A Look Back at the History of The Governors Ball Music Festival

The Governors Ball Music Festival has come a long way since its inaugural year in 2011. The previously one day festival has slowly evolved into one of New York City’s most premier festivals. The Governors Ball shares Randall’s island each year with SFX’s, Electric Zoo. However, Governors Ball was recently purchased by Live Nation, who’s has been partnered with Insomniac for nearly three years now. This past year, Governors Ball brought a petition to Mayor De Blasio to keep Coachella’s Panorma Festival from taking place just two weeks after Governors Ball. Although Panorma will also be taking over Randall’s Island, it is now slated to take place nearly two months after Governors Ball.

Known for its diverse lineups, Governors Ball has seen all the big artists over the years. In its one day debut in 2011, the festival saw artists like Pretty Lights, Empire of the Sun, Mac Miller, and Bassnectar’s Bass Island. The festival went on to receive stellar reviews and would be slated to return for two days in 2012. Expanding on its diverse lineup, 2012 would feature Kid Cudi, Passion Pit, Explosions in the Sky, and Major Lazer. This year also included different actives like croquet, ping pong, and silent disco.

The third year of The Governors Ball would show New York that it was here to stay. After another successful and positively reviewed year, The Governors Ball would announce its plans to extend to three days in 2013. It studded one of its most extensive and impressive lineups yet. It would include the artists Dillon Francis, Pretty Lights, Nas, Guns N’ Roses, Kings of Leon, and Kanye West. However, day one of the festival would be plagued by rain and thunder storms. Headliner Kings of Leon would be cancelled and Saturday was met with extremely muddy conditions. Despite the fowl weather, headliner Kanye West would conduct his usual antics and close out the festival on Sunday.

After the muddy 2013, next year would bring headliners, Disclosure, Interpol, Vampire Weekend, Jack White, Outkast, and Skrillex. Despite 2014’s fairly impressive lineup, 2015 would surely take the cake with its lineup. It took place form June 5-7 and would again rain on the second day, however there would be no cancellations this year. Ponchos and umbrellas out, the festival would continue despite a small delay. The lineup included Lana Del Ray, Drake, Ryan Adams, Florence and The Machine, Gorgon City, Flume, deadmau5, Mo, Weird Al, and a bevy of other artists. This year will mark The Governors Ball sixth installment and its again studding a very diverse lineup. Kanye will have the honor of closing out the festival as he did in 2013. One can only hope his performance will be as memorable as it was in 2013. However, there are definitely some smaller names performing that should see some spotlight. One of which is Chicago based duo, Louis The Child. Fresh off their Coachella performance, this rising pair is certainly one to keep your eyes on. Their sultry beats have been tearing up the scene and their performance is definitely one you won’t want to miss. Another artists you should check out is M83, who’s artist spotlight you can find here. They just released their sixth studio album and will surely be one to watch at Governors Ball. You can check out the full lineup below, we hope to see you on Randall’s Island in early June!

If you’re looking for a festival that caters to more than your typical electronic, Governor’s ball could be your festival this summer. Three days passes are still available here. Sadly, VIP has sold out. However, if you’re willing to drop 2 grand, you can purchase a “Super VIP” ticket here.

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