On May 13-15th, the Redondo Beach Beachlife Festival celebrated its fourth year with jammed pack music extravaganza. The Redondo Beach’s backyard had a stellar lineup of artist from Vance Joy to UB40 to Weezer to Stone Temple Pilots to Smashing Pumpkins. This three-day music fest included four stages where 50 musicians graced the stages and heavy-hitters like Weezer (Friday night), Smashing Pumpkins (Saturday night) and Steve Miller Band (Sunday night) appeared on the last part of the concert.
Although I was there only on Saturday, I say that the fest was very organized. I found ample parking and felt safe with guards on the sidewalks. There was also accessible transportation and food stands were conveniently placed on perfect spots. I came in around 2:00 pm just in time to see the band Capital Cities. The attendees were very diverse. In front of me were interracial couples who brought their cute toddlers with headphones and they were playing with beach balls and sand. Beside me were Gen-Xers who brought their Gen Z kids. Capital Cities covered Sinead O’Conner’s “Nothing Compares 2 U” which was a danceable beat. Of course, the band’s bona fide hit “Safe and Sound” which fans grooved and sang their heart out too. CC also mentioned that it was their first show after 10 years.
The second band I saw was Stone Temple Pilot which climbed the heights of mega-rock stardom in the 90s and known for knack for classic-rock riffs. I have never seen Jeff Gutt live in person with the founding members of STP but I was impressed with his standout performance. His stage presence was emphatic and I also noticed his expansive voice. Once he sang STP’s masterpieces “Interstate Love Song” and “Big Empty” the audience tossed energy around and started to sing in chorus. Gutt loved to run, get off stage and join the audience which we all appreciated.
I was very fortunate to find just the perfect spot to view Smashing Pumpkins, one of my favorite alternative rock bands of the 90s. This was an epic night since I have never seen SP performed live. As Billy Corgan entered the stage the crowd became energized. The front man was clad in oversized gold and black robe with some face paint and playing heavily with his guitar. I remember when I just had my first brand new car Acura Integra 1994, KROQ was my constant companion driving to my first job. When KROQ played Smashing Pumpkins songs I would crank up the volume and rolled down the window so people would think I am cool. Smashing Pumpkins played their viral smash “Bullet with Butterfly Wings“. “Tonight, Tonight“, “Disarm“. But the bonus of SP show when was Corgan showed off his kids on stage. That was just too cool to see a side of his personal life. We all grew up and got older but seeing Smashing Pumpkins and listening to Billy Corgan’s distinctive voice seemed to be like 1993 again.
Seeing these bands at the BeachLife Fest in Redondo Beach was incredible. With the ocean breeze, an array of great music, high-quality production and the gorgeous sunset was a truly weekend to remember.
Now it’s time to purchase your tickets to the next BeachLife Ranch on Sept. 16-18. Can’t wait to be there.
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