Gov Ball 2025: We heard Hozier's yell, "Heat Waves," and more
Vivid Seats is the New York Post's official ticketing partner. We may receive revenue from this partnership for sharing this content and/or when you make a purchase. Featured pricing is subject to change.
For the Northern Hemisphere, summer officially starts on June 20.
Yet, for myself and many fanatic New Yorkers (interns we love to hate and true lifers alike), the first breath of summer feels more like the day one of Queens' annual Gov Ball.
Spirits are high, the air is thick, and crowds encircle three massive stages. Strangers dance till they forget that cocktails start at $25, waiting impatiently to hear headliners like Olivia Rodrigo, Hozier, and Tyler, the Creator wail through hour-long sets under thunder and warm rain.
Advertisement
There's really someone for everyone at Gov Ball, and it's all just a quick subway ride away, depending on how many people are willing to smash into the 7.
Contrary to its name, the fourteenth iteration of Governor's Ball took place in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park in Queens, right beside the Unisphere — a site at which my European friend asked, 'Is this Universal Studios?'
I'm no novice to New York's music scene, but I've only lived here a couple of years, and from that, I've gathered that the pop-indie-rock-rap festival can feel more like a good-natured family reunion than a multi-day music party. Were there quite a few twelve-year-olds? Yes. Was I too cool to be there? Definitely not.
Ready to swap some head-banging for smoother swaying was no deal-breaker. We made our way to catch the final acts on Sunday: bedroom pop-girly Clairo, five-piece indie rock band Mt. Joy, Aussie-rockers Glass Animals, and of course, our new headliner that had the entire crowd hollering, Hozier.
Advertisement
Luckily for us, Flushing Meadows has no shortage of options for fueling up. Ticket holders have access to five food courts and freebies, too, if you know where to look. Dunkin' was handing out throwback merch and ice-cold lattes (caffeinating highly recommended), and some spirit brands had spin-to-win deals, too.
My advice? Skip the longlines and stick to the basics. Festival food is festival food.
Now, let's get to what matters: the music.
Clairo
Advertisement
No map was needed to find our first stop. Clairo's voice finds you: soft, ethereal, layered, and breathy. The only heavy side of her set is the lyrics, but you may as well forget them when you're in front of her. If Indie Goth-Girl is in this summer, she's a blueprint, floating around in a black mesh dress, mic in one hand and wine in the other. I mean, she is the aesthetic.
She made her Gov Ball debut more gracefully than others, sweeping both sides of the stage with lo-fi gems like 'Echo' and 'Bags.' The slow burn in 'Juna' offered a moment to make some sing-song intros to the band. And, still, nothing matched the dream-state of 'Sofia.' Her sets are true easy-listening, albeit more mellow than expected.
Want to see her live? You can find Clairo's complete 2025 tour calendar here.
Advertisement
Mt . Joy
For more energy, all we had to do was swap stages. One of the joys of a festival is the pace of it all. Most artists are allotted an hour, just enough time to deliver their greatest hits sandwiched between some new sounds. Sometimes though, there's room for leftovers. 'Leave it to a bunch of stoners to map out an hour's worth of time, and that's what you get!' to quote Mt. Joy's lead singer Matt Quinn.
What we got was more music, and nobody was complaining. The folksy rock outfit just released their fourth studio album, 'Hope We Have Fun,' and offered a rare example of artists whose fresh music lands just as well with a crowd craving all the oldies-but-goodies. They sang those, too — belting 'Astrovan' and 'Julia' before finding some solace in 'Silver Lining.'
Cheers erupted as Quinn welcomed Gigi Perez — who has quite a few 2025 shows lined up — for 'In the Middle.' This was a crossover meant to happen. The two duet together beautifully, building hazy vocals into a moody ballad that might make you want to text your ex, and blow up both of your lives a bit. Perez is someone to watch; the same vibrato that sent 'Sailor Song' viral was just as moving in real life. It's almost a Tracy Chapman-esque tone, deep, a bit androgynous, and intensely powerful. If she's not on the next lineup, I'll protest. Politely, but still.
Mt. Joy's other items felt like a stripped-back reflection on life with a lens that lends beauty to all of it. 'Lucy' rang like an anthem amid a stream of existential questions like 'Dust to dust, what becomes of us?' — a track inspired by a friend of the band who is battling an illness. A light, loving escape came with 'Bathroom Light,' and those still craving gritty guitar riffs and rebellious Americana got a rousing cover of Wheatus' Millennial anthem 'Teenage Dirtbag.' A little musical poetry is what this band does best.
Never seen the band live? Click here to see Mt. Joy's schedule to see if they're headed to your neck of the woods.
Glass Animals
Advertisement
The only thing that made leaving Mt. Joy more bearable was the promise of Glass Animals. Don't get me wrong. Hozier was the headliner here, but I was just as hyped to hear 'Heat Waves' performed live, on a hot day in the middle of June. I mean, nothing was more thematically appropriate for this late spring/early summer extravaganza than these lyrics: 'Sometimes, all I think about is you/ Late nights in the middle of June/ Heat waves been fakin' me out.' It felt made for this stage, and while it did offer a satisfying climax to their jam-packed set, I found myself more impressed with their deeper cuts and Dave Bayley's dance moves.
A standout moment came as he launched into mid-crowd for 'Gooey.' I watched Glass Animals perform the moody single a decade ago, and it still has that nostalgic quality that nips you when you least expect it. It feels a world apart from 'Tokyo Drifting' feat. Denzel Curry, which the band offers as an invitation to rave beside jolting lasers and bouncing EDM graphics. It was electric, eclectic, and a little bit sensual (I witnessed a parent cover her kids' ears.) The best of Bayley and Curry in a bit over three minutes.
There's still a bit of Glass Animals' tour left. Snag tix to see the group now.
Advertisement
Hozier
Hours passed, and we were properly primed for the main act. I caught Hozier at the laid-back Forest Hills Stadium last year, and he delivered with a force. But, closing out Gov Ball is higher stakes, and even more so for someone severely under the weather. He unnececarily apologized for his illness shortly after settling in (while still managing to look like a God), then belted like he'd never felt more alive, opening with 'Nobody's Soldier,' before carving out time in his set to deliver stone-cold classics 'Someone New,' 'Like Real People Do,' and 'De Selby (Part 2).'
Of course, if anyone can perform while fighting a virus that feels 'like a shark with knees and legs,' it's the almost 7-foot Irishman who harnesses a voice my friend compares to 'Heaven's gates opening.' Like last time I saw him, his strongest moments were also the softest ones, especially when he wandered to the B-Stage for 'Unknown/Nth' and 'Cherry Wine'. For people who have speculated that he's not real, this was the proof. Raw talent requires nothing more than a mic and melting eyes.
Advertisement
Hozier, as a good headliner does, took a minute (several, actually) to speak on issues close to his heart. He called for an end to imperialism, expressed support for a 'Palestine that's free from occupation,' and encouraged unity over division. During 'Nina Cried Power,' graphics of unhoused people lit up the screen, juxtaposed with charts showing the surging stock prices of Lockheed Martin. Faces froze; it was an impact you felt as much as you saw.
Just when it seemed that the only thing missing was 'Too Sweet' and the long-awaited closer 'Take Me To Church,' he gave us those, too. Breathless, but no less powerful, it was a testament to strength and solidarity, but also evidence that Governor's Ball belongs to the people, regardless of age, background, or taste. It's a fest anyone can enjoy — where music gives meaning and the stories are loud and clear.
Hozier is on the road. To see him, smash this link now.
Upcoming music festivals near NY
Advertisement
Missed out on Gov Ball and want to catch a fest or three in the Tri-State these next few months?
You're in luck.
Here are just five of our favorite options for can't-miss multi-day outdoor get-downs in NY, NJ and CT in summer 2025.
2025 music festivals The Capitol Groove
June 28-29 at Bushnell Park in Hartford, CT
Bleachers, Cake, Khruangbin, Thundercat, Thee Sacred Souls Borderland Music Festival
Sept. 12-14 at Knox State Farm in East Aurora, NY
Vampire Weekend, Mt. Joy, Khruangbin, Nathaniel Rateliff, Band of Horses Sea.Hear.Now Festival
Sept. 13-14 at North Beach in Asbury Park, NJ
Hozier, Blink-182, LCD Soundsystem, Alabama Shakes, Lenny Kravitz All Things Go
Sept. 26-28 at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens, NY
Lucy Dacus, Doechii, Clairo, Gigi Perez, The Marías CBGB Festival
Sept. 27 at Under The K Bridge Park in Brooklyn, NY
Iggy Pop, Sex Pistols, Jack White, Johnny Marr, The Damned
What else is coming up? Take a look at our comprehensive list of 2025 music festivals to find the one that makes the most sense for you.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Yahoo
‘Taylor Swift Olivia Rodrigo Beef' Trend Explained Amid Photo Removal Rumors
The search term 'Taylor Swift Olivia Rodrigo beef' recently started trending online, and fans are wondering why. Rumors of a feud between the two musicians are not exactly new amongst fans, as they have emerged online in the past. Speculation once arose, suggesting that Olivia Rodrigo's song 'Vampire' was about Taylor Swift. However, the 22-year-old songstress has denied having beef with anyone, let alone Swift, even expressing admiration for the latter and her work on several occasions. So, why is 'Taylor Swift Olivia Rodrigo beef' trending? Here's what we have learned on the same. The term 'Taylor Swift Olivia Rodrigo beef' is trending because of recent online reports circulating the internet. They suggest that the 'Drivers License' singer's team had asked Nashville's Bluebird Cafe to remove pictures of Taylor Swift from the restaurant. These reports emerged from an online video. In it, an employee of Bluebird Cafe revealed that Olivia Rodrigo had visited the restaurant in 2023. This was just ahead of the release of her album, Guts. The employee claimed that before she started performing there, they had 'vowed to remove any visible signs of Taylor Swift.' In response to the allegations, the general manager and COO of Bluebird Cafe, Erika Nichols, uploaded a video on X (formerly Twitter). She revealed the truth about what had actually taken place. Nichols confirmed that Rodrigo had filmed at the restaurant. However, she stated that neither the High School Musical: The Musical: The Series star's team nor anyone else asked them to remove Swift's image. Nichols shared that the restaurant themselves decided to remove the 'Bad Blood' songstress' image. This was because it 'was in a position where the filming was taking place.' She explained the decision, saying that they were 'required legally to remove images that are under copyright.' 'We don't own those images, so we cannot give permission for those images to be used in any kind of broadcast,' Nichols added. 'That's the sole reason that the photograph was removed from the place it stood.' Additionally, The Bluebird Cafe's COO said that the aforementioned employee who talked about removing 'visible signs of Taylor Swift' from the restaurant spoke 'out of turn.' She added that he didn't understand why they took down Swift's picture in the first place. Furthermore, he spoke 'carelessly and haphazardly' about it. Originally reported by Abdul Azim Naushad on The post 'Taylor Swift Olivia Rodrigo Beef' Trend Explained Amid Photo Removal Rumors appeared first on Mandatory.
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Yahoo
‘Taylor Swift Olivia Rodrigo Beef' Trends Amid Photo Removal Rumors
The search term 'Taylor Swift Olivia Rodrigo beef' recently started trending online, and fans are wondering why. Rumors of a feud between the two musicians are not exactly new amongst fans, as they have emerged online in the past. Speculation once arose, suggesting that Olivia Rodrigo's song 'Vampire' was about Taylor Swift. However, the 22-year-old songstress has denied having beef with anyone, let alone Swift, even expressing admiration for the latter and her work on several occasions. So, why is 'Taylor Swift Olivia Rodrigo beef' trending? Here's what we have learned on the same. The term 'Taylor Swift Olivia Rodrigo beef' is trending because of recent online reports circulating the internet. They suggest that the 'Drivers License' singer's team had asked Nashville's Bluebird Cafe to remove pictures of Taylor Swift from the restaurant. These reports emerged from an online video. In it, an employee of Bluebird Cafe revealed that Olivia Rodrigo had visited the restaurant in 2023. This was just ahead of the release of her album, Guts. The employee claimed that before she started performing there, they had 'vowed to remove any visible signs of Taylor Swift.' In response to the allegations, the general manager and COO of Bluebird Cafe, Erika Nichols, uploaded a video on X (formerly Twitter). She revealed the truth about what had actually taken place. Nichols confirmed that Rodrigo had filmed at the restaurant. However, she stated that neither the High School Musical: The Musical: The Series star's team nor anyone else asked them to remove Swift's image. Nichols shared that the restaurant themselves decided to remove the 'Bad Blood' songstress' image. This was because it 'was in a position where the filming was taking place.' She explained the decision, saying that they were 'required legally to remove images that are under copyright.' 'We don't own those images, so we cannot give permission for those images to be used in any kind of broadcast,' Nichols added. 'That's the sole reason that the photograph was removed from the place it stood.' Additionally, The Bluebird Cafe's COO said that the aforementioned employee who talked about removing 'visible signs of Taylor Swift' from the restaurant spoke 'out of turn.' She added that he didn't understand why they took down Swift's picture in the first place. Furthermore, he spoke 'carelessly and haphazardly' about it. The post 'Taylor Swift Olivia Rodrigo Beef' Trends Amid Photo Removal Rumors appeared first on - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
Forbes
12 hours ago
- Forbes
Q&A: Summerfest CEO Sarah Pancheri On What Makes The Event So Special
Today (June 19) Summerfest in Milwaukee kicks off with a slate of shows that include Aly & AJ, The Isley Brothers, Gary Clark Jr. and headliners Def Leppard. Over the next three weekends, wrapping July 3 – 5, some of the biggest names in music – Hozier, The Killers, Lainey Wilson, James Taylor, The Lumineers, Benson Boone – will lead an insanely eclectic lineup of top-tier artists that will grace the eights stages on the festival grounds. Bishop Briggs, The Fray, Lindsay Stirling, Riley Green, The Avett Brothers, Devo, Babymetal, Rick Springfield, Billy Corgan, Mike Posner, Social Distortion, Iann Dior, Jo Dee Messina, the list goes on and on. At the head of assembling these dream weekends of music is CEO Sarah Pancheri, who took over that role in 2024. I spoke with her about Summerfest's history and future and more. Steve Batin: So, you're opening with Def Leppard. Sarah Pancheri: Yes, we are thrilled that they will be opening up Summerfest 2025. Baltin: Is this the first year they've played the festival? Pancheri: No, I would need to go back into our archive to know how many times they've played, but I know they've played and they're always a great show, Tesla's opening. And as we talked about briefly the variety of what we present is really one of the things that makes Summerfest so special, which I know you have a high degree of understanding of. Just the nature of it. Baltin: Yeah, that's what makes it special. But most US music festivals would never in a million years put Def Leppard on. Everybody in the world loves Def Leppard. There's a cool factor with a lot of festivals and I really appreciate the fact that Summerfest isn't afraid to go populist. Pancheri: That's our idea, there's always going to be a big variety. When we say something for everyone It's something that we that we take really seriously. So, in our amphitheater this time around, you'll see [acts from] Lainey Wilson to James Taylor to Megan Thee Stallion to Bad Omens. That variety is really one of the parts that makes the festival so terrific. That philosophy has been with us for 60 years almost. So, when you pull from the archives, you see names like Tina Turner and Kenny Chesney, and Billie Eilish, and I was just having a conversation, Sammy Davis Jr. It spans such a wide variety of music that it's really what we pride ourselves on. There are a couple of other things that make us special, of course, the permanent nature of our festival park, Henry Marr Festival Park. It really is 75 acres devoted to festivals. Sixty years ago, as our forefathers said, we'll take this space, which was an old, abandoned field, if you can believe it, just sitting on the lakefront steps away from downtown. And over time, we've developed it into this really gorgeous place with eight permanent stage houses. The range of stages goes from like a 2000 capacity pavilion all the way up to the 23 ,000 seating amphitheater where Def Leppard is going to play. So, it's the variety of music, but then also this permanent site that really makes us stand out. Baltin: I love the fact that James Taylor is one of those people who's just iconic. He's not of the moment. You have Hozier, who's a great guy, and you have Laney Wilson. You have those people that are of the moment, but you also have those people that are just iconic. Pancheri: That is how we program the event because we want to create an environment for everybody to find something that they're going to love. So, the biggest stages are always super exciting. But then just to orient you towards how we do it. The festival admission to the festival does not include access to the amphitheater, but it includes access to the rest of the festival park, where you're going to find bands like Cake, like Loud Luxury, like Gary Clark, Jr. We are so excited about that show. And you'll hear me say that again and again, because it's absolutely true. And as a music fan, you know, you're excited you get to come to work. On our poster, you have Baby Metal, Chicago and Porter Robinson, all kind of in the same place, which again, just speaks to how rare our lineup is. And the accessibility of that is you can come to the festival for the price of 30 bucks. And then the other piece of that, which really makes us stand out, I believe, is as a nonprofit organization, we do this so that we can continue to provide access to this world -class place, this world -class lineup. And then 20 percent of our fans come in free above and beyond that low ticket price. So, it's pretty unique, I think we're one of one. We can't find anything else quite like it. Baltin: Milwaukee is synonymous with Summerfest the same way Jazz Fest is New Orleans. Pancheri: That's high praise. We appreciate that. Thank you, I tend to believe that the people that do this work, it is very special and really takes a lot of dedication, and I know the folks in New Orleans as well as everyone that works really hard at what they do. And so, it's high praise to say that, and when you go back to the roots of the event, the idea that at the time there were massive breweries of beer. And so, the tradition of coming together and celebrating music as well as gathering around, at the time it was Schlitz, Papst, and Miller. It was a great reason to put on display all that Milwaukee and music had to offer in the summertime. Baltin: Talk about the site. Pancheri: Over the past 20 years, we put over $160 million into improving this site, which really does make it that special place. If it were just a field, it would probably feel different, but the permanence of the site really gives the festival a lot of wind in terms of just how important it is. And we're really proud of the fact, over $300 million in economic impact is generated from this park for Wisconsin. So, on an annual basis, $300 million going back into Wisconsin, again, as a nonprofit organization and being able to do that on a regular basis is really, it ingrains us into what Milwaukeeans and what Wisconsinites consider summer. The city of festivals is very real for us. Baltin: You took over in your role in 2024. There's such a legacy for the festival. That's always a fascinating thing to balance that legacy with your own style and vision to it. Pancheri: Thank you. We have an incredible team. So, I've stepped into the role in the beginning of 2024, my predecessor and I worked together for quite some time before that. So, stepping into the role now and really the dynamic nature of this industry, as you well know, it's changing every day. We're making sure that we're remaining current and maintaining that variety while also adding some of these new artists that are coming out. In addition to considering how we're going to use this park, how we're going to continue to expand what the use is, and highest and best use of this beautiful facility is, and how do we continue to enhance the Summerfest experience. So, last year, we started adding some art installations. We're looking at continuing to do that. We continue to push our value proposition. When someone new comes to the festival park and experiences Summerfest, someone who's never been here before, they're genuinely blown away with the value as well as just the variety of music here. So, as I think about what the future looks like and what our team is looking forward to doing, it's how do we continue, enhance, and grow that opportunity that we know is one of one in Milwaukee.
