The South by Southwest (SXSW) music festival started with a bang as electronic pop pioneers New Order opened it with their classic hit, “Blue Monday.” The performance marked a significant moment for the festival. It returned in-person after two years of virtual events due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this article, we’ll look closer at New Order’s performance, the history behind “Blue Monday,” and what attendees can expect from the rest of the SXSW music festival.

New Order’s Performance at SXSW

New Order’s performance at the SXSW music festival was highly anticipated, with fans excited to hear the band’s classic hits performed live once again. The band did not disappoint, as they kicked off their set with “Blue Monday,” a song that has become synonymous with the band’s legacy.

The crowd at the festival was in high spirits, with attendees dancing and singing along to the iconic song. New Order’s performance was a reminder of the power of live music and the sense of community it can create.

The History of “Blue Monday”

“Blue Monday” was released by New Order in 1983 and quickly became a hit in the UK, reaching number nine on the UK Singles Chart. The song’s popularity continued to grow, and it has since become one of the most recognizable and influential songs in the history of electronic music.

The song’s distinctive sound was created using a combination of analog and digital instruments, including a Roland TR-808 drum machine and an Oberheim DMX drum machine. The track’s synthesizers and drum machines set the standard for electronic music production. Its influence can still be heard in many pop, and electronic music hits today.

What to Expect from the Rest of the SXSW Music Festival

The SXSW music festival is one of the most significant events in the music industry, featuring a diverse range of artists worldwide. This year’s festival promises to be no different, with an exciting lineup of performers set to take the stage.

In addition to these headliners, the festival will feature performances from up-and-coming artists across various genres, including rock, pop, hip-hop, and electronic music.

Attendees can also look forward to other events and activities, including panel discussions, film screenings, and networking opportunities.

Conclusion

New Order’s performance of “Blue Monday” at the SXSW music festival marked a significant moment for the event, as it returned to in-person programming after two years of virtual events. In addition, the performance was a reminder of the power of live music and the sense of community it could create.

The festival promises to be an exciting event for music fans, with a diverse lineup of performers set to take the stage. From headliners like Billie Eilish and Haim to up-and-coming artists across various genres, the SXSW music festival will have something for everyone.