Photo: Janice French
The first three major bands have finished and we go on an adventure fighting our way through twelve thousand party people spilling beer to get to the porta-potties then barely make our way back in time to start photographing Sum 41. This platinum selling Canadian punk band isn’t just edgy, their barbed. Surfers spill into the pit relentlessly as their new hit song ‘Underclass Hero’ gives us a peak at their upcoming album slated for release in July. We all know this defiant piece and sing along whilst jumping. Nasty fast and full of piss and vinegar ‘We’re All To Blame’ sets the match to the mosh pit’s fuse and the crowd ignites. 
The festival has just become an event to remember.
The sun is beginning to drop over the horizon and set’s Chevelle aglow as a deep riff draws us into the dark of ‘The Red.’ The manic, sneaky and dizzy ‘Wonder What’s Next’ throws the blame game in our faces whilst the horde claps along. The green and red lit stage blinds us with strobes as the piece reaches a fevered metal pitch. The vocals and instrumentals twist and turn then entwine as ‘Get Some’ proves this guys are music masters and Chevelle becomes the surprise of the event. Their massive sound descends on us and ‘Send The Pain Below’ sends the mosh mad. Soft words of drowning in emotional pain are exquisitely expressed, the audience jumps, the sun sets and black night is upon us.
Soundgarden. Audioslave. Chris Cornell was the voice behind these towering titans and in February of this year he embarked on a solo career. We are about to experience his new venture first hand. Does he still match up? Hell yes. Within seconds it’s evident and astounding, he is pure genius. We are interrupted and haul ass as the police break up a chick fight then turn our attention back to the band. On a magenta stage in a bright spot light he takes up an acoustic guitar and plays ‘Can’t Change Me.’ Surfers are silhouetted against the brilliant lighting and the night becomes magic.
Chris sings “I walk the streets of Japan till I get lost,” the audience thunders and ‘Doesn’t Remind Me Of Anything’ stuns us. Orange glowing smoke from the stage swirls above our heads, the crowd beats the horns and ‘Show Me How To Live’ jams. Then an unforgettable performance ensues as ‘Black Hole Sun’ is given and received by a crowd laid witness to legend.
