We had the privilege of checking out LCD Soundsystem’s last show ever before retiring the band. They played a series of five local shows in New York City in the last week, culminating in a three hour set at Madison Square Gardens over the weekend. After seeing the band play one of their more typical dance party/small venue sets in Toronto last summer, their final show provided a contrasting, extended and emotional concert experience.

After Liquid Liquid opened the show James Murphy and the rest of LCD Soundsystem played a three hour set including b-sides and rarities that they had never played live before. The band took a series of 10 minute breaks in the set in order to pace themselves for the marathon concert, which were generally followed by special guest appearances. These special appearances included Reggie Watts, Juan Maclean and our personal favourite Arcade Fire.

The show provided a great 19,000 person dance party, positive energy and an emotional set. By playing All My Friends early on in the set, the band set themselves up for a slow-paced and emotional encore. They wrapped up the show with New York I Love You accompanied with pauses that seemed to have Murphy near tears. The band slowly closed down the show, hugging it out on stage while the fans processed that LCD Soundsystem has just played their final live song (for a while at least).