Mayhem
by Scott Hardie on August 12, 2009

Last night I saw Killswitch Engage, Slayer, and Marilyn Manson. This morning I discovered that Walgreens sells a pretty good neck brace for $11.99.

Aaron Shurtleff bought my Mayhem Festival ticket in May as a gift, and I'm grateful to have another generous friend. Aaron, I would have implemented your Rock Block suggestions anyway, you didn't need to do all that. :-)

KSE is not a band I'm familiar with, but I need to get more acquainted. They're pretty damn good. Too bad the Dio cover was the only song I could sing along to, but I was in good company. The singer really needed to stop alternating between "I'm really glad you guys showed up to support us, we're grateful to have such good fans" and "fuck you pussies who are sitting down out there!" in the same breath.

Slayer was the main event for us, no matter what order the billing was in. We've both been fans for many years. Lori Lancaster will remember afternoons after high school when a bunch of us would drive home in my car and play Reign in Blood until the tape wore out. I haven't listened to it in years, and I still remember the lyrics. Incredible album; still sounds as good. I didn't recognize a couple of songs off of the new album, but all of the classics they played came right back to me. They don't stop between songs to chat with the audience, save for an occasional "thank you;" they just kick your ass relentlessly for an hour. Great band, great show.

Manson is not a favorite of mine, but I'm still glad we stayed for his show. He played the half-dozen songs that I knew, and it was fun to sing along. "Beautiful People" was the big finish and whipped the crowd into the biggest frenzy all night. When Manson is good, he has some solid rock songs and puts on an exciting show. When he's bad, he's self-indulgent and doesn't seem interested in what he's doing, and his minimal stage presence and rambling between songs reminded me of that. We know you like drugs and want us to take them; you don't need to tell us after every song.

I regret that Jeremiah Poisson wasn't able to join us like we hoped, and that we missed Cannibal Corpse higher up the festival billing. But otherwise this was a terrific time, some of the most fun I've had at a concert. Now my neck just needs to forgive me.

Four Replies to Mayhem

Jackie Mason | August 13, 2009
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Scott Hardie | August 13, 2009
Good story! To my right through the whole concert were two teens who looked like they were on a date, and her dad was there. He stood for a few songs and even nodded along for a few songs, but mostly just sat there. He was a good sport to put up with the lengthy show, though.

Lori Lancaster | August 13, 2009
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Amy Austin | August 14, 2009
Ha, that was a good story... but really made all the better for the fact that Marilyn Manson now appears to be related to all of you. Lol... *four* times? I guess you've gotten used to your new name all right, Jackie! ;-D

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