IN PHOTOS: iTunes Festival 2013 (Week 1)

Lady Gaga opened this year's iTunes Festival with new tracks off her brand new album ARTPOP.

Performance Highlights

September 2

Dynamic lead vocalist Jónsi Birgisson led the audience on a journey of cinematic sonic and visual wonder. The accompanying string and horn players added to the experience to create an unforgettable night of music.  The band covered the breadth of their catalogue performing songs from many albums across their impressive 2 decade career, including a seamless version of their global hit "Hoppípolla" into "Með blóðnasir" and stunning versions of their new songs "Brennistein" and the tile track from their most recent album Kveikur. 

The night opened with indie band Poliça who delighted fans with their unique blend of alternative, pop and R&B inspired songs. Singer Channy filled the room with her stage presence and soaring vocals.  Fans enjoyed new songs from the upcoming album Shulamith including "Chain My Name" and "Tiff". 

Related: IN PHOTOS: iTunes Festival 2013 (Week 2) 

September 3

A packed Roundhouse was captivated by a set of heart-swelling, stomping acoustic rock and folk-tinged melodies. The band's best-known song, the infectious “Ho Hey” had the whole audience singing along, plus there was a rattle through Bob Dylan's classic “Subterranean Homesick Blues”. Two songs were performed from the midst of the audience, which certainly added an intimacy to the performance. Returning for a three-song encore, bandleader Wesley Schultz thanked iTunes and wished cellist Neyla a happy birthday, bringing a truly lovely evening to a close.

Hailing from a small town in Wisconsin, our opening act, PHOX, were openly awestruck to be appearing at the iTunes Festival. Led by striking singer Monica, the seven best friends who make up the ensemble delighted the audience with a set of subtle, jazzy songs, one of which was performed a cappella. The gently epic “Blue and White” was a highlight.

September 4

Fronted by mesmerising lead vocalist Hayley Williams, Paramore ripped into opening track "Grow Up", igniting a frantic response from the excitable crowd.  With a hefty catalogue under their belt, the band punched out hit after hit, effortlessly sliding from rock to pop to funk. A pitch perfect rendition of "The Only Exception" drew the best crowd response and the evening drew to a close with a fiery performance of current hit "Still Into You". 

As the sun set on Camden Town, support band Fenech-Soler brought their signature blend of high energy, synth infused pop & explosive beats to the iTunes Festival. Fans enjoyed a sneak preview of tracks from their forthcoming album Rituals, including "Somebody & Magnetic".

September 5

Jordan, Harley and their excellent band, including a horn section and DJ, got the party started in fine style, mixing hook-laden pop, funky hip-hop and reggae grooves. Rizzle Kicks' set mixed favourites from their debut album with tracks from their brand new album Roaring 20s - released this week - plus a cover of Blur's “Song 2”. A romantic duet between Harley and guest Eliza Doolittle on “The Reason I Live” showed a sensitive side, but for the most part this was pure fun all the way, with Jordan declaring during the encore "you've made our year, thank you so much iTunes".

Earlier, Camden-born Eliza Doolittle played a set full of smart, snappy pop. Wearing a striking full length red gown paired with sneakers, her set included the recent hit “Big When I Was Little“ and her breakthrough smash “Pack Up”. But the highlight was undoubtedly “Let It Rain”, the standout track from her forthcoming second album “In Your Hands”.

September 6 

Captivating, conceptual, raucous and totally engaging, Queens of the Stone Age are everything we expect from a massive rock band. Fans packed the Roundhouse to the rafters and the band owned the stage.  Animated films from Boneface (responsible for the band's cover art) played in the background throughout the show. Frontman Josh Homme took the audience for quite a ride, his vocals challenging perfectly the seething guitars, driving bass and insane drums of this super talented band.  Masters of their art, QOTSA blended hard rock with alt and dipped into orchestral moments blurring the lines of genre for the night.  Fans danced, joined in a sing-a-long and raged to favourites from all QOTSA albums including "No One Knows", "I Sat By The Ocean" and "Go With The Flow". The night ended with a three song encore that whipped the crowd into a complete frenzy, moshing and flailing to the final song "Dead".

London based Palma Violets took the stage, grabbed hold of the Roundhouse and didn't let go.  They opened the night with their blazing track "Rattlesnake Highway" and didn't quit for the entire set.  The band nailed their well known track "Best of Friends" and their infectious energy carried through the crowd. This set completely proved the rumors true - Palma Violets are not to be missed live.  

September 7

Phoenix's show with Little Green Cars at the iTunes Festival on Saturday, September 7 has been cancelled due to illness. 

Visit http://www.philstar.com/music/itunesfestival daily and find out who else will rock the Roundhouse in London this whole month of September!