[FESTIVAL REVIEW] FriendShip 2024 Hosts An Unforgettable Dance-Fueled Excursion

Connor Phillips | January 23, 2024

Starting the year in the best way possible, FriendShip 2024 gave its 4,000-plus attendees the trip of a lifetime. After boarding the cruise early Saturday morning on January 6th, the wait to get on was clearly worth it.

Before diving into all the breathtaking performances, it is important to shed light on the amenities and delicious food that the Norwegian Joy had to offer.

The gym was more than sufficient for recovery, stretching, and looking toned for the main pool deck. Additionally, there was a high-end spa where guests could book different types of massages and treatments.

On the top decks, there was a gaming room, laser tag, mini golf, and go-karting, in addition to the giant mainstage area with a hot tub, bars, and plenty of room to dance.

Chris Lake and Chris Lorenzo kicked off the vibes with a ton of house heaters on night one.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐩 ⚓️ (@thefriendshipofficial)

Then back at the Theatre stage, Bob Moses mesmerized a packed crowd with their soulful deep house hits. Some of the best moments were when they sang their 2023 anthem “Afterglow” and queued up an enchanting remix of Pink Floyd's “Another Brick In The Wall.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bob Moses (@bobmosesmusic)

Day two kept the energy rolling with a hip-hop party on the main pool deck. Mr. Carmack closed out the late-afternoon performances with a euphoric and nostalgic set.

A major highlight from day two was Chris Lake's pop-up set in the Atrium. He blessed the crowd with a selection of Dirtybird-esque heaters. Things got a little wild as foam bubbles continuously rained down from the ceiling, along with confetti and a giant dancing brown creature taking on the role of Lake's hype man.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by rukes (@rukes)

Everyone showed out with their Pretty In Pink outfits that night, getting down and dirty during the Mindfuck takeover, led by none other than Mersiv. Of course, the bass maestro threw it down, complemented by standout performances from Nitepunk and Rusko.

ShipFam collectively hit the beach on day three, which was launched by a Desert Hearts house and disco-packed pool party.

After a few hours of splashing around and sipping on icy drinks, we trekked to the beach stage to catch an infectious b2b presented by Flava D and Chris Lorenzo. UK garage was on the menu and it did not disappoint.

Some of the beach dwellers headed back in the evening to rest up for the post-midnight madness. Chris Lake brought up the energy, setting the stage for a two-hour headlining set from Skrillex.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐩 ⚓️ (@thefriendshipofficial)

Not only was Skrillex's set arguably the top moment from Friendship 2024, but it may very well be one of his most electrifying sets to date.

The drink of choice for the late-night party demons was the Adios Motherf*cker, pairing nicely with Skrillex's heavy dubstep, Latin jams, and other genres fused into his performance.

Keeping spirits high and the vibes immaculate, Destructo led his iconic Sunrise Sermon, which included appearances from Justin Martin, Bob Moses, and more!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Gary Richards (@destructoamf)

The sunrise looked incredible from the shores of Belize, while Destructo mixed a melting pot of spellbindings tunes.

Destructo, Friendship 2024, Sunrise Sermon

Realizing that the 24-hour beach party may have depleted the energy levels of ShipFam, Gary (Destructo) and his team made the wise plan to have the Slumber Party on night four.

There were onesies and pajamas all across the Norwegian Joy. Many attendees seized the opportunity to sit in the Theatre and witness the stunning and captivating show put on by Dita Von Teese and her gifted entourage.

Then, Skrillex and Boys Noize united on the main deck, sonically hypnotizing their audience with fast-paced, driving basslines. This Dog Blood set was one for the books, erupting with green lasers and alluring pyrotechnics.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐩 ⚓️ (@thefriendshipofficial)

For a large percentage of the ShipFam, Destructo Had A Farm was the most anticipated themed party. Closing out the final night, attendees wore the bluest pair of blue jeans, straw hats, suspenders, and flannels, while a couple were even chewing on hay.

Q Nightclub was the place to be. Rising bass artist Meduso kicked off the second Mindfuck takeover with a high-energy set, brimming with headbanging and deafening drops. He opened the mix with a sick edit of “Hoist the Colours” that had the crowd shook.

This was followed by emphatic bass-powered sets from G-Rex, A Hundred Drums, and the other Mindfuck superstars.

Whoever could keep their eyes open headed to the Theatre to witness Destructo and company's four-hour 'Last Man Standing' set.

With such a fantastic and successful Friendship 2024, the only justifiable action is to secure a spot on next year's voyage.