A trip down memory lane. Here is our review of rock am ring 2008.
Day 1: Rock am Ring
Rock am Ring experiences an unprecedentedly successful edition. The festival sold out in record time, and the lineup has never been better. Let’s delve into the highlights of the first day at the Nürburgring for three days of festival fun.
| Stage | Band | Review |
|---|---|---|
| Centerstage | From First To Last | The emocore band, the first to take the massive Centerstage, seems to be there solely to keep the audience occupied until the evening’s headliner, Rage Against The Machine. Unfortunately, their set lacked conviction and might have been better suited for a smaller stage like the Coca Cola Soundwave Tent. |
| Suzuki Alternastage | Animal Alpha | The fully made-up singer, resembling almost a drag queen, delivers their Norwegian mix of various music styles with conviction. Despite the high-quality performance, the German audience seems more concerned about their Bitburger beer going flat too quickly, making it an unenviable task to be one of the first bands at Rock am Ring. |
| Suzuki Alternastage | Seether | Drawing a considerably larger crowd, thanks to extensive airplay on TV and radio, Seether brings their robust pop/rock sound to the audience. The hits ‘Gasoline’ and ‘Fake It’ sound much harder live, and they also perform the melodic ballad originally sung with Amy Lee of Evanescence, complete with an acoustic guitar accompaniment. |
| Suzuki Alternastage | Silverstein | Despite a less-than-ideal performance earlier in the year, Silverstein redeems themselves at Rock am Ring with a strong and convincing set. With only two new songs, they treat the audience to favorites like ‘Smile In Your Sleep’ and ‘My Heroine,’ inducing chaos near the stage. The first circle pit of the festival is initiated with ‘Defend You,’ and they inject a significant dose of aggression with ‘My Heart Bleeds No More.’ Impressive and eagerly awaited, Silverstein reluctantly leaves the stage to make way for Opeth. |
| Suzuki Alternastage | Opeth | The versatile metal act led by Mikael Akerfeldt brings not only dry humor, comparing themselves to Abba and Roxanne, but also a diverse musical experience. Ranging from intense moments with double bass drums and grunts to sensitive singing, Opeth showcases the breadth of their talent. If only all death metal acts were this versatile! |
| Centerstage | Bad Religion | In contrast to their lackluster performance at Pinkpop, Bad Religion shines at Rock am Ring. Performing at a more suitable time (18:50), the band gives it their all. All the melodic sing-along punk songs that have defined their nearly 30-year career, including ‘Generator,’ ‘American Jesus,’ and ‘Stranger than Fiction,’ resonate well with the predominantly German audience. If only the band could go on forever. |
On the Centerstage, it’s almost time for Rage Against The Machine, but before that, Brandon Boyd and his musicians take the stage. Incubus ensures plenty of cuddling for the couples present at the Nürburgring. ‘Wish You Were Here’ and ‘Love Hurts’ are sung along loudly. With a fantastic musical interlude in the song ‘Pistola,’ this performance is coming to an end. With ‘Are You In,’ Incubus throws in their latest hit before making way for the band everyone is waiting for.
Max and Igor are now known as the Cavalera Conspiracy. With their album ‘Inflikted,’ unfortunately, we get too few songs from this album today. Although the first four tracks are from this album, two songs from Soulfly are also played, and ‘Roots Bloody Roots’ from Sepultura had to make an appearance. It’s almost sad that these men keep bringing in the big hits from other bands. Who knows, maybe someday we’ll have a band called ‘The Best Of Cavalera Conspiracy, Soulfly And Sepultura Band.’
Sometimes we wonder which band will still be on stage thirty years from now. Which band will follow in the footsteps of giants like Iron Maiden and Metallica? The answer to this question is playing tonight on the Suzuki Alternastage. Bullet For My Valentine is honored that so many people come to watch their performance, especially since Rage Against The Machine is playing on the Centerstage. With tears in his eyes, singer Matthew Tuck introduces the song ‘Deliver Us From Evil.’ This song is about his voice problems and the inevitable surgeries and depressions. From the previous album ‘The Poison,’ we hear, among others, ‘4 Words To Choke Upon’ and ‘Tears Don’t Fall.’ From the new album ‘Scream, Aim, Fire,’ we can expect the title track. With the finale ‘Waking The Demon,’ the entire front section turns into one giant circle pit. Matthew’s voice problems are no longer noticeable; if this continues, Bullet For My Valentine could be one of the headliners in a few years at Rock Am Ring.
Rage Against The Machine doesn’t dare, on Rock am Ring, just like on Pinkpop, to come on stage in Guantanamo Bay outfits. However, this does not diminish the venomousness of the performance that De La Rocha and company deliver. Almost the entire legendary debut album of the band is played. The aggressive atmosphere of the performance, however, spreads a bit too much to the audience. As a result, the atmosphere is more grim than pleasant. During ‘Wake Up,’ the usual speech against war and capitalism follows. Everything is just a prelude to the encore ‘Killing in the Name.’ It remains impressive to see so many people jumping at the same time.
Justice is one of the few dance acts at Rock am Ring. Not entirely coincidentally, the band is scheduled just before The Prodigy. Justice warms up the audience so that The Prodigy can provide total euphoria. This warming-up succeeds only partially. The German audience does not appreciate the long build-ups to the various climaxes. Where Simian Mobile Disco’s ‘We are your friends’ is chanted from start to finish at Pinkpop, on Rock am Ring, only a few seem to know the lyrics. During D.A.N.C.E., it gets a bit wild, but it’s too little, too late.
The Prodigy manages to get the German audience dancing. The band, which experienced its peak almost simultaneously with Rage Against the Machine, proves that they haven’t forgotten the trick. New work is conveniently forgotten. But songs like ‘Poison,’ ‘Voodoo People,’ and ‘Smack Your Bitch Up’ are indeed delicious singles. The Prodigy pulls out all the stops, and the German audience enjoys the Bigbeat.
Day 2 – Rock am Ring
Metallica is the band everyone is waiting for tonight. Almost considered the house band of Rock am Ring, they have ample time to showcase their skills. The expectations are high, and Metallica T-shirts are selling like hotcakes.
After Creed and the Mayfield Four, it was time to form a new band. This became Alter Bridge, and they are an amazing band. With their new album “Blackbird,” they delivered a solid album full of fantastic guitar solos. The title track ‘Blackbird’ is performed today, creating many goosebump moments. Closing with two songs from their earlier album, ‘Open Your Eyes’ and ‘One Day Remains,’ the members of Alter Bridge move on without looking back at their previous bands.
Rock Am Ring had to wait five years for the return of Disturbed. The excitement is palpable as Disturbed takes the stage. The audience is expected to give a lot, but in return, they get a high-energy set with all the great songs. ‘Ten Thousand Fists’ can be better described as ‘60,000 Fists In The Air.’ With their new single ‘Inside The Fire’ and the inevitable ‘Down With The Sickness,’ Disturbed concludes, making way for In Flames. Unfortunately, the first song’s vocals are missed due to a microphone issue, but after some recovery, In Flames brings their spectacular light show. It’s a pity that the sun is still high in the sky at five in the afternoon; In Flames would have been better suited for a darker time.
On the Suzuki Alternastage, there’s no sign of Babyshambles at the scheduled time. A moment later, someone announces that Babyshambles won’t perform today. Quickly moving to the tent because the hype around Paramore ensured their presence at Nürburgring. With frontwoman Hayley, the audience enjoys dancing and jumping to catchy pop/rock songs like ‘That’s What You Get,’ ‘crushcrushcrush,’ and the popular ‘Misery Business.’ Hayley’s vocals are surprisingly good, and the band performs excellently.
We haven’t heard from The Offspring for a while. The band, led by Dexter Holland, has been working on a new album, released a week and a half after this performance. We get a sneak peek. The Offspring’s recipe hasn’t changed: catchy sing-along punk-pop with humorous lyrics. However, the band doesn’t seem eager to open for Metallica, possibly due to die-hard Metallica fans already shouting. The band appears to play reluctantly, not the best promotion for their upcoming release.
Right after Paramore, it’s time for Jonathan Davis. Who doesn’t know him from Korn? Mr. Davis sits on a chair today, making all the spastic movements imaginable. Mr. Davis is also surprisingly good at lip-syncing, or so it seems. Fortunately, I’m not the only one who notices this, and eventually, we are sure that we are being taken for a ride. Quickly away, as this is a disgrace!
Then Metallica. The band comes, sees, and conquers. James Hetfield only needs to make a sound, and the entire Rock am Ring crowd cheers. The uber-professional band knows they are playing a winning game and gladly scores with every opportunity. Many old and hard-hitting tracks are played and are well-received. Of course, the band has invested heavily in fireworks. What’s new is that the audience also has Bengal fireworks. It’s a beautiful sight, but I wouldn’t want to be nearby. During ‘Nothing Else Matters,’ all mobile phones and lighters naturally light up the sky. A magnificent sight and a well-deserved reward for a great show.
Danko Jones was on the second stage two years ago but is now asked to perform in the tent. Danko probably doesn’t mind. He rocks everywhere, all the time. Unfortunately, very little has changed in his show compared to two years ago. It’s still ‘My skin gets thicker, my heart gets stronger, and my mouth gets louder.’ Entertaining, but it’s high time for a new trick.
The Hellacopters are on their farewell tour and close the tent from 2:00 to 3:00. The performance is enjoyable and well-executed, but unfortunately, the sound of all guitars is set so high that many solos fade into the background. Fans of solo-filled garage punk enjoy it to the fullest. For most of the audience, it’s very late, and the many beers take their toll. It’s a shame that this great band will soon stop. Many will seize the opportunity to see the band for the last time at Tivoli or Hedon.
Day 3 – Rock am Ring
Day three of Rock am Ring is dedicated to the German national team. The football match between Germany and Poland is broadcast live on the main stage’s large screens. This is accompanied by performances from the best bands in Germany: Fettes Brot, Sportfreunde Stiller, and, of course, Die Toten Hosen. For those who have no interest in football or Germany, it’s best to avoid the main stage today.
We find out today that communication from the Rock Am Ring organization to the audience is not always very good. The Babyshambles apparently performed last night, and today, another band canceled, so we have to wait even longer for Kill Hannah. At least, that’s what we think because, once again, there was no clear communication. Unfortunately, Kill Hannah plays for only a few people. These seem to be the real fans because every word is sung along by many, especially female, fans.
On Centerstage today, it’s time once again for Lostprophets. Four years ago, these guys already made a party here, and today is no different. Songs from the latest album “Liberation Transmission” come first, closing with, as singer Ian Watkins labels it, ‘
old school.’ ‘Shinobi VS Dragon Ninja’ and ‘Burn Burn’ create chaos on the dance floor, while the previously played ‘Rooftops’ had hands clapping in the air.
An illogical move by Rock Am Ring to program two bands that attract exactly the same audience consecutively on two different stages. Everyone rushes from the Center Stage to the Suzuki Alternastage to see the Finns of Disco Ensemble in action. The new album ‘Magic Recoveries’ is heavily promoted with songs like ‘Headphones’ and ‘Bad Luck Charm.’ For the older fans, ‘Drop Dead Casanova’ and ‘Black Euro’ are also included. Live, it sounds much harder and more overwhelming than on the CD. Unfortunately for Disco Ensemble, the crowd only fills up towards the end of the performance as the people at the front who attended Lostprophets are not getting here quickly enough. What a show they missed.
In the Coca Cola Soundwave Tent, it’s time for Pendulum, who finally perform with the full band on the mainland in Europe. First, it’s time for Sonic Syndicate. The beautiful ‘Enclave’ is performed, and the new album is mentioned. The new song sounds a bit softer than the rest of the set, but for those interested, it will be in stores on September nineteenth. When Pendulum comes on, the power goes out. Everything is done to start as quickly as possible. When the men take the stage after ten minutes, the enthusiasm is even greater. They start with the intro of ‘Slam,’ followed by ‘In Silico’ and the rest of ‘Slam.’ The entire tent enjoys the jungle/drum’n’bass music from these guys. After a solid fifty minutes, everyone rushes outside for fresh air and drinks.
36 Crazyfists, after their fantastic performance two years ago at Rock Am Ring, have been invited back. With the new album ‘The Tide And It’s Takers,’ the gentlemen have a good excuse to tour. 36 Crazyfists is a band that always does its thing live and openly enjoys all the attention. ‘At The End Of August’ and ‘Bloodwork’ are sung along, and on the two new songs ‘The All Night Life’ and ‘We Gave It Hell,’ some significant circle pits are formed.
Queens of the Stone Age get to close Rock am Ring 2008 on the second stage. They do this with a no-nonsense rock show, focusing on the feeling rather than relying on hits (Feelgood hit of the Summer and No One Knows come up quickly). Some jams are given away, leaning heavily towards Kyuss. Although there are shouts for an encore afterward, none is given.
Good festival only spoilt by the theiving that went on unfortunately. First night had 200 euro’s stolen from my wallet that was in my jeans pocket next to me as I slept, then all our beer was taken, then we have just found that our camping stove had been taken along with some other bits. Beware next year, I hope whoever did it catches something nasty..
Rage against the machine were superb
Very pleased I went. Rage Against the Machine was the best live performance I’ve ever seen.
Did anybody else find the lack of food stalls around the campsites frustrating?
This was my 3rd year, and although i was ill it was the best year yet. Pendulum and Rage where awesome. the weather on sunday was also awesome.
I had no troubles with food, and luckly no stealing.
I always find the people very friendly and helpfull. I love Rock Am Ring!
Festival was excellent!!
The 2nd time i have been. Highlights were RATM, Manic Street Preachers and Pendulum. I thought The Futureheads & Incubus were good, especially Incubus’s set list which included Drive & Stellar. Never watched Metallica because I did not fancy watching off a big screen so decided to hit the soundwave tent and randomly watched Saxon and they were superb! Bit disappointed with the sound for 36 crazyfists though. The verve I thought were pretty dreadfull, was really looking forward to them too. Oh, and QOTSA rounded off the festival in style!
And finally. I was in the soundwave tent on sunday afternoon and Sami Hyypia who plays for Liverpool walked past me. How bizarre!!!
This was my first time at the festival, thought it was awsome! Highlights were Manics, Prodigy and Pendulum. Would like to have said that RATM was the hightlight of the weekend, but due to the set up of the main stage and having a dissapointing spot in the crowd where the sound was just awful, it ruined the performance for me. Will be seeing RATM at Reading this year, so looking forward to seeing them at a more open main stage where I can actually hear the band and enjoy it.
Love Rock am Ring, considering going next year 🙂
Great festival on the whole, despite the ridiculous main stage layout not complementing the extra 20,000 people. Good food, very nice people and a great lineup. Although going from the 2nd and 3rd stages to the main stage is embarrassingly bad in terms of layout, I’d consider going next year… especially if the lineup is as strong as it was this year! Same as Sian, RATM will rock at Reading 😉
check out metallica live at rock am ring videos
https://rockamring.co.uk/metallica-rock-am-ring-live-video-2008/
Prodigy were amazing, so glad to hear them play after someone saying they’d got canceled. Metallica were amazing, would of liked to get closer, though. Rage against the machine were amazing, but once again, would of liked to get closer, the back speakers not working for the first song was annoying, too. I saw everyone up to bad religion on the suzuki stage on Firday, and really enjoyed everyone except for opeth, I found opeth very boring live. Incubus were absolutely rubbish live. Nightwish were appalling. The offspring were a bit disappointing but really good, in flames were really good as well. Pendulum and turisas were both brilliant in tent on sunday. I enjoyed kid rock, although he was fart too full of himself. I thought die totten hossen were boring, and wish I understood german because when eeryone knelt down, me and my friend were left standing up and very confused.
Heya guys! This was also my first time at the festival. A group of us rented a van and drove down, which worked out really well. Since there were no food stalls on the camp sites it meant we could drive into the nearby town and buy bbq food from the lidl or aldi. Wasn’t it amazing how prepared some of the germans were with their massive trailers of fridges and huge sound systems etc!? I thought the bands were awesome. I tried to see as many as possible, but missed out on Metallica (who I’ve wanted to see since I was 9!) because of a huge crowd surge during The Offspring (how ‘not in to it’ was Dexter!? Drag!). We got spat out at the entrance, and it just looked too rammed to get back in! Overbooked for Saturday? I also ended up missing QOTSA because some shitbag pick-pocketed my wallet sometime between 36 Crazyfists finishing their set and me getting out of the tent – UNBELIEVABLE!!! 100 euros and all my cards etc gone!
Another thing that slightly pee’d me off was the main stage sound quality. There seemed to be some kind of technical fault which meant that every time guitars went to switch to more gain and volume, they got gated – making them real quiet. Kinda spoilt the ‘rocking out’ moments!
I’d been waiting years to see Incubus too – but the lack of Dirk Lance and crummy main stage sound made them pretty disappointing and lack luster – although it was pretty funny when Brandon went to play guitar (check me out ladies..) only for all the germans in the crowd to ignore him and start chanting at the balconies! HAAAA
Anyway, I’ve rambled long enough – suffice to say Rage live was one of the most awesome things I’ve ever seen, and In Flames’ guitar tone made me go all mushy……. and yes, Nightwish are fucking appalling! =P
Tom
My first Rock am Ring too and I think we are all in agreement that Rage were great and that the sound at the main stage was rubbish all weekend. Hence most of my time was spent at the alternative stage- Manics were class as were prodigy and Jimmy Eat World sound way better live than on their record. Fratellis were good but a lack of showmanship but at least they acknowledged their fellow Scots which is more than the Stereophonics did when there was loads of Welsh in the crowd. I too went to Saxon instead of watching Metallica on a screen and was delighted I did- so funny and a great atmosphere in the crowd.. a 50 year old English metaler brought his son all the way over to see them! Crap included Simple Plan- I’m Irish and they would be booed right off the stage at home. Kid Rock’s music is crap but at least he put on a performance. Him were attrocious- looked so bored on stage. Overall staff there are great and thanks to the german girl who handed in my camera when I lost it.
Rock AM Ring – The Review
This is my mates review but since we agreed on the ratings etc im going to use it 🙂
Band Ratings
0 – Epic Fail
1-2 – Bad
3-4 – Ok
5-6 – Good
7-8 – Very Good
9 – Awesome
10 – Amazing
The festival prep really started on the Wednesday before leaving, considering waking up at 10am that day was the last time sleep was to be had until arriving in Nurburg. A day of much excitement considering what was soon to be happening (but also a day of work…). Anyways, after work was done, packing was finished. Dave came round soon after and the wait to leave for London City Airport was on. Watched Lee Evans XL tour to try and make the time go quicker and sure enough at 3.30am….the journey was on.
London City Airport = not the easiest place in the world to find, but right by the Millennium Dome. When arriving there, got checked in fairly quick (only annoying aspect of this was the snooty bitch that I checked my bag in with). Airport was very basic, to the extent when the flight was delayed, had to resort to buying a £10.50 breakfast to keep me entertained. £10.50 breakfast included a sausage, scrambled egg, bacon, a “portion” of beans and toast. Also came with cereal and the worst cup of tea known to man! Flight arrived and what I like to call GERMANIA could really begin.
Upon arrival, it was fairly smooth going. Train to Koblenz, Bus to Nurburg. Simple as. Arriving there though was a bit confusing. Got off the bus and there was no evidence of what to do next. After talking to some people (who despite the language barrier, were very friendly), discovered we had to go to what seemed a very random location to get wristbands, and then camp in the arseholes end of nowhere on a fucking hill! After going to get a crate of beer (glass bottled beer FTW!) sleep was needed. Living the hardcore lifestyle, going to bed at 7.30pm on the first day of a festival!
FRIDAY
After 14 hours (!) sleep, it was time for Rock AM Ring to begin. Not even knowing where the arena was, we embarked on a walk (which resulted in the first Frikadelle of the festival – awesome). When arriving at the arena after what seemed like a fucking monster walk, strolled around the arena and headed to the Alternastage, and pitched up by the second barrier for Steriogram.
STERIOGRAM – 7
An entertaining band. Dave discovered they did a song he loved which was funny. Steriogram had a very good set and provided a good start to the festival.
ANIMAL ALPHA – 1
Oh dear god. One of the worst bands I’ve ever had the misfortune to see live. The band was ok to listen to but the singers vocals were horrible imo. When she announced the band had to go offstage – one of the highlights of the festival. Horrible band.
SEETHER – 8
Seether played a fantastic set in such a short time. Heard a number of songs I hoped to hear and enjoyed their set a lot. First band I planned to see at the festival and they came through for me.
BEDOUIN SOUNDCLASH – 5
Only heard one song by them, and it sounded decent enough. Can’t give a higher rating because I didn’t see more.
TOKYO POLICE CLUB – 6
They were a good band who had a good set. Didn’t know any of their material so wasn’t waiting for a particular song. They entertained me and did what I thought they would do, and that was fill time up until the next band.
OPETH – 3
Excited when they came on stage, and then they bored the hell out of me. Nothing more to say really other than they weren’t bad, I just didn’t get into their set.
SERJ TANKIAN – 8
Always entertaining live. Another artist who played all the songs I wanted to hear and also does a great cover of Dead Kennedy’s Holiday in Cambodia. Very good set.
INCUBUS – 7
I saw these cause it was easier than going to the tent, then back to main stage. Don’t really like Incubus, and at times their set was boring. They did however have fantastic parts of the set and it was very good overall.
RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE – 10
I felt like shit before they came on. Nothing to drink or eat since about 10.30am and just wanted to vomit. They came on and its like my stomach acids settled. Amazing set, fantastic atmosphere. Very happy I’ve now seen them live and the set was just perfect. Kinda predicted the crowd would go nuts for ‘Killing In the Name of’ over other (arguably better) songs but not really an issue.
MOTORHEAD – 8
Bit of a cheat saying I saw them really. It was so slow getting out the arena that I was able to hear 3-4 of their songs. Only remember Killers, and that was great. Made me want to locate the money to go see them in November.
Sleep was needed again. Friday came to a close by trying to fix the tent in the rain with no shoes on. Good plan mikey!
SATURDAY
After a large bottle of Fanta and a Frikadelle, headed to the arena for the first bands of the day. Legs still were killing from near 12 hours of walking and standing the day before so a few sitting breaks were in order for the day. However, that’s for another review.
RAFAEL WEBER – 7
Very entertaining band, sounded like a German Bloc Party. Can’t really say a lot more about them other than they did a good job opening the Alternastage.
GAVIN DEGRAW – 7
Very entertaining again. Covered a wide variety of genres I thought. Didn’t play “Follow Through” which was a bit of a let down but I’ll live.
ALPHA GALATES – 6
A drummer who’s also the vocalist – good show!
ALTER BRIDGE – 7
Very entertaining again. They do a song which is a wrestler in WWE’s entrance music (bet I was the very last person to know that). I enjoyed them.
DISTURBED – 9
Fucking epic! Didn’t enjoy the random moshpit that opened up right where I was standing (behind the 3rd main stage barrier!) which meant the whole set was survival more than anything else. Setlist was almost perfect. Best band on the Saturday at that point for me
KATE NASH – 7
I was joking with the guy I went to RaR with about going to see her. But when it occurred to us that she clashed with In Flames….really there was only one choice :P. She was very good, and well worth seeing.
MADSEN – 6
Weren’t bad. Sat through them really while waiting for the next band (who were in the tent)
AIRBOURNE – 10
Un-fucking-believable. Loved every minute of their set. Fairly certain they went over the 20mins they were allotted. Oh well – made it better. When the lead singer climbed that stage scaffold…..holy shit!
NIGHTWISH – 9
Thanks to Airbourne, arrived late for Nightwish. Not that it bothered me overly considering I’ll be seeing both bands at Wacken. Anyway, sound problems metaphorically raped Nightwish. Such a high rating because you could see they really wanted to put on a great set. I Wish I Had An Angel suffered a lot. A massive shame.
BLACK STONE CHERRY – 10
Their set was amazing. Loved the new material and the cover of Voodoo Chile at the end. The first album material they played just rocked. Atmosphere was electric
ROSE TATTOO – 8
Really liked their set. Didn’t know any of their stuff in detail to love it though. No complaints.
SAXON – 9
Sounded on great form. Great crowd responses to them. Would have liked to see them open air, but can’t win them all I guess.
METALLICA – 11
Strange a band scoring 11/10 but when a band make me shake with excitement at the beginning of songs I’ve already seen them do live, they deserve it. Crowd sucked at first (where we were) but we moved away from them and got in a good place where people were just singing, clapping and generally having a great time. Few setlist issues personally (Playing So What on every date and then not at RaR….thats just mean!) but loved them. Still buzzing about their set, and cannot wait for Reading where I’m going with the sole purpose of watching them play to a bunch of indie kids who have no idea what the fuck is happening to them 😀
THE VERVE – 4
Similar situation to Motorhead, except hung around for 2-3 tracks, then left and heard some more on the walk. They were ok, nothing more, nothing less. If I’d paid £40 here to see them, I’d be pissed.
SUNDAY
Arrived at the arena and got a nice 2nd barrier spot to the right of the stage in the shade
RIVAL SCHOOLS – 6
Good set by this band, but I don’t think the open air stage helped them. Looking forward to seeing them at the Wedgewood Rooms, and maybe they should have played the tent stage.
LOSTPROPHETS – 9
They were fantastic. They did back up my theory that they could be entertaining for a shorter set, but headlining would have dragged the score down. Despite some overexcited male fans crushing/humping, it was a awesome part of the festival
What followed however was not awesome in the slightest. Before LP came to the stage, security blocked the path of the exit (where there was also an entrance to the front of the crowd). They were allowing no-one past…not even to exit the crowd. This was concerning as I wanted to leave to go to the Coca Cola tent. The crowd (in its wisdom) decided there were more of them than the security and just started pushing and crushing. After nearly breaking my arm twice and my foot, I fought out the crowd, and then dove back in to rescue my mate. Security really fucked up there and it was bad. Some people were screaming for help and got none.
TURISAS – 10
What a way to have the spirits picked up! Amazing set. Very short which was a shame but I love Turisas, and they didn’t let me down.
DISCO ENSEMBLE – 3
Ergh, boring, uninspiring and did not suit open air at all. Provided a nice sit-down break. End
KID ROCK – 6
I won’t lie; the intention of going to see Kid Rock was to gain some much needed lulz. None were found, and actually he was good. Enjoyed the songs I heard, and he did American Bad Ass early, which made me happy.
FAIR TO MIDLAND – 4
Only caught one song on the way back to the tent. It sounded ok. Pretty much it about them.
SONIC SYNDICATE – 10
Holy shitballs these guys ripped the tent a new arsehole. Loved their set. Going to look out for this band more in the future.
PENDULUM – 10
After some technical difficulties (something backstage blowing up), they came out and were amazing. I love a good number of their songs, and it was fantastic getting to hear them live.
EAGLES OF DEATH METAL – 4
Ergh, did not keep me interested. The lead singer kept saying “we don’t know if iyou are having a good time, we are!” Didn’t like him. Music was ok though.
BLACK TIDE – 10
Ruled. Nothing wrong with their set imo.
OOMPH! – 10
One of the highlights of the festival. Amazing set, amazing atmosphere, all in all, superb.
DIMMU BORGIR – 10
If you are going to Bloodstock, watch Dimmu, as they were just on. Pyro/fireworks inside the tent = Wins!
QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE – 8
Very good. Played everything I wanted to hear. Great way to close the festival.
Awesome weekend, was initially really upset that Die Toten Hosen and Him clashed. REALLY wanted to see both but was glad that I chose Toten Hosen as heard bad things about Him’s show. Will be coming again next year!
Overall a very good show. Have been for the past 4 years and perhaps a time for a break…what are you crazy. See you in 2009. http://www.perkinsville.com/ben/guitargully/rockamring2008.asp
wow!! awesome! gnarly! cool! alright! and other american shit…this was my first festival and i am so happy it was this one. Before i talk about the music ill cover everything else. The germans are great hosts, everyone i met was friendly, had a fucking crazy couple of nights with the germans in the tents around us and have no complaints. The food avaliable could have been more varied but thats life. the weather was awesome my nose and forehead were raw so all u pasty people bring sunscreen. the line up was fantastic. every band i saw(metallica, qotsa, rage,lp) were great 1 complaint wud be the amatuerish sound engineers. highlight would be the electrified qotsa. cant wait to c slipknot this year!
HIM HIM HIM HIM HIM HIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WAS THE BEST BAND THERE!!!!!!!!!! omg they should go again this year!!!