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VELD Music Festival
deadmau5 at 2016 VELD
GenreEDM, Hip hop
Date(s)2-day weekend
in early August or late July
Location(s)Downsview Park
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Years active2012-present
FounderINK Entertainment
Attendance30,000 (single-day estimate)
Websiteveldmusicfestival.com

VELD Music Festival (commonly referred to as VELD) is an annual electronic dance music and hip-hop music festival held at Downsview Park in Toronto, Ontario. Since its inception in 2012, the festival attracts crowds numbering in the tens of thousands and notable acts including Martin Garrix, Armin van Buuren, Hardwell, Steve Aoki, and Tiesto. The Toronto-native Deadmau5 used to be a first-day headliner for multiple years of the festival.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Veld Music Festival event scheduled for August 1 and 2, 2020 in Downsview Park in Toronto has been cancelled.[1]

History

2012

In April 2012, a two-day electronic dance music (EDM) festival to be held at Downsview Park in the Toronto area on August 4–5 was announced. The initial line-up included notable EDM acts such as deadmau5, Avicii, Bassnectar, Steve Aoki, Steve Angello, Knife Party, and Nicky Romero.[2] The festival, organized by Charles Khabouth's INK Entertainment, features two neighboring stages and performances by about thirty or so different artists.[3] The event is named after "The Veldt", a song by the deadmau5[3][4] and a veld, "an Afrikaans word for an open grassland... not unlike the vast field in Downsview Park."[4]

On Saturday, August 5, deadmau5 headlined at the first day of the event. The festival was attended by a crowd numbering around 20,000 concertgoers. Despite rain in the early part of his performance, deadmau5 performed to what the Rolling Stone described as an "enraptured" audience in a mood akin to "a glowing Woodstock". As the rain eventually stopped, the DJ would perform a 90-minute set which included songs such as the festival's namesake "The Veldt", "Aural Psynapse" and "Strobe". Besides deadmau5 and the other artists announced earlier, the festival included a performance by Avicii, who performed as the final-day headliner.[3]

2013

Deadmau5 would also headline at the second annual festival held on August 3–4, 2013. The year saw the return of Steve Aoki and Steve Angello along with performances by Dada Life, Kaskade, Above & Beyond,[5][6] and Madeon. Other local Canadian artists included Adventure Club, Carlo Lio, Greg Gow and Manzone & Strong.[7]

2014

The third two-day event in 2014 was sponsored by Red Bull and Bacardi. The festival would feature over thirty artists from the EDM and hip-hop genres, including Armin van Buuren, Calvin Harris, Iggy Azalea, NERO, Waka Flocka Flame and ZEDD. The concerts were held on the weekend of August 2–3.[4]

The first day of performances began with opening acts that included Oliver Heldens, Overwerk, W&W, Bingo Players. This was followed by an hour-long performance by the British band NERO. The penultimate set of the night was performed by Sebastian Ingrosso, a former member of the Swedish House Mafia. Armin van Buuren performed the final concert of the evening.[8]

Sunday featured performances by Adventure Club on the main VELD Stage and a notable performance by SAVOY on the Bacardi Stage. Other performances of the night included Iggy Azalea, Gramatik, Tommy Trash, ZEDD, and Knife Party. The night's festivities ended with a set by Calvin Harris which included a performance of popular hit "Summer".[8]

On August 4, Mark Saunders, then deputy chief of the Toronto Police, reported that fifteen people had falling ill after ingesting "party drugs" at the event. Of those, thirteen were hospitalized and two had died. One of the dead was handcuffed by police during transport to the hospital and had died in the ambulance. Ontario's Special Investigations Unit (SIU), which investigates possible officer misconduct launched an investigation into the circumstances of his death.[9] SIU concluded their investigation and announced that "Toronto Police were not responsible for the death."[10]

The Toronto Police Homicide Squad also launched a separate criminal investigation into the deaths and illnesses caused by the drugs.[11] Police urged people that had attended the event to hand over any drugs obtained at the event in order to aid in the investigation.[12] On August 5, Police revealed that the investigation was focused on two drugs found at the event, "a 'small brown pill' and a 'small clear capsule with a white substance' [but that] police don't yet know what drug caused the illnesses."[13] The investigation concluded, a year later, that the deaths were accidental.[14]

2015

In February 2015, INK Entertainment announced that deadmau5 will again be one of the headliners of the summer event to be held August 1–2.[15] In April, it was announced that Hardwell will be the final headliner in the second day of the event. Other notable artists announced included A$AP Rocky, Borgore, Carnage, Chocolate Puma, DVBBS, Gorgon City, Hot Since 82, Kill the Noise, Laidback Luke, Nicky Romero, Oliver Heldens, Pretty Lights, Steve Aoki, and The Chainsmokers.[16]

On July 19, the Toronto Star reported that the "organizers are vowing to crack down on illicit substance use at the event."[17] Among the safety measures announced were two "amnesty boxes" at the entrance to collect unwanted illegal drugs and advisory packets which included maps directing people to medical, food and water stations.[18] There would also be public service announcements in between performances and a designated "safe and chill space" where festival-goers with adverse drug reactions can be assessed.[17]

Day one of the 2015 festival began with a performance by Manzone & Strong. Later in the day, a set by The Chainsmokers was interrupted due to a weather alert. The festival eventually continued, after a delay, with a performance from Steve Aoki who rallied the crowd. The second stage saw the rowdy performances by Borgore and A$AP Rocky. In typical fashion, the evening ended with a set from deadmau5, returning for his third time to the VELD stage.[19]

Day two began with a performance by Dzeko & Torres on the main stage while SNBRN performed a set on the Bacardi Stage.[19] Around 6 pm in the evening,[20] after a performance by Oliver Heldens, there was an announcement that due to the approaching storm the remainder of the event would be canceled and that the area evacuated. However, some people in attendance lingered a while before complying with the evacuation. The weather took a serious turn for the worse with a storm that included thunder, lightning, and hail.[19] Nonetheless, INK Entertainment received criticism for the cancellation and demands for a refund through social media.[19][21] Organizers announced a few days later that they would offer a forty percent refund for all tickets purchased at authorized retailers.[22] Above & Beyond, Duke Dumont, Hot Since 82 and Hardwell, the headliner of the evening, were among the acts that never made it to the stage.[23]

2016

In March 2016, it was announced that this year's festival will see the return of deadmau5, DVBBS, Steve Aoki and The Chainsmokers along with Travis Scott, Flume, Kygo, and Martin Garrix.[24] In June, the full lineup for the July 30–31 event was announced and included Post Malone and Duke Dumont, among others.[25] The organizers stated that similar safety measures will be in place this year with additional stations and staff. The company also rented a nearby building to serve as an additional medical center staffed with a doctor and nurses.[26]

Martin Garrix finale with pyrotechnics

The Saturday concerts began with a set by Galantis followed by another DJ duo Yellow Claw. This was followed by another performance by Steve Aoki, a veteran of the VELD stage. Duke Dumont, who had missed out on the previous year's festival due to bad weather, performed on the second stage, now renamed the Terra Stage. The main stage saw performances by DVBBS followed by a half-hour set by Flume. The night's festivities ended with a performance by deadmau5, who would again play the festival's namesake song "The Veldt".[27] The artist unveiled for the first time his new stage with a distinct cube design.[28][29]

Sunday performances began under cloudy skies that soon cleared. The first on the main stage was New World Punx while Ephwurd performed on the second stage. The Chainsmokers, whose performance the previous year had been partially interrupted, would perform on the main stage. Kygo performed the second to last set on the main as the sun began to set. The evening ended with the headliner of the event Martin Garrix. His performance was capped off with fireworks fired from the stage.[30]

2017

In April 2017, it was announced that this year's festival would feature performances by Future, Major Lazer, and Tiësto.[31] The organizers later announced that Zedd will also be one of the headliners of the event.[32] The festival on August 5–6 will also include 3LAU, A$AP Ferg, Borgore, Madeon, Migos, Lil Uzi Vert, Slushii, Tory Lanez, W&W and a few dozen more artists.[31][33][34]

2018

In late February 2018, it was announced that the 2018 festival would include headline performances by DJ Snake and Marshmello, alongside returning 2016 headliner Martin Garrix and side stage act from 2017, Migos. The event was held on the first weekend of August, the 4th and 5th.[35][36]

The first day suffered from grievances such as the late arrival of Migos and large groups of people crowding the water filling stations. The Migos actually switched the stage they were supposed to perform at last minute.[citation needed]

On the second day the water situation was improved by adding another water station, queues for the stations, and a large sprinkler. Before the last performance of the festival by Martin Garrix, a tribute set to the song Fade into Darkness was held for Avicii who had died earlier that year.[37]

2019

In March 2019, VELD music festival announced via Instagram that the widely praised festival would be returning in the summer for its 8th annual year. A few weeks later, lineups were announced with the likes of Skrillex, Tiesto, Cardi B and Kygo headlining the festival.[citation needed] VELD 2019 ran from August 3rd to August 4th 2019 in Downsview Park, Toronto, Ontario. Day 1 received positive reviews because of DJS such as Skrillex, Ekali and TroyBoi putting on amazing shows.[citation needed] Some negative criticism was received because of headliner Cardi B who showed up 55 minutes late and played for just 20 minutes.[citation needed] The second day was reviewed as much better with the likes of Zeds Dead taking over the Hennessy Stage and Tiesto closing out the festival on the main stage. The overall praise of the festival was overwhelming with people demanding the festival to run 3 days for the year 2020 and to not longer invite performers who abuse the timings of the show such as Cardi B. VELD Music Festival is expected to make its 9th annual return in the summer of 2020.[citation needed]

2020

VELD Music festival was expected to take place August 1st and 2nd, 2020 in Downsview Park, Toronto, ON. VELD was praised for no longer inviting a hip-hop artist on the mainstage because of repeated abuses of showing up extremely late (Migos, Cardi B).[citation needed] VELD 2020 instead will have hip-hop artists on the Hennessy Stage and have all 4 headliners on the mainstage as EDM artists including Armin Van Buuren, Illenium, Marshmello and Martin Garrix.[citation needed]

However, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Toronto Mayor John Tory announced on May 15, 2020 that all public gatherings of 25,000 or more are prohibited and no permits will be issued for these events until at least August 31. This will result in the cancellation of the 2020 edition of VELD, and it will likely be rescheduled to the summer of 2021. An official announcement will come at a later date. VELD Fest has announced that their 10th annual festival cannot occur this year and will take place in the summer of 2021. Veld Fest organizers were praised at their handling of refunds and promised to make next years festival bigger than ever to make up for this years disappointment.[38]

References

  1. ^ "VELD MUSIC FESTIVAL | AUGUST 1-2 | DOWNSVIEW PARK". Front Gate Tickets. Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  2. ^ Hudson, Alex (April 23, 2012). "Toronto's VELD Music Festival Ropes In deadmau5, Bassnectar, Steve Aoki". Exclaim!. Retrieved July 1, 2017.
  3. ^ a b c Bliss, Karen (August 5, 2012). "Deadmau5 Plays to Enraptured Crowd at Inaugural Veld Music Festival". Rolling Stone. Retrieved July 1, 2017.
  4. ^ a b c Slaughter, Graham (July 31, 2014). "OVO Fest vs. VELD: Comparing this weekend's blowout festivals". Toronto Star. Retrieved July 1, 2017.
  5. ^ Patch, Nick (April 14, 2014). "Deadmau5 seeks risk-takers". The Chronicle Herald. Retrieved July 2, 2017.
  6. ^ "Electronic dance music star Deadmau5". CBC News. August 2, 2013. Retrieved July 2, 2017.
  7. ^ Ciampini, Giordano (August 6, 2013). "The Veld Music Festival Delivered a Big Headliner, and Big Crowds". Torontoist. Retrieved July 2, 2017.
  8. ^ a b Kyte, Kathryn (August 5, 2014). "VELD Music Festival 2014 and All Its Muddy Glory". Thump. Retrieved July 2, 2017.
  9. ^ Platt, Brian (August 4, 2014). "SIU investigating one of two deaths at Veld Festival". Toronto Star. Retrieved July 2, 2017.
  10. ^ Verstraten, Katelyn (September 4, 2014). "SIU clears police in man's death at Veld festival". Toronto. Retrieved July 2, 2017.
  11. ^ Bliss, Karen (August 5, 2014). "Three Dead, 100 Hospitalized After Veld and Boonstock Festivals". Billboard. Retrieved July 3, 2017.
  12. ^ "Veld Music Festival deaths linked to 'party drugs,' police say". CBC News. August 4, 2014. Retrieved July 3, 2017.
  13. ^ "Homicide investigation launched after two die at Veld Music Festival". Global News. August 5, 2014. Retrieved July 3, 2017.
  14. ^ "Toronto police homicide squad closes case on Veld festival deaths". CBC News. July 31, 2015. Retrieved July 3, 2017.
  15. ^ Murphy, Sarah (February 17, 2015). "deadmau5 to Headline 2015 VELD Music Festival". Exclaim!. Retrieved July 3, 2017.
  16. ^ Murphy, Sarah (April 13, 2015). "VELD Music Festival Adds A$AP Rocky, Steve Aoki, Hardwell". Exclaim!. Retrieved July 3, 2017.
  17. ^ a b Deschamps, Tara (July 19, 2015). "Deaths trigger drug-prevention measures at this year's Toronto Veld Music Festival". Toronto Star. Retrieved July 3, 2017.
  18. ^ Shum, David (July 20, 2015). "New drug prevention measures in place for Veld Music Festival". Global News. Retrieved July 3, 2017.
  19. ^ a b c d "VELD Music Festival 2015 Left Toronto Drenched and Disappointed, Cancels Day Two". Thump. August 4, 2015. Retrieved July 3, 2017.
  20. ^ Russell, Andrew (August 2, 2015). "Heavy storms slam southern Ontario, Veld Music Festival cancelled". Global News. Retrieved July 3, 2017.
  21. ^ "Veld to issue 40% refund after festival cancelled due to storm". CBC News. August 5, 2015. Retrieved July 3, 2017.
  22. ^ "VELD Music Festival Announces Refunds After Extreme Weather Evacuation". Thump. August 5, 2015. Retrieved July 3, 2017.
  23. ^ "Forty Per Cent refund for VELD". NOW Magazine. August 12, 2015. Retrieved July 3, 2017.
  24. ^ Adams, Gregory (March 30, 2016). "Toronto's VELD Music Festival Brings Out deadmau5, Travis Scott, Chainsmokers". Exclaim!. Retrieved July 3, 2017.
  25. ^ Leight, Elias (June 6, 2016). "Veld Music Festival 2016 Announces Full Lineup: The Chainsmokers, deadmau5, Kygo & More". Billboard. Retrieved July 3, 2017.
  26. ^ Hudes, Sammy (July 29, 2016). "Drug testing kits urged for Veld, other music fests". Toronto. Retrieved July 3, 2017.
  27. ^ Cruz, Anthony (August 5, 2016). "deadmau5, Flume, DVBBS and Steve Aoki at VELD Festival Day 1". Live In Limbo. Retrieved July 3, 2017.
  28. ^ Rubinstein, Peter (July 30, 2016). "Deadmau5 Has Finally Revealed His New Stage & It Looks Insane". Your EDM. Retrieved July 3, 2017.
  29. ^ Rafter, Andrew (August 1, 2016). "deadmau5 Finally Unveils New Live Show At Veld Festival". DJ Mag. Retrieved July 3, 2017.
  30. ^ Cruz, Anthony (August 6, 2016). "Garrix, Kygo, The Chainsmokers at VELD Festival Day 2 - Concert Reviews". Live in Limbo. Retrieved July 3, 2017.
  31. ^ a b Murphy, Sarah (April 4, 2017). "VELD Music Festival Gets Future, Major Lazer, Tiësto, Migos, Tory Lanez for 2017 Lineup". Exclaim!. Retrieved July 3, 2017.
  32. ^ Gill, Harvit (May 22, 2017). "VELD Music Festival is Back with a Massive and Diversified Lineup". EDM. Retrieved July 3, 2017.
  33. ^ "VELD Announces 2017 Lineup Featuring Major Lazer, Future, Slushii, and More". Thump. April 4, 2017. Retrieved July 3, 2017.
  34. ^ "Rapper Future, DJ Tiesto and electronic trio Major Lazer headline Veld lineup". Toronto Star. April 4, 2017. Retrieved July 3, 2017.
  35. ^ Slingerland, Calum (February 26, 2018). "Veld Music Festival Gets DJ Snake, Marshmello, Migos for 2018 Lineup". Exclaim. Retrieved July 27, 2018.
  36. ^ Bein, Kat (March 2, 2018). "DJ Snake, Marshmello, Migos & More to Play Veld Fest 2018". Billboard. Retrieved July 27, 2018.
  37. ^ Rancic, Michael (August 7, 2018). "5 moments that united the crowd at Veld festival". Retrieved October 15, 2018.
  38. ^ Aguilar, Bryann (May 15, 2020). "Toronto cancels major festivals, events in July and August, including Taste of the Danforth, Honda Indy". CP24. Retrieved June 14, 2020.
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