I love metal.
Anyone who knows me can testify to the unhealthy obsession I have with music, let alone metal. I think my choice of music surprises some who meet me.
I use to dress goth all the time. I don't anymore, because I like to save it for special occasions (Shows,Fetish parties, my favorite holiday of the year halloween, etc). There are still plenty of times you can find me and a few friends at goth/industrial clubs around the south florida area dancing to Combichrist, Dawn of Ashes, Wolfsheim, Wumpscut, etc.
I just don't feel the need to dress the part all the time.
I live in south Florida and if you have visited or lived/live here yourself, you can testify to the heat and even worse, the humidity.
Ever try leaving your house with black eyeliner, powder on your face that is way to white for your complexion, in all black with a long sleeve black trench coat for good measure? I have. Then i went to soccer practice.
Now, about 10 years later, you can still catch me in ripped jeans, dr. martens, and a t-shirt with some kind of offensive/quirky saying. But nothing that advertises that I worship the devil.
I was bored earlier this evening and decided to watch some videos I haven't seen in a while, one being Dimmu Borgir- The Serpentine Offering. As i'm waiting for the video to load, i look to the right of the screen and there in a HUGE ad space is a link to: imosh.com. The Satanic superstore.
Really?
I can't help but laugh at the cheesiness of the suggestion by the abyss of the internet.
How thoughtful???
Have you ever watched Metalocalypse? If you haven't, i suggest you do. Dethklok is nothing to sneeze at (but that is another story). There is an episode where Toki Wartooth (the second guitarist in the band) just wants to be recognized by an adult audience, not children. So, when a dying little girl makes a final wish to meet anyone she wants, she chooses Toki. Well, Toki turns down the offer and decides to become a "demon of their {children} dreams". So he pours blood over himself, grabs a flame thrower and walks around mordhouse torching things.
That is what satanic advertisements make me want to do.
That's how cheesy the suggestion is.
But thank you.
I'll be sure to dance with the devil later, under the pale moon light.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
Losing my religion for equality, by Jimmy Carter
*please click on the the title for the link to the actual posting.*
Losing my religion for equality
Jimmy Carter
July 15, 2009
Women and girls have been discriminated against for too long in a twisted interpretation of the word of God.I HAVE been a practising Christian all my life and a deacon and Bible teacher for many years. My faith is a source of strength and comfort to me, as religious beliefs are to hundreds of millions of people around the world. So my decision to sever my ties with the Southern Baptist Convention, after six decades, was painful and difficult. It was, however, an unavoidable decision when the convention's leaders, quoting a few carefully selected Bible verses and claiming that Eve was created second to Adam and was responsible for original sin, ordained that women must be "subservient" to their husbands and prohibited from serving as deacons, pastors or chaplains in the military service.This view that women are somehow inferior to men is not restricted to one religion or belief. Women are prevented from playing a full and equal role in many faiths. Nor, tragically, does its influence stop at the walls of the church, mosque, synagogue or temple.
This discrimination, unjustifiably attributed to a Higher Authority, has provided a reason or excuse for the deprivation of women's equal rights across the world for centuries.At its most repugnant, the belief that women must be subjugated to the wishes of men excuses slavery, violence, forced prostitution, genital mutilation and national laws that omit rape as a crime. But it also costs many millions of girls and women control over their own bodies and lives, and continues to deny them fair access to education, health, employment and influence within their own communities.The impact of these religious beliefs touches every aspect of our lives. They help explain why in many countries boys are educated before girls; why girls are told when and whom they must marry; and why many face enormous and unacceptable risks in pregnancy and childbirth because their basic health needs are not met.In some Islamic nations, women are restricted in their movements, punished for permitting the exposure of an arm or ankle, deprived of education, prohibited from driving a car or competing with men for a job. If a woman is raped, she is often most severely punished as the guilty party in the crime.The same discriminatory thinking lies behind the continuing gender gap in pay and why there are still so few women in office in the West. The root of this prejudice lies deep in our histories, but its impact is felt every day. It is not women and girls alone who suffer. It damages all of us. The evidence shows that investing in women and girls delivers major benefits for society. An educated woman has healthier children. She is more likely to send them to school. She earns more and invests what she earns in her family.It is simply self-defeating for any community to discriminate against half its population.
We need to challenge these self-serving and outdated attitudes and practices - as we are seeing in Iran where women are at the forefront of the battle for democracy and freedom.I understand, however, why many political leaders can be reluctant about stepping into this minefield. Religion, and tradition, are powerful and sensitive areas to challenge. But my fellow Elders and I, who come from many faiths and backgrounds, no longer need to worry about winning votes or avoiding controversy - and we are deeply committed to challenging injustice wherever we see it.The Elders are an independent group of eminent global leaders, brought together by former South African president Nelson Mandela, who offer their influence and experience to support peace building, help address major causes of human suffering and promote the shared interests of humanity. We have decided to draw particular attention to the responsibility of religious and traditional leaders in ensuring equality and human rights and have recently published a statement that declares: "The justification of discrimination against women and girls on grounds of religion or tradition, as if it were prescribed by a Higher Authority, is unacceptable."We are calling on all leaders to challenge and change the harmful teachings and practices, no matter how ingrained, which justify discrimination against women. We ask, in particular, that leaders of all religions have the courage to acknowledge and emphasise the positive messages of dignity and equality that all the world's major faiths share.The carefully selected verses found in the Holy Scriptures to justify the superiority of men owe more to time and place - and the determination of male leaders to hold onto their influence - than eternal truths.
Similar biblical excerpts could be found to support the approval of slavery and the timid acquiescence to oppressive rulers.I am also familiar with vivid descriptions in the same Scriptures in which women are revered as pre-eminent leaders. During the years of the early Christian church women served as deacons, priests, bishops, apostles, teachers and prophets. It wasn't until the fourth century that dominant Christian leaders, all men, twisted and distorted Holy Scriptures to perpetuate their ascendant positions within the religious hierarchy.The truth is that male religious leaders have had - and still have - an option to interpret holy teachings either to exalt or subjugate women. They have, for their own selfish ends, overwhelmingly chosen the latter. Their continuing choice provides the foundation or justification for much of the pervasive persecution and abuse of women throughout the world. This is in clear violation not just of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights but also the teachings of Jesus Christ, the Apostle Paul, Moses and the prophets, Muhammad, and founders of other great religions - all of whom have called for proper and equitable treatment of all the children of God. It is time we had the courage to challenge these views.
OBSERVER Jimmy Carter was president of the United States from 1977 to 1981
Losing my religion for equality
Jimmy Carter
July 15, 2009
Women and girls have been discriminated against for too long in a twisted interpretation of the word of God.I HAVE been a practising Christian all my life and a deacon and Bible teacher for many years. My faith is a source of strength and comfort to me, as religious beliefs are to hundreds of millions of people around the world. So my decision to sever my ties with the Southern Baptist Convention, after six decades, was painful and difficult. It was, however, an unavoidable decision when the convention's leaders, quoting a few carefully selected Bible verses and claiming that Eve was created second to Adam and was responsible for original sin, ordained that women must be "subservient" to their husbands and prohibited from serving as deacons, pastors or chaplains in the military service.This view that women are somehow inferior to men is not restricted to one religion or belief. Women are prevented from playing a full and equal role in many faiths. Nor, tragically, does its influence stop at the walls of the church, mosque, synagogue or temple.
This discrimination, unjustifiably attributed to a Higher Authority, has provided a reason or excuse for the deprivation of women's equal rights across the world for centuries.At its most repugnant, the belief that women must be subjugated to the wishes of men excuses slavery, violence, forced prostitution, genital mutilation and national laws that omit rape as a crime. But it also costs many millions of girls and women control over their own bodies and lives, and continues to deny them fair access to education, health, employment and influence within their own communities.The impact of these religious beliefs touches every aspect of our lives. They help explain why in many countries boys are educated before girls; why girls are told when and whom they must marry; and why many face enormous and unacceptable risks in pregnancy and childbirth because their basic health needs are not met.In some Islamic nations, women are restricted in their movements, punished for permitting the exposure of an arm or ankle, deprived of education, prohibited from driving a car or competing with men for a job. If a woman is raped, she is often most severely punished as the guilty party in the crime.The same discriminatory thinking lies behind the continuing gender gap in pay and why there are still so few women in office in the West. The root of this prejudice lies deep in our histories, but its impact is felt every day. It is not women and girls alone who suffer. It damages all of us. The evidence shows that investing in women and girls delivers major benefits for society. An educated woman has healthier children. She is more likely to send them to school. She earns more and invests what she earns in her family.It is simply self-defeating for any community to discriminate against half its population.
We need to challenge these self-serving and outdated attitudes and practices - as we are seeing in Iran where women are at the forefront of the battle for democracy and freedom.I understand, however, why many political leaders can be reluctant about stepping into this minefield. Religion, and tradition, are powerful and sensitive areas to challenge. But my fellow Elders and I, who come from many faiths and backgrounds, no longer need to worry about winning votes or avoiding controversy - and we are deeply committed to challenging injustice wherever we see it.The Elders are an independent group of eminent global leaders, brought together by former South African president Nelson Mandela, who offer their influence and experience to support peace building, help address major causes of human suffering and promote the shared interests of humanity. We have decided to draw particular attention to the responsibility of religious and traditional leaders in ensuring equality and human rights and have recently published a statement that declares: "The justification of discrimination against women and girls on grounds of religion or tradition, as if it were prescribed by a Higher Authority, is unacceptable."We are calling on all leaders to challenge and change the harmful teachings and practices, no matter how ingrained, which justify discrimination against women. We ask, in particular, that leaders of all religions have the courage to acknowledge and emphasise the positive messages of dignity and equality that all the world's major faiths share.The carefully selected verses found in the Holy Scriptures to justify the superiority of men owe more to time and place - and the determination of male leaders to hold onto their influence - than eternal truths.
Similar biblical excerpts could be found to support the approval of slavery and the timid acquiescence to oppressive rulers.I am also familiar with vivid descriptions in the same Scriptures in which women are revered as pre-eminent leaders. During the years of the early Christian church women served as deacons, priests, bishops, apostles, teachers and prophets. It wasn't until the fourth century that dominant Christian leaders, all men, twisted and distorted Holy Scriptures to perpetuate their ascendant positions within the religious hierarchy.The truth is that male religious leaders have had - and still have - an option to interpret holy teachings either to exalt or subjugate women. They have, for their own selfish ends, overwhelmingly chosen the latter. Their continuing choice provides the foundation or justification for much of the pervasive persecution and abuse of women throughout the world. This is in clear violation not just of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights but also the teachings of Jesus Christ, the Apostle Paul, Moses and the prophets, Muhammad, and founders of other great religions - all of whom have called for proper and equitable treatment of all the children of God. It is time we had the courage to challenge these views.
OBSERVER Jimmy Carter was president of the United States from 1977 to 1981
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Support your local scene!!
This guy can wail on the guitar like you wouldn't believe. I wanted to share that with all of you. Which is weird to me. There was a time in high school when I thought it was weird that people would go around saying "Support local music man." Older, and (not much) wiser, i have come to understand how people get upset when their favorite local band goes big. You want to keep them to yourself. Their music is so much better than anything commercial. YOU WANT them and everything they create, to yourself. Well, my friends, I just want to say that is a load of sh*t and I hope that you every single on of you goes out and supports the local scene in every aspect. Local dining establishments, music, shops, etc. With that being said, i just wanted to share some photos of people (hopefully) you will soon be hearing about. 
Black sun Alchemy
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Madonna
Madonna
Written by: Carla Wright
Photos by: Carla Wright
Dolphin Stadium November 26, 2008
"Everyone knows at least one Madonna song", I told my dad the day before the concert. He agreed. Even if you don't listen to pop music or anything mainstream, no one person can deny that they don't know of at least one Madonna song.
Madonna is the biggest selling female artist in the world, and for good reason.
Madonna's concert November 26th was the first time I had ever seen Madonna perform. Since I was a little girl, Madonna has dominated mainstream radio with her quirky (and sometimes risque') songs. She is the queen of reinvention. She doesn't fit into just one genre (or any genre for that matter). It's Madonna. Enough Said.
Madonna built a climatic opening for her fans by having a two-minute introductory video entertain the crowd. Fans watched as a candy-coated ball made it's way through a pin-ball type maze. The word "Candy" was spelled out on the center screen just before the screen started to turn to reveal Madonna sitting on her throne.
Madonna opened her "Sticky and Sweet tour" with candy shop, which features Pharrell Williams. She proceeded to go into "the beat goes on" and "human nature". It was during human nature that Madonna was playing guitar with a rather unique video going on in the background. While singing human nature fans watched as a hooded girl in sunglasses went a rather weird journey. The hooded girl found herself in an elevator, only to expose herself as Britney Spears. Madonna pointed behind her to acknowledge Britney as she said "It's Britney bitch".
Opening for Madonna was the legendary DJ Paul Oakenfold and among those attending was Yankees baseball star, Alex Rodriguez (a.k.a. A-Rod)
Opening for Madonna was the legendary DJ Paul Oakenfold
Written by: Carla Wright
Photos by: Carla Wright
Dolphin Stadium November 26, 2008
"Everyone knows at least one Madonna song", I told my dad the day before the concert. He agreed. Even if you don't listen to pop music or anything mainstream, no one person can deny that they don't know of at least one Madonna song.
Madonna is the biggest selling female artist in the world, and for good reason.
Madonna's concert November 26th was the first time I had ever seen Madonna perform. Since I was a little girl, Madonna has dominated mainstream radio with her quirky (and sometimes risque') songs. She is the queen of reinvention. She doesn't fit into just one genre (or any genre for that matter). It's Madonna. Enough Said.
Madonna built a climatic opening for her fans by having a two-minute introductory video entertain the crowd. Fans watched as a candy-coated ball made it's way through a pin-ball type maze. The word "Candy" was spelled out on the center screen just before the screen started to turn to reveal Madonna sitting on her throne.
Madonna opened her "Sticky and Sweet tour" with candy shop, which features Pharrell Williams. She proceeded to go into "the beat goes on" and "human nature". It was during human nature that Madonna was playing guitar with a rather unique video going on in the background. While singing human nature fans watched as a hooded girl in sunglasses went a rather weird journey. The hooded girl found herself in an elevator, only to expose herself as Britney Spears. Madonna pointed behind her to acknowledge Britney as she said "It's Britney bitch".
Opening for Madonna was the legendary DJ Paul Oakenfold and among those attending was Yankees baseball star, Alex Rodriguez (a.k.a. A-Rod)
Opening for Madonna was the legendary DJ Paul Oakenfold
Buzz Bake Sale 2008
Written by: Carla Wright
Photos by: Carla Wright
Avenged Seven Fold headlined the annual Buzz Bake sale in West Palm Beach this year.
Fan reaction to the announcement was positive, that was, until the band dissed their south florida hard-core fan base at the show. Meet and Greets are common place at a concert; Avenged Seven Fold was no exception.
However, when Avenged Seven Fold decided to not meet and greet with fans (for unexplained reasons) one fan in particular, Michelle Myott, sat down with me at the Livenation booth and gave her recollection of the event.
Michelle : Buzz Bake sale made meet and greet passes available to meet the bands at a tent with the purchase of the bands CD. So I bought the CD and got the wrist band and their singing was at 6:45 and I got there before 6:00 and there was already a huge line. So we are waiting there and then at 6:55 some guy comes on the microphone and announces that the band will not be signing anything because they didn't feel like it.
Carla: Did he give any other explanation besides "they didn't feel like it?"
Michelle: He said that it was up to the band if they wanted to do or not and the band right before the signing (not even early in the day) when everyone was waiting, decided that they didn't want to it anymore because they didn't feel like it. So they didn't have too. So the announcer said he didn't know why but they just didn't feel like doing it anymore.
Carla: How many people would you say were waiting in line for the signing?
Michelle: I would say 200 people because that's how many wrist bands they sold. So I'm sure they sold out. Even after they announced it there was still people in waiting in line because when we left there was still a huge line of about 100 people still waiting in line.
Carla: So, what was the fans reaction?
Michelle: Completely chaos. A7X (Avenged Sevenfold) went on stage to do an interview where they should have been doing the signing so the crowd was chanting and rioting for the band to sign their stuff and that they were sell outs and what not. The band was pretending that they didn't notice but it obvious because everyone was cursing them out.
Carla: Who was conducting the interview?
Michelle: 103.1 the buzz.
Carla: Do you know who exactly?
Michelle: Ross I think.
Carla: Do you think this affected their fan base a little or do you think it had no impact what so ever.
Michelle: I really hope so. Because it obvious that a lot of people who were at the concert were there for avenged seven fold or were wearing A7X t-shirts and the line of people was hard-core dedicated and for them to call their favorite band a sell out and to curse them out definitely. changed their fans impression of them, especially mine. I have no more respect for them. I hope now people in southern fl. Think of them differently.
Carla: Did any other bands do meet and greets at buzz bake sale?
Michelle: All of them.
Carla: All of them came out for the meet and greet?
Michelle: Correct.
Carla: Except for Avenged Seven Fold, the headliner?
Michelle: Yeah.
Carla: Where were you sitting for the concert?
Michelle: I was on the lawn.
Carla: Did it look like people left during avenged seven fold?
Michelle: I think a lot of people (from the line) went over to the lawn because I heard a lot of people booing the band from there but I do think a lot of people did leave but mainly I think they moved over to the lawn because they didn't care anymore.
Carla: Would you buy another ticket to see A7X?
Michelle: No! Hell no! Because it was 12 dollars for the wrist band to meet them, so no.
Carla: Oh, they charged for the wrist band?
Michelle: Yeah! You had to buy the CD there and then they gave you the wrist band with the purchase of the CD.
Carla: Oh ok. So they made you buy a product and then you got the wrist band.
Michelle: Yeah and if you went to an FYE store they will give you a refund, but it's not like they are going to contact every single FYE in Miami and let them know (since the show was in West Palm) and it's a pain because I don't know where one is around here. So, pretty much everyone got their money robbed by them (the band).
Carla: So you had to pay 12 dollars to get their CD and then because you got their CD you got the wrist band to meet and greet them?
Michelle: Yeah and also a lot of people paid 20 or 22 for a live DVD instead. You could either get the CD for 12 or the live DVD for 22 but I think I lot of people got that.
Carla: So there was 2 options, a live DVD or a CD? Was there a notice anywhere on their product that said, "buy this product and you will meet avenged seven fold?"?
Michelle: There was a external notice given when you buy a CD they give you a wrist band and they say these wrists bands are for the signing of the band and at the tent they had posted the times of each band signing. So, when you get the wrist band they tell you that this wrists band is for the signing of the band and you get it when you buy the CD.
Carla: So, essentially people are buying the products now to get that wrist band for the meet and greet so they can meet the band so they can get signed what they just bought.
Michelle: Yeah it has nothing to do with the CD it's about meeting them. I don't think anyone bought the CD just to have it.
Carla: So, basically you are purchasing goods and in return are suppose to get a service. But instead you purchased the goods and never got the service! You could have bought that CD or DVD at anytime! Probably for cheaper!
Michelle: Yeah and you want to know the funny thing that they said? That they would do? The announcer said the band didn't want to leave us empty handed so the buzz said if you called into the radio station (which is a waste of time because it's always busy) you call in and they will send a autographed poster of avenged seven fold if you don't get your refund back. Which is stupid because they don't get the wrist band for the autograph they get it to meet the band.
Carla: So the Buzz was like, oh sorry about A7X, we will try and compensate you in some way.
Michelle: Yeah. I think it was A7X idea too though because they didn't want to leave you empty handed, so they gave the Buzz 200 autographed posters to give away to people that call in for them; assuming you take the time to get through the lines to the radio stations.
Carla: Anything else you want to add?
Michelle: Flogging Molly!!! They were the only good thing about the show.
Photos by: Carla Wright
Avenged Seven Fold headlined the annual Buzz Bake sale in West Palm Beach this year.
Fan reaction to the announcement was positive, that was, until the band dissed their south florida hard-core fan base at the show. Meet and Greets are common place at a concert; Avenged Seven Fold was no exception.
However, when Avenged Seven Fold decided to not meet and greet with fans (for unexplained reasons) one fan in particular, Michelle Myott, sat down with me at the Livenation booth and gave her recollection of the event.
Michelle : Buzz Bake sale made meet and greet passes available to meet the bands at a tent with the purchase of the bands CD. So I bought the CD and got the wrist band and their singing was at 6:45 and I got there before 6:00 and there was already a huge line. So we are waiting there and then at 6:55 some guy comes on the microphone and announces that the band will not be signing anything because they didn't feel like it.
Carla: Did he give any other explanation besides "they didn't feel like it?"
Michelle: He said that it was up to the band if they wanted to do or not and the band right before the signing (not even early in the day) when everyone was waiting, decided that they didn't want to it anymore because they didn't feel like it. So they didn't have too. So the announcer said he didn't know why but they just didn't feel like doing it anymore.
Carla: How many people would you say were waiting in line for the signing?
Michelle: I would say 200 people because that's how many wrist bands they sold. So I'm sure they sold out. Even after they announced it there was still people in waiting in line because when we left there was still a huge line of about 100 people still waiting in line.
Carla: So, what was the fans reaction?
Michelle: Completely chaos. A7X (Avenged Sevenfold) went on stage to do an interview where they should have been doing the signing so the crowd was chanting and rioting for the band to sign their stuff and that they were sell outs and what not. The band was pretending that they didn't notice but it obvious because everyone was cursing them out.
Carla: Who was conducting the interview?
Michelle: 103.1 the buzz.
Carla: Do you know who exactly?
Michelle: Ross I think.
Carla: Do you think this affected their fan base a little or do you think it had no impact what so ever.
Michelle: I really hope so. Because it obvious that a lot of people who were at the concert were there for avenged seven fold or were wearing A7X t-shirts and the line of people was hard-core dedicated and for them to call their favorite band a sell out and to curse them out definitely. changed their fans impression of them, especially mine. I have no more respect for them. I hope now people in southern fl. Think of them differently.
Carla: Did any other bands do meet and greets at buzz bake sale?
Michelle: All of them.
Carla: All of them came out for the meet and greet?
Michelle: Correct.
Carla: Except for Avenged Seven Fold, the headliner?
Michelle: Yeah.
Carla: Where were you sitting for the concert?
Michelle: I was on the lawn.
Carla: Did it look like people left during avenged seven fold?
Michelle: I think a lot of people (from the line) went over to the lawn because I heard a lot of people booing the band from there but I do think a lot of people did leave but mainly I think they moved over to the lawn because they didn't care anymore.
Carla: Would you buy another ticket to see A7X?
Michelle: No! Hell no! Because it was 12 dollars for the wrist band to meet them, so no.
Carla: Oh, they charged for the wrist band?
Michelle: Yeah! You had to buy the CD there and then they gave you the wrist band with the purchase of the CD.
Carla: Oh ok. So they made you buy a product and then you got the wrist band.
Michelle: Yeah and if you went to an FYE store they will give you a refund, but it's not like they are going to contact every single FYE in Miami and let them know (since the show was in West Palm) and it's a pain because I don't know where one is around here. So, pretty much everyone got their money robbed by them (the band).
Carla: So you had to pay 12 dollars to get their CD and then because you got their CD you got the wrist band to meet and greet them?
Michelle: Yeah and also a lot of people paid 20 or 22 for a live DVD instead. You could either get the CD for 12 or the live DVD for 22 but I think I lot of people got that.
Carla: So there was 2 options, a live DVD or a CD? Was there a notice anywhere on their product that said, "buy this product and you will meet avenged seven fold?"?
Michelle: There was a external notice given when you buy a CD they give you a wrist band and they say these wrists bands are for the signing of the band and at the tent they had posted the times of each band signing. So, when you get the wrist band they tell you that this wrists band is for the signing of the band and you get it when you buy the CD.
Carla: So, essentially people are buying the products now to get that wrist band for the meet and greet so they can meet the band so they can get signed what they just bought.
Michelle: Yeah it has nothing to do with the CD it's about meeting them. I don't think anyone bought the CD just to have it.
Carla: So, basically you are purchasing goods and in return are suppose to get a service. But instead you purchased the goods and never got the service! You could have bought that CD or DVD at anytime! Probably for cheaper!
Michelle: Yeah and you want to know the funny thing that they said? That they would do? The announcer said the band didn't want to leave us empty handed so the buzz said if you called into the radio station (which is a waste of time because it's always busy) you call in and they will send a autographed poster of avenged seven fold if you don't get your refund back. Which is stupid because they don't get the wrist band for the autograph they get it to meet the band.
Carla: So the Buzz was like, oh sorry about A7X, we will try and compensate you in some way.
Michelle: Yeah. I think it was A7X idea too though because they didn't want to leave you empty handed, so they gave the Buzz 200 autographed posters to give away to people that call in for them; assuming you take the time to get through the lines to the radio stations.
Carla: Anything else you want to add?
Michelle: Flogging Molly!!! They were the only good thing about the show.
Lil Wayne, I am Music Tour
Written By: Carla Wright
Photos by: Carla Wright
I am Music World Tour
Lil wayne, T-Pain, Keisha Cole, and Gym Class Heroes conquered the American Airlines Arena on December 14.
I don't attend that many rap concerts, so when I do, there is always a part of me that anxiously awaits to hear new music and what better way to hear something new, then live?
Gym Class Heroes opened for the tour and I must say, I was blown away by their performance and use of electric guitars in their set. I actually caught myself dancing their opening songs while trying to hold my camera. I had to force myself to stop (which was very hard since every where you looked you could see people dancing) even though I didn't want too. With a waving flag in the background proudly displaying GYM CLASS HEROES, I knew this was going to be a great show.
Keisha Cole came on next with a fairly simple dance number that definitely brought the crowd back down to a more mellow state.
It wasn't until T-Pain came out that I knew the show was going to be off the chain from there on out.
On my way out to the sound booth to set up my camera, Livenation PR Woody Graber, said it's literally like a circus. He was right.
T-Pain's set opened with a ballerina in a mask and a mime. After the ballerina danced off stage, smoked covered the stage and exposed two little people. A huge circus tent was in the background and T-Pain came out. It was pretty entertaining to watch the mime follow t-pain around. It was even more entertaining to watch the mime dance circles around him.
T-Pain's act left the crowd cheering and rowdy. So rowdy, two fights broke out in between sets.
As Lil' Wayne took the stage, a "mini" orchestra was lifted down. First a woman on a cello, then the drums and the DJ. Lil' Wayne walked on stage to the roar of the crowd. It was deafening to say the least. His epic performance of "Mr. Carter" and "Got money" had the stadium on its feet singing along. T-Pain came out to sing along for got money and Wayne swayed his arms from side to side pointing to his fans. He even took time out to thank everyone in the crowd saying "if it weren't for you, the fans, I would not be here."
Lil Wayne's performance made you forget where you were.
He made me forget. That was, until we were done shooting. As we were leaving the stadium, "Got money" played over and over in my head until I reached my car and got in. Thank god my Ipod has The Carter III.
Photos by: Carla Wright
I am Music World Tour
Lil wayne, T-Pain, Keisha Cole, and Gym Class Heroes conquered the American Airlines Arena on December 14.
I don't attend that many rap concerts, so when I do, there is always a part of me that anxiously awaits to hear new music and what better way to hear something new, then live?
Gym Class Heroes opened for the tour and I must say, I was blown away by their performance and use of electric guitars in their set. I actually caught myself dancing their opening songs while trying to hold my camera. I had to force myself to stop (which was very hard since every where you looked you could see people dancing) even though I didn't want too. With a waving flag in the background proudly displaying GYM CLASS HEROES, I knew this was going to be a great show.
Keisha Cole came on next with a fairly simple dance number that definitely brought the crowd back down to a more mellow state.
It wasn't until T-Pain came out that I knew the show was going to be off the chain from there on out.
On my way out to the sound booth to set up my camera, Livenation PR Woody Graber, said it's literally like a circus. He was right.
T-Pain's set opened with a ballerina in a mask and a mime. After the ballerina danced off stage, smoked covered the stage and exposed two little people. A huge circus tent was in the background and T-Pain came out. It was pretty entertaining to watch the mime follow t-pain around. It was even more entertaining to watch the mime dance circles around him.
T-Pain's act left the crowd cheering and rowdy. So rowdy, two fights broke out in between sets.
As Lil' Wayne took the stage, a "mini" orchestra was lifted down. First a woman on a cello, then the drums and the DJ. Lil' Wayne walked on stage to the roar of the crowd. It was deafening to say the least. His epic performance of "Mr. Carter" and "Got money" had the stadium on its feet singing along. T-Pain came out to sing along for got money and Wayne swayed his arms from side to side pointing to his fans. He even took time out to thank everyone in the crowd saying "if it weren't for you, the fans, I would not be here."
Lil Wayne's performance made you forget where you were.
He made me forget. That was, until we were done shooting. As we were leaving the stadium, "Got money" played over and over in my head until I reached my car and got in. Thank god my Ipod has The Carter III.
N.E.R.D.
N.E.R.D.
Written by: Carla Wright
Photos by: Carla Wright
I have never heard N.E.R.D before. When I told some friends of mine that I was shooting the show, I kept hearing "Man, you are so lucky! Let me know if they play 'Everyone nose'". I starred at many of them with a blank stare. I nodded at many of them and smiled, because I was embarrassed to say "Yes, I am shooting a show and writing the review about a band that I've never heard before". Then, it dawned on me that I better tell my friends that I couldn't identify a N.E.R.D. song if it slapped me in the face.
So, my friends took it upon themselves to try and sing a few of the songs to me to see if maybe I've heard them and didn't realize who it was. I mainly laughed at the their futile (but still appreciated) attempt to introduce me to N.E.R.D.
I left for the Fillmore and picked up my friend Frank along the way to take him with me; thankfully he brought N.E.R.D's album, "Seeing Sounds".
ON the drive down I asked Frank what some of the more popular songs were and he put on "Everyone Nose", "You know what", and "Kill Joy".
Satisfied that I could identify a few songs now by N.E.R.D, we arrives at the Fillmore in Miami and I hoped for the best.
I always get nervous before I shoot a show, especially a show (or a band for that matter) that I barely know anything about. So I took a deep breathe and walked with Frank into the Fillmore.
After some confusion (and unfortunately missing Common) I received my press credential and was told the band was going on any second. I shoved the credential in my lanyard and ran with my camera down to the floor. N.E.R.D. was just starting.
On the floor were people dancing, drinking and just having a great time. The lighting for the show was spectacular and the best was yet to come.
I'm five foot and ½ an inch (as I like to emphasize that I'm a smidgen taller than just five foot) so shooting from the floor above the crowd proved to be difficult. If there was any type of media pit, I figured it wouldn't do me any good since there was about four rows of people and chairs standing in my way between me and the stage. So I looked around to see if there was a higher point in the venue that I could shoot from. As I looked around, I thought people had started to rush the stage. So I waited. It wasn't that people were rushing the stage as Pharell Williams was pulling people on stage. He was walking back and forth on stage looking out into the crowd and pointing people out to come on stage with him.
Never, in my entire life, have I ever seen so many people on stage at once as I did that night. He just kept pulling more and more people on stage.
So I walked around and climbed on the outer part of the stage, since it put my line of vision above everyone else. Besides the people who were on stage, I can vouch that I had one of the best "seats" in the house.
After the initial "First wave" of people who were brought on stage, N.E.R.D. took a slight break for a quick drum solo before Pharrell started to address the crowd about Obama and voting. The audience started making an "O" with their hands and chanting Obama's name. It was refreshing to see a crowd of people taking a political stance for what they believed in.
The show continued and Pharrell started asking for ladies to come on stage. Some were pointed out, some were physically pulled on stage, and a few just walked on. I was amazed that there was hardly any security. I put my camera down while people were being pulled on stage and looked up to find Pharrell looking in my direction. So I brought my camera back up and started to shoot. I realized after a few shots, that Pharrell was pointing at me. I put my camera down, smiled, and shook my head "No." I turned around and saw a girl standing behind me and I shouted to her "Hey, he wants you to go on stage". I've never seen someone's face light up so quickly. She started screaming and said "Really? Me?" So, a security guard came and escorted her on stage.
After he lined up the women that were "picked", N.E.R.D. went right into "Everyone Nose".
I wouldn't call all the people on stage, a scene of chaos as I would say, it was like watching a massive party happen in front of you.
Miami lived up to it's name.
After seeing the show, I was awe struck. My personal taste of music is far from N.E.R.D., but after the show they put on at the Fillmore, I told Frank on the car ride back to Ft. Lauderdale, "That was the best show of the year from a band that I've never seen (or heard) before".
Written by: Carla Wright
Photos by: Carla Wright
I have never heard N.E.R.D before. When I told some friends of mine that I was shooting the show, I kept hearing "Man, you are so lucky! Let me know if they play 'Everyone nose'". I starred at many of them with a blank stare. I nodded at many of them and smiled, because I was embarrassed to say "Yes, I am shooting a show and writing the review about a band that I've never heard before". Then, it dawned on me that I better tell my friends that I couldn't identify a N.E.R.D. song if it slapped me in the face.
So, my friends took it upon themselves to try and sing a few of the songs to me to see if maybe I've heard them and didn't realize who it was. I mainly laughed at the their futile (but still appreciated) attempt to introduce me to N.E.R.D.
I left for the Fillmore and picked up my friend Frank along the way to take him with me; thankfully he brought N.E.R.D's album, "Seeing Sounds".
ON the drive down I asked Frank what some of the more popular songs were and he put on "Everyone Nose", "You know what", and "Kill Joy".
Satisfied that I could identify a few songs now by N.E.R.D, we arrives at the Fillmore in Miami and I hoped for the best.
I always get nervous before I shoot a show, especially a show (or a band for that matter) that I barely know anything about. So I took a deep breathe and walked with Frank into the Fillmore.
After some confusion (and unfortunately missing Common) I received my press credential and was told the band was going on any second. I shoved the credential in my lanyard and ran with my camera down to the floor. N.E.R.D. was just starting.
On the floor were people dancing, drinking and just having a great time. The lighting for the show was spectacular and the best was yet to come.
I'm five foot and ½ an inch (as I like to emphasize that I'm a smidgen taller than just five foot) so shooting from the floor above the crowd proved to be difficult. If there was any type of media pit, I figured it wouldn't do me any good since there was about four rows of people and chairs standing in my way between me and the stage. So I looked around to see if there was a higher point in the venue that I could shoot from. As I looked around, I thought people had started to rush the stage. So I waited. It wasn't that people were rushing the stage as Pharell Williams was pulling people on stage. He was walking back and forth on stage looking out into the crowd and pointing people out to come on stage with him.
Never, in my entire life, have I ever seen so many people on stage at once as I did that night. He just kept pulling more and more people on stage.
So I walked around and climbed on the outer part of the stage, since it put my line of vision above everyone else. Besides the people who were on stage, I can vouch that I had one of the best "seats" in the house.
After the initial "First wave" of people who were brought on stage, N.E.R.D. took a slight break for a quick drum solo before Pharrell started to address the crowd about Obama and voting. The audience started making an "O" with their hands and chanting Obama's name. It was refreshing to see a crowd of people taking a political stance for what they believed in.
The show continued and Pharrell started asking for ladies to come on stage. Some were pointed out, some were physically pulled on stage, and a few just walked on. I was amazed that there was hardly any security. I put my camera down while people were being pulled on stage and looked up to find Pharrell looking in my direction. So I brought my camera back up and started to shoot. I realized after a few shots, that Pharrell was pointing at me. I put my camera down, smiled, and shook my head "No." I turned around and saw a girl standing behind me and I shouted to her "Hey, he wants you to go on stage". I've never seen someone's face light up so quickly. She started screaming and said "Really? Me?" So, a security guard came and escorted her on stage.
After he lined up the women that were "picked", N.E.R.D. went right into "Everyone Nose".
I wouldn't call all the people on stage, a scene of chaos as I would say, it was like watching a massive party happen in front of you.
Miami lived up to it's name.
After seeing the show, I was awe struck. My personal taste of music is far from N.E.R.D., but after the show they put on at the Fillmore, I told Frank on the car ride back to Ft. Lauderdale, "That was the best show of the year from a band that I've never seen (or heard) before".
Coheed and Cambria
Coheed and Cambria
Written by : Katerina Nunez
Photos by: Carla Wright
The second I found out Coheed & Cambria was performing at Revolution Live, the anticipation within me started to build furiously. I have been a huge fan of Coheed for atleast 5 years, and have seen every South Florida appearance and even a road trip to Orlando on one occasion. Unlike a large percentage of their fans, I consider myself very knowledgeable in the sense that I have read the comics, Graphic Novel and understand a large, if not most, of the story behind the music.
The crowd outside of Revolution was massive. I don't think I've ever seen Revolution as packed as it was for Coheed & Cambria. People from all walks of life were there, it was quite a mixed group, which was refreshing as with every passing year the crowd gets younger, and I get older.
As with every set I've ever seen them play, they fucking rocked. Claudio was dead on and played the hell out of his guitars! His hair was a sight to be seen, and was all that you could see for the first 3 or 4 songs, then he graciously tied it back. Every person in the compressed pit was so incredibly thrilled to be there, screaming along every line Claudio sang and pumping their fists in the air. The boys played a variety of songs from their albums including: Willing Well IV: The Final Cut, The Suffering, In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth 3 (which they ALWAYS play), Blood Red Summer, Devil in Jersey City, Feathers, and a bunch more. My only complaint with the band was at the very end of the set when an unexpected half hour drum solo took place. Everyone in the crowd was like, "what the hell?" we were sweaty and tired and cold from being soaking wet from all the dancing and moving we had done. Had it been a 10 minute solo, we would have understood. But it was beyond excessive. Other than that and a short tech problem at one point, it was an amazing show. The show was everything I expected and then some. I can't wait for the next one.
Written by : Katerina Nunez
Photos by: Carla Wright
The second I found out Coheed & Cambria was performing at Revolution Live, the anticipation within me started to build furiously. I have been a huge fan of Coheed for atleast 5 years, and have seen every South Florida appearance and even a road trip to Orlando on one occasion. Unlike a large percentage of their fans, I consider myself very knowledgeable in the sense that I have read the comics, Graphic Novel and understand a large, if not most, of the story behind the music.
The crowd outside of Revolution was massive. I don't think I've ever seen Revolution as packed as it was for Coheed & Cambria. People from all walks of life were there, it was quite a mixed group, which was refreshing as with every passing year the crowd gets younger, and I get older.
As with every set I've ever seen them play, they fucking rocked. Claudio was dead on and played the hell out of his guitars! His hair was a sight to be seen, and was all that you could see for the first 3 or 4 songs, then he graciously tied it back. Every person in the compressed pit was so incredibly thrilled to be there, screaming along every line Claudio sang and pumping their fists in the air. The boys played a variety of songs from their albums including: Willing Well IV: The Final Cut, The Suffering, In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth 3 (which they ALWAYS play), Blood Red Summer, Devil in Jersey City, Feathers, and a bunch more. My only complaint with the band was at the very end of the set when an unexpected half hour drum solo took place. Everyone in the crowd was like, "what the hell?" we were sweaty and tired and cold from being soaking wet from all the dancing and moving we had done. Had it been a 10 minute solo, we would have understood. But it was beyond excessive. Other than that and a short tech problem at one point, it was an amazing show. The show was everything I expected and then some. I can't wait for the next one.
Boys LIke Girls and Good Charlotte
Boys Like Girls with Good Charlotte
Written by: Carla Wright
Photos by: Carla Wright
Hundreds of middle and high school girls and boys filled the Mizner Ampetheater in Boca Raton July 31st. I have to admit I'm not a huge good charlotte fan and I haven't heard much of Boys like girls to form any type of technical opinion about the show, so I'll go on what I saw.
I'm usually amused at the type of crowd that Mizner attracts because (for me at least) I'm use to attending a concert where hairy, sweaty, drunk men are stumbling around screaming at each other; that is never the case at Mizner. I'm always surprised at how nicely dressed the crowd is in general. I never see fights happen there or mosh pits and for the most part everyone is well behaved. Very weird for someone who once camped in parking lots at FSU waiting two days for football tickets; extremely weird for someone who waited in the sun for 8 hours for Korn to show up at a Best Buy signing.
The average age of the crowd there was about 14 years old and spoiled. I say spoiled because of how the crowd huddled around the stage was treated; when they asked for water, they got it. Mizner security, along with Robert Stolpe (Mizner house photographer) and myself, were filling up plastic cups full of water and handing them to security. Security was taking the water and going up and down the crowd pouring water into their mouth. Do you know how many times people in general have passed out at a concert because it was too hot and no one would give you water, no matter how much you pleaded?
By 14: I was knocked unconscious and trampled by 12 men in a mosh pit.
Don't get me wrong, I'm happy that such a peaceful and safe environment exists, but it's surreal to me.
The Maine and MetroStation opened "The Soundtrack of your summer tour" for Good Charlotte and Boys like girls. The name for the tour came from a line in the Boys like Girls song, "Thunder".
Written by: Carla Wright
Photos by: Carla Wright
Hundreds of middle and high school girls and boys filled the Mizner Ampetheater in Boca Raton July 31st. I have to admit I'm not a huge good charlotte fan and I haven't heard much of Boys like girls to form any type of technical opinion about the show, so I'll go on what I saw.
I'm usually amused at the type of crowd that Mizner attracts because (for me at least) I'm use to attending a concert where hairy, sweaty, drunk men are stumbling around screaming at each other; that is never the case at Mizner. I'm always surprised at how nicely dressed the crowd is in general. I never see fights happen there or mosh pits and for the most part everyone is well behaved. Very weird for someone who once camped in parking lots at FSU waiting two days for football tickets; extremely weird for someone who waited in the sun for 8 hours for Korn to show up at a Best Buy signing.
The average age of the crowd there was about 14 years old and spoiled. I say spoiled because of how the crowd huddled around the stage was treated; when they asked for water, they got it. Mizner security, along with Robert Stolpe (Mizner house photographer) and myself, were filling up plastic cups full of water and handing them to security. Security was taking the water and going up and down the crowd pouring water into their mouth. Do you know how many times people in general have passed out at a concert because it was too hot and no one would give you water, no matter how much you pleaded?
By 14: I was knocked unconscious and trampled by 12 men in a mosh pit.
Don't get me wrong, I'm happy that such a peaceful and safe environment exists, but it's surreal to me.
The Maine and MetroStation opened "The Soundtrack of your summer tour" for Good Charlotte and Boys like girls. The name for the tour came from a line in the Boys like Girls song, "Thunder".
Projekt Revolution 2008
Projekt Revolution
Written by: Carla Wright
Photos by: Carla Wright
Projekt Revolution is a tour that I've only missed once. I always am amused by Linkin Park's choice of artists to tour with them; there is always a wide range of artists performing.
On this tour, I was extremely anxious to see Busta Ryhmes perform (only to find out when I arrived at the venue, that Busta Rhymes and Hawthorne Heights had cancelled) since I've always enjoyed his antics and music. Unfortunately no one got to see him perform, but I know it would have only added to the tour.
Now, I'm going to have to be honest and say I've seen Linkin Park about six times and most of the time I'm disappointed. Last year was the best performance I had seen from the band in a long time, this year I had high expectations from them; for the most part I was not let down this year (this is me being extremely picky). My beef with Linkin Park live, is that Chester (Bennington), goes off key. The first time I heard him do it, was the first concert I saw of Linkin Park when Hybrid Theory first came out and "One step closer" was their only radio song. I thought it must have been that Chester couldn't hear properly. Every year since then, I've had it out for Chester to perform perfectly (once I realized it was Chester going flat). Now before the stake and rocks come out, let me explain.
These are major label artists selling hundreds of thousands of tickets and selling out venues. I should never be able to notice when a singer goes flat. I understand it happens to everyone at some point of the tour, especially in Chester's case, he does a lot of screaming. It's easy for your voice to crack after awhile. Luckily, this year's tour, it only happened a few times that I could tell and it was mainly right after Chester finished screaming.
Now the positive thing about seeing Linkin Park (for me at least) is the mosh pits. That is the one thing that keeps me coming back to see Linkin Park; the pits are out of control (mad props to the mosh pit that was stage right. You guys took the cake for mosh pits that night). During Breaking the habit, (after I dropped off my camera equipment) I was on the lawn with some friends and was hit so hard by one guy that I went flying backwards at least 6 feet. I was laughing so hard I couldn't stand for a minute.
I really do a lot of fun at Linkin Park concerts. I love Linkin Park, and what kind of fan would I be if I wasn't a little critical of the performance (if criticism was deserved).
Chris Cornell however, is one artist I have never seen before. I kept hoping that he would play some Soundgarden material since I never had the chance to seen Soundgarden live. My wish came true. Chris came out and performed Black Hole Sun and Spoonman along with "Hunger Strike" from Temple of the Dog (a band that was formed that involved Chris Cornell and Eddie Vedder) accompanied by Chester (In June, Eddie Vedder, lead singer of Pearl Jam, performed "Hunger Strike" as well). Chris also performed some Audioslave songs as well, making for a two for one deal (a combination of Soundgarden and Audioslave).
I can't wait for next year's Projekt Revolution tour, only next year I hope Flobots is on the bill along with some more local bands.
Written by: Carla Wright
Photos by: Carla Wright
Projekt Revolution is a tour that I've only missed once. I always am amused by Linkin Park's choice of artists to tour with them; there is always a wide range of artists performing.
On this tour, I was extremely anxious to see Busta Ryhmes perform (only to find out when I arrived at the venue, that Busta Rhymes and Hawthorne Heights had cancelled) since I've always enjoyed his antics and music. Unfortunately no one got to see him perform, but I know it would have only added to the tour.
Now, I'm going to have to be honest and say I've seen Linkin Park about six times and most of the time I'm disappointed. Last year was the best performance I had seen from the band in a long time, this year I had high expectations from them; for the most part I was not let down this year (this is me being extremely picky). My beef with Linkin Park live, is that Chester (Bennington), goes off key. The first time I heard him do it, was the first concert I saw of Linkin Park when Hybrid Theory first came out and "One step closer" was their only radio song. I thought it must have been that Chester couldn't hear properly. Every year since then, I've had it out for Chester to perform perfectly (once I realized it was Chester going flat). Now before the stake and rocks come out, let me explain.
These are major label artists selling hundreds of thousands of tickets and selling out venues. I should never be able to notice when a singer goes flat. I understand it happens to everyone at some point of the tour, especially in Chester's case, he does a lot of screaming. It's easy for your voice to crack after awhile. Luckily, this year's tour, it only happened a few times that I could tell and it was mainly right after Chester finished screaming.
Now the positive thing about seeing Linkin Park (for me at least) is the mosh pits. That is the one thing that keeps me coming back to see Linkin Park; the pits are out of control (mad props to the mosh pit that was stage right. You guys took the cake for mosh pits that night). During Breaking the habit, (after I dropped off my camera equipment) I was on the lawn with some friends and was hit so hard by one guy that I went flying backwards at least 6 feet. I was laughing so hard I couldn't stand for a minute.
I really do a lot of fun at Linkin Park concerts. I love Linkin Park, and what kind of fan would I be if I wasn't a little critical of the performance (if criticism was deserved).
Chris Cornell however, is one artist I have never seen before. I kept hoping that he would play some Soundgarden material since I never had the chance to seen Soundgarden live. My wish came true. Chris came out and performed Black Hole Sun and Spoonman along with "Hunger Strike" from Temple of the Dog (a band that was formed that involved Chris Cornell and Eddie Vedder) accompanied by Chester (In June, Eddie Vedder, lead singer of Pearl Jam, performed "Hunger Strike" as well). Chris also performed some Audioslave songs as well, making for a two for one deal (a combination of Soundgarden and Audioslave).
I can't wait for next year's Projekt Revolution tour, only next year I hope Flobots is on the bill along with some more local bands.
Mayhem Tour 2008
Mayhem Festival
Written by: Carla Wright
Photos by: Carla Wright
Slipknot is fucking ridiculous. I don't mean the literal definition of "ridiculous" but in the slang sense, that this band is nasty, grungy, and by far one of my favorite bands to see live.
Have you heard "Surfacing"? How about "Before I forget", "People=shit", or "Tattered and Torn"? If you answered "no" to any of these songs, then I highly suggested you get these songs, download it to your Itunes, and set your speakers to the loudest setting, sit back and enjoy.
One of the reasons I love watching Slipknot live, is mainly because it reminds me of a deranged circus with Corey Taylor directing the mayhem. I envision that the members of Slipknot emerged from the dark inner bowels of music hell to disrupt the peace, sanity and all round cleanliness of pop music. It excites me to actually see the insanity play out in front of me. Especially since I shot (photographed) the show.
I think I know why the tour was called "Mayhem festival", because shooting the band was one of the hardest shows I've ever had to do. I was so overwhelmed, visually and auditory that at one point I had to stop and just watch members 0-8 play to a testosterone driven crowd. Slipknot's music really makes you want to just turn around and punch the person closest to you; at least that's what was going on in the lawn during Slipknot's performance. The band played some classics: "Wait and Bleed", "People=Shit", "Before I forget" some new stuff: "Psychosocial", and rarities that haven't been played in many years: "Prosthetics".
If slipknot ending the night wasn't bad ass enough, Disturbed played for an hour and half before Slipknot took the stage. I must say, Disturbed has been living up to their reviews from past shows in previous cities, Disturbed definitely gave Slipknot a run for their money for best performance. David Drainman (lead singer of Disturbed) was wheeled out on stage on a dolly, bond and gagged; an obvious homage to Silence of the Lambs's infamous character, Dr. Hannibal Lecter.
Actually come to think of it, all the bands gave each other a run for their money. Every band on the tour came out and played in our staggering South Florida heat and afternoon storms with no complaints. Underoath was one the bands that got caught in the storm but come to find, inspired one of the sickest pits of the day. Walls of Jericho kicked up quite a dust storm by the end of their performance. Many fans had resorted to tying a piece of cloth around their face to keep the blinding dust out of their mouths.
Dragonforce, however, was one of the few bands on the Mayhem tour that I haven't seen before. In fact, I've only heard about Dragonforce from word of mouth; before Mayhem, I never heard their music. So seeing the English based band for the first time was interesting. I say interesting because I was expecting something completely different than what I heard. I knew that Dragonforce was in the metal category, but when you say metal to me I think of a band that is somewhere in between Megadeath and Cannibal Corpse. This was like watching an 80's glam band mate with a gothic crystal meth addict. It was interesting to watch and the duel guitar solos grabbed my attention in particular. That and the fact that Zp Theart (lead singer of Dragonforce) had a visible cross that he held in his hand while performing.
The Mayhem festival was, for lack of a better word, mayhem, in every definition of the word. There was so much going on at once, I ended up standing between both side stages with the hot topic tent in view while the motorcycle demonstration was going on.M
How I love the chaotic presence of in your face music.
For those of you who don't know, Slipknot has emerged from the inner depths of rock-n-roll hell to capture their fans attention with new masks, a new cd, and a new tour. Releasing their new single psychosocial off their highly anticipated album "All hope is gone", leaks of the new album are already floating around the internet.
Candace Kucsulain, Lead singer of Walls of Jericho
David Drainman, Lead singer of Disturbed
Dragonforce
Clown of Slipknot
Spencer Chamberlain of Underoath
Dragonforce
Written by: Carla Wright
Photos by: Carla Wright
Slipknot is fucking ridiculous. I don't mean the literal definition of "ridiculous" but in the slang sense, that this band is nasty, grungy, and by far one of my favorite bands to see live.
Have you heard "Surfacing"? How about "Before I forget", "People=shit", or "Tattered and Torn"? If you answered "no" to any of these songs, then I highly suggested you get these songs, download it to your Itunes, and set your speakers to the loudest setting, sit back and enjoy.
One of the reasons I love watching Slipknot live, is mainly because it reminds me of a deranged circus with Corey Taylor directing the mayhem. I envision that the members of Slipknot emerged from the dark inner bowels of music hell to disrupt the peace, sanity and all round cleanliness of pop music. It excites me to actually see the insanity play out in front of me. Especially since I shot (photographed) the show.
I think I know why the tour was called "Mayhem festival", because shooting the band was one of the hardest shows I've ever had to do. I was so overwhelmed, visually and auditory that at one point I had to stop and just watch members 0-8 play to a testosterone driven crowd. Slipknot's music really makes you want to just turn around and punch the person closest to you; at least that's what was going on in the lawn during Slipknot's performance. The band played some classics: "Wait and Bleed", "People=Shit", "Before I forget" some new stuff: "Psychosocial", and rarities that haven't been played in many years: "Prosthetics".
If slipknot ending the night wasn't bad ass enough, Disturbed played for an hour and half before Slipknot took the stage. I must say, Disturbed has been living up to their reviews from past shows in previous cities, Disturbed definitely gave Slipknot a run for their money for best performance. David Drainman (lead singer of Disturbed) was wheeled out on stage on a dolly, bond and gagged; an obvious homage to Silence of the Lambs's infamous character, Dr. Hannibal Lecter.
Actually come to think of it, all the bands gave each other a run for their money. Every band on the tour came out and played in our staggering South Florida heat and afternoon storms with no complaints. Underoath was one the bands that got caught in the storm but come to find, inspired one of the sickest pits of the day. Walls of Jericho kicked up quite a dust storm by the end of their performance. Many fans had resorted to tying a piece of cloth around their face to keep the blinding dust out of their mouths.
Dragonforce, however, was one of the few bands on the Mayhem tour that I haven't seen before. In fact, I've only heard about Dragonforce from word of mouth; before Mayhem, I never heard their music. So seeing the English based band for the first time was interesting. I say interesting because I was expecting something completely different than what I heard. I knew that Dragonforce was in the metal category, but when you say metal to me I think of a band that is somewhere in between Megadeath and Cannibal Corpse. This was like watching an 80's glam band mate with a gothic crystal meth addict. It was interesting to watch and the duel guitar solos grabbed my attention in particular. That and the fact that Zp Theart (lead singer of Dragonforce) had a visible cross that he held in his hand while performing.
The Mayhem festival was, for lack of a better word, mayhem, in every definition of the word. There was so much going on at once, I ended up standing between both side stages with the hot topic tent in view while the motorcycle demonstration was going on.M
How I love the chaotic presence of in your face music.
For those of you who don't know, Slipknot has emerged from the inner depths of rock-n-roll hell to capture their fans attention with new masks, a new cd, and a new tour. Releasing their new single psychosocial off their highly anticipated album "All hope is gone", leaks of the new album are already floating around the internet.
Candace Kucsulain, Lead singer of Walls of Jericho
David Drainman, Lead singer of Disturbed
Dragonforce
Clown of Slipknot
Spencer Chamberlain of Underoath
Dragonforce
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