Hardwell’s return to Tomorrowland 2024 in Belgium was a remarkable showcase that drew from a fan-curated setlist celebrating the “golden era” of electronic dance music (EDM). Known for shaping the big room and progressive house sounds that defined festival stages in the early to mid-2010s, Hardwell gave Tomorrowland fans a thrilling journey through his past hits and the anthems of EDM’s peak years.
Though his recent focus has been on techno and newer sounds through Revealed Recordings, Hardwell treated fans to nostalgic classics like “Spaceman,” “Jumper,” and “Apollo,” creating a vibrant throwback experience. Notably, he honored Avicii with a remix of “Wake Me Up” and included “A Sky Full Of Stars,” paying tribute to the late DJ and producer, whose work has become symbolic of EDM’s global rise.
The set also highlighted other defining figures of the time, such as Showtek, W&W, and Knife Party, solidifying the session as a tribute to the genre’s most influential acts. By including “Mammoth” by Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Hardwell’s set underscored the lasting impact of big room house music. Despite a busy schedule, including an appearance at Romania’s SAGA Festival, Hardwell’s Tomorrowland performance stood as a testament to his versatility and dedication, bridging EDM’s past and present for both loyal fans and new listeners.