Words & Images by: Bryan Lasky

Jamiroquai :: 9.8.18 :: Forest Hills Stadium

New York City, NY

It was raining as I walked into Forest Hills Stadium on Saturday and people were upset they umbrellas were not being let in. One woman turned and said, “Don’t worry about it and be like me: just embrace your inner England and put on a poncho and dance.” With a smile and a laugh she disappeared into the crowd and I’m assuming did just that. Her words seemed to ring true the rest of the night. From the moment Jamiroquai took the stage, I didn’t see a single person in the venue sitting down and the rain didn’t appear to affect anyone.

It had been a long 13 years since Jamiroquai took to the stage in New York City, something frontman Jay Kay spoke about a few times during the night. He and the band were appreciative of the crowd’s reaction the whole night, soaking it all in between songs. While cell phones could be seen at times, most of the sold-out crowd seemed to just be living in the moment and dancing their hearts out, which was wonderful to witness. It’s so rare that a crowd just goes all in at a show nowadays with so many distractions right in the palm of their hands, but for one night it seemed like people mostly ignored that distraction.

“Shake It On” sent the crowd into fits to start the show. Forest Hills immediately felt like a discotheque from another time period. When certain notes start the song, whether it was “Space Cowboy,” “Cosmic Girl” or “Canned Heat” the crowd would just erupt into euphoria. There was plenty of dancing from Kay on stage, egging the crowd on to match his moves. “Traveling Without Moving” had an extended jam that wanted to never end. “Emergency On Planet Earth” saw only its second performance of the year and the band absolutely nailed it. “Love Foolosophy” ended the set in glorious fashion.


After a quick thank you from Jay Kay, who noted the band has no more U.S. shows planned after a gig in Florida, the frontman did say he hoped to see everyone sooner than another 13 years from now. As curfew was approaching Jamiroquai launched into the hit “Virtual Insanity” and drove the crowd crazy one more time. The entire 11 piece band had a blast on stage and brought it together for a band bow. The crowd didn’t want it to end though and cheered loudly for a few minutes, but it was closing time. Hopefully, they stay true to their word and it won’t be that long before another appearance from them in New York City.


Setlist

Jamiroquai at Forest Hills Stadium Street Fighter

Shake It On

Little L

Use the Force

Space Cowboy

Alright

Dr Buzz

(Don't) Give Hate a Chance

Main Vein

Runaway

Cosmic Girl

Emergency on Planet Earth

Travelling Without Moving

Canned Heat

Love Foolosophy Encore Virtual Insanity