Stephen outside the gate
Okay, that was enough about the logistics, what about the music? Rock Werchter had plenty of music. Unfortunately a few of the bands we really wanted to see were on the first day. Still, most of the acts we were actually travelling to see were yet to play.
We arrived on the first day and were blown away by Charles Bradley And His Extraodinaires. This soul man has the presence you might have expected from the entire Stax/Volt catalog. And he only has two albums released under his own name so far in his career (despite being in his 60s). If you’re a fan of James Brown, Otis Redding and Sam Cook, you need to check him out.
Then we went over and checked out Two Door Cinema Club. I liked them well enough, but not well enough to consider myself a new fan. Maybe if someone bought me their records…
Howlin’ Pele Almqvist from The Hives working the crowd
Next up on the main stage was The Hives. This was our 4th time seeing this band, and it’s interesting to see how this set while still packed with energy was the least entertaining of all the times we have seen them. We actually saw the band about 8 months or so ago at the beginning of their tour in support of their latest album. They performed well, but there was a weariness to them, and you could tell they were ready to be done with the tour. Still, a high energy show that at any other time on its own would be considered a showstopper.
Another discovery for myself was The Script. Another Irish band (as is Two Door Cinema Club) this time a bit more soulful and more rocking. I rather liked them and might pick up an album. Then Phoenix and Kings of Leon, both of which were good, but neither of which I particularly cared for. That’s my own taste.
Blur
Blur. One of the hooks that got me to Rock Werchter. I’ve been a mild fan since the debut single “She’s So High” came out in 1990 and of course when “Song 2” came out in 1997 all bets were off. I had never seen the band live and was really looking forward to it since they got back together. And I managed to get right up front.
Damon Alburn was jumping all over the place, even coming into the crowd at one point, and the band turned in a high energy set packed with hits. At one point he yelled the band was so ready to play because they were waiting backstage for 8 hours to play. I yelled back that I had been waiting 20 years to see the band.
Stephen was saying from his vantage point much further back the whole crowd went nuts during the “Song 2” encore. Apparently nearly 85,000 were jumping up and down in unison.
Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds
The next day I caught a few bands, but nothing that I really liked. Then Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds came on. I am not as familiar with this group’s work as I should be, having heard a few songs over the years on the radio or whatever. I was eager to hear more and see what his live act was like. It was intense. Dark and brooding songs with violent imagery that stood in stark contrast to the beauty of the music. Great stuff.
Nick Cave standing on the crowd
Everybody in the band but in great performances, and Nick Cave himself really worked the audience. Not only did he wade out at a few points, he even stood up on the audience. He signed a couple of autographs and was really gracious. Sort of refreshing to see. I’m very glad I got to see him and will probably do so again should he come to town.
Rammstein
We took a break and then came back for Rammstein. I have no words to describe the stuff. Fire, sparks, heavy music, intense theatrical imagery that wasn’t necessarily pleasant. I actually liked the music and showmanship. Since I don’t speak German, I didn’t understand what the songs were about or anything so I didn’t enjoy it as much as I had hoped. we left probably about halfway through the set.
For the final day I got a very pleasant surprise in the form of Twin Forks. This Texas band doesn’t even have a website or debut album out yet. Sort of folksy country music with … well, it’s a rock band with a mandolin. I loved it and made a sign letting band know they had a new fan. I just wish I could buy an album of their right now.
Gogol Bordello
Gypsy punk band Gogol Bordello came out and fortunately there was no roof for them to blow off. An eclectic mix of musical styles at once familiar and chaotic. The group was all over the place. I knew a couple of their songs, but after this I really want to look into picking up more of their stuff.
Depeche Mode
Closing out the night for us was Depeche Mode. Never having seen the band live, this was the official 10 Bands 10 Countries entry.
The first couple of songs from the new album weren’t as inspiring as I had hoped they would be live. As the set progressed, however, the band became livelier and livelier. They dipped back into their long catalog, including 1986’s “A Question Of Time” and the group did play my two favorite songs, “Personal Jesus” and “Never Let Me Down Again” (but Stephen was disappointed they didn’t play his favorite song “People Are People”).
We left after Depeche Mode , but before The Editors. While both of us would have liked to have seen The Editors we wanted to get up early to get out of town before all the campers and whatnot also had the same idea. And the crowd of over 85,000 is a mighty force to fight against when leaving a place as we discovered after leaving Blur. Leaving before the crowd ensured a shorter transit time back to the hotel for a better night’s sleep.
And with that Rock Werchter 2013 was done.