Music
Skrillex releases surprise album at Madison Square Garden set
After going nearly a decade without a new album, Skrillex released two albums in the span of 24 hours.
Skrillex made quite the impression during a five-hour set at Madison Square Garden on Saturday.
Joined by Four Tet and Fred Again, the trio brought dance music back to the famous New York City venue after a lengthy absence.
Skrillex noted that the idea to play the venue was Four Tet’s idea, with the decision proving to be a successful one. The show was only announced on Wednesday February 15, yet it managed to sell out within two minutes of going on sale.
Skrillex released two new albums
Just on Friday, Skrillex released a new album ‘Quest for Fire’, his first full-length release since ‘Recess’ in 2014. ‘Recess’ charted in several countries, with Rolling Stone later ranking it at number 22 on their list of the 50 Best Albums of 2014.
‘Quest for Fire’ features guest appearances from the likes of Missy Elliott, Four Tet, Dylan Brady, Peter Wentz and more.
Rumors had been swirling that the project was the first half of double album, with the second part expected to arrive later in 2023. Instead, Skrillex stunned the 20,000 fans in attendance at Madison Square Garden by announcing the release of his second album, ‘Don’t Get Too Close’, in 24 hours.
“I dropped an album last night, and I dropped another one right now,” said Skrillex following the announcement. “Surpriiiiise!”
He described the entry as “not really as much rave music as something you guys can listen to on the way home.”
Just like ‘Quest for Fire’, there are several big names on ‘Don’t Get Too Close’ including Kid Cudi, Swae Lee, Bibi Bourelly, Chief Keef, PinkPanteress and even Justin Bieber.
Special night for Skrillex
At one point Skrillex thanked everyone in attendance after recently opening up about what he called “the toughest year of my life” in 2022.
“Had the toughest year of my life in ‘22, as did so many others. I literally found myself with no drive and purpose for the first time in my life,” he wrote in a series of tweets.
“My mother passed away a few years back, 2nd day of Lollapalooza tour in [South America]. I never ever coped with it … I drank the pain away and kept going.”
He added: “For the first time in 4-5 years I’ve found a new sense of peace. It took so much work and sacrifice to get here. There’s my bday tweet to you all..
“Turing [sic] 35 for me was realizing there are certain f—s you should not give, you’ll be more free for that. Here’s to 35 laps around the sun and to the f—s I will no longer give.”