Best Moments of Green Day, Toto, and More
The first day of the highly anticipated 2024 Corona Capital festival on Friday (Nov. 15) marked the exhilarating return of Green Day to Mexico after a seven-year hiatus. This electrifying performance not only showcased the American rock band’s immense talent but also served as their final show of the year. The festival vibrated with a diverse array of sounds, spanning genres such as punk rock, progressive rock, indie, blues, funk, soul, pop, and jazz, all brought to life by an impressive lineup of iconic acts that thrilled audiences throughout the day.
On its opening day, the Corona Capital festival drew in over 74,000 enthusiastic attendees, as reported by the promoter Ocesa. Fans were treated to captivating performances from a stellar lineup that included The Mars Volta, Warpaint, Cage The Elephant, The Vaccines, BadBadNotGood, Twin Shadow, David Kushner, Clairo, Zedd, French 79, and Honne, among others. The festival’s vibrant atmosphere attracted even the most discerning music lovers, all gathered at the Curva 4, a historic venue previously used for F1 racing events in Mexico City.
One of the standout surprises at this year’s festival was the legendary rock band Toto, which drew crowds from multiple generations to one of the main stages. Fans enthusiastically sang along to timeless classics such as “Africa,” “Hold The Line,” “Rosanna,” and “I’ll Be Over You.” Another highlight of the day was the debut performance of British sensation Raye, whose infectious charisma and stage presence made her one of the most celebrated acts among festival-goers.
The festival continues on Saturday (Nov. 16), promising an exciting lineup featuring Shawn Mendes, Travis, New Order, Melanie Martinez, Primal Scream, Explosions In The Sky, Black Pumas, Jessie Reyez, Del Water Gap, Michelle, and St. Vincent. Notably, St. Vincent recently released the Spanish version of her Grammy-nominated album All Born Screaming — Todos Nacen Gritando — as a heartfelt tribute to her Hispanic fans, further enriching the festival’s diverse musical tapestry.
Here are five of our favorite highlights from Day One of the spectacular 2024 Corona Capital festival in Mexico City.
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Green Day Delivers a Memorable Performance
Punk rock trio Green Day wrapped up their year with an emotional performance in Mexico, celebrating the 20th anniversary of their iconic album American Idiot. The atmosphere was charged with excitement, as the band, led by the charismatic Billy Joe Armstrong, connected deeply with their fans during this unforgettable night.
The energy was palpable, and at one moment, the vocalist stopped the show to assist a young woman who was struggling to breathe in the crowd. He called for security, asking, “Hey, are you okay?” as the guards lifted her to safety. In a heartwarming gesture, he invited her on stage, embracing her, which prompted an outburst of cheers and applause from the audience, showcasing the band’s genuine connection with their fans.
The Californian band, comprising bassist Mike Dirnt and drummer Tré Cool, treated the audience to an array of hits, including fan favorites such as “The American Dream Is Killing Me,” “Basket Case,” “Longview,” “Welcome To Paradise,” “When I Come Around,” “Know Your Enemy,” “Minority,” and the titular track “American Idiot,” leaving a lasting impression on all attendees.
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The Mars Volta Infuses Latin Flavor into the Festival
Fronted by Puerto Rican guitarist Omar Rodríguez-López and Mexican-descent vocalist Cedric Bixler-Zavala, The Mars Volta brought a vibrant Latin flair to a festival predominantly filled with Anglo acts. Their performance was a beautiful homage to their Hispanic roots, incorporating elements of salsa and rumba into their set, making it one of the most anticipated shows of the day.
With the crowd chanting “¡Viva México!”, the show transported attendees back to the era of their acclaimed 2003 album De-Loused in the Comatorium, featuring mesmerizing tracks like “Roulette Dares” and “Drunkship Of Lanterns,” showcasing their deep connection to their Mexican audience.
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Toto Captivates Fans with Classic Hits and Timeless Talent
The revered American rock band Toto enchanted both long-time fans and newcomers during their debut at Corona Capital. The atmosphere at the Vans stage was electric, with parents and children alike singing along to the band’s timeless classics, led by the dynamic vocals of Joseph Williams and the impressive guitar work of Steve Lukather. The performance was a testament to their enduring appeal and musical prowess.
While many attendees were familiar with iconic tracks such as “Africa,” “Rosanna,” and “Hold The Line,” the entire crowd was captivated by the band’s energetic performance, marking their return to Mexico for the first time in 16 years and leaving an indelible mark on the festival’s history.
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Warpaint Showcases Dynamic Range in a Stunning Performance
The Californian indie rock quartet Warpaint emerged as one of the most exhilarating acts of the night, captivating the audience with their unique sound. The band members, Emily Kokal (vocals and guitar), Theresa Wayman (guitar), Jenny Lee Lindberg (bass), and Stella Mozgawa (drums) delivered a performance that transitioned from delicate and ethereal moments to explosive and emotionally charged segments, embodying the essence of their artistry.
Their set featured standout tracks such as “Champion,” “Hips,” “Elephants,” “Krimson,” and “Common Blue,” which showcased their dynamic range and left the audience in awe. This performance marked Warpaint’s triumphant return to the Corona Capital stage after an eight-year absence, creating a magical experience for both the band and their devoted fans.
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Raye Charms the Audience with Her Captivating Mexico Debut
“¡Hola México!” exclaimed Raye as she greeted the festival-goers in Spanish. The British singer-songwriter delivered a standout performance during her first appearance at the Corona Capital festival, quickly becoming one of the most delightful surprises of the day. Initially, her set attracted a modest crowd, but as her powerful voice resonated, more people were drawn to the stage, eager to experience her remarkable talent.
Throughout her performance, Raye candidly shared her thoughts on being single, embracing her femininity, and enjoying life, which endeared her to the audience. Her infectious energy and genuine personality made her debut in Mexico a promising and memorable experience, leaving fans excited for her future performances.