From its humble beginnings as a student protest against the Milosevic regime in 2000, Serbia’s EXIT festival has grown into one of Europe’s most beloved festivals. Its organisers have once again transformed the historic Petrovaradin fortress into a vibrant gathering of music lovers from over 80 countries in 2024.
This year’s festival was a testament to the power of music to unite across genres and generations. With over 210,000 attendees, EXIT brought together an eclectic mix of electronic music, rock, hip-hop and more, all set against the atmospheric backdrop of the fortress.
Day 1: A start full of energy
The festival kicked off with a mix of hip-hop and electronic music. Gucci Mane’s dynamic performance on the main stage set the tone for the evening, with his southern trap beats energizing the crowd.
Next up was electronic music legend Carl Cox, who took over the decks and delivered a masterful “Hybrid Live” set that showcased his influential techno. His performance, filled with deep basslines and hypnotic beats, reminded everyone why he remains a central part of the dance music community.
Day 2: Nostalgia merges with punk and deep electronic rhythms
Day two brought a mix of nostalgia and raw punk energy. The Black Eyed Peas headlined the bill with a set packed with global hits such as “Where Is the Love?” and “I Gotta Feeling,” creating a massive sing-along atmosphere. Meanwhile, punk veterans The Exploited brought their unfiltered energy to the stage, causing a different kind of fever among the audience.
On the electronic front, the mts Dance Arena welcomed Maceo Plex, whose deep and emotive set of techno captivated. Known for his ability to create an atmospheric journey, Plex’s performance was full of dark and melodic nuances, tense build-ups and cathartic releases. The palpable stadium energy continued well into the night, demonstrating EXIT’s commitment to showcasing diverse electronic sounds.
Day 3: Guitars, strong emotions and euphoria on the dance floor
The penultimate day was marked by powerful guitar riffs and emotional moments. Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello delivered a standout performance that began with a tribute to the great Chris Cornell and led into a frenetic rendition of “Killing in the Name.” His performance embodied the spirit of activism and rebellion that defines EXIT.
Meanwhile, electronic music enthusiasts gathered at the Dance Arena to enjoy a different kind of intensity. Barry Can't Swim offered a mix of euphoric melodies and intricate rhythms, setting the stage for Bonobo, whose multi-layered soundscapes took us on a fascinating journey through ambient, house and downtempo.
On the NSNS stage, EDM.com Class of 2024 star Sara Landry delivered one of the festival’s best techno sets, with hard-hitting beats and dark soundscapes that kept the energy going well into the early hours. Her performance showcased the underground strength of the festival’s electronic programming, drawing a crowd of techno enthusiasts who revelled in her relentless beats ahead of the release of her highly anticipated debut album.
Day 4: An emotional conclusion to an electrifying journey
The final day of EXIT was a celebration of the diversity of electronic music. South African dance music icon Black Coffee closed the festival with a sunrise set at the mts Dance Arena, his deep, soulful beats providing a serene yet electrifying end to the event. His ability to combine afro-house rhythms with deep, resonant basslines created an almost spiritual experience as the first rays of sunlight broke through the Petrovaradin fortress.
Unique collaborations and family ties
A highlight of the festival was the collaboration between electronic heavyweights Vintage Culture and Argy, whose set showcased the perfect blend of their distinctive styles.
Additionally, the theme of family and legacy was present throughout the festival. Tom Morello performed with his son, Roman, while Max Cavalera and his son Igor Junior brought the force of heavy metal to the fortress, showcasing the power of music to connect across generations.
Looking ahead to 2025
As the festival concluded, excitement was already building for EXIT’s 25th anniversary in 2025. This year’s event was more than just a series of performances; it was a celebration of music’s ability to bridge cultural gaps, bring people together and create unforgettable moments.
EXIT 2025 is scheduled for July 10-13. You can find out more here.
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