58xpcNfO-Q
Quote from: sheratone on Oct 09, 2025, 15:40Thank you for uploading these videos! Was there at their dj set at Portola vibing hardcore :Cray , it was so good it went too fast . Hearing « Superflash » was the highlight !! I was so bummed at the merch booth they only had the red tshirt with the dj set of NYC at the Knockdown center on it.
Dav
Welcome to the forum, happy you stopped by.
Do you happen to have a photo? What did the shirts look like? Wonder if website will add a Portola specific date to the merchandise store like they have for other DJ dates.
Jealous you got to hear Superflash!
I am really behind on a review (work got packed after getting back).
Quick Highlights:
- Superflash! Numero Un! Number One!
- First half more new / obscure, second half more classics like we have been hear
- Yasss!!! Lack Of Love Edit! And after I still claim finding the RAR SoundCloud page years ago where we discovered it!
- All of a Sudden, was not disappointed in finally hearing it live
- Finding @inchemwetrust at Caribou, loosing him in the set, and finding him again as we walked back to the Caltrain
Side note, Despacio was my happy place all weekend. Spent 6 hours there. Still buzzing off closing it out Sunday night.
Also happy to finally see Prodigy the night after for my first time. Can't believe it only took 28 years.
They played Talking Heads' Once In A Lifetime at the NY show (and at the Chris Hoy "Tour de Four" Glasgow event too, I believe). Sounded like a Chemical re-edit. Did it get an airing at Portola?
I'm still on a high from this set. I went in continually reminding myself it's just a DJ set, and walked away not caring about the distinction at all. now. each time a new DJ set is announced now, I get excited that more are happening.
Davy
Quote from: Bosco on Oct 09, 2025, 21:03Welcome to the forum, happy you stopped by.
Do you happen to have a photo? What did the shirts look like? Wonder if website will add a Portola specific date to the merchandise store like they have for other DJ dates.
Jealous you got to hear Superflash!
Thank you Bosco !
Unfortunately i don't have a picture, i showed up to the second merch booth ( not the one near the gates - entrance, the other one ) and the only one for sale was the red tee with "Knockdown Center New York dj set" written on it, and the sale lady told me it was the only one they had for sale from the beginning.
I remember because a couple of weeks before the opening of Portola Festival I had seen it on the Chemical Brothers merch official website as "exclusive" -and not yet for sale -I don't remember the plain color of the tee but it had 'Portola Festival dj set September 20th' ( same format as the Knockdown center one ) written on it and thought it would be sold at the festival , and later on it disappearing from their online merchandise website :( :(
Davy
Quote from: sheratone on Oct 12, 2025, 19:02Thank you Bosco !
Unfortunately i don't have a picture, i showed up to the second merch booth ( not the one near the gates - entrance, the other one ) and the only one for sale was the red tee with "Knockdown Center New York dj set" written on it, and the sale lady told me it was the only one they had for sale from the beginning.
I remember because a couple of weeks before the opening of Portola Festival I had seen it on the Chemical Brothers merch official website as "exclusive" -and not yet for sale -I don't remember the plain color of the tee but it had 'Portola Festival dj set September 20th' ( same format as the Knockdown center one ) written on it and thought it would be sold at the festival , and later on it disappearing from their online merchandise website :( :(
Davy
Bummer, curious if there was a production issue with the Portola version that caused it to ultimately be unavailable. I would maybe try and hold out hope and see if they might eventually get something together by Black Friday of this year. The Chems Merch store seems to offer some deals and updated merch around that time every year.
I liked this one, the start of 2Many Djs and Erol Alkan set.. Pretty intense and powerful.. I suspect it's a Goat remix, maybe someone know name exactly (and who remixed it). From 3 min 50 sec it starts smashing (it might not be the same track though..).