Despite rough winds causing a drop in temperature, thousands of people celebrated the arrival of 2025 at the New Year’s Eve Peach Drop at Underground Atlanta on Tuesday.
The outdoor event, which did not occur in 2024, featured the return of a 138-foot tower from which an 800-lb. peach slowly descended at midnight, marking the arrival of the new year.
Antwan “Big Boi” Patton was the New Year’s Eve Peach Drop’s headliner. Dressed in a light brown fur coat and a black leather Atlanta Falcons cap, the OutKast rapper performed nearly an hourlong set, accompanied by Organized Noize member Patrick “Sleepy” Brown, DJ Cutmaster Swiff and a live band.
Credit: Jenni Girtman
Credit: Jenni Girtman
Patton got the crowd to dance, chant and sing along to signature OutKast singles like “Ms. Jackson,” “So Fresh So Clean,” “Rosa Parks” and “Player’s Ball,” along with his solo records “Shutterbug” and “All Night.” Other popular OutKast songs performed included “ATLiens,” “The Way You Move,” “Spottieottiedopalicious” and “Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You).”
Rapper Killer Mike made a cameo appearance for the songs “Kill Jill,” “The Whole World” and “Kryptonite.”
Credit: Jenni Girtman
Credit: Jenni Girtman
Musical acts on the main stage spanned various genres. Rock band Neon Trees warmed the crowd with a fusion of garage rock, new wave and pop, with their songs “Losing My Head,” “El Diablo” and “Everybody Talks.”
The Utah-based quartet also threw in a cover of synthpop band The Human League’s 1982 chart-topper “Don’t You Want Me.”
Lead singer Tyler Glenn encouraged the audience to ignore the strong, chilly wind gusts and enjoy themselves. “It’s starting to feel a lot like church out here. You guys should be celebrating a little more,” Glenn told the crowd.
Neo-soul singer Res performed her uplifting song “They Say Vision,” and covered Fleetwood Mac’s classic hit “Dreams.
Other performers include Zion Joy, LoyalTee, Sky Whatley and Goodie Mob member Big Gipp.
The event also featured food trucks and beverage stations. Families and couples arrived with folding chairs and blankets, often hugging and holding hands.
Credit: Jenni Girtman
Credit: Jenni Girtman
Katie Gilmore, a native of Madisonville, Kentucky, who relocated to Atlanta two years ago, said she was pleased with the experience.
“I didn’t know what to expect coming in, but I really enjoyed the mix of entertainment. I appreciate that the event was gated and safe with plenty of security,” Gilmore said.
Credit: Jenni Girtman
Credit: Jenni Girtman
Radio personality Ryan Cameron emceed the Peach Drop, leading sing-alongs to classic television theme songs and the popular Atlanta “Swag Surf” dance.
DJ BoogieLov paid tribute to the late Atlanta rapper Rich Homie Quan with songs “Flex (Ooh, Ooh, Ooh)” and Rich Gang’s “Lifestyle.” She also honored the late singer Frankie Beverly by playing his feel-good anthem “Before I Let Go,” mixed with Beyoncé’s 2018 rendition of the cult classic song.
The celebration ended with a fireworks display.
Tamia Campbell, who relocated to Atlanta from Tallahassee, Florida, three years ago, said small logistical snafus during the event didn’t stop her from having fun.
Credit: Jenni Girtman
Credit: Jenni Girtman
“The Peach Drop was amazing. I didn’t get to watch much because the lines took forever, but my friends and I heard everything from a distance,” she said.
“It was great seeing everybody come out, have a good time and enjoy themselves.”
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