Live Report: Love is in the air as Joey Bada$$ intoxicates Longitude with flawless set

As Lil Uzi Vert lit up the main stage at Longitude on Sunday, the Heineken Stage bore witness to one of the best superstar performances of the weekend, as Joey Bada$$ played a mesmerising show to a dedicated crowd.

Before the Brooklyn born rapper had even come on stage, boisterous chants for his entrance echoed around the tent. A chorus of “JOEY, JOEY, JOEY” reverberated around the Heineken tent from a hardcore group of fans that had been attracted to come and see Joey Bada$$ perform.

Joey Bada$$ performing on Heineken Stage at Longitude. Copyright: Abigail ring.

Upon entering the stage, he was met with rapturous cheers and applause from a crowd who had waited all weekend to witness him. He immediately sent his admiring crowd wild with opening song ‘Temptation’.

“Longitude 2023, how are y’all feeling out there,” roared Joey. “Welcome to the Joey Fucking Bada$$ show.” His bellowing exclamation was met with similar vigour by the crowd, who cheered his every word.

Having performed at last week’s Glastonbury Festival, and previously appearing at Longitude, Joey was well warmed up for this year’s Longitude performance, and displayed all the characteristics of a seasoned performer.

Joey Bada$$ oozed class and charisma throughout his set, and had his adoring crowd hanging on his every breath. The crowd themselves were brilliant, repaying a smashing performance with endless energy.

Joey Bada$$ performing on Heineken Stage at Longitude. Copyright: Abigail ring.

Joey brought the best reception of the night after announcing his Irish heritage. He then played ‘Show Me’, a spectacular tune off his 2022 album 2000 that samples Men I Trust’s smash hit ‘Show Me How’. The song displays Joey’s talent not only as a rapper, but as a producer with an incredibly erudite musical mind.

Following ‘Show Me’ came the Kiss Cam interlude. Joey, a romantic at heart, picked out couples from the crowd for the Kiss Cam, before being caught on camera himself. His special someone arrived on stage, and Joey shared a most intimate smooch in front of the roaring Longitude crowd.

‘Love Is Only A Feeling’ was a most appropriate song to follow, and the crowd could likely be heard singing the chorus from the other side of Ireland.

For the last two songs, Joey asked his audience to unlock a higher level. They duly obliged, opening up a furious mosh pit on 2022 single ‘The Rev3nge’.

Joey Bada$$ performing on Heineken Stage at Longitude. Copyright: Abigail ring.

While stage officials urged Joey to finish his set on that song, he instead followed the protests of the crowd, and played out the night with one more tune. Joey sent the Heineken stage into space, with ‘Devastated’. The crowd hit near delirium, bouncing to his every word on the iconic song.

Joey Bada$$ flexed his credentials at Longitude as one of the greatest rappers in the game, as well as one of the greatest performers. His sparkling show was a magical one, and one all the Joey lovers won’t soon forget.