Rock am Ring 2014 Overview

Hello everyone. Long time, no see. Yeah, it's a common thing on my blog but I have good reason... which I'm not going to go in to here because hey, I'm lazy. Seriously though, my studies are over and I have lots of free time here in Germany so I can now get back to writing and that's why I thought it would be a great idea to use this time to talk about my first ever Rock am Ring. You won't be reading this if you don't know what it is so I will spare you the word count of explaining. I did this same exact post for the time I spent at the SouthSide Festival a few years a go so it just felt right. So, let's get on with it!

THURSDAY

THE OFFSPRING

I like The Offspring. Yeah they're a bit cheesy and more comedy music for teenagers than serious musicians (fuck you haters) but I thought they would be entertaining and pretty solid. Well, after a few songs I was totally wrong. Even Jeanny, who is a genuine fan, thought they were terrible. It was just so dull and uninspired. Needless to say, we left after about 4 songs.

IRON MAIDEN

I will freely admit that the majority of bands playing at this years festival were bands that I knew songs of but nothing too serious. Iron Maiden was one of those. Aside from the obvious better known songs, Maiden's discography is largely lost on me. They were the headline act for the first day and for my money, the absolute highlight of the festival. The power of Bruce's voice matched with the musical talent resulted in one of the best live performances I have been to. Just goes to show you that the old school can really wipe the floor with this generations musicians.

FRIDAY

BUCKCHERRY

I can't say I'm a big fan of these guys but damn, did they put on a good show. Fans would definitely have loved this. To me though, Buckcherry are one of those douchey rock bands that just sings about chicks with big tits and boasting about their dick sizes. Seriously guys, you don't need to use the word fuck in every sentence between songs.

KASABIAN

Kasabian is one of those bands that were pretty fucking amazing when they first started. I still enjoy their debut album and own some of their earlier singles. Their last few releases though? Kinda bland and losing what I loved about them when I first heard them. That being said, they did a fairly good job this year but they could played a few more of their older tracks for my liking. I do like the sound of their upcoming stuff though. I think Kasabain suit being heard live in a club or smaller venue rather than a big festival.

MASTADON

I won't lie. I never knew who Mastadon were before I read the lineup. I hadn't managed to hear much before I went to the festival but damn, from the few songs I got to watch. I was pretty fucking impressed. Only saw a few tracks because Jeanny and I were just floating about before going to check out Friday's headliner.

KINGS OF LEON

Just like Kasabian, early Kings of Leon is amazing. What genuinely pisses me off is when bands completely change their sound and image just to be a bit popular. The 14 year old girls who dress like 20 year old women who love 'Sex is on Fire' probably don't know what Kings used to look or sound like.  Jeanny loves Kings of Leon so I was more than happy to join her and listen to the tracks that I know and love. Overall, a very solid performance all round. Do I think they deserved to be a headliner? No not really but yeah, who am I to judge?

SATURDAY

FALL OUT BOY

OK, I'm not a 13 year old girl. I'm not a Myspace tween who says she's bisexual just to get a boyfriend. I'm not even a posey misunderstood goof who self harms purely for picture comments. I have no reason to listen to the shit that Fall Out Boy call music. Why did I watch them then? Jeanny and I were once again pottering about and thought it would be quite funny to check them out. Thankfully, after 2 songs, we left. The end.

DIE FANTASTICHEN VIER

There were quite a few German hip-hop and rap artists at this years Rock am Ring. Some of them are fun but to be honest, most of them are purely comedy based which is bloody annoying. These guys however, are pure old school. This year marked their 25th year together so they're pretty much the German version of The Beastie Boys. These guys were awesome! Some great beats and a great performance overall. I really enjoyed these guys. Another highlight.

LINKIN PARK

I was a little too old to really enjoy Linkin Park when I was growing up. They weren't for me. I wasn't an angry youth who wanted music to relate to. Don't get me wrong, I'm not dissing these guys by any stretch. They just weren't for me! These guys were the headline act for Saturday and fuck me sideways, did they put on a good show! I can't believe I never truly appreciated just how talented each member was. This was definitely one the best vocal performances I have heard for a while and thankfully, being the more matured cultural vulture that I am now, I am more than happy to get in to these guys properly. Nine Inch Nails were playing around the same time but to be honest, I would rather have seen them at their own gig so I was more than happy to join Jeanny who was seriously enjoying this. Such a great memory for me. *Wipes a happy tear*

SUNDAY

TRIVIUM

Once again, I had very little knowledge of these guys so I didn't know what to expect. Going in with an open mind, I was very pleasantly surprised. Another band for me to hopefully get in to. Great show to start of the final day of the festival.

ALTER BRIDGE

Yep, same old story. No real clue beforehand. These guys were pretty cool. Jeanny pointed out that one of of their songs was used by Triple H so I was more than willing to check them out. What did I think? Great performance but just not for me. Quite dull music but done very well. If you're a fan, you will love seeing these guys live.

METALLICA

Obviously, when you're going to a festival and Metallica are the main headliner.... You HAVE to go see. I was so fucking excited to see Metallica live. There was a bit of drama which meant I was split from the group as they were watching the previous act; Avenged Sevenfold. I got pushed out of the front zone because some douches were fighting and I couldn't get back in. From what I heard, Avenged were good but I didn't care because I thankfully made my way back to the stage. You know what guys? I was so underwhelmed by the actual show. The music and atmosphere was epic but it just felt like Metallica Lite! Seriously, what happened to those guys? They start the show with this goofy advert for 'Metallica: By Request' which is basically, fans choose the set-list (meaning no surprise) and then James Hetfield all the way through was PG-13 party guy. Don't get me started on the cringe worthy parts were (non) fans announced the next song.... Seriously. Metallica have become a band for hire. James, you need to get back on the drinks and drugs because you are nothing more than corporate event entertainer. Metallica should not be child friendly. But like I said, powerful performance showcasing their obvious talents but just no show. You would think that the final act playing on the final year that the event is being held at the prestigious Nürburgring would at least have fireworks or SOMETHING! Anyway, very underwhelming end to what was an amazing and historic experience for me!

Overall, I seriously had a great time. The negatives were totally outweighed by the small negatives. Oh wait, there was the whole Cro incident. Guys, you are Rock am Ring.... Cro should NOT be a special guest. Yeah a few songs off his first album were great but come on, he's on hotel and McDonalds adverts for fucks sake (English readers are like whaaaaa?). Was SO satisfied to see the majority of people who waited (like myself and Jeanny) for over an hour to find out who the special guest was just boo the shit out of him and walk out. Love it. Fuck you Cro! ANYWAY! No idea where next years event will be held but I'm so thankful to have experienced one of the word's greatest music festivals. Hopefully, all the petitions and campaigns for the money hungry owners of the
Nürburgring to lower the rent (I'm guessing) will work because it was just the best surrounding.

Great music and great people (especially my wonderful Jeanny who has opened me up to soooo many cultural experiences) make for a GREAT time.

To find out more about the festival go here.

PDX

SOUTHSIDE 2012: A Review

 Well this is being posted up later than planned. I'm actually writing this the day after our journey home but due to internet issues while I was away… going to be up late, not that it matters of course. I have of course just spent the weekend at the Southside Festival in Germany. I spent the weekend with my beautiful girlfriend and her awesome friend Seppster. It was overall, amazing! I have been to many festivals before but never actually camped for a whole one. A weekend full of great music, uncomfortable beds, fear of using toilets and all round good times with everything in between. I figured that I need to blog more and a what a perfect time to do a run down of the bands/ artists I had the pleasure of watching.

FRIDAY

BUSY P

Last time I saw Busy P was at the Warehouse Project in Manchester a couple of years back. Unfortunately I wasn't too impressed with his song selection. I had however, seen him a year earlier at the same place and he was amazing. In a nutshell, he was more amazing than the first time. Having to deal with one of his decks breaking all the time, like a true champ he carried on and pumped out some great tunes. I had dragged my girlfriend to see him, wasn't really her thing but she enjoyed it. Busy P! What the fuuuuuck!?

DIE ARTZE

Die Artze are my girlfriend's favourite band and she has seen them countless times. I was first introduced to these guys through her early on in our relationship and even though they of course sing in German, they are still enjoyable and my God, do they know how to put on  show for their fans. Three talented musicians full of charisma and full of genuine wit… plus Farin the bassist drinks tea on stage. What's not to love? Oh and a little bit of trivia, Die Arzte where the first of 2 acts at Southside who used a 9/11 reference. Seems legit.

JUSTICE

Oh Gaspard, I still have a worryingly big amount of love for you but sort the hair out. I miss your shorter curly… oh wait… Justice are one of my favourite acts of all time. This is the third time I have seen them live. The first time was their first run of live shows, the second a DJ set at Warehouse Project and this third time with their newer show. All I can say is that seeing Justice live is an experience that everyone must try. Great sound and an amazing light show. This show is a lot better than their first run but I have to say [SPOILER ALERT] I do miss Masters Of Puppets being their finale. Gaspard and Xavier, thank you, it was amazing!

SATURDAY

BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB

This was Seppster's choice and I have to say I thought it was damn good. My dad has told me about these guys for a few years but I never got round to checking them out properly aside from their more popular songs. This was a great way to be introduced properly, I shall be inducting these guys to my prestigious itunes music library sometime soon.

K.I.Z

Another German act suggested by my girlfriend. I was only intending on seeing a couple of songs to pass the time before another act started but after listening to the "gangster" lyrics lovingly translated by my girlfriend and the genuinely awesome music. I enjoyed it. Not to be taken seriously at all and from I gather the guys are just having fun and being very ironic with their songs about fucking your mother and other family friendly activities. Give these guys a listen, they're fun!

THE MARS VOLTA

Only caught the last 20 minutes of their set because of K.I.Z. I have to say, not really heard too many songs from these guys aside from the ones that used to play on MTV2 and the indie music channels that used to be on Sky. From what I had heard, I pictured that this would be epic and fr the most part it was. Some great music but like I said, only saw the last couple of songs. I shall be having a further listen soon though.

THE SHINS

Shiny happy music for people who love to wear flannel shirts and buy fair trade food… oh and think of Starbucks as a statement of their place in society. That being said, I love Starbucks (Caramel Machiatio is my official coffee) and I love The Shins. Not because it's cool to do so but because they create great music and their live show was very good. You probably love The Shins so I don't need to say more. Great stuff.

THE CURE

Another highlight for me and an even bigger highlight for my girlfriend. We both love The Cure and Robert Smith and to share a moment like this with the one you love stays with you man. A great set mixing the classics with the new. Not too familiar with recent stuff but hearing Robert Smith's fantastic voice singing our favourites was amazing. He still has a great voice and props to him for keeping the same look and not going all clean on us. Smith seems like a genuinely beautiful person and his almost childlike innocence is refreshing. If you haven't please go see The Cure if you can. Love Catsssssssss!

NEW ORDER

One of those "You have to at least once in your life…." moments. Being a MASSIVE fan of electronic music and a lover of the city of Manchester… this was amazing for me. I remember my dad playing stuff like Smiths, Joy Division, New Order… (you know the artists awesome dads like) all the time as a child. Joy Divions helped me learn guitar instead of going down the "Smoke On The Water" route. Seeing songs like "Blue Monday", "Temptation" as well as classic Joy Division songs such as "Love Will Tear Us Apart" is something for the heart to behold. It's a real shame Hooky isn't a part of it anymore but it doesn't matter because a loofa these producers nowadays and their pre teen followers don't come anywhere near as special as New Order, arguably one of the most important bands of all time, especially for electronic music. Another reason why this was so special for me was because I again, shared it with the one I love. You can't ask for more. Oh and thank you dad if you are reading for giving me the ability to appreciate great music.

SUNDAY

EAGLES OF DEATH METAL

"Just leave him alone because the boy's bad news…." These guys where awesome. Full of charisma a great catalogue of songs. Again, a band that I knew because of a couple of songs and again, a band who will be gracing the prestigious Mondo Squallido music library sometime soon. A real fun performance and I don't know the frontman's but you sir are one cool motherfucker.

WOLFMOTHER

Very solid and enjoyable set. I am not the biggest Wolfmother fan but I do like them a lot. There was a crazy girl next to us who was either French or on good drugs who enjoyed this a lot more than probably anyone else did. Aside from constantly standing on mine and my girlfriend's toes… I salute your…. mental side. I think you need good beer or evidently, good drugs to really appreciate Wolfmother. Not bad but can't say I remember much…

RISE AGAINST

One of those bands who you have no fucking idea who they are but you've heard their songs all time. From moody teenagers who think they have lived to flicking through channels like Kerrang and Scuzz on Sky. One of my girlfriend's favourites so of course I will give it a try and a try is all I gave it. Only saw the first two or three songs because I was again waiting for another act. I have to say, not bad. Don't think I'll be racing to the nearest record store but if Jeanny's got a CD or two I'll have a go.

SEBASTIAN

OK. Fisrt things first. THIS WAS THE GREATEST FUCKING THING I SAW AND LISTENED TO!!!! I fucking love SebastiAn. One of my favourite producers ever and one of my face Ed Rec Cru members. Just his whole middle finger to modern and popular electronic music is amazing. He uses sounds that I have never heard used before in a way that they shouldn't actually work but they do. SebastiAn and Oizo seriously need to collab more or at least release stuff together because that would literally blow up the world. Sorry Rise Against but I definitely made the right choice here. The only act I saw on my own and I'm kind of glad because I danced like a man possessed. To put my thoughts on this live experience in a paragraph is just impossible but believe me when I say that you NEED to experience SebastiAn and you need to do it now. I knew the live show was going to be amazing because his music live is amazing and after seeing him DJ at Warehouse Project at 4 in the morning when everyone is fucked and literally having 10 seconds of droning, distorted noise building up, killing your ears at the start of his DJ set while he continues to give the middle finger to the audience and even lying down smoking a cir… yeah I have gone off track but Jesus, GO SEE SEBASTIAN NOW! Oh and another bit of trivia… contained the second 9/11 joke/ reference. CTFO!

BLINK 182

Remember right at the start of this run down I said I dragged Jeanny to Busy P? Well, this was my "punishment" if you will. I will happily go on record to say that I never have and never will be a fan or a lover of the music of Blink 182. That being said, this was actually a great performance. The fans loved it, Blink knew it, they milked it… everyone loved it. A lot more enjoyable than expected. Plus, this also had a special feel to it because not only did it take me back to my youth, more importantly the skateboarding (I would have been better than Rodney Mullen if I would have carried on) but the fact that Jeanny was lost in the music of band who she adores… it was a gorgeous situation to be in. Call me old fashioned but moments like this make life amazing. Oh by the way, I gave up watching Stone Roses to see Blink…. don't worry, never really cared for the Stone Roses anyway.

So there you have it, a rather impressive list of acts if I do say so myself. Aside from the great music, it was just a great experience all round. Spending time like this with awesome people and just living in filth was awesome. I was always skeptical of the festival experience but I have to say I rather enjoyed it. If the information is still on the site I will be putting the link down below so you can see who else played. I had an awesome time and have moments that will stay with me. Jeanny if you are reading this, our first festival together was amazing and I can't wait for more!

Because I am feeling the love right now, I thought I would share a few pointers and give my words of wisdom to you guys:

1. Girls, don't dress like you're going to be included in a street fashion article, you just look stupid. Boys, now is the perfect time to wear women's clothing and customise your own, it's comfortable and you are allowed!

2. Tinned ravioli is love in a tin.

3. It may be hard at first but overcoming the fear of festival toilets is a must.

4. note to self… I need to make a music system from a car CD Player and some speakers… that shit looked and sounded awesome.

So yeah, that's me out. Here's a photo of me kinda looking like a girl… sorry ladies… and boys but I'm taken ;)

 Love,
PDx

South Side 2012