Archive for alice cooper

Alice Cooper @ Partille Arena, Gothenburg, Sweden 28/9-19

Posted in Concerts, Music, Uncategorized with tags on September 29, 2019 by Sara Hammerzmith

If there is one band I’ll always religiously attend shows to it will be this man and his crew. I dare to even go as far to say that there is not other band nor musician that I respect and love as much as I do this one. Being the grandfather of everything we today know as theatrical metal (excuse the term) he is still extremely humble.

For the day, we left our homes around 13ish and headed down toward Gothenburg. It was an easy and smooth ride, and we arrived by the venue by 17 and headed into the “mall” to have a quick dinner before doors opened. Got the chance to very quickly say hello to my good old friend Robert before getting in line.

As we got inside, we stopped by the merch and then into the venue. At this point, not a whole lot of people had come, so we got some pretty decent spots on Chuck’s and Ryan’s side of the stage. Better than nothing right?

And soon enough, Black Stone Cherry started the gig.

Black Stone Cherry

Supportband for this grand evening was Black Stone Cherry. They are a band that I’ve been trying to listen to for many years but quite never really fell for. But even though I may not be a massive fan of their music per se, I still appriciated the show for most parts – they had a great stage prescence and kept the spirit up, at least a bit.

They played for 45 minutes before it was time to close the curtain and set up for Mr Alice Cooper.

Alice Cooper

The talking intro started… And first song of the evening was, a bit to my surprise, “Feed My Frankenstein”. As the banner fell down, it revealed to us a large castle setting with Nita and Ryan on top of each of a tower before ascending down the stairs to join the rest of the band. A few gadgets here and there – a casket, some heads and beautiful chandliers in the roof set probably one of the most beautiful stage settings I’ve seen him have. As the song progressed, we’d discover the scientist elements were gone. But why not?

Next song on the list, followed up very quickly was the crowdpleaser “No More Mr Nice Guy”, which is just as terrific as always. “Bed of Nails” was followed just up before we went back in time to “Billion Dollar Babies” era and launched into “Raped and Freezin'”

From the oldies straight into new material as “Fallen in Love” was the next song. Maraccas was brought out and “Muscle of Love” was fired off before a large surprise for me came.

“He’s Back (The Man Behind the Mask)” was next on the list, and this song has grown to be one of my top favorite songs, and I was delighted to have it performed again. And this time, with the stageshow – Teenage girls running around the castle getting murdered by Jason Voorhees.

Sometimes I wonder, at what point do you notice you’ve seen a band too much? Well, it’s a riddle because you can never see a band too much, but I noticed that for some odd reason I could predict “I’m Eighteen” being the next song and I don’t know how I knew it. But splendid, as per usual.

“Billion Dollar Babies” followed suit, and instead of the sword with the money he’s now gotten himself a money canon. Why not? “Poison” was next on the list, and I guess at this point I have to again voice my displeasure with Swedish crowds. As the song starts, a group of people just launches into the spots we’ve been standing in since before Black Stone Cherry, all of us who stood there, just because “Poison” was being played.

GET HERE IN TIME.

STAY IN YOUR SPOT.

How hard can it be? I don’t get it.

Up next was guitarsolos, time for the stringbeders to show what they’re made of. And after this, “Roses on White Lace” with Sheryl Cooper being her most amazing self as the white lady, dancing around. “My Stars” was taken off before it was time for the band to jam – more to be specific to “Devil’s Food” and “Black Widow” before he comes back out through the doors of the castle in the straight jacket brought out by people wearing baby masks to perform “Steven”. As this song happens, a window in the castle opens and a giant baby head starts bouncing around.

He ends up killing the baby, and the famous execution scene came to happen.

Chuck performed “I Love The Dead” with a GIANT FUCKING BABY running across the stage holding Alice’s severed head. He then later came back performing “Escape” before wrapping the set up with “Teenage Frankenstein” and HERE – Frankenstein came to join us. Hence, why he wasn’t really present in the opening song.

After this, the band thanked for themselves and left the stage.

They returned quickly to start off the encores with “Under My Wheels” and then we heard the schoolbell toll and “School’s Out” was a fact. But, there was something special that happened on this particular night.

One of my best friends, Robert, had the day before been invited to take part in Alice’s stage show as a balloon guy. So as the guitar solo started, he entered the stage to deliver the baloons for the party. And remember what I wrote earlier about respect? The fact that he invited him on stage, just like that… It’s incredible. And I was so proud and so happy for Robert I could barely contain my excitement.

After this, the show was done for good and the band say good night. It was once again an incredible show by the Man himself, and I can’t wait to see him again soon enough!

After the show we stopped by the merch again and then steered the wheels home. Thank you, and until next time!

// Sara

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Alice Cooper @ First Direct Arena, Leeds, United Kingdom 11/11 -17

Posted in Concerts, Music, Travels, Uncategorized with tags , on November 11, 2017 by Sara Hammerzmith

So it was time. It was the D-day. Lazy, I guess, as we were, we got up as late as possible to still make it to breakfast, although we made it in different… times. Niki was first down, then I followed and I really tried my hardest to make Nathan come, but he was too tired or something.

So, Niki and I enjoyed a nice breakfast, and we were indeed joined by Nathan at the time. He came last, but also left first so he could take a shower. You readers may remember, Nathan takes a few hours or so in the shower.

Once everybody was done and ready, we headed off to town to check out the city. There was a German christmas market going on, and as well as some additional shopping. We then settled for Wagamama for some dinner, which was delish! We made our way back to the hotel – even if it was a bit of a walk, it was a fairly easy way, gladly. In the elevator there were some people we thought were going to Cooper, so Nathan said “Let’s play a game, everyone seeing Cooper tonight raise your hands” and we got it confirmed. Was in fact a lot of Cooper people in the lobby.

Got a quick change and make up done at the hotel and then we headed back the same way toward the venue. The whole area surronding the venue was cut off, and it was extensive controls before getting in, but do you know what I love? The feeling of no rush or stress to get in. We had our seats, and we didn’t have to worry about a damn thing.

We headed straight for the merchandise and Niki and I picked up some merch before heading into the venue to find our seats and casually looking at the supportbands. I’m sorry, but I won’t be writing about them as I wasn’t really paying that much attention. The Tubes and The Mission was the support bands though!

Before Alice Cooper, or perhaps it was before The Mission, I did a Katy Perry and went outside to get popcorn and a cola. I mean, if I’m gonna sit here I might as well make the most of it right? Except on Katy Perry I didn’t have any seats, I just had the popcorn in front of me.

We saw the backdrop, or perhaps the curtain, for Alice Cooper being risen and we just got so goddamn excited. This show, we knew it was going to be one hell of a show.

And then.. the arena went dark and the intro “Spend the night” started echoing.

Alice Cooper

He opened up with “Brutal Planet”, much similar to earlier this year, and then continued into “Under My Wheels”. Seriously, Alice Cooper is indeed among the bands I’ve seen live the most, but for some reason I get childishly excited whenever I see him. Perhaps it’s because of the rarity.

Backdrop change, and next song “Lost in America” was delivered to us in a perfect way, and then continued with “Pain”, which was a bit of a surprise if you ask me! This was such a dream, this show. It is nothing but amazing to see Alice Cooper live.

We had seats quite high up, in the back, but I honestly didn’t mind. The seated people on the floor ended up standing up, so it was probably just as well that we were sitting this high up to be honest. “Department of Youth” and “The World Needs Guts” followed suit, by “Woman of mass Distraction”.

And after that, Hurricane Nita got to show off her skills, and seriously – this woman. She’s something else. I love her stage prescence and showmanship. She’s amazing. The guitarsolo wound up in “Poison”, and later one of the more amazing surprises for the night – “Halo of Flies”, which also featured a drumsolo by no one less than Glen Sobel.

“Feed My Frankenstein” was next on the list, followed by “Cold Ethyl”, and to my big surprise, and happiness I may say, “Only Women Bleed” was next. It was not yesterday I heard that song live, that is for sure.

“Paranoiac Personality” off the new album followed suit, and then “Ballad of Dwight Fry”. As you can see, a pretty normal setlist of Alice Cooper with some occasional easter eggs. “Killer” and “I Love the Dead” followed suit together with the execution… and then the arena went black.

And Nathan just hit my leg and was like “YOU WANT TO KEEP THAT CAMERA ROLLING” so I turned it on again. Which was great, because this was the entrance of the original members.

“I’m Eighteen” is usually a song I have a hate love relationship to. Because this was the only song that I repeatedly rehearsed with my band. But tonight? With the original bandmembers? Magical. Absolutely magical.

“Billion Dollar Babies” was next on the set, followed by “No More Mr Nice Guy” and “Muscle of Love” before also the current line up joined the originals to end up an amazing show with “Schools Out”. What a line up, what a set up. It’s hard to grasp, you know?

Seriously… this was beyond magic. Hearing Alice Cooper introduce all the bandmembers, all the current as well as the OG’s…. that was just. I can’t believe I got to witness this. It’s beyond me, really.

After the show, we headed straight back home, had one last drink together in the hotel bar before going to bed.

// Sara

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Mötley Crüe @ Globen, Stockholm, Sweden 16/11 -15

Posted in Concerts, Music, Uncategorized with tags , , , , , on November 16, 2015 by Sara Hammerzmith

So… I don’t even know how to begin this blog. I’ve been seeing Mötley Crüe live quite a few times on and off since 2007, and knowing that this is supposed to be the last time I’ll ever see them. It feels a bit surreal… I don’t… I don’t even know how to put this to words. So I won’t for now.

The day began lazily. For once, ONCE we actually had the opportunity to sleep in. I think we got up around noon, had breakfast and took a quickie downtown before we met up with our amazeballs friend Robert for some dinner before the show. It was raining like there was no tomorrow, but we somehow made it to Taco Bar anyway. We had a fun dinner with lots of jokes and plans and whatnot before we headed out in the rain again to get to Globen and the very last show.

As soon as we got out of the metro, we ran. Not because we were late, but because THE RAIN. Rain is all cool when you sit inside, with your window open and a few lit candles and a “nice” (*cough* Hunger Games *cough*) book, but not when you are about to go to a show. Gladly, since we were so “late” there were practically no queue at all, so we got in immediately. Directly, we headed for the merchandise to get the for me, mandatory tour programme. That is pretty much all my current budget allows, but on the other hand, I must admit there weren’t a whole too many good designs.

At this point, it was about ten minutes left until Alice Cooper would go on stage, so we went down to the standing area. To our surprise, it was actually pretty…thin. I mean, not entirely, but I really thought there would be more people than this.

With a five minute delay, Alice Cooper went on stage to the rhythms of “Black Widow”. He quickly followed up with “No More Mr Nice Guy” and kept up that pace throughout the whole show. The set of the night were pretty similar to the shows he’s done earlier this year, of course a bit shorter because of time, sparing only the “hits” or the “good ones”, in what also felt a quicker pace than usual.

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Regardless of this, Alleysan never, and I tell you NEVER, fail to entertain. Like I told you before – I wasn’t sure if I came for Mötley Crüe or for Alice Cooper, and despite seeing this set for about the third time this year, he still entertains me. And also. Seeing the Frankenstein doll on the big screen did freak me out a bit. I’ve never seen it so up-close, and now I was actually frightened by the details. Good on you, Mr Cooper.

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Alice left the stage, and left us waiting for Mötley Crüe. I’d lie if I say I wasn’t having mixed feelings about this. On the one hand, I couldn’t wait to see Mötley Crüe again, because despite them being so “bad” they are still Mötley Crüe, it’s still all those songs I love. But on the other hand, I didn’t want it to be over.

And right now time, the intro song started and the boys started the show with “Girls, Girls, Girls”. I must admit, I was a bit surprised by the choice of song, but… how can I care, how could I possibly care that much when Tommy, Vince, Nikki and Mick are on stage. It’s hard to comprehend that it was really only five months ago I saw them before this… But it’s something with Mötley Crüe, and it has always been. Whenever they come, I come.

Second song of the night were “Wild Side” followed by “Primal Scream”. And what can I say… This is a big show. There are pyros and fire-spewers literally everywhere, explosions and what else. A pricey show, I guess you could call it.

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The second guitar was brought out, and the very song that actually began my entire fanhood of Mötley Crüe was ripped off – “Same Ol’ Situation”. For the last time. This was followed by “Don’t Go Away Mad (Just Go Away)” and “Smoking In The Boys Room”.

 

“Looks That Kills”, “Mutherfucker of The Year” and “Anarchy in the U.K” was fired off before the arena went completely dark, only to be lit up by Nikki Sixx putting his mic stand on fire for “Shout at the Devil”. For those of you who may not know, Nikki Sixx’s current mic stand hangs from the top of the stage down, and has a up-side down star on it, much like the album cover.

“Louder Than Hell” came on before it once again becomes completely dark, but this time to the tunes of “O Fortuna”. I wasn’t sure what to expect from this, more than that I stood a long while thinking about from where I recognized the song (Clash of the Choirs, Team CANS) and then, Tommy Lee came out for his drum solo.

And finally, I got to figure out what the big metal thing standing half way into the arena was.

It was the rollercoaster. 

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After all these years. After all these years, and all these prototypes.. it was finally here. The rollercoaster. The Rollercoaster Tommy Lee had spoken about so much in the past. Finally, it was here. And it was damn good. He started his drumsolo accompanied by some club music as the rollercoaster slowly started going upwards and then starting to twist and turn a bit. He went for the ride all the way to the center of the arena, which so happened to be exactly where we were standing.

When sitting there in the middle of the arena, Tommy got emotional and talked about this moment, and how important it was for him, but also how saddened he was, and how heavy his shoulders were from what had happened in Paris just a couple of days prior, and asked for a minute of silence. Of course, there will always be jerks who has to yell through things like this, but it was really, really beautiful. He then started his ride back to the stage where Mick joined him for a mind-blowing guitarsolo.

“Saints of Los Angeles” was quickly fired off after this, followed by “Live Wire” and “Dr Feel Good” before wrapping the whole set up with “Kickstart My Heart”. And what an ending, my god. Nikki and Vince were put up on “elevators” and shoved out in the audience. Oh my. What an ending. Confetti and pyros EVERYWHERE. It’s like they used all their last power.

They thanked for the night, and left the stage.

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In the middle of the arena, where Tommy’s rollercoaster ended, there was a drumset. We weren’t sure what to make of it, but we hoped that maybe Tommy’d play it. And when we saw the crew start to prep it, we realized that we, or at least I, would come closer to Mötley Crüe than I have ever done before. And we were right. After a bit of time, they came up on the little podium together for one last good bye in “Home Sweet Home”.

And by that, it was over. Done. Finito. The very last time I’d ever see Mötley Crüe… was over. But this, this my friends, were the best good bye I’ve witnessed so far.

I went to this show with the worst expectations possible. I expected to barely even recognize the songs, to see Mötley Crüe being out-shined by Alice Cooper, but at least see the people who meant so much to me. But I got more. I got a Mötley Crüe who could play together. I got a Vince Neil that actually SANG all, or at least most, of the words, which he hasn’t always done in the past. I got to see Nikki Sixx talk about how a knife represents persistence and that with that, you can go far. I got a Mötley Crüe who seemed genuinely happy to play. I wasn’t sure if I came for Alice or Mötley, but I came for Mötley. I really did. And most importantly…

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…Mötley Crüe delivered one of the best shows I’ve ever seen them do on their very last show in Sweden, and I’m glad I was there to witness it. 

Thank you, Mötley Crüe. For all these years.

// Sara

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Alice Cooper @ Gröna Lund, Stockholm, Sweden 3/7 – 15

Posted in Concerts, Music, Uncategorized with tags , on July 3, 2015 by Sara Hammerzmith

So, around ten this morning we started our outbound journey to Stockholm and Gröna Lund to once again see God himself on stage, and for Nathan to see Alice Cooper and Glen Sobel, his drumhero.

After having lunch at Subway we headed over to Gröna Lund and began with showing Nathan the stage to really get it through his head – we were seeing Alice Cooper, and he couldn’t believe his eyes. We grabbed an ice cream each, and while doing so, we decided that we should first of all, probably buy the posters right away so we didn’t need to bother worry with that, and second of all… we are at an amusement park. That has a funhouse… I’m not going to Boda Borg until Friday so….

Of course, we had a go at it. I was really worried about the steps up front, because last time I did them, I failed miserably, but on the same time… These are the kind of things I push myself to do, so following two steps behind Nathan, I took the steps. It was almost a disaster, seeing Nathan almost fell onto me and I had to tell Michelle to stay back in order not to cause a domino effect, but eventually we got up with a heartrate WAY too fast. After this, it was all fun and games with spinning rooms and wheels and uneven floors. I love these kind of houses.

nathanmichelle

After a round in the funhouse we picked up popcorn and crisps in order to get some salt in this heat, and sat and just chatted before the big event of the night was about to happen. After this, we headed to the stage and got decent spot in the back of the… well, place before the stage.

Right on time, 20.00, he entered the stage with “Hello Hooray”, to my big surprise! I admit, I was expecting it to be the same show as he had on Graspop, but oy vey did he surprise me! And to make it even better, he followed suit with one of my personal favorites – “House of Fire”. Yeah, this was gonna be a good night.

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He followed suit with “No More Mr Nice Guy” and “Under My Wheels” before it was time for the, a bit cheeky, “I’ll Bite Your Face Off”.

This was followed by “Billion Dollar Babies” with the money as usual, “Lost In America”, “Hey Stoopid”, “Dirty Diamonds” with the necklaces… and finally it was time for probably one of my favorite moments on Alice Cooper shows, especially nowadays.

“Welcome To My Nightmare”

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HE EVEN BROUGHT HIS SNAKE. Really, like I said on Graspop, the only thing I’m missing right now is the bloody dancers. And it will be perfect. But you know, this will really do!

This was followed by “Go to Hell” before the next surprise was put out… and seriously…

“He’s Back (The Man Behind The Mask)”.

Like, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THIS SONG. And hearing it live, everytime, it… I can’t even describe it to you? He, as well as Lordi, brought Jason and everything. Of course, the badass chick beat Jason down and started hunting Alice’s band instead.

Right after this was done, Alice put on a policehat, and even though my gut and heart told me “this is it! This is Wicked Young Man! It’s back!” I didn’t dare to hope too much… but then he started marching in pace with a very, VERY familiar guitar riff.

It’s back. My favorite Alice Cooper song, “Wicked Young Man” is fucking back people. Oh god, how do I even explain the big deal this is to you?! Ahh.

Right after this, it was time for another top moment of the show – “Feed My Frankenstein”.

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I always love the theatrical numbers a little more than the non-theatrical. It adds to it, you know?

“Ballad of Dwight Fry” followed with the creepy nurse pulling her shit on him, forcing them to have their occasional dance that ends in nothing but pain, but what can you do?

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Of course, the mandatory cutting-the-head off followed as well as “I Love The Dead” with the crewmember running around with Alice Coopers head.

After this, they pulled Alice out on a hospital bed, covered with a sheet, and when the nurse was about to check underneath, Alice rose up and a voice, presumably “God” was talking to him about how he had cheated death again, and it made me remember Sweden Rock. It was the medley.

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And I was right. Out came the tombstones for Jim Morrison, John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix and Keith Moon and Alice pulled off the covers and tributes to the late musicians. It’s something very special seeing an icon like Alice doing this. Paying tribute to other successful and famous musicians. I don’t know how to put it to words, it’s just… very dear to me you know?

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The covers included songs as “Break On Through (To the other side)”, “Revolution”, “Foxy Lady” and “My Generation”.

The medley was followed by the classic “I’m Eighteen” before wrapping it up with “Poison”.

Before we knew it, the band came back, the bubbles started and the schoolbells were ringing.

“Schools Out”.

What a party that song is. It’s the perfect wrap up, especially with the adding of “Another Brick in The Wall”, and the baloons and all the confetti and what not. It’s really the perfect ending, of a perfect night.

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Seriously, Thank you. ALL OF YOU. Nita, Ryan, Alleysan, Glen, Tommy and Chuck. You are the bomb, all of you. Queen and kings of the world. I love you all.

After this, we tried to leave the park, but to our dismay some stupid idiot had put their key in OUR locker and therefore, it screwed with our chances of getting our stuff out, Gladly, the staff helped us out fairly quickly and we could get going. Quick visit to McDonalds and then running off to Cityterminalen and catching our bus home.

It was our first time trying out a new bus service… AND THE BUSES. So much legspace, so comfortable leatherseats, I didn’t even know what to say or do? Two electricity sources, it was like… I love Swebus, but Nettbuss… I felt like a princess! Oh my god.

Thank you all, Michelle, Nathan, Robert, Gröna Lund, Alice Cooper + band for this amazing evening. I love you all.

// Sara

 

 

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Graspop Metal Meeting – Day 2

Posted in Concerts, Music, Uncategorized with tags , , , , on June 20, 2015 by Sara Hammerzmith

So, last night ended pretty late because of Marilyn Manson, but it was sooo worth it! Got up a bit later the next day, and I took it fairly slow, seeing my first band wasn’t until Korpiklaani, but no rest until your dead, right, so I got up and figured I’d spend the day checking out the metal market and the shopping. I had a few CD’s, or well, a lot of CD’s I was looking for, so why not?

W went around a bit looking for Kittie albums, met up with Robert and Mie and then headed over to Exodus. It was nice seeing the guys again, despite not calling myself a fan.

Right after this, I headed over to Korpiklaani.

Korpiklaani

So, here’s the deal. Without being fully informed of every band in this world, I believe there are two bands, no matter what band you put up next to them, no matter how much you love or hate them, you will, wheter you want it or not, have fun. The first band is Alestorm, and the second one, is Korpiklaani.

The set lasted about an hour, but seriously, it felt like it was shorter. I’m not sure exactly what it is with this festival, but it feels like everything just ends faster. Gladly, unlike Butcher Babies the crowd had a lot better energy and like I said above… Ultimate partyband. I don’t regret going for them over Lacuna Coil.

After Korpiklaani, I wandered off to the market in order to first of all pick up some pins, one Ghost one for Michelle and Alestorm, Sabaton and Steel Panther for me. I sent my mother a picture on Facebook of the SlipKnot t-shirts as I couldn’t make up my mind.

You see, I went to the merch booth so determined to get the Korpiklaani tanktop and the yellow (so to put it) SlipKnot shirt, but once at the barrier I noticed this other shirt that wasn’t freaky-freaky, with all their masks in the shape of an S AND a skull, which wasn’t a tour shirt (opens up possibilities) and with that, my brain was messed up, so I got at first only the tanktop and uploaded the picture. I can’t send actual photo messages with my phone, so uploading is the best option. Only annoying thing is that everyone and no one keeps liking the pic. And I’m like, people. It’s just shirt. A bunch of them.

But, like Johnny Depp once said, “If you are torn between two women, always go for the second one. If you loved the first one, you wouldn’t have fallen for the second one”, said and done. I went for the S / Skull shirt and I’m pretty pleased with my choice. I already have a tour shirt for Prepare for Hell so I’ll live.

This took longer than you think it would, and I headed back to Mainstage 2 to catch God himself play, with other words, it was time for my annual Alice Cooper show.

Alice Cooper

The started off the entire set to big cheers with “Department of Youth” before continuing with “No More Mr Nice Guy” and was quickly launched into “Under My Wheels”. Alice Cooper shows progress pretty quickly thanks to the lack of mid-speaking. I love mid-speaking when it’s Ola Salo doing it, but most other bands could really just shut up since most of them don’t have anything worthy to say anyway.

The show was just as fun and eventful as usual, but I need to highlight one particular event.

Which is “Welcome to my Nightmare”. I LOVE, maybe it’s me who have forgotten, but I love, love, love how he’s brought back the… how do I put it? The Welcome to my Nightmare costume? The big hat and everything. All I need now is the dancers with the bloodfilled bag on their heads, and the song will be perfect. But it is just as good right now.

I’m not gonna go over this much more, due to me wanting to keep these entries somewhat short, but I can only say two things – Alice Cooper never fails to impress nor entertain, and Nita Strauss is a queen.

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After Alice Cooper we headed over to the Metal Dome to see Alcest. I must admit I was a bit torn between Alcest and Korn, but feelings decided against Korn in favor of Alcest.

While I do have quite a few friends who enjoy Alcest, I can’t say I’ve myself ever been a fan, but I did enjoy the show. Atmospheric, and despite being metal, there was this certain kind of calm over everything. It was very nice.

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After Alcest was done, I headed over to Mainstage 1 to wait for what was the band I looked forward the most to see, SlipKnot, and thanks to Graspop’s good taste in stage-placing, we could catch Judas Priest from where we stood.

I was really worried. I sat down for most of the Priest set, feeling really tired, and tried to drink in case it was because of dehydration, but it didn’t help. And it pissed me off a bit, since I hate when I don’t sleep properly so I end up tired for the things I’m excited for. But when Judas Priest started playing “Jawbreaker” I kind of woke up a bit, and after that… I couldn’t stand still.

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I just kept jumping around in small jumps to the point Antoine even pointed out to me that SlipKnot hadn’t even started yet, but you know, that doesn’t stop me. Once I’m up I’m up, you know?

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BUT, then, “XIX” started and internally, I kind of exploded. I guess this is what it truly feels like being REALLY exicted for something. Most of the time, I feel excited, but it has been some time (last time was probably Madrid or even Prepare For Hell tour itself) where I’ve felt like my organs were about to explode. And when “Sarcastrophe” began…

First of all, it took me all up to now to realize the song is actually called “SARcastrophe” and not “SCARcastrophe”, so I’ve basically spelled it wrong for over six months. Nice.

But aside typos, I kind lost it. Like you always do at SlipKnot shows. Or at least the two I’ve been with before. Since I completely owned my company I sort of half assed teamed up with some other guys and just you know… like the guy said “You’re in the headbanger zone!” And yes, they were. My hair even got stuck in a guys backpack. Oh dear.

Oh right, the show. After “Sarcastrophe” they continued, just as previously with “The Heretic Anthem”, “Psychosocial” and “The Devil in I” before the first surprise of the evening came – “AOV”.

Like… I can’t say I’ve ever been a fan of that particular song, but it was cool to hear live. Not the best, but it’s fine, you know? And then….. DING DING DING DIIIIIINGGG

“Vermillion“.

The horrible part of me wished for this NOT to be “my” setlist, because I didn’t wanna give Antoine that satisfaction, but I’m also very very very very secretly happy they did “my” setlist. When I’m saying “my” setlist, it means they play “Vermilion”, “Eyeless”(these two are my two fave songs of SlipKnot) and “Wait and Bleed”. Michelle’s setlist is the one that includes “Dead Memories”, “Disasterpieaces” and “Opium of the People”.

After “Wait and Bleed” Corey started talking about some new video they made. And that is basically what made my eyes pop. The only, ONLY SONG I missed during Prepare for Hell Tour earlier this year was “Killpop”, and hearing Corey say in an interview that Clown dislikes playing slow songs, I didn’t ever see them actually playing this piece of art live. But as soon as that man started talking about a new video clip, I knew what was coming.

The moment, the only moment I missed earlier this year happened now.

“Killpop“.

And by this, right here right now, the festival was complete. I didn’t need anymore than that, but again, who am I to complain for some more? “Before I Forget”, “Duality” and my personal favorite “Eyeless” (seriously, how can you not go batshit to that song?) followed by “Spit it Out”, and as you guys know, “Spit it Out” is my favorite moment of the entire show. Wrapped it up with “Custer” and left the stage.

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(This is literally the only decent shot I have, haha)

For encore they did the “(sic)”, “People = Shit” and wrapping up the entire set, and for my part, the festival with “Surfacing”. I’m not gonna lie when I say I was SO TEMPTED to go in the mini moshpit that was behind us. Maybe next time.

And with that, they left the stage and I left the arena. Or actually, I bounced. I’m running on pure adrenaline after a show like that, and even thought I can’t recall actually SEEING anything off the show, more than my own hair and a few dots moving on the stage, I can’t help myself but to keep bouncing around. I need to get rid of the energy, you know? Oh, I also said goodbye to the two guys who just for the moment became my SlipKnot brothers. A shame I never caught their names. Bummer.

Got back to the camp, ate a bit and fell asleep with Dionysus in my ears. Even though I never liked the idea of going home on Sunday, SlipKnot helped me feel content.

// Sara

 

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