From Ibiza to the Strip

French DJ and EDM pioneer David Guetta recently shared insights from his early experiences as a resident DJ in Las Vegas. Initially, Guetta was not fond of the city, highlighting his preference for Ibiza’s vibrant culture and underground house music scene. “When I first came [to Vegas], I didn’t like it because my thing was Ibiza… they don’t get it,” he told Billboard, reflecting on his initial reluctance to engage with the Las Vegas audience.

Upcoming Residencies at Fontainebleau

Over a decade since those early days, Guetta has embraced Las Vegas, announcing his latest venture with a series of performances at his new residencies LIV and LIV Beach at Fontainebleau, commencing on March 29. Across the next two years, he is set to perform 13 dates, marking a significant step in his career as he continues to shape the DJ culture in the city.

Guetta transitioned from Wynn Nightlife after over ten years as a key performer at XS and Encore Beach Club, indicating a notable shift in the Las Vegas residency landscape.

The Evolving Nightlife Scene

Las Vegas’ nightlife continues to diversify, with Wynn expanding its offerings to include artists like Dustin Lynch and electronic music icons such as Deadmau5 and G-Eazy, among others. Zouk Nightclub has also emerged as a spot for artists like T-Pain and Alison Wonderland, while Drai’s caters predominantly to hip-hop fans.

Guetta’s Contributions to DJ Culture

Guetta has witnessed the transformation of Las Vegas into a powerhouse for DJ culture, stating, “I’ve seen the culture evolve from zero to 100 during those years.” His commitment to the city reflects its robust investment in entertainment, making it a pivotal location for EDM and DJ performances.

Recent Collaborations and Live Performances

Testing out the vibes at his new LIV Beach residency, Guetta surprised attendees during a set by John Summit, where he performed “Beautiful People,” a collaboration with Sia. This marked a memorable moment in his ongoing partnership with the artist, as they have collaborated numerous times since their hit “Titanium” in 2011.

Guetta expressed his excitement: “I was not planning on it. I just came to say hi… It was insane,” showcasing the dynamic energy of the venue.

Preference for Pool Parties

When discussing his performance style, Guetta revealed a preference for pool parties, especially given the early setting and upbeat atmosphere. “Pool parties are insanely sexy… it’s all about feel good, happy music,” he mentioned, aligning with his personal music philosophy.

Innovative Performance Preparations

As part of the enhancements for the new venues, LIV and LIV Beach have undergone significant renovations to cater to an expanded audience capacity, now comprising over 80,000 square feet. Guetta has curated a unique setlist that includes “big American classics,” reimagined for his performances. “I’ve been working like crazy every day… making remixes or revisiting classics,” he stated, reiterating his commitment to delivering distinctive content.

The Changing Landscape of Music

Guetta highlighted the transformation in the music industry, emphasizing the importance of fan engagement in shaping an artist’s success today. “It used to be you did 10 to 14 songs to make an album, and then there were big meetings… Today, the fans choose, and I love it,” he explained, reflecting his appreciation for the current dynamic between artists and their audience.

Upcoming Performance Dates

David Guetta’s upcoming performance schedule includes dates at LIV on May 24 and November 22, with his LIV Beach performances starting from March 29 and continuing through May 31.