Given that I’m still surrounded by the lingering aroma of chemical-warfare-grade sunblock two days after the fireworks finale, it’s hard to accept that Riverbend has ended, but the festival breakdown is well underway. As such, now seems as good a time as any to take a moment to reflect on what went well and what could use some polishing.
THE GOOD
* Coke Stage-worthy supporting acts: Florida Georgia Line kicked things off on opening night by attracting record crowds to the Bud Light Stage. A week later, U.K.’s Leogun rocked the TVFCU Stage with a show some called the evening’s sleeper hit. They were followed by Moontaxi, which ended with a show many Twitter users gushingly described as the festival’s best.
* EDM: Nashville’s Cherub and Brooklyn’s Break Science proved the final Saturday that not only does electronic dance music have a place at Riverbend, it can work even early in the day. Hopefully, Friends of the Festival took note and will explore this further in the future. Dragonette next year? Icona Pop? Please?
THE NOT-SO-GOOD