Travis Scott soars at Astroworld — even with a broken knee
Comedian Dave Chappelle, who was recently in Houston for a spate of shows, said he flew in from Ohio to introduce Travis Scott at the Astroworld festival Saturday. Chappelle also told the crowd that Scott broke his knee during a recent concert but “the show must go on.”
Scott’s entrance was preceded by a gory mock video of him riding in an ambulance after his injury. He emerged onstage from inside a real ambulance and was rolled out on a stretcher and into a mobile contraption that looked like Cinderella’s carriage.
He moved from there onto a crane that lifted him above the immense crowd for several songs and later onto a hydraulic lift of sorts. It was in line with Scott’s penchant for high-flying tricks but also a way for him to not move much and aggravate his knee. He also brought out Migos and Young Thug, who performed earlier, and rapper Gunna to pick up some of the slack.
Raging live energy is Scott’s signature, and his 75-minute set was missing some of that electricity. But it was enough to blow the power for a few minutes, the result of being “too turnt,” according to Scott.
There were sound issues throughout the set. He dropped his microphone into the crowd, from atop the crane, at one point. A crew member had to shimmy up with a replacement. But all was forgiven when Scott brought out Kanye West, who performed gospel song “Follow God” and 2007 hit “Can’t Tell Me Nothing.” It was a huge moment, and Scott called West his mentor and said he “taught me everything I know to this day.” They ended with a long hug as the crowd roared.
The inclusion of Marilyn Manson amid the hip-hop headliners was a surprise, to say the least. Even Manson knew that.
“I bet you didn’t see this coming, did you?” he asked. “That’s because Travis Scott is a genius.”
He might be right. Manson’s performance was full-force hysteria — and somehow fit in perfectly. He was dressed in black and glitter, a shock of blue smeared across his eyes and purple lips. Later, he donned a black feathered cape. There were puzzled looks, to be sure, but he quickly had the crowd chanting along with him.
Manson’s voice was in peak form, a guttural scream that pierced through the night during “The Dope Show,” a fierce “Beautiful People” and his cover of The Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This).” He repeatedly threw down his microphone and kicked the stand across the stage.
His well-worn staging of “Antichrist Superstar” is still a wicked piece of theater. He stood above a pulpit, burned a Bible and doused the crowd with holy water. All under a warm red glow.
“Happy” singer Pharrell Williams was arguably the oddest name on the schedule. He included a few of his own songs but mostly ran through hits he’s produced for Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, Gwen Stefani and others.
He was joined by a cadre of dancers that took up most of the stage and frequently disappeared while the DJ played. The crowd sang along some but often didn’t seem to know what to make of it all.
Rosalía, a Spanish singer who combines flamenco, pop and hip-hop, made a strong impression with an artistic, alluring performance. It was also her Houston debut. She stood atop a box that flashed in multiple colors and was joined by several female dancers dressed in white.
They worked together beautifully with backup singers, clappers and a sole DJ/musician.
Though she told the crowd she’d planned a “beautiful” set, Rosalía improvised much of the time, letting out haunting flamenco wails and dancing to the music. Here’s hoping she books a solo show soon in town.
Megan Thee Stallion was just here last month for a headlining show at Revention Music Center. But even before the “H-town Hottie” took the stage, the crowd warmed up with chants of “Megan! Megan!” It’s no surprise. Megan Thee Stallion is one of the biggest new stars of the year, and her “hot girl summer” catchphrase became a national obsession. She was given a slightly later time slot when Gucci Mane was mysteriously dropped from the lineup.
Megan strutted onstage in a leopard bodysuit and a braid past her knees. She packed her set with a lot, from dancers to crowd participation. She brought several people onstage to join in the twerk fest.
This performance felt rawer and more aggressive that last month’s show. She has a bracing energy when she raps, leading the crowd through several songs, including “Realer,” “Simon Says” and “Hot Girl Summer.” Next year, the Stallion deserves a nighttime slot on the main stage.
The Houston All-Stars had a big midafternoon crowd throwing their H’s up and included Slim Thug, Paul Wall, Lil Flip, Trae Tha Truth and Bun B. Slim Thug thanked “the lil homie Travis Scott” for putting on the festival.
Maxo Kream, a newer name among the local legends, brought a rush of energy and prompted the crowd to form a mosh pit. He was dressed in Oilers blue and red to further push the H-town vibe.