Tomorrowland 2025’s first weekend kicked off with an unexpected twist that quickly turned into a testament to the festival’s spirit and the unity of the music community. The days leading up to the event were marked by the surreal news of the main stage burning down, an incident that could have derailed the entire experience. Yet, what unfolded was nothing short of miraculous, setting the tone for an unforgettable weekend of electronic music.
The Phoenix Rises: A Stage Reborn
The initial shock of the stage incident quickly gave way to admiration as the festival organizers, with the incredible support of the legendary band Metallica, pulled off an astonishing feat. Metallica, known for their powerful stage productions, loaned their stage for the first weekend, creating a truly unique visual experience. It was reminiscent of a grand Metallica concert setup, or even the expansive stages seen at EDC, and brought to mind the impressive screens of clubs like The Mirage in Brooklyn. The sight of a sign adorably thanking “Metallicva” (with a charming typo of one “L”) perfectly captured the heartwarming collaboration that saved the weekend.
Weekend Winners: Standing Out in a Stellar Lineup
Despite the initial hurdle, the music remained the undisputed star. Several artists delivered sets that left a lasting impression, showcasing the diverse talent that graces Tomorrowland’s stages.
Fisher emerged as an absolute standout. His set was described as “excellent” and “high level,” solidifying his reputation as a top-tier performer. With a knack for captivating the crowd, it’s easy to imagine him headlining any major event and playing “indefinitely.” His 60-minute slot at Tomorrowland was a masterclass in energy and selection, proving why he’s considered one of the best.
A true revelation for many was Sub Focus. Their sound was hailed as “sick,” a “fast and furious” onslaught that demanded attention. It was a non-stop barrage of high-level, rapid-fire music, distinctive and incredibly fun, the kind of set you could listen to for “hours and hours.”
Charlotte de Witte delivered a particularly impressive second set. While her music was undeniably powerful, the occasional “Hello Cleveland” style crowd interaction, where DJs prompt the audience to yell “Tomorrowland,” sparked a debate. For some, the focus should remain solely on the music, as crowd yelling often means less listening. It was even noted that Charlotte seemed surprised by an unprompted “Tomorrowland” yell from someone not on stage. The observation extended to guest appearances, with artists like Like Mike or Dimitri Vegas and MATTN’s partner taking photos or simply observing, raising the question of what truly constitutes a collaboration.
However, artists like Mortem, Kevin Devires with cassian and Anyma were lauded for their dedication to “shut up and play,” providing pure, unadulterated music that consistently places them at the top of many lists. David Guetta and Martin Garrix also delivered high-level performances, reinforcing their status as industry titans and top-booked DJs.
A true workhorse of the electronic music scene, Armin van Buuren captivated the Freedom stage with an hours-long set. His dedication to his craft is unparalleled, seemingly living and breathing DJing, whether on stage, YouTube, or through his “State of Trance” broadcasts. He remains a consistent top pick for his relentless, high-quality performances.
Lost Frequencies also delivered a great set, though some felt a need for new material, noting his continued reliance on hits like “Are You With Me.” Nevertheless, his sets are consistently high-level with no gaps, and thankfully, he avoided certain overplayed anthems this year.
Overall, the main stage for Weekend 1 was a continuous stream of high-level performances. There were no noticeable gaps, nothing boring or repetitive, and the quality remained consistently high. While many DJs engage in crowd interaction, the preference for a purely musical journey, free from soccer-style roars, remains a distinct listening style.
More Highlights from Weekend 1
Beyond the main stage and personal favorites, Tomorrowland 2025 Weekend 1 was packed with incredible talent across all stages. Here’s a look at some other notable performances:
- ALOK: Known for his infectious Brazilian bass, ALOK brought a vibrant energy that had the crowd moving from start to finish. His signature sound filled the arena, creating an undeniable party atmosphere.
- Artbat b2b Kölsch: This back-to-back set was a masterclass in melodic techno. The seamless blend of their individual styles created an immersive and deeply emotional sonic journey, a true highlight for fans of progressive sounds.
- Axwell: A true titan of progressive house, Axwell delivered a set filled with uplifting melodies and powerful drops. His ability to connect with the crowd through his iconic tracks was evident, solidifying his legendary status.
- Meduza: The Italian trio brought their signature deep and melodic house sound, creating a sophisticated yet energetic vibe. Their set was a testament to their ability to craft atmospheric soundscapes that resonate deeply with the audience.
- NERVO: The Australian sisters brought their high-octane energy and pop-infused EDM to the stage. Their dynamic performance and infectious enthusiasm were a crowd-pleaser, delivering a dose of pure festival euphoria.
- Odymel b2b Pegassi: This b2b delivered a powerful and driving set, showcasing their combined prowess in hard-hitting electronic music. It was a relentless journey through pulsating rhythms and intense soundscapes.
- Sub Zero Project: For those craving harder styles, Sub Zero Project delivered an explosive performance. Their raw energy and intricate productions created a high-impact experience that satisfied the cravings of hardstyle enthusiasts.
- Vini Vici: The Israeli psytrance duo brought their unique, high-energy sound to Tomorrowland, creating a truly hypnotic and exhilarating experience. Their set was a journey through powerful basslines and soaring melodies.
- Alan Walker: With his signature mask and melodic EDM sound, Alan Walker delivered a set filled with fan favorites and anthemic drops. His performance was a testament to his global appeal and ability to craft catchy, memorable tunes.
- B Jones: B Jones brought a fresh and energetic vibe to her set, showcasing her diverse taste and ability to seamlessly blend different genres. Her infectious enthusiasm radiated through the crowd.
- Cassian b2b Kevin de Vries: This back-to-back set was a deep dive into melodic techno and progressive house. The synergy between the two artists created a captivating and evolving soundscape, perfect for an immersive festival experience. Both of these artists are excellent and i am excited to see cassian do his own set during Weekend 2.
- Daybreak: Charlotte de Witte: Charlotte de Witte’s Daybreak set offered a unique, more introspective start to the day, showcasing a different facet of her techno prowess, building intensity as the sun rose.
- Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike: The Tomorrowland mainstays delivered their signature high-energy, crowd-pleasing set. Known for their anthems and engaging stage presence, they once again brought the house down with their electrifying performance.
- Dubvision b2b Third Party: This collaboration brought together two powerhouses of progressive house, resulting in a set filled with uplifting melodies, powerful drops, and an undeniable sense of euphoria.
- Fedde Le Grand: A veteran in the scene, Fedde Le Grand delivered a masterclass in house music. His set was a blend of classic and contemporary sounds, keeping the energy high and the dance floor packed.
- Miss Monique: Miss Monique captivated the audience with her melodic progressive house. Her expertly crafted transitions and emotive soundscapes created a truly enchanting experience.
- Nicky Romero: Nicky Romero brought his signature progressive house sound, filled with soaring synths and powerful builds. His set was a testament to his consistent ability to deliver anthemic performances.
- Daybreak: Arielle Free b2b Sam Divine: This Daybreak set offered a soulful and uplifting start to the day, with disco and house vibes that gently eased the crowd into the festival atmosphere.
- Goodboys: Known for their vocal contributions to hit tracks, Goodboys delivered a dynamic set that blended live elements with electronic beats, creating a unique and engaging performance.
- Maddix: Maddix brought a powerful and driving sound, blending elements of techno and big room. His set was high-energy and relentless, keeping the crowd on their toes.
- Matroda: Matroda delivered a strong performance with his distinctive bass house sound. His groovy beats and infectious energy made for a highly danceable and memorable set.
- Solomun: The master of deep house, Solomun, delivered a mesmerizing set that took the audience on a journey through intricate rhythms and captivating melodies. His ability to craft extended, immersive experiences was on full display.
- MATTN: MATTN’s set was energetic and vibrant, showcasing her diverse range and ability to command the stage. Her performance was a testament to her growing presence in the electronic music scene.
A Weekend to Remember
Tomorrowland 2025 Weekend 1, despite its challenging start, proved to be a resounding success. The resilience shown in overcoming the stage incident, coupled with the consistently high-level performances across all artists, solidified its reputation as one of the world’s premier music festivals. From the unexpected heroes like Metallica to the undisputed musical talents, it was a weekend that will undoubtedly be remembered for its spirit, its beats, and its unwavering magic.