Celebrating 30 years as a band, before Hatebreed take to the stage, a montage of familiar faces from both the metal world and TV offer congratulations on the milestone. As soon as the band hit the stage, the chaos commences as the crowd fully let loose and a circle pit opens while hordes of people (and a skeleton dinosaur) make their way over the top to the front. Vocalist and Frontman Jamey Jasta makes sure that the crowd keep up that level of energy throughout the set encouraging them to keep coming and battling each side of the arena against the other. Jasta provides a masterclass in commanding a crowd all the while never missing a beat in his performance. The whole band, never once stop putting in 110% to entertain their fans as each of them makes sure that this is an unforgettable core memory for everyone here. Not only is this a full participation performance (Inflatable Ball of Death anyone?) it’s also an incredibly tight set musically. The added pyro and Co2 to the stage show, don’t make it but just add to what is an already impressive set. Hatebreed have just turned the heat up and provided that second wind needed to get us through the rest of the night.
As Hatebreed leaves the stage, something incredibly special is now scheduled to take place. Despite only playing the festival once Lemmy and Motorhead have always had a close connection to the festival and this year that is being honoured. As you enter the arena the original Bomber Rig from their stage shows hangs overhead and is something quite special to see at night all lit up. Along with that part of Lemmy’s ashes will have a permanent home here in the Ram Gallery each year. Presented as part of a heartwarming speech from Phil Campbell, the ashes were placed into a bust of Lemmy and will now be taken to the gallery for fans to pay their respect. This year also features a replica dressing room along with original Lemmy artifacts that can be visited throughout the weekend. The moment on stage may have only been a few minutes but there was something incredibly humbling about being a part of this moment in the festival’s history.
Taking us from evening to night we have the mighty Clutch whose brand of hard rock have clearly stolen the hearts of many out today. Despite being the one of the ‘lightest’ bands on the stage today, the crowd are absolutely eating up everything on offer from these guys. As frontman Neil Fallon commands the stage with unparalleled energy, there’s something quite special about being part of the Clutch community when they are out in force like tonight. Giving hit after hit, there’s no slowing these guys down and the crowd are living for it. There’s plenty for any Clutch fan to sing along with and as always, each song is performed to perfection. Its these styles of shows that stand the test of time and that’s exactly what these guys have done. With a perfected musical formula and heaping’s of energy, what’s not to love about this band. Whether you’re an avid fan or watching them for the first time, everyone can agree that Clutch bring it to the stage and give you everything they have every time.
As darkness falls across the arena, there’s excitement in the air ready for Friday night headliner, Opeth. As the Doom/Death band take to the stage, and their name Lights up the back screen, the crowd let out a mighty cheer, ready to get going. From the minute the band start playing, a rather immense light show also begins. With the background screen feeding the emotions of the song being played to the overhead lights providing an ambience or exploding in time with the beats, there is something rather amazing about watching it progress and being transported on that journey. The band set up on the stage is cleverly done so that every member can be clearly seen, and no one is being hidden away. This allows you to really take time focusing on each band member and the absolute skill they each possess. Mikael Åkerfeldt takes centre stage as the bands frontman and uses his charisma to hold that position between songs chatting and joking with the crowd. There’s no rushing between songs to get to the next one as Åkerfeldt explains they like to take their time but it’s also a great way to get to know the band better. I’m sure that this time has been expertly curated within the fan picked set to ensure that they still play everything on the setlist but there’s something so natural that probably comes from the years this band has spent perfecting and exploring their talents. From start to finish, whether it be the stage show, the band themselves or the songs played, there is always something to capture your attention and keep you wanting more. As headliners go, Bloodstock have pulled it out the bag with these guys!
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