Press
| KC Star RockFest 2008 Review - 2008-06-09 |
| http://backtorockville.typepad.com/back_to_rockville/2008/06/rockfest-review.html |
| When Red Line Chemistry opened the 2008 edition of Rockfest with 30 minutes of metalic crunch, a significant portion of the crowd of 50,000 fans was already packed together on the lawn at the second stage. Devil signs were flashed, and crowd surfers navigated a sea of raised arms. The party was just getting started. Over 11 hours later, fireworks greeted the final notes of Stone Temple Pilot's "Dead & Bloated." "You have officially made this the largest one-day festival in America," disc jockey Ryan Westward told the assembled masses earlier in the day. Stone Temple Pilots were perfect Rockfest headliners. Reunited after a five-year hiatus, their decadent rock was infused with new vitality during their 90-minute performance. It was exhilarating hearing the quartet's grungy catalog infused with fresh enthusiasm and renewed conviction. From the opening song "Big Empty" it was evident that the quartet wasn't just going through the motions. Front man Scott Weiland, infamous for his troubled personal life, was as wonderfully weird as ever. He seemed to be having fun, goosing outstanding guitarist Dean DeLeo, celebrating drummer Eric Kretz's 41st birthday and dancing with a megaphone. He warmly acknowledged the fans' chant of "STP." "We love hearing that even more than you love hearing our tunes," he said. "But we know the real reason you're doing that: We spiked your beer!" Songs that had seemed permanently played out, like "Sex Type Thing" and "Interstate Love Song," were entirely reinvigorated. Rockfest was also better than ever. No longer located at the base of Liberty Memorial, the main stage was situated near the southern edge of Penn Valley Park. Remote video screens and speakers allowed the sprawling crowd to follow the action on the main stage. It's unfortunate, however, that the stage couldn't have been elevated another five feet. Good sight lines were enjoyed only by the most vigilant fans. In spite of allowing capacity to increase to 50,000, Rockfest was no more congested than last year. The grounds seemed more spacious and the layout was improved. Still, long waits are inevitable at large events. I found the end of an entrance line a block east of 31st and Main streets at 11:15 a.m. It took 35 minutes to reach the front gate. And while portable toilets were plentiful, many people elected to jockey for position at the nearest grouping of toilets. Staggered performance times at the dual stages allowed dedicated fans to catch the majority of all 15 bands' sets. Red Line Chemistry acquitted themselves well. Their fierce rendition of "The Empty" was one of the high points of the day. The Kansas City band bested a few of the day's more prominent acts. Anew Revolution's sinister sound clashed with the festive afternoon atmosphere. Their ominous style is better suited for a late-night club. Conversely, Saliva's crowd-pleasing hits like "Click Click Boom" and "Ladies and Gentlemen" were ideal for in the carnival-like setting. After headlining the second stage last year, the Memphis band graduated to the main stage Saturday. Based on the outstanding reception they received, 10 Years might be the next band to make that jump. Pink Floyd-style flourishes and a sparkling acoustic-based reading of the ballad "So Long, Good-bye" were refreshing standouts. "You don't know who we are," vocalist Matthew Wilkof hollered as Another Black Day launched into its first song. "But by the time I'm finished with you, you will." It was no idle boast. His band combines proto-Metallica thrash with the melodic shriek of Judas Priest. They were brutal- and that's a good thing. Veterans of Godsmack and Ugly Kid Joe, the members of Another Animal have learned how to score points. They led the crowd in a chant of "Johnny Dare rules." Ashes Divide provided an unlikely pocket of ambitious keyboard-heavy rock amid the party music. Their dirge-like cover of Fleetwood Mac's "The Chain" was stunning, but as with the rest of their arty set, it provided little opportunity for head banging. Crowd favorites Shinedown, however, provided the sing-alongs and big rock moments the audience craved. Similarly, the melodic arena rock of Trapt was well-received. Theory of a Deadman's biker rock, typified by "Bad Girlfriend," is also tailor-made for rowdy events. Similarly, Rev Theory's "Hell Yeah" could serve as Rockfest's unofficial anthem. Introduced as "rookies of the year," Saving Abel headlined the second stage based on the strength of their not-so-subtle hit "Addicted." The Mississippi band called its sound "Southern rock 'n' roll, but they're as much Aerosmith as Lynyrd Skynyrd. Sound quality was as good as can be expected, although technical problems briefly suspended Chevelle's set. A member of the screamo/pop/metal band pledged to make it up to fans. "We're going to buy everyone here a drink tonight," he joked before they resumed with "Send the Pain Below." The gesture might have been unnecessary. Many fans apparently failed to pace themselves. It wasn't difficult to encounter people "resting" on the ground. Music isn't the primary attraction for everyone at Rockfest. Many men arrive armed with Mardi Gras beads. They were doled out to women willing to, ahem, get an even suntan. Sevendust was introduced as "one of the greatest bands on the face of the earth." The Atlanta act didn't quite live up to that hyperbole, but their militant stop-start thrash was excellent. "This is the best concert in America," vocalist Lajon Witherspoon shouted. Fifty-thousand people probably agree. |