Memorable Moments from Governors Ball 2023, Day 3

Kendrick Lamar

Ten years after he first performed at Governors Ball in 2013 in connection with his debut album, Kendrick Lamar returned to close out the 2023 festival with Sunday’s headlining set. Unlike last summer’s Big Steppers Tour, a highly conceived and artful presentation, his Governors Ball was a simple affair with him just mostly rapping. Lamar did not address the audience until nearly an hour into his performance, letting the stage go black for intermittent periods in between songs. Dancers performed between songs. he gave a shoutout to his really early days, when he came to NYC for a rite-of-passage show at SOB's. Just a few songs later, he introduced his cousin and protégé Baby Keem for "Family Ties." he ended things the same way he ended The Big Steppers Tour, with the pensive "Savior." Kendrick said "I'll be back," and then fireworks erupted, lighting up the World's Fair structures that were directly behind GovBall's main stage as the festival ended with nearly five minutes of fireworks.

girl in red (photograph by Deanie Chen)

Lil Nas X

Lil Nas X’s set went from mishap to mishap. A few seconds into his opening song, “Montero (Call Me By Your Name),” his in-ear monitors failed. He walked off the stage, puzzling his team of eight dancers who enthused the audience for a while, then walked of the stage as well. Resuming the show a few minutes later, he told the audience that “Honestly, I’m having a terrible day and it’s only getting worse, but I’m doing this for you and we’re gonna turn up.” Moments later, he said, “I want to leave so fucking bad right now,” but carried on a lavish show with outlandish costumes, massive props and dazzling routines. “Some of y’all need to fix your face,” he said. “I’m doing my best, give me a break.” Near the end of his set, he wished everyone a happy Pride Month.

Giveon

Sofi Tukker

Sofi Tukker played pop and dance tunes in front of a playground design. Singer/guitarist Sophie Hawley-Weld climbed the monkey bars during one song.

Ari Lennox

Pusha T

Presumably, rapper Pusha T’s giant snow globe and white mounds of simulated snow on stage were references to coke rap culture. He said he loved his fans so much that he might love them even more than he does his own son, Nigel, whose third birthday party he was missing in New Jersey to be at the festival.

Maude Latour

Central Cee

Central Cee started his show with a seemingly biographical documentary film, then came on stage to technical problems. He left the stage awaiting a reboot and the audience watched the short film again. Cee delivered his steely brand of U.K. drill to an enthusiastic crowd. Cee started with high-energy drill, then transitioned to love songs before noting, “None of that lovey-dovey stuff, let me see some movement,” and returned to hip hop. He dressed for the occasion, wearing a blue sweat suit emblazoned with silhouettes of the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building.

Phony PPL

Sabrina Claudio

Sabrina Claudio wore perhaps the most risqué outfit. She wore shoes, a thong, and a mostly see-though smock with rows of appliques that managed to cover just a bit of skin. One member of the audience noted that by wearing that outfit, Claudio did not have to sing to get attention.

Cat Burns

PinkPantheress

Great Britain’s PinkPantheress walked on stage with a purse hanging from her left shoulder. After her first song, she said she was going to discard her purse. By the time she reached “Boys a Liar,” the audience was singing along so loudly that her own vocals were inaudible. Her show ended and PinkPantheress retrieved her purse and left the stage.

Coast Contra

Black Midi

Black Midi may have been the most unusual band to perform at a Governors Ball. The British band's math rock, post-punk, and avant-jazz were adventurous, experimental, and chaotic. In contrast to all the polished music featured at Governors Ball, this was the wildest and perhaps the most creative music in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park all weekend.

DJ Jake Silva

Phatjazz (photograph by Mickey Pierre-Louis)

Ella Jane (photograph by Nick WNYC)

Haiku Hands (photograph by Paigge Warton)

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Memorable Moments from Governors Ball 2023, Day 2

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Governors Ball Music Festival 2022, Day 1

Governors Ball Music Festival 2022, Day 2

Governors Ball Music Festival 2022, Day 3

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The Manhattan Beat covers New York City's live music circuit. All articles are written by Everynight Charley Crespo. All photographs are taken by Everynight Charley Crespo, except when noted otherwise.

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