Festival NewsFestival ReviewMusic News

DAY 9 AT BST HYDE PARK: LANA DEL REY IS THE FINAL SPECTACULAR HEADLINER FOR AMERICAN EXPRESS PRESENTS BST HYDE PARK 2023

American Express presents BST Hyde Park

LANA DEL REY

DAY NINE: Sunday 9 July 

THE AMERICAN SINGER-SONGWRITER
TAKES TO THE GREAT OAK STAGE FOR A FINAL, SPECTACULAR NIGHT OF LIVE MUSIC AT  
AMERICAN EXPRESS PRESENTS BST HYDE PARK 2023


Highlights from the 90-minute set included ‘Born To Die’, ‘White Mustang’ and ‘Video Games’

With a supporting line up of:
Father John Misty | Gang of Youths | SYML | Riopy
The Last Dinner Party | Tommy Genesis | Etta Marcus
SIIGHTS | Kings Elliott | Holly MacVe

Lana Del Ray performs on Day 10 of American Express Presents BST Hyde Park on July 9, 2023 in London, United, Kingdom. (Photo by Dave Hogan/Hogan Media/Shutterstock)

Lana Del Rey brought American Express presents BST Hyde Park 2023 to a magical end tonight, with a mind-blowing headline performance on the Great Oak Stage. 

The singer-songwriter arrived on stage wearing a long floral dress with thigh split, a white ribbon belt with long train – so long it reached the back of the stage – and her hair pinned up, Del Rey launched into the cool melody of recent single A&W; a reminder of just how much power those gentle vocals hold. 

Accompanied by three backing singers, clad in silver sequins dresses, and five contortionist dancers, an expertly-choreographed performance continued with Young & Beautiful. “Damn, this is a big crowd,” she beamed.

Making a subtle nod towards her last festival appearance, Del Rey then took a seat in front of a mirror, as a stylist appeared to unpin her hair; her long auburn locks unravelled around her face, as the audience applauded. “This applause is for you,” she said softly. 

Fans attend Day 10 of American Express Presents BST Hyde Park ahead of Lana Del Ray’s headline performance on July 9, 2023 in London, United, Kingdom. (Photo by Dave Hogan/Hogan Media/Shutterstock)

As the set went on, Del Rey’s tender energy emanated from the stage. Born To Die drew 50,000+ voices singing back at her. At one point, she stepped down off the stage and to the barrier where tearful fans took selfies and shook her hand. “You guys made it possible for us to tour for 13 years,” she told them.

Slowly bringing her performance to a close, Del Rey performed Summertime Sadness to, once again, a chorus of 50,000+ people. The solemn Did You Know That There Is A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd followed before Del Rey took to a rope swing, decorated in flowers, to perform the mighty Video Games. 

“It’s worth it,” she smiled as the music faded. 

The crowd cheers as they wait for Lana Del Ray to perform on Day 10 of American Express Presents BST Hyde Park ahead of Lana Del Ray’s headline performance on July 9, 2023 in London, United, Kingdom. (Photo by Dave Hogan/Hogan Media/Shutterstock)

Holding the special guest slot tonight was indie-folk singer Father John Misty, who arrived on stage to a roar of cheers. “You guys are probably excited about the headliner tonight?” he asked, which only amplified the screams.

Father John Misty, real name Joshua Tillman, adopted his stage name in 2012, following his departure from the band Fleet Foxes. Earlier this year, he was announced as a featured artist on Del Rey’s latest album, Did You Know That There’s A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd. 

Highlights from his one-hour 10 minute set included Buddy’s Rendezvous, Nancy From Now On and Chateau Lobby #4 (In C For Two Virgins).

Father John Misty performs on Day 10 of American Express Presents BST Hyde Park ahead of Lana Del Ray’s headline performance on July 9, 2023 in London, United, Kingdom. (Photo by Dave Hogan/Hogan Media/Shutterstock)

Australian alternative rockers Gang of Youths have previously opened for the Foo Fighters and Mumford & Sons. Today, they hit the stage, to support another one of their great inspirations. The five-piece from Sydney, now based in London, performed tracks from their three studio albums, including The Deepest Sighs and the Frankest Shadows and Let Me Down Easy. Lead vocalist, Dave Le’aupepe, humbly told the crowd: “We felt out of place among this world-class talent, so thank you for sitting and standing through this. We love you, thank you very much London.”

Father John Misty performs on Day 10 of American Express Presents BST Hyde Park ahead of Lana Del Ray’s headline performance on July 9, 2023 in London, United, Kingdom. (Photo by Dave Hogan/Hogan Media/Shutterstock)

Last year, it was announced that Washington-based singer Brian Fennel, aka SYML, collaborated on Paris, Texas from the Lana Del Ray LP Did You Know That There’s A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd. Fast-forward seven months and SYML supported Del Rey with a soothing stripped back set featuring tracks Girl, Marion and Mr Sandman, a cover of The Chordettes classic. 

French composer and pianist, Riopy, opened the Great Oak Stage this afternoon with a minimalist, pop-jazz and cinematic performance, entwining the essence of classical and pop. Riopy, who grew up in France and moved to London at the age of 21, told the crowd: “You all know the reason why I’m lucky to be here. For those who don’t… the amazing Lana Del Rey.” His piece, Flo, from the Tree Of Light album, features in Del Rey’s 2023 track, Grandfather Please Stand On The Shoulders Of My Father while He’s Deep-Sea Fishing. 

Etta Marcus performs on stage on Day 10 of American Express Presents BST Hyde Park ahead of Lana Del Ray’s headline performance on July 9, 2023 in London, United, Kingdom. (Photo by Dave Hogan/Hogan Media/Shutterstock)

Today’s action on the Rainbow Stage presented by British Airways began with wonderfully ethereal, Etta Marcus, whose effortless style and vocals kicked off the Sunday theme successfully. “It’s just me on this big stage today,” she smiled. “I’m going to be playing a really stripped back set, I hope you enjoy it.”

Tommy Genesis performs on stage on Day 10 of American Express Presents BST Hyde Park ahead of Lana Del Ray’s headline performance on July 9, 2023 in London, United, Kingdom. (Photo by Dave Hogan/Hogan Media/Shutterstock)

Next up was Canadian rapper, Tommy Genesis – aka Genesis Yasmine Mohanraj – who performed her most popular releases Tommy, 100 Bad and her most recent single, A Woman Is A God. “Thank you for coming to the rainbow stage,” she told the crowd. “I’m a rainbow, so I feel a little at home here.” Then it was the turn of London five-piece, The Last Dinner Party, who were recently labelled ‘the most talked about band in Britain’. Composed of Abigail Morris, Georgia Davies, Emily Roberts, Lizzie Maylan and Aurora Nishevci, the band – described as having a baroque pop and post-punk sound – have revealed themselves to be huge fans of Del Rey. 

Etta Marcus performs on stage on Day 10 of American Express Presents BST Hyde Park ahead of Lana Del Ray’s headline performance on July 9, 2023 in London, United, Kingdom. (Photo by Dave Hogan/Hogan Media/Shutterstock)

And with that, this year’s American Express presents BST Hyde Park came to an epic end.

BST Hyde Park 2023 returns this summer for its 10th anniversary year and we’ve got even more legendary headliners this year: All Things Orchestral presented by Myleene Klass and featuring Alfie Boe (23 June), P!NK (24 and 25 June), Guns N’ Roses (30 June), Take That (1 July), BLACKPINK (2 July), Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band (6 and 8 July), Billy Joel (7 July) and Lana Del Rey (9 July).

www.bst-hydepark.com | @bsthydepark 

Tommy Genesis performs on stage on Day 10 of American Express Presents BST Hyde Park ahead of Lana Del Ray’s headline performance on July 9, 2023 in London, United, Kingdom. (Photo by Dave Hogan/Hogan Media/Shutterstock)

About American Express presents BST Hyde Park:

Set in London’s beautiful Royal Park, BST Hyde Park kicked off in 2013 with The Rolling Stones reliving their legendary 1969 gig, plus Bon Jovi, Lionel Richie and many more packing out the park for memorable summer nights.

Syml performs on stage on Day 10 of American Express Presents BST Hyde Park ahead of Lana Del Ray’s headline performance on July 9, 2023 in London, United, Kingdom. (Photo by Dave Hogan/Hogan Media/Shutterstock)

The event has featured many now famous shows from Carole King, Celine Dion, Stevie Wonder, Barbra Streisand, Adele, The Rolling Stones, Taylor Swift, Robbie Williams, Black Sabbath, Take That, Kylie Minogue, The Who, Blur, Kendrick Lamar, The Strokes and so many more.

Every year, each headliner is joined by a full supporting line-up across multiple stages, from major superstars to handpicked developing acts performing for fans from across the UK and the world.

And the midweek programme allows free access to the site with outdoor cinema, street food markets, children’s theatre, fitness classes, summer sports screenings, evening events, live music and much more.

Abigail Morris of Last Dinner Party performs on Day 10 of American Express Presents BST Hyde Park ahead of Lana Del Ray’s headline performance on July 9, 2023 in London, United, Kingdom. (Photo by Dave Hogan/Hogan Media/Shutterstock)

About American Express® Experiences:

American Express connects Cardmembers to the kinds of rewarding experiences and opportunities that matter to them and their businesses.  Through American Express Experiences, Cardmembers have access to presale tickets, and exclusive offers at some of the UK’s most sought-after entertainment events via partnerships with a range of entertainment institutions, including AEG, Somerset House, The British Film Institute and the National Theatre. American Express Experiences is just one example of the powerful backing that American Express provides its Cardmembers. To find out more about the American Express Experiences programme please visit: https://www.americanexpress.com/en-gb/benefits/entertainment/events

About AEG Presents:

Combining the power of the live event with a focus on true artist development, AEG Presents is a world leader in the music and entertainment industries. Operating across five continents, the company has an unparalleled commitment to artistry, creativity, and community. Its tentpole festivals and multi-day music events — which include the iconic Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival and the legendary New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival alongside British Summer Time at Hyde Park, Stagecoach, Hangout Festival, Electric Forest, and Firefly — continue to set the bar for the live music experience. AEG Presents promotes global tours for artists such as The Rolling Stones, Ed Sheeran, Elton John, Taylor Swift, Celine Dion, Justin Bieber, Kenny Chesney, Paul McCartney, and Katy Perry, in addition to — through its network of clubs, theatres, arenas, stadiums and renowned partner brands such as The Bowery Presents, Concerts West, Frontier Touring, Goldenvoice, Madison House Presents, Marshall Arts, Messina Touring Group, PromoWest Productions, and Zero Mile Presents — creating and developing an unmatched infrastructure for artist development and audience reach. More information can be found at www.aegpresents.com.

AEG’s European headquarters are located in London.

About Hyde Park:

Every year millions of visitors from London, the UK and across the globe enjoy the iconic Hyde Park, one of the capital’s eight Royal Parks. Spanning 350 acres of green space in central London, Hyde Park has hosted world-renowned music artists since the 1960s. The summer concerts are an essential part of income generation for The Royal Parks, providing necessary funds to maintain and develop the parks for future generations to enjoy. They also help support the diverse culture of London and introduce new audiences to the parks.

About The Royal Parks:

The Royal Parks is the charity which manages, protects and improves the parks in an exemplary and sustainable manner so that everyone, now and in the future, has the opportunity to enjoy their natural and historic environments.

The charity looks after eight of London’s finest open spaces: Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, St James’s Park, The Green Park, The Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, Greenwich Park, Richmond Park and Bushy Park. It also manages other important open spaces in the capital, including Brompton Cemetery and Victoria Tower Gardens.

It costs around £55m a year to manage the parks. The charity raises around 80 percent of this money itself, with the remaining 20 percent coming from the Government.

For further information please visit: www.royalparks.org.uk and follow The Royal Parks on:

Twitter @theroyalparks

Facebook.com/TheRoyalParksLondon

Instagram.com/TheRoyalParks.

About American Express:

American Express is a globally integrated payments company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at americanexpress.com, and connect with us on

facebook.com/americanexpress  

instagram.com/americanexpress

Linkedin.com/company/american-express

twitter.com/americanexpress

youtube.com/americanexpress

About The Author

Show More
Back to top button
error: Content is protected !!