Rare footage has emerged showing Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwasser of MGMT performing their iconic song “Kids” in 2003 at Wesleyan University in Connecticut. The clip, captured years before the track’s official release, shows the duo in plain outfits, performing for a small audience. The moment, now going viral, captures the humble beginnings of what would become one of the defining songs of the 2000s.
“Kids” was officially released in 2007 on MGMT’s debut album, Oracular Spectacular, though earlier versions appeared on EPs in 2004 and 2005. The track would later receive a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group, cementing its legacy in music history.
Fans on social media were stunned by the resurfaced footage. Comments ranged from admiration for the video’s foresight to reflections on the band’s transformation from college performers to global icons. One user remarked, “Imagine telling people, ‘I was at the first MGMT show they ever had.’”
The clip highlights the unpredictability of cultural phenomena, reminding viewers to support local music. What starts as a simple college performance can eventually shape the sound of an era.
