By 2pm on Sunday at ACL, fans were running and screaming towards the Amex Stage to catch a glimpse of their favorite British rockstar making his second appearance at Austin City Limits. YUNGBLUD took the stage full of energy performing his 2022 single “The Funeral”. With the heat at its peak the “Parents” singer dumped an ice cold orange cup onto his head and continued his lively act. You would never even know he and the band didn’t sleep the night before had he not said anything.
At the Barton Springs Stage fans gathered on the railings well before the scheduled run time of 3pm for Faye Webster. Shattering at every glimpse they caught of her signature blue attire. As the steel guitar rang out into the crowd and the “Atlanta” singer started to play, the crowd swayed back and for in the heat. Safe to say hearts were melted.
Bia, who’s set was scheduled just 15 minutes after, had a delayed start of about 10-15 min. While the crowd waited in anticipation, the DJ reminded everyone to stay hydrated as he hyped them up with some families hits. After the short intermission “BIA BIA” was the only thing on anyone’s mind and she didn’t let them forget it. The “WHOLE LOTTA MONEY” singer and her dancers performed amazingly.
A local favorite, Spoon, played next on the Honda Stage. Whether you’re from Austin or not, you have probably heard the band a time or two. Britt Daniel and his cream colored Fender were welcomed by a large crowd ready to hear hits like “Don’t You Evah” which they played early on in the set. The band displayed a lot of charisma on the still hot ACL stage, with Alex Fischel giving a star performance. Jim Eno displayed Little Richard on his bass drum which was a nice touch. As the sun started to find its resting point towards the end of the show, “I Turn My Camera On” started to play and all was good in the world.
The extremely popular band Japanese Breakfast was greatly anticipated through the buzz of the weekend. Fans screamed, “J Brekkie, J brekkie!” as they waited for the band to take stage. Anticipation grew As the keyboardist showed to place her water down. Finally, with Mallet in hand, Michelle Zauner appeared. The dedicated fans jumped, sang and danced to the indie pop star as she sang beautifully and occasionally hit a giant gong. It was an incredible and energetic performance.
Probably the most prominent color around ACL this year was orange but not just because of the reusable cups. Fans of all ages were rocking wigs, totems and other apparel to match Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams. Without a doubt the most anticipated concert for most, the band packed the American Express Stage to the ever-famed ACL flags. As the concert went on, the band played hits such as “Decode” and “Ain’t It Fun” with Williams running back and forth on stage pumping the crowd up. The most notable moment from the set was hearing the shear amount of people in the crowd all singing “Misery Business” in unison. While people usually do this in general any time the 2007 track is played, this time was something special.
At the Miller Lite Stage, EDM fans gathered as Grammy-nominated-producer ZHU was set to start at 7pm. Unlike his surprise appearance at ACL the year before, Zhu would be performing his ever-famed live set for attendees. This included a guitarist, drummer and saxophonist. As he stood above the LED mountain they created for him (very cool) Zhu sang his hit tracks over the dance club favorites he is best known for. The crowd went wild. Exceptional set.
Hailing from California, Red Hot Chili Peppers, probably one of the most well-known bands today, was set to kick of the final set of ACL 2022. While the band probably wasn’t happy about the sound issues they faced, they were celebrating one thing: it was Flea’s Birthday! The ever-famed rockstar bassist came out jumping high as he does before receiving his bass from his stage tech. After him and drummer, Chad Smith played for a short period accompanied by the recently returned guitarist John Frusciante. Lead Anthony Kiedis took ACL front and center. The band played a lot of music throughout the evening, mostly sticking to the hits and had less of a focus on some of their newer material from the last decade. The presence of original member, Frusciante was not missed and highly welcomed by the crowd. Like weekend one of the festival, the band did not fill their entire time slot. The reaction was melancholy to most but fans seemed extremely satisfied with the performance displayed.
As tradition holds, fireworks ended the festivities. Fans filled up their hydration packs one last time, gathered their friends and belongings and headed toward the big ACL ball as if it were a bug zapper pulling them that way. Security guards made their rounds, kicking out stragglers not yet ready for the weekend at Zilker Park to be over. Most leaving would hear attendees express the popular expression, “until next year ACL.” If not heard, they felt it.
