End Fest, New Orleans, Louisiana

Festival Bands: Seven Mary Three, Crazy Town, Cold, Papa Roach, Saliva, Staind

Just got back from the Endfest show. The Cult rocked the house (actually the grounds.) They played second to last before Staind. I personally think they should have headlined, but I guess Staind is pretty huge right now.

Anyway, what's the deal with Ian and his mic? This is the second time I've seen them this year where he gets really pissed at the mic. Today he said he couldn't hear himself through his ear piece/monitor. At one point he refused to sing. The production crew seemed like they were at a loss after numerous complaints from Ian. At one point Ian refuses to sing (at least for a few verses...folds his arms and waits for them to fix the mic. A lot of angst was on the stage for a little while.

Finally after a few songs, figuring they weren't going to be much help, Ian takes off the earpiece and ROCKS the place. Lots of energy in the crowd. He did a great job of energizing a group of tired, hot, sunburned young people. Overall the crowd was really into the set. I was surprised at how well the new material was received, esp. The Saint and Rise. Rise has be getting a lot of airplay on this station (106.7 The End - the station hosting the event.) The band sounded great...really tight. Ian sounded great after the mic incedent....even before. I think they may have won over some new/younger fans. A great show.

Christopher Wright - wright_c@bellsouth.net

Setlist:

Rise
War
Wild Flower
Breathe
The Saint
Peace Dog
Fire Woman
The Witch
She Sells Sanctuary
Love Removal Machine