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Kim is entranced by Fifty and Revis
By Kim Moreau, Revelry Writer
Friday, October 31
1:00 p.m.
Matt and I arrived and checked in at the media tent. We went to see the merchandise. There was enough drug paraphernalia to kill someone, as well as lots of t-shirts.
1:15 p.m.
The Playstation 2 Dance Tent was maxed out with one half-naked girl, one leery old man and one very excited raver. After not feeling the need to break into heavy techno dancing, we walked around some more. The people working the Spin magazine tent were too busy doing nothing to be nice but we did score a free old issue … thanks, I guess.
1:40 p.m.
We sat and watched Subdudes on the Rolling Stone stage while we ate. They sounded like Widespread Panic with more of a New Orleans bluesy influence, generally good.
3:30 p.m.
We checked out the Jimi Hendrix experience, basically a Hard Rock on wheels with Hendrix stuff. Unlike Hard Rock, most of it was just replicas, but it was neat to read up on some history of the legend.
3:35 p.m.
We subjected ourself to the endless line of port-o-potties.
3:45 p.m.
Matt and I checked out Ludacris. I love Luda, and I call him that because we are close. The crowd for Luda was very diverse, and obviously bigger than the crowd for Mindless Self Indulgence. I tried my best to dance as Luda played all my favorites. He gave a shout-out to white people and I know by white people he obviously meant me.
5:15 p.m.
We passed through the merchandise tents and Matt got some free condoms thanks to Liquid Magazine. I passed because I am a classy lady and do not want to be seen walking around all day with a ton of condoms.
5:35 p.m.
We caught 50 Cent on the Rolling Stone stage. I had no idea how large the man was, honest to God his size must rival Arnold. His entourage was limitless and it was hard to keep track of which person on stage was actually Fifty, but I tried my best to follow him. He sounded great but the show was a little too busy for my tastes.
6:05 p.m.
We ran from 50 Cent to the Fuse stage to catch Adema, a Linkin Park- sounding rock band. I was completely confused by the lead singer’s stage banter. Between songs he gushed about how we were such a positive crowd with great energy that lifted his spirit. But during the songs, Adema sounded angry at the world. Nothing really special.
6:30 p.m.
50 Cent refused to stop playing even after they turned the lights out on him. He encouraged the crowd to hold up their lighters and told everyone he would keep playing until his mic got turned off. Obviously no one would mess with 50, who would tell the man no, ever?
6:45 p.m.
At the Slim Jim tent we met Randy “Macho Man” Savage. I know very little about this man except he used to wrestle but now he sells Slim Jims, and apparently raps as he explained to us. Savage introduced us to his DJ and told us about how he always has loved rap. After seeing some of the top rap acts, I had no doubt Randy obviously would hold his own against 50. His success is just a no-brainer.
7:15 p.m.
We watched POD on the Fuse stage. The Christian band sounded absolutely nothing like the praise and worship music I am used to. The show’s pyrotechnics looked like a Disney World Fourth-of-July. After POD we decided to leave, forgoing our chance to see Godsmack. On the way out we passed by George Clinton and the P Funk. They sound phenomenal, but I was a tired pup and tomorrow is another day.
Saturday, November 1
12:25 p.m.
After following my curiosity, Matt and I wandered into a tiki – looking hut by the Fuse stage. We presented our IDs and made our way into what apparently was a tent for selling smokeless tobacco. I lied on my questionnaire in order to procure a slap on koozie and a can of my “favorite tobacco,” which I have yet to find a use for. According to my Skoal survey I smoke six packs of cigarettes a week and chew Vanilla long-cut Skoal regularly. These are lies of course, but I can never be sure when I might need some smokeless tobacco.
12:45 p.m.
We checked out Mandeville natives 12 Stones. This rock band bored me to death, and I spent the majority of the set trying to roll my jeans to look like cool capri pants so I did not sweat to death.
2:00 p.m.
We met up with Michael Mohr, our photographer friend. He dazzled us with stories of the VIP area last year. Dreams of free food and drink, and close proximity to the stage led us on a quest to test the power of the press passes we had been blessed with.
2:30 p.m.
We watched some of Revis before heading back into the elusive VIP area. Revis is a rock band with a bit of a spacey sound. They sounded great, giving the tightest performance I had seen yet.
2:35 p.m.
Ok, so this year the VIP tent has been demoted to some port-o-potties, a separate stand to buy water or drinks, some chairs to sit in and a chair with a sign that says massages for $1 a minute. I no longer felt special or cool, instead only thirsty and poor. We grabbed some $4 pizza and checked out Mos Def on the Rolling Stone stage. Vastly different from 50 Cent, Mos instructed us to put up our L’s for love. The star of the “Italian Job” flows some positive hip hop, and I felt better about the world thanks to his gentle rhymes and a full stomach.
3:20 p.m.
We talked to the guys from Revis at the Slim Jim tent. Nathaniel Cox, the guitarist said the band was extremely excited to play Voodoo Fest. “Festivals are fun because you are free to roam around, visit music and do what [you] want to do,” Cox said.
3:45 p.m.
I recently had seen Better than Ezra – Thursday night at the PMAC – but they always put on a good show. The stage banter and the set list were pretty much the same as Thursday. Still, BTE’s fun vibe and goofy improvs were a nice break in the day of heavier acts.
4:45 p.m.
We went to see the Roots with special guest Talib Kweli. This was more positive hip hop in the vein of Mos Def. The Roots are an amazing testament to hip hop groups with live instruments. They sounded awesome and jammed out some great songs.
5:15 p.m.
We made it back to the Fuse stage to see Fuel. Fuel are apparently much heavier than “Bad Day,” the song I remember them for. The band put on an intense performance, and I now have a bit of a crush on the lead singer, even though his songs prove him to be an angry young man.
6:30 p.m.
We waited for Staind to take the stage. Some random guy asked us to share pot if we had it. We did not and he continued his quest. The band took the stage, and I was pleasantly surprised with their performance. The band visually is an oxymoron in concert as everyone on stage is jumping around as though they have scorpions in their pants minus Aaron Lewis who just stands there. I was distracted by the family in front of me who were encouraging their 13 year old son to join the mosh pit and crowd surf. Such are the family values of Voodoo Fest.
8:00 p.m.
We wandered back into the hippie section post-Staind and caught some people playing tribal drums and playing with long silver tubes. It sounded cool, but I was unsure of the purpose, if there was one.
8:10 p.m.
Cowboy Mouth took the Rolling Stone/Southern Comfort stage. The lead singer and drummer was absolutely unbelievable. He managed to keep rhythm, sing, do tricks with the sticks, and yell to the crowd that we were not loud enough. The band wanted everyone to have fun and the crowd seemed to get the message.
8:45 p.m.
We watched the end of Iggy and the Stooges’ set. Iggy said the f-word more times than I knew were possible and his pants were so low I was awaiting a black censored bar to appear. His smarter than thou attitude and his spontaneous nature made the set a gem. Iggy’s tongue – in – cheek wild performances could teach other artists on the bill a thing or two.
10:00 p.m.
Marilyn Manson was next. As a Baptist school girl, I had been programmed to fear this man nearly as much as the devil himself. But my curiosity and mainly Matt’s desire to see the madman kept me there. Marilyn performed on an elaborate castle style set-up and his music sounded great, but I forced Matt to let us leave for more angelic acts after 3 songs. Though I must admit I found myself humming Manson’s “Disposable Teens” the whole way home.
10:20 p.m.
We dropped by the Playstation Dance Tent to catch renowned DJ Paul Oakenfold. The tent was crowded with people dancing and standing around. Lights and a graphics show gave the audience something to look at besides just one man at his turntables.
10:45 p.m.
Matt and I left with more free Playstation games in hand and techno grooves in our head. On the way out we passed by Government Mule who was in the midst of covering Prince. Voodoo was grand and I learned plenty of important lessons: new music is almost always good, 50 Cent can not be stopped, and just take whatever it is if it is free.
Matt hooks up and gets lots of free stuff
By Matt Grady, Revelry Writer
Friday, October 31
1:00 p.m.
Kim and I check in at the media tent. Here we go, let the voodooing begin! We surveyed the merchandise tents. Judging by these prices, there won’t be any souvenir shopping this weekend.
2:25 p.m.
After walking around for a while, we went over to the Fuse stage where Mindless Self Indulgence was about to begin their show. I had never heard of this band before, but after watching the lead singer prancing around with a toy horse head on a broomstick, I came to the conclusion I had seen just about enough.
4:00 p.m.
Next we went over to the Rolling Stone stage and waited to have some “Chicken N’ beer” with Ludacris. While waiting, a nice gentleman wandered our way and asked if we would like to have some “crank and coke” before the show. We respectfully declined.
5:15 p.m.
After Ludacris, we visited the Spin magazine tent and stocked up on some free assorted-color condoms. Hey, Christmas is just around the corner, I got stockings for the whole family now!
5:35 p.m.
We came back to the Rolling Stone stage to watch 50 Cent. He attracted quite a large crowd, and I enjoyed his performance once I picked him out from the 12 other guys on stage with him.
6:05 p.m.
Kim and I went back to the Fuse stage and watched Adema. Awesome performance.
6:30 p.m.
We returned to the Rolling Stone stage where the Slim Jim tent was located. While snapping into a couple of Slim Jims, we had the humbling honor to meet Mr. Sex Symbol of the Century, Randy “Macho Man” Savage. He made an appearance at Voodoo to support his brand new rap album (no, I’m serious). As soon as we walked out of the tent, I was certain this rap entity would be getting Grammy buzz in no time. Slim Shady better run for cover, here comes the Savage!
7:15 p.m.
We headed over to the Fuse stage to get a good spot for P.O.D. With their new album coming out this week, they played several new songs as well as their hits in a chilling performance.
Saturday, November 1
12:15 p.m.
After checking in at the media tent, we kicked off Saturday by going over to the Fuse stage for the 12 Stones. The crowd was reasonably light, but the performance was heavy and awesome.
2:15 p.m.
We made our way to a smaller tent and watched a young woman belly dancing. Aside from thinking “this is the first woman I’ve seen all weekend with black lipstick,” I also thought I should go up there and leave my digits on the stage for her.
2:25 p.m.
We went back to the Fuse Stage to watch Illinois-native Revis. With lots of energy and a great sound, they put on a great show.
2:30 p.m.
While Revis was performing, we decided to use our media influence to explore the VIP section of the Fuse Stage. The extent of the VIP area was a tent with a couple of tables occupied by 3 or 4 bloated-looking goths. While we felt we were in good company, we decided this privilege was a little too much for us.
2:35 p.m.
Next on the agenda was the food area to grab some lunch. I needed some money from the ATM, and I ended up paying a nice 5 dollar service fee. I knew that was gonna happen.
3:35 p.m.
Better than Ezra was up next on the Fuse stage. I had never seen these guys live before. I was impressed by their ability to put on a good live show and attract a large crowd.
5:45 p.m.
After going back to the Rolling Stone stage to see the Roots (not bad, but no Macho Man Randy Savage), we went back yet again to the Fuse stage to see Fuel. We stood right next to the speakers this time. I can’t really come up with a good reason for that one.
6:15 p.m.
Following Fuel was Aaron Lewis and Staind. We decided to remain in the same spot so we would be able to see, and of course hear because we were again right next to the speakers. While waiting, we crossed paths with a young man who was looking for his girlfriend “Mary Jane.” He asked if we had her, but we had to send him on his way.
6:45 p.m.
Staind started their show and absolutely rocked. The band’s energy and power is the perfect complement to Aaron Lewis’ somber temperament. While watching the show, I felt a tug on my arm. Looking down, I saw a little old lady who had had a little too much to drink. Naturally, the first thought that entered my mind was, “Score! Now if I can only run over to the Spin tent and get one or two more of those free condoms.” But I decided that today was not the day for elderly lovin’, and I spent the rest of the show with a blitzed old lady on my arm. Hey, at least I did my good deed for the day.
8:10 p.m.
After Staind, we went back to the Rolling Stone stage to pay homage to the soldiers of Southern Comfort, Fred Leblanc and Cowboy Mouth. I had seen a lot of musical performance in the past two days, but the energy and fun of a Cowboy Mouth show is absolutely unparalleled.
8:45 p.m.
We returned to the Fuse stage to watch the legendary Iggy Pop and the Stooges. With a reputation for wild shows, Mr. Pop had the look of a dying chihuahua and the voice of a street corner drunk. The end of his show didn’t come soon enough.
10:00 p.m.
After an extensive stage setup, it was time to enjoy the mellow sounds of Marilyn Manson. This act attracted the largest crowd we had seen this weekend, and Manson did not disappoint. Before he went on, I made sure to call my mom and tell her I loved her, just in case things got out of control and I was forced to participate in the slaughtering of a sacrificial animal or something.
10:30 p.m.
To close out the evening, we went to the Playstation 2 dance tent to listen to the beats of Paul Oakenfold. Among the plethora of glowsticks and light-up pacifiers, we sat in the back of the tent next to two young people consumating their binding love on a plastic blow up couch. What a relaxing way to end the day.
Saturday, November 2
Back to Voodoo on Sunday, a celebration of life, love, music, and for some, illegal drugs. Looking forward to Queens of the Stone Age, A Perfect Circle, and the White Stripes to rock my socks off. And if I’m lucky, my little old bride and I might cross paths again and I can take her out for a nice time over for a couple of Slim Jims.