Even Further was my fourth major rave in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin and Midwest rave scene was second to none, with Drop Bass Network, Woody McBride, and other artists, producers, and organizers putting on significant events.

On the first evening, heading down the hill, we ran into DJ Boo Williams and someone carrying his records. He was grumbling about the mud and how remote the festival was. We later wandered into a tent where Daft Punk seemed to be getting ready to play. Something felt special, so we worked our way toward the front.

After a few announcements, Daft Punk began with a live version of “Da Funk.” I had been in plenty of rave crowds by then, but this set felt different: vibrant and alive. Each break brought something new, and the crowd answered with a roar. The energy rose and fell in waves, building into one of the most excited crowds I had ever seen. This was one tent among many, and it was not especially large. We made it right up to the DJ station. I recorded some of the set on a small pocket tape recorder; these Hi8 videos preserve the sound of the crowd, too.

This footage documents Daft Punk’s first live performance in the United States, at Even Further 1996 at Eagle Cave Campground in Wisconsin over Memorial Day weekend. The video was filmed by Brad Serdan of Reflections Video Productions. Even Further 1996 was organized and produced by Drop Bass Network, Woody McBride, and David Prince.