When Zeds Dead brings their Deadbeats tour to Eugene, it’s always a magical time. This past Saturday was no different, marking their third year of stacked lineups and good vibes at the Cuthbert Amphitheater. The Deadbeats tour is always unique, and DC and Hooks bring such happy and genuinely uplifting vibes to every city they visit. Eugene’s roster included bass legends Zeke Beats, AFK, Peekabo, G Jones and of course, Zeds Dead.
When the venue doors opened up at 4:30 it was HOT, hitting a high of 90°, but the crowd was ready. Up-and-coming artist Zeke Beats kicked the night off with his signature basslines. In just two years Zeke Beats has rushed the scene and found his place with a dirty, crunchy sound that’s growing on us. Jimmy Blythe, better known as AFK, took the stage next, bringing it up a notch for the crowd and apparently the equipment as well. Shortly after Peekaboo’s set began he started a DJ’s worst nightmare: technical difficulties. With music looping in the background, he informed the Cuthbert that his USB was faulty and was only able to use two CDJs, in which he needs four for his set “I’m literally living my worst nightmare right now,” he said to the crowd as he and a team worked to fix the problem.
Despite the hiccups, Peekabo’s set was HARD and it was HOT. With the sun beginning to set, groups of partygoers took to the shade to await G Jones. His mind-altering visuals are best at night, and Greg did not disappoint. Every set G Jones does is on the fly, and his breakdowns filled the Cuthbert with steady, grooving vibes; giving the crowd a chance to breathe and prepare for the insanity that came next. Zeds Dead’s is incredible, DC and Hooks are able to outdo themselves every time they visit. The duo dropped new songs like Rescue with Dion Timmer and Stars Tonight with DROELOE. As well as playing their classic track Collapse near the end of the night, just to hit us in the feels once again.
A new aspect of this year’s 2019 Deadbeats tour was the addition of afterparties for select cities. For attendee’s 18 and up there was an official afterparty at Sessions Music Hall. Helping keep the party going with more bass music were Clamchop, Vampa and the heavy hitter Kompany, tearing apart Sessions until 2 AM. The Deadbeats tour will make another stop in the PNW in Seattle on September 28 at the Washington Music Theater.
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