Trance trio Above & Beyond have given Beirut, Lebanon their seal of approval after experiencing one of the best gigs of their career there at the weekend.

Following years of civil war the city’s nightlife culture has been establishing itself as one of the hottest in the world. However 2006’s bombing by Israel rocked confidence for visitors to the Lebanese capital once more.

The passion and warmth of the clubbers mean it is favourite of visiting DJs, but last summer there was more trouble when word spread of a terrorist threat on Tiesto’s life in the run up to his much anticipated appearance there. The rumour turned out to be a hoax, and once again the local party scene dusted itself off and hit the dancefloor undeterred.

Above & Beyond played to a sold-out 5000-strong crowd in Beirut at the weekend, a gig that was so good it prompted Tony McGuinness to say “We’ve always loved playing Beirut; this weekend was our third appearance. Even after New Year’s Eve in front of 1 million people in Rio I’d say this was one of Above & Beyond’s best ever gigs. I know some people have second thoughts about playing in Lebanon, but we’re only afraid of not going back - it’s a vital part of any world tour and the crowd are fantastic”.

Anjunabeats 100, the double CD mix of highlights from the guy’s label, is out this week and comes accompanied by a DVD, From Goa To Rio, which features their recent global touring including that epic NYE beach party.

Check out this video from the weekend…