Día De Los Deftones Returns for Third Installment
Día De Los Deftones Fest at Petco Park, SD by Lillia Duran
LINEUP BOASTED GENRE BENDING ACTS TURNSTILE, PHANTOGRAM, AND FREDDIE GIBBS
After a two hour drive in traffic, I arrived at Petco Park in San Diego, CA. The sun was setting; the sky was painted with swirls of pink and purple. The air was cool and crisp. Walking up to the stadium, the street was lined with festival goers of all ages, with Día De Los Muertos face paint and beautiful early 2000s nu metal fashion. The environment was absolutely perfect for the lineup awaiting: Dia De Los Deftones had returned for its third installment and first since 2019.
Once inside, there were plenty of food vendors waiting to fuel the crowd. Moving past the lovely popcorn-filled aroma, colorful streamers floated above a golden path lined with marigolds and sugar skulls. I had to stop to appreciate the massive ofrenda (a memorial for loved ones who have left the land of the living) that was left for anyone to add to. Growing up in Southern California with a family that always celebrated Dia De Los Muertos, I was thrilled to be able to participate; I left a photo of my late grandpa who passed earlier this year. Live music is such an emotional experience, so it felt very special to be able to share so much feeling in one setting. At the end of the festival grounds sat airbrushed low-riders that featured artwork of headliners Deftones. There was plenty to see and enjoy before the music began to fill the chilly air.
Phantogram performing at Día De Los Deftones Fest at Petco Park, SD by Lillia Duran
Navigating through the densely packed venue was a quest, weaving yourself in between people teeming with excitement that was almost tangible. Looking at the set times, it was talent after talent. Getting there a bit late, I caught the very end of Destroy Boys. From only a few songs, you could tell the energy was high. As I ventured into the photo pit for the main stage, I turned to view the crowd. Heads as far back as you could see, scattered along the hill, wrapping all around the stage. The lights dimmed, and the fog machines worked in double overtime as Phantogram took the stage. Starting off strong, they began with hit “Black Out Days,” from their second album Voices released in 2013. A song that brings booming echoes and dreamy vocals, they commanded attention from those in attendance. Though their set was short, it was packed with notable hits that kept the crowd swaying.
Freddie Gibbs performing at Día De Los Deftones Fest at Petco Park, SD by Lillia Duran
Keeping the energy high, I took a trip to the smaller stage at the back side of the venue where Freddie Gibbs was set to perform. Bringing his incredible talent, a jolt to the system, I was immediately captivated by his stage presence and raw lyrics. After having family join him on stage, he addressed the crowd thanking Deftones for bringing him out. But he also noted he had absolutely no intentions of stopping at his scheduled time, rapping in a San Diego Padres jersey.
Turnstile performing at Día De Los Deftones Fest at Petco Park, SD by Lillia Duran
Moving back to the main stage, it was time for Turnstile. Personally, this was something I simply could not wait for. Having seen them the night before in Los Angeles, I was eager to see how this crowd would enjoy the fast paced tempos. The Baltimore based hardcore band has done an incredible job of consistently putting on infectious performances. With their latest album Glow On, they have seen massive success. The album invites anyone in while maintaining a hardcore edge. They began their set with hit track “HOLIDAY,” setting us up for a set full of bold energy. As we exited the photo pit, I immersed myself into the crowd and danced along. Singer Brendan Yates turned the mic to the sea of faces and watched as everyone screamed the lyrics to “Underwater Boi” back at him. It was truly incredible being able to see this band grow so exponentially in the last year. As they wrapped up with their classic “T.L.C.,” fans were ready for the main act.
Deftones performing at Día De Los Deftones Fest at Petco Park, SD by Lillia Duran
Being a band rooted in the metal genre with integrated sounds of shoe gaze, Deftones took to the stage to close out their festival. Having never seen them before, I wasn’t sure what to anticipate. They by performing “My Own Summer (Shove It)” with lead singer Chino Moreno running around the stage, bouncing back and forth as he shared his powerful vocals with the masses. Guitarist Stephen Carpenter strummed to the rhythms perfectly in tune while the wind whipped through his hair. They revisited classic tracks haven’t heard in years and embraced the hits that fueled the early 200s angst. The performance was elevated & captivating, making it one of the best live shows in recent memory for myself. The night was filled with love, music, and remembrance on display: Deftones created a unique experience that not only welcomes and encourages fans, but their heritage and beliefs as well. Here’s to the next installment.
