Electric Eye - Rock & Roll Memories: The Prodigy @ Olympia, Paris

As the crowd gathered into the hallowed halls of the legendary Paris Olympia to witness the return of The Prodigy on December 10, 2023, there was an undeniable sense of anticipation mixed with a somber undertone. The specter of Keith Flint, who had departed this world almost exactly four years ago, loomed over the venue, casting a poignant shadow on the proceedings. The entire set, however, became a powerful and cathartic experience, a rock n' roll therapy session for both the band and the fervent audience. Unsurprisingly, this date at the Olympia has been sold out for months: The Prodigy's cyberpunk black masses usually take place in much bigger arenas, so it's quite the privilege to witness it in such a small venue.

The Prodigy unleashed its sonic assault with Breathe, and the crowd immediately went apeshit. Fueled by the band's aggressive sounds and Techno Punk beats, fans continuously jumped, danced and thrashed throughout the relentless 90-minute performance, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a post-apocalyptic rave. Led by the indomitable Liam Howlett, the band delivered a set filled with both timeless classics and newer tracks, although, after a hiatus of over five years since their last album "No Tourists," every song seemed to carry the weight of a classic.

Flint's memory was acknowledged during an emotional instrumental rendition of Firestarter, his unmistakable silhouette projected with lasers onto the backdrop as Maxim Reality, now the band's sole frontman, stood still, in mourning and deference.

As the final beats reverberated through the Paris Olympia, there was a collective sense of triumph, a declaration that The Prodigy had not only endured but had emerged stronger than ever.

Experience or re-live the concert by playing the setlist in the embedded Apple Music player below