There is truly nothing like experiencing a sold out concert. And if you think you have attended a sold out concert at Jacobs Pavilion, I assure you it was not as sold out as Zeds Dead was on Friday night. I have been to a wide range of concerts at this venue, and I have truly never seen it as full as it was for this show. The bleachers were packed tight, and the floor felt like a maze to try to navigate. Even the areas near the bars and along the river were full of people, probably fans who had bleacher seats and were not prepared to brace the packed stadium seating. There was something truly special about seeing this iconic DJ duo play in such a packed venue, and they made sure to deliver.
This Canadian duo is no stranger to sold out shows, having started their journey in the EDM world back in 2009 and quickly rising in popularity. Within a year, they went from weekly basement shows in Toronto bars that they called “Bassmentality” to a 40+ show North American tour and a European debut shortly after. The duo, made up of Dylan Mamid and Zachary Rapp-Rovan, have become a “must see” for EDM fans and can often be found at the top of festival lineups throughout the summer.
The pair took the stage in Cleveland in full suits, a different vibe than the rave attire most fans wear to EDM shows, but somehow it worked perfectly. The massive DJ booth looked like a sleek white tech lab, featuring pixelated videos of the songs they remixed and other exciting visuals to add to the music experience. During their remix of The Beatles “Day Tripper” old school videos of the band filled the screen before transitioning into a strobe light show for the base drop. Other remixed covers were added to the set, including Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain” and, perhaps the crowd favorite of the night, Lana Del Rey’s “Young and Beautiful.” While the vibe-y dance music is fun, sprinkling in remix covers was the perfect way to mix up the set and keep fans going all night long.
Of course, their own music is recognizable as well, and covers are not the only driving force behind this show. “Gassed Up” and “Word Scramble” were two favorites of the night, being songs that feature Subtronics and have a very distinct sound. These songs feature a much more bass heavy, fast tempo style of EDM, often called “wubby” by fans. What makes Zeds Dead so good at their craft, is that they know how to balance these bass heavy moments with more chill ones. You aren’t overwhelmed with heavy bass drops every song, but rather get a moment to sit back and vibe to the music before another heavy dance song comes in.
As someone who has just started going to EDM shows, seeing a duo like this live is something you truly need to experience to appreciate. Not just for their talent, or the diversity in their sound, but for the way they bring people together. The positive energy in that venue could be seen and felt by all, and you could tell everyone was there to let go and just connect with the music. Between the lights, lasers, smoke plumes, and heavy bass drops, there’s a community that exists that is there to spread joy, and participate in it as well. Zeds Dead is a key piece in that community, being a staple amongst these fans and creating a space they can go to dance, laugh, and enjoy life. It is no mystery how this duo sold out this show, and I guarantee they will do it over and over again.
© 2025 CleveRock Music Portal. A PROUD SHAPE CLEVELAND PRODUCTION