Boston Calling Music Festival located in Harvard University’s Athletic Complex May 25-27, 2018. All Photos taken by Miguel Crespo for RESPECT.

Red… Blue… Green… 3 main stages were set for another incredible time at Boston Calling Music Festival. Attendees from all over the country gathered to be apart. The popular event features some of the biggest names in music, comedy, visual arts, concessions, shopping and more. Now in it’s second year being held at Harvard University’s Athletic Complex, the population has comfortably risen and more stages have been placed. At last, the 2018 installment of festival had arrived. The lively city of Boston, Massachusetts was full of energy as the 3-day celebration kicked off. 

Festivals of the highest caliber offer more than just an incredible lineup of music. Games like hacky sack and cornhole were a great way for people to interact with each other and entertain themselves. Popular distributor for CD’s, apparel and figurines, Newbury Comics, held a “spin the wheel” contest where virtually everyone was a winner. Prizes included gift cards, water bottles, beach balls and much more to choose from. Audio company, JBL, also got in on the contest fun. People lined up and took turns throwing a ball at different targets lined up on a wall. You could win headphones, blue tooth speakers or other cool prizes. An exciting new installation created by innovative furniture company, IKEA, was probably the most popular attraction of the festival. Canopies, a rocking club area and samples of “IKEA Food” were given out. It was definitely the place to visit if you wanted to relax until the next artist took the stage.

This year, Boston Calling didn’t hold back. An impressive list of top artists fit the bill. This year’s lineup included Tyler, The Creator, Jack White, The Killers, Khalid, BROCKHAMPTON, Paramore, the legendary, Eminem, and more. Stunning performances played throughout the weekend. A diverse mix of music genres offered a chance to open ears to new artists and sounds you may not have been accustomed to before. Boston native, Cousin Stizz, was easily a highlight of the festival. Stizz was added to replace Stormzy, who couldn’t make the festival due to illness. The crowd participation was unmatched. Another notable performance was BROCKHAMPTON. The modern day boyband played their last performance until they handle some personal issues amongst their group. Fans stood in the crowd for hours just to see them and Tyler, The Creator, who would follow. The only DJ set of the weekend was owned by Mike D, who was a replacement for Bryson Tiller. He would be the final person to hit the stage before Slim Shady.

Multi-platinum selling rapper, Eminem, closed out the festival with an amazing, nearly 2-hour long performance. Marshall was joined by D12 member and super producer, Mr. Porter under a unique Detroit-based stage set up and live band. The surprises didn’t stop as Shady brought out the talented, Skylar Grey, who covered the choruses on songs like “Walk On Water,” which originally features Beyoncé, and “Love The Way You Lie,” which originally features Rihanna. Royce Da 5’9” was another special guest to perform along side Eminem. The entire population of the festival crowded around the stage to watch one of the greatest artists to ever pick up a microphone. Fireworks erupted as fans said goodbye to another successful Boston Calling.

With Boston Calling 2018 in the books, we can come to the conclusion that it was one of the summers best parties to attend. Flashing lights, great food, the Ferris Wheel spinning and great people made for an action packed weekend. We can’t wait to see what next year’s festival will unfold.

Westside Gunn. 

Conway. 

Daniel Caesar.

BROCKHAMPTON.

Tyler, The Creator.

Taylor Bennett.

Cousin Stizz.

Khalid. 

Eminem.

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