Hits: Foo Fighters, Outkast, Arctic Monkeys
Foo Fighters
The Foo Fighters is the pinnacle of rock and roll for the generation that makes up most of the age demographic attending this year’s Voodoo Fest. It is the type of concert that the millennial generation will tell their children about 20 years from now as they sit in awe on the kitchen counter. “My dad was at the Foo Fighters concert in ’14,” they’ll say. Obviously this is a rare opportunity to see one of the most famous and electrifying rock bands of all time. Voodoo Fest attendees should make it a high priority for their weekend.
Outkast
Seeing Outkast live is like seeing a unicorn prance in front of you, a rare gem that should not be taken for granted. This year’s Outkast reunion has been a throw-back for most of the country’s youth and an unbelievable opportunity for those who did not have the chance to see the hip-hop group in the height of their popularity in the late ’90s, early 2000s. For most, it would seem Voodoo is simply an Outkast concert with some other bands playing. Anyone who goes to this year’s Voodoo Fest and doesn’t watch Outkast’s sure to be brilliant performance should not advertise it, or they’re risking social suicide.
Arctic Monkeys
Arctic Monkeys embody all that Voodoo is about to many people: a fresh take on the wonderful world of music. Their distinctive style and stage presence is reason enough to attend the headliner’s show. Also, attendees should take advantage of the venue’s ability to draw such an artist because Louisiana is not always a big name’s first stop on tour. Many bands similar to Arctic Monkeys bypass the state completely so Voodoo viewers should definitely take the opportunity to witness such an exceptional band’s performance.
Misses: Skrillex, Slayer, Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue
Skrillex
Skrillex isn’t the type of timeless artist that should be given headliner status at such a great music festival. Though the performance may be high energy and intense, the same sensation can be found in just blaring Skrillex from a good car stereo. Part of what is so great about live performances is the ability to capture the subtle nuances of a band’s live characteristics, and those may be lacking in a Skrillex show. The group is most likely to be at the bottom of the main stage preferences for Voodoo patrons this year.
Slayer
Slayer has done all of its slaying. Their Voodoo concert will surely include lots of interesting, older headbangers, attempting to hold onto their youth through heavy metal music. There are certain bands that have lived their touring life and should retire; Slayer is one of them. I personally enjoy Lynyrd Skynyrd, but that doesn’t mean they should still be headlining shows. Additionally, Slayer is growing more irrelevant each year with a younger and younger crowd attending Voodoo. No offense to all the diehard Slayer fans out there but this concert should not be a high priority for this year’s festival.
Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue
Let me preface this by saying that Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue is a phenomenal group and a fantastic representation of modern New Orleans-style music. The only reason they should not be a high concern for this year’s Voodoo lineup is because they play all the time in New Orleans. The 2014 Voodoo Fest lineup is filled with amazing new and old artist that most may not have the opportunity to see often, so viewers should take every chance they get to broaden their musical scope and see new things. Trombone Shorty will most likely play at Jazz Fest this year, so that may be a better option in comparison.