Live Review and Photos by: JACOB GAITAN
The Sunset Strip Music Festival
returned for it’s 4th annual installment, exceeding 15,000 screaming fans Saturday night alone. The three day event began Thursday night as dozens of bands performed across the Strip, keeping live musical entertainment an ongoing demand across the Roxy, Keyclub, The Whiskey, the Viper Room and eventually shutting down Sunset Blvd. for two outdoor stages.
Saturday’s main event began with Tribal Seeds playing on the outdoor stages as fans flooded the strip from San Vicente Blvd. to Doheny Dr. Throughout the day, bands alternated locations, providing non stop musical action on both outdoor stages. Black Veil Brides, Cobra Starship, She Wants Revenge, The Dirty Heads, Escape The Fate and Matt & Kim played on opposite sides causing a massive crowd shift to secure the best viewing spot. Vitamin Water were handed out free of cost while supplies lasted, providing spectators with a brief opportunity to escape the blazing sun.
As the temperatures began to cool down, the British post-grunge rock band Bush appeared on stage receiving a massive
ovation from the crowd as they performed “Machinehead.” Lead singer Gavin Rossdale intensity dominated their entire performance. His constant pacing on stage gradually escalated towards a wild outburst, separating the pit as he hopped off stage and ran into the crowd. Fans reached towards Rossale as he continued shredding away with his guitar during “All My Life.” Guitarist Chris Traynor’s slow guitar riff intro sent everyone into frenzy as they played a cover of the Beatles’ “Come Together.” Thousands of screaming fans sang along to the famous chorus, adding to the countless list of unforgettable moments throughout the three-day event. The hour long set list concluded with “Comedown,” leaving Bush fans in attendance craving encores.
The musical genre shifted as the night took over, resulting in the group focused with political and media criticism with American societies. Public Enemy exploded on stage as they jumped, danced and screamed while hyping up the crowd. Chuck D and Flavor Flav’s fast verses had people chanting along to their every word as they performed “Public Enemy #1.” One of the festivals highlights was the crowd diversity and support towards individual groups. Fans stood on shoulders waiting Public Enemy banners, shirts and flags attempting to gain the duos attention. Flavor Flav’s “Yeeeeeeeeea Boooyyyyyyy!” signature phrase echoed across the audience as they shouted along. During “Bring Tha Noize,” Flavor Flav and Chuck D were joined on stage by the guitarist of Anthrax, Scott Ian. Fans cheered wildly as they combined rap and metal into a fun and entertaining mixture. They finished their set list with “Fight The Power,” thanking fans for an amazing experience.
As the festival reached it’s conclusion, headliners and honorary inductees Mötley Crüe returned to their stomping grounds receiving the loudest reactions. Tommy Lee, Mick Mars, Nikki Sixx and Vince Neil made their final stop of their North American tour by returning to the scene of the crime. During the 80s, Mötley Crüe reignited the colorful glam and heavy metal scene by becoming a staple across the venues on the strip. Van Halen, Quiet Riot, Ratt, Poison and many others launched their careers across the local venues. While the four members stood on stage, Vince pointed at each individual venue with a wide smile before beginning the set list with “Wild Side.” Circle pits instantly spread and remained during each song. The blood sweat and tears spilt across the streets decades ago from the band resurfaced into electric energy. Although the song had been performed in LA multiple times, “Saints of Los Angeles” felt best suited on the Hollywood strip. The dedication and loyalty from fans was an overwhelming experience. Fans climbed parking lot structures across the Key Club and business employees stood on rooftops to witness Mötley Crüe perform live. Half way through the set list, Drummer Tommy Lee gave a short speech about what performing on the Sunset Strip meant to him. “I’ve fucked in that club, been drunk on that street, puked in that club” shared Tommy. The history they’ve shared as a band across these blocks has cemented them into rock history. Fans cheered wildly as he headed back to his drum kit, strapped on and began a eye popping drum solo. Attached to Tommy Lee’s drum kit was a massive 360-degree track that sent him around a loop while maintaining his rhythm and drum beat. Pyrotechnics and sparks illuminated the audience as he continued to spin. Tommy then introduced Electronic producer Deadmau5 and pulled out an extra seat next to his drum kit as they traveled a few loops together to the song “Rollercoaster Of Love.” Once the band returned, motorcycle sounds blasted across the speakers as they performed “Girls, Girls, Girls.” Dozens of female fans stood on shoulders as they exposed their tops quickly grasping Vince Neil’s attention. The 90-minute set list concluded with “Kick Start My Heart.” A red slime was released from the stage covering everyone within 150 feet with leaving people looking like murder victims. The performance was touching, heartfelt and provided a nostalgic effect solely for the historic significance. As they walked off stage, a digital banner displayed “30 Years of Crüe, Thank You Sunset Blvd.”
Live Review and Photos by: JACOB GAITAN