RECAP: 48 Hours Festival
Live Review and Photos by: JACOB GAITAN
Since their early affiliation with ‘Taste of Chaos’ tours and ‘Warped Tour,’ Rockstar Energy Drink has established themselves as they go to place for heavy metal concert events throughout the summer. Now with ‘Mayhem Festival’ headed towards it’s sixth annual event next summer, and ‘Uproar Festival’ concluding earlier this month, it was only a matter of time until someone continued the nonstop rock ‘n roll action to the city of sin. Thankfully, Rockstar Energy and Live Nation have finally created a full weekend getaway located right off the strip where people can unwind and enjoy the raw excitement of rock music, action packed motorcross bikes flying in mid air, and best of all, LAS VEGAS!
22 Bands performed across two stages for two days at the 48 Hour Festival, which featured KoЯn, Godsmack, Avenged Sevenfold, Five Finger Death Punch, Seether, Three Days Grace, Sick Puppies, Hollywood Undead, Sevendust, Hatebreed, Taking Dawn and more. The event attracted fans from across the country and converted the Luxor Fairgrounds into a haven for head banging and scattered circle pits. Having two stages conveniently located along each other offered easy access to multiple bands. The second stage headliners Sevendust and Hatebreed received some of the biggest mosh pits of the weekend. Jamey Jasta’s commanding vocals with Hatebreed’s hard hitting riffs resulted in a fury of shoes, flip fops and objects flying across the air, while fists pumped in unison and bodies collided in complete anarchy. Fans continued that same momentum for Sevendust the following day, especially after hearing ‘Praise’ and ‘Face to Face.’
As sunlight faded and the bright casino lights illuminated the dry desert city, Sick Puppies, Hollywood Undead and Escape the Fate began the momentum that lasted throughout the evening. Three Days Grace entire set became a sing along event for everyone in attendance, which also included a cover version of Eminem’s ‘Lose Yourself’ right after their hit single ‘Home.’ Five Finger Death Punch’s hour-long set resulted in a warzone across the pits, leading front man Ivan to allow a few moments between songs to stabilize the crowd situation. Sully Erna from Godsmack informed fans that their performance would be the final one ‘The Oracle’ tour, which has lasted over 18 months across the world. Still, Godsmack unleashed madness and destruction in every which way, performing all their hit songs and ‘Batalla De Los Tambores,’ their dual drum battles featuring Sully and drummer Shannon Larkin paying tribute to classic hits like War Pigs, Creeping Death and Back in Black. ‘Whatever’ resulted in the biggest mosh pit of the weekend without contest, as bodies from the front collided with those in the far distance.
Avenged Sevenfold closed the first night, having the best stage presence and set throughout the weekend. A massive bat covered the entire stage, spitting flames across its wings and eyes. Lead singer M. Shadows and company had finished the Uproar Festival the previous night, and showed no signs of wear as they performed Nightmare, Beast and the Harlot and Almost Easy. Since the event was hosted in Las Vegas, ‘Bat Country’ received louder cheers than normal, unleashing guitar solos by Synyster Gates and Zacky Vengence. With their 10th studio album attentively due this December, KoЯn closed the event. As soon as Jonathan Davis’ signature mic stand was revealed, the boys from Bakerfield set an onslaught of hard-core entertainment. A fist full of horns decorated the audience as Davis ran across stage singing ‘Blind’ and ‘Freak On A Leash.’ The only new song that was performed off the upcoming album was ‘Get Up,’ the dubstep collaboration with electronic music producer Skrillex.
48 Hour festival was exactly what Las Vegas needed. With the overwhelming response of more than 20,000 fans attending the festival, producers are looking forward to next years performance, officially making 48 Hour Festival an annual event. With this years star-studded lineup, it’s easy to become excited for what 2012 has in store for Las Vegas.
photos by: JACOB GAITAN
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