13. Big Gigantic's pods, 2012

The duo honked saxophone and bashed drums inside these conical pods, which looked like Devo hats or collapsible drinking cups for camping. Pretty appropriate evocations for an act that plays jam-friendly robotic pop.

The 13 coolest EDM stage shows and DJ booth setups

Lasers, pyramids, giant heads, spaceships, spheres. The live DJ show is all about the spectacle. These are the greatest live productions in electronic music.

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We are past the notion that DJing is not a live extravaganza. The days of some geek merely standing behind turntables or a laptop, tapping the track pad, are (largely) behind us. Electronic concerts are more akin to Cirque du Soleil than rock & roll gigs. Not surprising, considering how much time DJs spend in Las Vegas. Those millions of light bulbs must be inspirational.

The EDM show has replaced guitar music as a spectacular arena experience. A Deadmau5 concert looks far more like a Pink Floyd show than one by the Black Keys. Daft Punk's epic and nearly religious tour of 2007–8 (spoiler alert: they make this list) is held as one of the greatest live shows of recent history. Which is why EDM acts have become a headlining staple at summer music festivals like Lollapalooza and Coachella. It should be noted that many of these incredible props and light shows are designed and built by one company, V Squared Labs in our own San Fernando Valley.

As we prepare for another round of fests, we look back at the most jaw-dropping DJ booths and stage shows in electronic music. Your move, Calvin Harris.

RECOMMENDED: Dig through our archive of killer Coachella photos

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