Above & Beyond deliver an unforgettable night in San Diego for their ‘Bigger Than All Of Us’ Tour [Review]

Above & Beyond returned to San Diego for the first time since 2017, bringing their signature emotion and energy to a sold-out night at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park.

Trance legends Above & Beyond brought their ‘Bigger Than All Of Us’ album tour to The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park in San Diego on October 2. It was a long-awaited return for the trio, who last performed in the city back in 2017 at the now-closed Omnia Nightclub. This time, the experience couldn’t have been more different. Set against the waterfront skyline and beneath the open night sky, the trio, represented by Paavo and Jono, delivered a sold-out show months in the making, captivating thousands of fans who filled every inch and corner of the iconic venue.

With Gabriel & Dresden setting the tone as direct support, the evening began on a deeply emotional and melodic note. The San Francisco duo, known for their connection to the Anjunabeats sound, guided the crowd through warm, progressive builds and nostalgic trance grooves that perfectly prepared everyone for the journey ahead.

A long-awaited return filled with emotion and unity

When the lights dimmed and the familiar Above & Beyond visuals illuminated the stage, a wave of emotion swept across the crowd. It had been seven years since San Diego last experienced an A&B show, and the Anjunafamily was ready to make up for lost time. Paavo and Jono opened the set with ‘Stepping In’ and ‘Start A Fire’ with Richard Bedford, two tracks that set a cinematic tone for the evening. The melodies glided through the night air as the audience began to sing along, swaying gently as the waterfront breeze moved through the crowd. But it wasn’t long before the energy surged to new heights.

Things truly ignited when the duo dropped an ID remix of Axwell’s ‘Feel The Vibe,’ a jaw-dropping surprise that blended euphoric house energy with their signature progressive touch. They kept the momentum flowing with ‘Carry Me Home,’ another emotional peak that had the crowd belting every word before shifting seamlessly into an ID remix of ‘Over Now’ with Seven Lions, sending the venue into a euphoric frenzy that blurred the lines between trance and a more modern mainstage sound.

Nostalgia meets modern brilliance

The emotional peaks kept coming as Above & Beyond mixed their newer sounds with timeless anthems. When ‘Blue Monday’ filled the air, its infectious rhythm and moody energy sent chills down every spine, a fitting moment for a Thursday night that felt anything but ordinary. The group blended new and old seamlessly, working in ‘Quicksand’ with Zoë Johnston from their ‘Bigger Than All Of Us’ album before transitioning into ‘Alone Tonight,’ followed by Ilan Bluestone’s soaring remix of ‘We’re All We Need.’ Each transition built into a wave of nostalgia and joy that swept through the crowd, with fans singing word-for-word to ‘Sun & Moon’ and ‘Thing Called Love.’ Every lyric became a shared voice between the stage and the audience, a chorus of thousands that perfectly embodied what makes the Anjunafamily so special.

As the night progressed, the tempo lifted once again with ‘Good For Me’ featuring Zoë Johnston’s ethereal vocals. When the duo left the stage, fans refused to let go, chanting for one more song. Above & Beyond answered the call, returning for a heartfelt encore of ‘On A Good Day,’ closing the night with pure emotional perfection.

The Rady Shell: a San Diego gem

Performing at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park offered a breathtaking setting that elevated the entire experience. Nestled along the San Diego Bay, the venue’s architectural design framed the city skyline and harbor lights in the background, creating a visual harmony with Above & Beyond’s elegant production. While the Shell’s enclosed structure naturally limits some of the scale of touring festival rigs, the group’s touring stage, the same one that debuted at Coachella earlier this year, fit beautifully within the space. The visuals, lighting, and lasers still managed to immerse fans in a full-scale A&B experience.

Every beat resonated through the open air, reflecting off the water and drawing fans deeper into the music. The intimacy of the Shell, combined with the grandeur of the production, made for a night that felt both personal and monumental, a perfect embodiment of what the ‘Bigger Than All Of Us’ tour stands for.

A night that reminded San Diego why Above & Beyond are masters of connection

From start to finish, the energy never faded. Fans sang every lyric, hugged friends both old and new, and swayed together in moments of pure unity. It was the kind of crowd that defines the word family, one built on shared emotion, connection, and love for the music. As the final notes of ‘On A Good Day’ echoed across the bay, it was clear that this night would live on as one of San Diego’s most memorable shows of the year. 

For many, the journey ended under the stars at The Rady Shell; for others, it continued just a few miles away at Insomniac’s NOVA San Diego, the very same building that once housed Omnia, where the group last played in the city. Seven years later, Above & Beyond’s return to San Diego wasn’t just another tour stop. It was a reunion, a reminder of why their music continues to bring people together, and proof that their message remains timeless: We’re all we need.

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