Lorde’s planned April 22, 2025, gathering at Washington Square Park in Manhattan was stopped because the required sound and parks permits were not in place. She later appeared in the park while “What Was That” played from a speaker, giving fans an informal preview—not a conventional live concert.
Why did Lorde invite fans to Washington Square Park?
Lorde used her fan text line to invite people to meet her at the Manhattan park at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. Pitchfork reproduced the message as: “Meet me in the park Tonight 7pm – x x.” Pitchfork’s report covered the invitation and the gathering.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
![Pure Heroine[LP]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41g5fLNeuML._SL160_.jpg)
|
Pure Heroine[LP] | $29.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
![Melodrama[LP]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/516iUNWINpL._SL160_.jpg)
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Melodrama[LP] | $29.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![Solar Power[LP]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41EhLbmQONS._SL160_.jpg)
|
Solar Power[LP] | $26.41 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Lorde "I Am Lorde" Complete Studio Album Collection: Pure Heroine / Melodrama / Solar Power / Virgin... | $219.36 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
![Virgin[Bathwater LP]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41SDqOdgJJL._SL160_.jpg)
|
Virgin[Bathwater LP] | Buy on Amazon |
Why was the planned gathering stopped?
The gathering was stopped before Lorde’s later appearance because the required permits were not in place. In Storyful’s account, an NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Public Information spokesperson said: “A sound and parks permit is required to have a concert in a New York City Park,” and, “This individual did not possess either. Organizers of the event were informed they could not perform and they left the location.” Storyful’s account attributes that explanation to the NYPD spokesperson.
Did Lorde perform “What Was That” live?
Reports describe Lorde appearing in the park while “What Was That” played from a speaker, with her dancing or singing along. That is more accurately described as an informal preview with fans than as a staged, full-band concert or a confirmed live vocal performance. Storyful and Pitchfork reported on the appearance.
#1 Best Overall
- Record has original inner sleeve.
- Includes mp3 download.
- Gatefold cover.
- Includes book insert.
When was “What Was That” released?
The single was released on April 24, 2025, two days after the park appearance. Universal Music Canada said the accompanying video was filmed around New York and included Washington Square Park footage from Lorde’s surprise appearance earlier that week. Universal Music Canada’s announcement gives the release and video context.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Co-produced by Lorde and Jim-E Stack, with contributions from Devonte Hynes (Blood Orange), Dan Nigro, Fabiana Palladino, Buddy Ross, and Andrew Aged, Virgin is the sound of Lorde returning to the beat-driven and raw lyricism that propelled Pure Heroine and Melodrama to commercial and critical success
Rank #4
Rank #3
- Solar Power is the third studio album from GRAMMY-winning, multiplatinum artist LORDE
Rank #2
- Lorde to release Standard & Deluxe vinyl pieces of her Grammy-nominated album, Melodrama
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