It’s bittersweet when Outside Lands hits it’s third and final day. By then, the amount of visual and aural stimulation ingested has been astounding — and outstanding — and it’s clear folks are going to need to get some rest soon. And yet, the experience of hearing thrilling bands and indulging in fantastic food and drink is so wondrous it’s a shame it ever has to end. But end it must and this year’s finale was a perfect send off to another memorable festival.
The roster included up-and-comers and superstars, as is the modus operandi of OSL. Former Fun. member Jack Antoff played a high-octane afternoon set with his band Bleachers on the Lands End stage. During the song “Rollercoaster,” Antoff stopped the band and yelled at the crowd to “get on someone’s shoulders,” an order to which many complied. Also on the pop/rockers set list was a great cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Go Your Own Way.”
The next glen over saw Irish singer/songwriter James McMorrow win over the crowd at the Sutro stage with his R&B infused tunes, while Sofi Tukker kept things lively at the opposite end of the festival on the Twin Peaks stage.
As the sun began slow slide to the Western horizon, the infamous San Francisco fog rolled in like a soft, cold, blanket just in time for Lorde’s 6 p.m. show. Despite the chill, the audience remained rapt as the Kiwi trotted out old and new songs, including her mega hit “The Royals.”
One the main stage, The Who closed Day 3 with a brilliant set, proving why this band is legendary — and still relevant — five decades after its formation, while Solange enchanted festival goers with her performance at Sutro.
When the music ended, thousands of wet, tired, thrilled, and blissful folks spilled out of Golden Gate Park into the adjoining neighborhoods as Outside Lands 10th annual music, arts, and food festival came to an end.