For those not local to the Midwest, Milwaukee’s Summerfest may be something you have never heard of. 2007 was the 40th year of this great 10 day festival. While there are actually 12 major stages (11 of them are free with fest admission) there are also pop-up stages. We passed several tent like areas with local talent getting in their few seconds in the lime light. With everyone from B.B. King to Hellyeah, the selection should have something for everyone. A kid friendly area, bingo booth, shopping plaza, the beach and the food. Good golly did I mention the food yet? The glorious roasted corn, the local ethnic restaurants. I adore the food. I strayed from my strict diet on day two and totally scarfed myself some sauerbraten from Mader’s, the premier German restaurant. I didn’t hit up the corn and failed to search out the cannolis. But the bittersweet sauerbraten and warm German potato salad was heaven sent.
Summerfest is a family affair, but while there are kid friendly areas, remember there is also a LOT of beer. This is after all Milwaukee. Where Laverne and Shirley are from. Where Miller was created. This is the land of Beer.
While we were there only 2 days we saw some really great shows, both local and national acts. On July 3 we checked out a band called Major Tom. The little glam girl that hides deep down in me was REALLY happy to see this act. They were a good old fashioned booty shaking glam band. I did kind of regret that we didn’t get there in time to see the full set of the all girl band “Cat Fight.� Showing up at the end of their set, the did a cover of “Kiss Me Deadly� that was better than the original.
Back to Major Tom. Mixing in covers of Beatles, Zepplin and KISS into their set of originals, the ran the spectrum of classic rock sounds. Original song “Chandeliers� had a little Seattle sound mixed into the glam and the backing vocals took on an almost tortured tone. Major Tom makes for a good time fun band. We ducked out shortly after the show. This is the date that holds the attendance record each year because of the insane firework display. We beat tail home for a relaxing evening.
Now we move ahead to July 6. Last year Brian and I shared our anniversary night with everyone and this year will be the same. Working for Club ks, this year we celebrated our anniversary in true rock n roll style. We are officially spoiled now on our anniversary and I cant wait to see who we celebrate with next year.
Seeing Lockjaw on stage at Summerfest is both cool and confusing. Industrial Goth is rarely considered to run hand in hand with a lake-front festival. While the ominous evil that usually surrounds Lockjaw was somewhat lost, we did learn that pure evil thrives and rages in sunlight at the beach. Putting on an insane show, I did miss the lights and fog that give to the full Lockjaw experience. Highlight songs were “Dealer�, “Bad Apple� and classic LJ “Pornoface�
Due to technical difficulties and me actually having to run home (and I do mean physically RUN), I did miss most of 9MM’s set. When I got back Hobbes was still prowling the stage like a fool, Dave was still swinging his head at breakneck pace, the crowd was into it and from the 3 songs I saw they kicked ass. I did meet their BIGGEST fan, who gave me hope that Rock n Roll will live on.
American Motherload out of Chicago is up next. With the sun setting on over the festival, the crowd was growing. This is the first time I truly appreciated my position. Able to sit down relax and enjoy the show with out the thousands of slightly (at this point) inebriated people spilling lots of VERY expensive beer on me while I try to take notes, I really seem to enjoy everything a little more. Now back to AML. I am really shocked at the fact that this is a local act. This band almost seemed larger than life. They OWNED the stage while they were on it. Mixing originals with covers (a fabu cover of the Led Zepplin cover song, “Communication Breakdown�) they put on a solid set.
Guitarist, Ray Roicki, reminded me of a young Zakk Wylde. Remember when Zakk first hit the scene, you just knew there was something almost magical there. That was how Ray was. Then again maybe it was just the hair, but he was truly an amazing guitarist. While being compared to someone is not always the best, this boy just had something insanely unique and at the same time familiar. Drummer Robert Harrison, really let his personality come across in his playing. And let me tell ya, Ben Loop ran that stage. An amazing front man full of presence, he was a pleasure to watch. I unfortunately spent more time just enjoying the show rather than taking meticulous notes as I try to. I can see these guys filling the arenas to the brim. They are in your face, no apologies, pure rock n roll.
Between AML and Hellyeah a ripple went through the back stage. Screech was backstage. You know Screech from Saved by the Bell! We Midwesterners are easily entertained by any celebrity. The sun had set and the crowd was getting anxious. Backstage was cleared. Cowboy went and got the man behind the kit.
Screech was graced with the ability to watch the show from the stage. We are entertained but not necessarily happy to see someone famous, and a rousing “Fuck Screech� chant rang through the stage area. What can I say, we cheese heads like to make people feel comfortable and welcome!
Tearing onto the stage was the band of the night. Starting off their set with their namesake song, Hellyeah tore through a set of their album. I was more than thrilled to see Vinnie Paul full of smiles. Its been a long time since I have seen him smile that much. Hellyeah put on an amazing show full of insane energy. Its hard to not enjoy a show where it is so obvious that the band is having the time of their lives. Their set was basically their full album (which isn’t hard to believe with only one album out). “Alcoholin’ Ass� is still one of the greatest rock anthems ever written. It was really great to hear the audience ousting the band on namesake song “Hellyeah� and “You Wouldn’t Know.� And with a tribute to fallen friends and brothers and especially Dime, “Thank You� gave me chills and tears in my eyes. Hey I have said it before and I will say it again, I may think I am a little badass, but I am a girl and allowed to get emotional. For those who didn’t get a Hellyeah show, check them out on the Family Values tour. The set will be shorter, but still a killer I am quite sure. Oh and did I mention Vinnie had a
sexy as hell snakeskin kit!
There once was a band named Pantera. After shows, you could get lots of love for those who stuck around. The even nicer part is that all the guys were insanely nice and gracious. That tradition is carried on through to Hellyeah. I know, rock stars put their pants on the same way as we do, but it is always very nice to know they are nice guys as well. And a quick message to Tom Maxwell, yes I really did love the show.
