The crowd at Voodoo 2007 was waiting for the start of the Kings of Leon, when a local radio station DJ took the stage. He did the usual festival stuff; He asked the crowd if they were having a good time, if they liked the beer and booze local vendors were selling. Then he moved on to Rage. Paraphrasing, "These guys aren't playing every city in the US. Them coming here to New Orleans is a big fucking deal." And it was a BFD. One of the most controversial and amazing bands in the last 20 years brought their protest songs and anger to the Big Easy last night, and it was nothing short of spectacular.
Voodoo decided to place its two primary stages fairly close by and facing each other, so the stages alternated performances. Between 8pm and 9pm, while M.I.A. performed on the Sony stage, most of the festivals attendees steadily jockeyed for position. Never have I heard so many people state what time it was or how much time was left to wait. The scheduled start time of 9:10 came and went, and the crowd grew restless. but all was good when around 9:25, the stage went black, and a series of chain motors began to raise a huge backdrop of a single red star.
As the first notes of "Testify" sounded, the crowd surged. Most of the song was spent bouncing around and staying upright through none of my own power. The mood for the show was set as "Testify" reached its climax. With Zach De La Rocha commanding the crowd, all in attendance sang, "who controls the past now controls the future." Rage plowed through hit after hit, from "Bulls on Parade," to "People of the Sun." The crowd (and myself) almost screaming every lyric back at the stage. Tom Morello consistently awed the crowd with his amazing guitar work, but this show belonged to Zach. His presence on the stage, and the amazing fire in his eyes were impossible to ignore. As he rapped his way through "Rodeo," he pointed an imaginary shotgun at the crowd, and played to the home crowd by ad libbing, "I'm rolling down Canal st. with a shotgun."
Mosh pits broke out nearly everywhere in the crowd, but many were quite friendly with some just enjoying the open space to jump up and down, amazed at what they were witnessing. Those who fell on the muddy ground were quickly scooped up. I witnessed very few people that were looking to really rumble. Most just had a good time.
The end of the main set was a perfect duo of songs. "Sleep Now in the Fire" brought an amazing level of excitement for a crowd that had been rocking for an hour. So much so that as "Wake Up" was played, it was almost peaceful. As the slower middle part began, Zach decided it was time for a departure from lyrics. Prior, there had been almost no talking besides the songs themselves. He spoke of visiting the 9th ward, and having an epiphany. He claimed that the US government is currently at war in two places, Iraq and against the people of New Orleans. Some of the crowd cheered, but most seemed to dismiss it, possibly because much of the crowd were not locals. After completing the throat scorching chant of "Wake Up," RATM exited to a huge ovation.
As a veteran of RATM shows, I knew what would be coming after the break, and after about five minutes, they returned and the first notes of "Freedom" began. Building to the first climax, the band fell silent and the stage dark, save a spotlight on De La Rocha. He peered out into the waiting crowd, and shouted "Your anger is a gift." Freedom continued to its expected climax, followed by Morello quietly playing the notes that everyone expected. "Killing in the Name of" rocked the crowd yet again, with some improvised lyrics. "Some of those that burn crosses, are the ones who hold office" emphasised the strong anti-authority message that made RATM so exciting and so popular. As obvious as these messages are on their albums, when witnessing Rage live, it is still amazing to see how passionate De La Rocha is about his music and the causes they promote. After an amazing show like that, I might not go out and start rioting in the streets, but it does cross your mind.
10.27.2007
RATM Live at Voodoo
9.12.2007
Reunion's are weird
This year in music has seen a plethora of bands long dead rise from the ashes and strap on their.....guitar straps again. Most notably are The Police and Rage Against The Machine.
The Police announcing tour dates earlier this year, including stops at the Bonnaroo music festival and the Virgin music festival shocked the music world. The band broke up around 1985 and there were reports of quite a feud between Sting and his former band mates.
I was at Bonnaroo this year (again) and witnessed a chunk of their set, which brought on yawns rather then head bobbing. They just didn't seem relevant to the scene, and I don't think they know what the festival scene is about anymore (at one point saying, "How are you Tennessee?" Everybody knows that Bonnaroo is its' own world).
Verdict: Break-up again please
Zack de la Roca put his guerrilla war on hold to return to the stage with RATM, starting with Coachella this spring. This tour is a chance for veterans and first timers to witness one of the best live bands of the last twenty years (perhaps ever, but thats another post). I'm making the trek the the big easy this fall for their performnace at Voodoo, and I let you know whats what. as I saw RATM several times, including their epic show at Woodstock '99. Rolling Stones review of Coachella below.
Rolling Stones review
RATM - Know Your Enemy - Live
Verdict: Guerrilla radio! Turn that shit up!
Lesser known but also amazing was the news announced in July the Knoxville based Superdrag would reunite for a six city tour beginning in October. Superdrag hasn't played a live show since 2003, but will be at the 9:30 club (my second home) on November 8th. I'll be there too, with a slightly skeptical hat on.
Head Trip in Every Key released in 1998 and In the Valley of Dying Stars of 2000 were excellent albums, but the 2002 release of Last Call for Vitriol lacked much substance. I think at that time, the only substance in Superdrag, or at least John Davies, was alcohol.
A nice touch for the reunion tour is an online poll of what tracks fans want to hear. The top three vote getters will be in the setlist. I've flip flopped, but now I'm pulling for I'm Expanding My Mind, which is running in fourth currently. Go Vote!!!!
Superdrag - Senorita
Verdict: Pending
