Norwegian DJ Kygo takes a jammed United Center on a tropical getaway

Photos by Andy Argyrakis

To those who didn’t know better, Kygo appeared to come out of absolute nowhere to headline the United Center on Cinco de Mayo, which was essentially sold out sans a very small handful of general admission spots on the main floor. But to those who’ve helped the Norwegian DJ reach a billion-plus streams on countless occasions since the end of 2014, it was only a matter of time before bouncing his way around the lower rungs of Lollapalooza, Navy Pier, B96 Pepsi Summer Bash, and now, the home of the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks.

For starters, Kygo played keyboards on an elevated platform or a crystal clear grand piano closer to stage level the entire night surrounded by propulsive beats, swirls of color, several guest vocalists, and perhaps most surprisingly, a four-piece string section on occasion.

Even outside of Chicago, Kygo is absolutely massive, ranking right towards Beyoncé on the mainstage of Coachella, headlining international festivals and becoming an instant A-lister with individual tunes, collaborations with Ellie Goulding, OneRepublic, Miguel and many more, plus remixes for U2 and Ed Sheeran on down. And for nearly two hours on the “Kids In Love” Tour, the 26-year-old producer/multi-instrumentalist/songwriter displayed both his obvious and unexpected abilities, alongside gargantuan production that was eye-popping even by EDM standards.

For starters, Kygo played keyboards on an elevated platform or a crystal clear grand piano closer to stage level the entire night surrounded by propulsive beats, swirls of color, several guest vocalists, and perhaps most surprisingly, a four-piece string section on occasion. That meant everything from “Never Let You Go” and “Stay,” to “Sunrise” with Jason Walker and “Riding Shotgun” with Bonnie McKee, to rhythmic overhauls of Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing,” The Weeknd’s “Starboy” and Coldplay’s “Midnight.”

As the tropically-flavored evening of house music progressed, so did Kygo’s increasing traction in pop circles, including his Selena Gomez pairing “It Ain’t Me,” McKee’s in-person return for the chant-a-long “This Town” and a blazing “Firestone” with the soulful Conrad Sewell. That last breakthrough track actually turned up twice, starting with a sparse and chilling arrangement, before exploding into an electronic entrée with a blizzard of streamers and confetti for dessert.

Click here for more photos of Kygo at the United Center.

For additional information on Kygo, visit KygoMusic.com.

For a list of upcoming Live Nation shows, visit LiveNation.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at the United Center include Daryl Hall & John Oates and Train (May 18); Shania Twain (May 19); U2 (May 22-23); Depeche Mode (Jun. 1); Paul Simon (Jun. 6); Harry Styles (Jun. 30); Radiohead (Jul. 6-7); Panic! At The Disco (Jul. 17); Shakira (Aug. 3); Smashing Pumpkins (Aug. 13-14); Sam Smith (Aug. 15); Childish Gambino (Sept. 8); Maroon 5 (Sept. 14); Justin Timberlake (Oct. 5); Fleetwood Mac (Oct. 6); Eagles (Oct. 15); Elton John (Oct. 26-27) and Josh Groban with Idina Menzel (Nov. 6). For additional details, visit UnitedCenter.com.

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Norwegian DJ Kygo takes a jammed United Center on a tropical getaway

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