WATCH: D’Angelo & the Vanguard at Bonnaroo 2015
D’Angelo channels James Brown, Prince and George Clinton madness in massive funky set at Bonnaroo
Black Messiah, D’Angelo‘s triumphant return to music, has given the lost son of soul another lease on life. He’s now back on the live stage. And he sounds more vibrant and enthralled as ever.
This past weekend at Bonnaroo — the Mecca of American music festivals, the former recluse took to the smaller pavilion stage and performed a complete set stretching to 90 minutes (includes a thirty minute encore). There was a lot of funk that he and his Vanguard played with. He opened the set with a bad ass “Ain’t That Easy” and then channeled P-Funk-Prince aggression with a riveting display of gritty jamming. There was lots of Black Messiah offerings placed in the set (“Black Sugah” is a must hear) along with a few Voodoo cuts. Sorry, no “Brown Sugar,” “Cruisin'” or “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” on this round.
Plus D looks Dee-Lucious. It didn’t take long for him to toss off his multicolored jacket to expose a classic black tee, revealing his massive muscles and arm tats. He also appears to be a bit leaner than previously seen in recent months. You gotta look and be your best when performing in that hot summer heat on the Bonnaroo farm.
If you have a hour to spare, jump into D’s set while you can. We’re believing this video featuring his complete set will only be up temporarily.
It’s not the first time D’Angelo has appeared at the Manchester, Tennessee fest. He played his first U.S. show in twelve years with members of the Roots, The Time and Parliament/Funkadelic at Bonnaroo back in 2012
