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Leedsfest 2024: The Prodigy Review

• 27th August 2024
• Ewan Gleadow

Their shows post-Keith Flynt’s passing are somewhat defined by how they reacted to the tragic death of their frontman. The Prodigy sounds as exceptional as it did during its glory days, and these exciting times continue for the band as they headline Leedsfest and take a relatively unimpressive prize of being the best in show. Of course they are the best in show. The Wombats and Van McCann’s cash cow is hardly competition for a band whose defining decades are still shaping the world around them now. A packed-out Chevron Stage, the festival’s newest trinket, shows it. There is an appetite still for the booming light shows presented by the band, and their presence is as powerful as ever.  

For the passing Prodigy fan it marks a time of “Oh, they did this one,” and what a treat it is. A neat collection of all their best works but a light show layered on top. This is music which benefits from burning the other senses. Blinding lights, bold noise and a bright future for The Prodigy as they continue with mixtures of their best works. An even spread from The Fata of the Land and the inevitable likes of Breathe and Firestarter are pulled in early. Their rave sound is still finely tuned, and a remarkable performance of Omen and Smack My Bitch Up are those energetic punches audience members have been clawing for all day. The Prodigy is a breath of fresh air after suffering through the main stage likes of Two Door Cinema Club. Few artists on the Leedsfest lineup are keen to take risks or truly punch a connection with their audience, The Prodigy has no fear.  

Liam Howlett is the reason this band still sounds so intense. Their instrumental fury is extraordinary, their light show is a masterclass in making the most of a half-decent setup. Being at the Chevron stage is how fish must feel when caught in a net and blasted by a lighthouse. What makes The Prodigy such an essential live set is they have not lost the energy which got them to this notoriety. Outstanding. No greater thrill to life than being energised by great works and The Prodigy has more than a few tracks which stick out. But this intensity and memorable feel comes from tight studio recordings which have stood the test of time. Everyone in that crowd knows the intro to Firestarter and what is to come. Adrenalin-pumping brilliance passed from generation to generation. This feeling is blasted out in the finest set Leedsfest has to offer. 

A low bar it may be, but The Prodigy was always going to be an essential bit of viewing regardless of irritating crowds or uneventful lineups elsewhere. The Prodigy is a bright spark in an otherwise wet, dulled festival. An outstanding set which truly does make up for the half-hearted attempts at shaking up the lineup amid weather woes. Should you see only one band at a festival in such poor standing as this year’s Leedsfest, make sure it is The Prodigy. An outrageous celebration of everything they have done right for so many years – the hunger to entertain in their rebellious, frequently powerful yet occasionally touching way. 

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