Arriving at Palm Tree Club an hour early, I could feel the buzz in the air for The Chainsmokers’ 6:30 p.m. set. The waterfront venue is small and intimate — one of its biggest charms — though it sits a bit north for University of Miami students making the trip. Outdoors on the shore with its own dock, the club provided a picturesque backdrop.
Once Drew Taggart and Alex Pall took over, the crowd — mostly casual fans and Miami locals — jumped right into the party. Instead of leaning on their catalog of originals, The Chainsmokers leaned heavily into remixes, blending in everything from Florence + The Machine’s “Dog Days Are Over” to Travis Scott’s “Fein.”
A faster paced “Back to Friends” and a surprising “Te Boté” cut gave the set some flavor. As a longtime fan, I couldn’t help but feel a bit of disappointment when I realized they skipped “#SELFIE,” a track that helped launch their career.
Of course, the duo didn’t leave without delivering their biggest hits. “Paris,” “Closer,” “Roses,” “Something Just Like This,” and “Don’t Let Me Down” had the crowd going, reminding everyone why The Chainsmokers remain festival headliners.
But for diehards, the set felt more like a fun DJ showcase than a true Chainsmokers concert — missing the depth of their original music, especially from earlier albums.
For me, the night still had a personal highlight. I brought along my “So Far So Good” vinyl, holding it high for much of the set until the guys pointed and smiled my way. Fighting through the crowd, I finally made it to the front of the booth, and both members signed it — a quick moment, but one I won’t forget.
At the end of the day, I’d recommend this kind of Chainsmokers show to anyone looking for a party. Just know what you’re walking into: less of a concert, more of a high-energy DJ set with sprinkles of their biggest hits.
For casual fans, it was everything they could ask for. For diehards like me, it left us wishing for a little more.