Hard Rock Calling falls on Black Days

Continuing the summer of rain, Hard Rock Calling was yet another festival suffering from the unseasonable rain. With the gulf stream seemingly gone south for the summer it led to massive contingency plans. After the wet Wireless, the woodchip came. Not doing anything by half, the site was covered by what was once a forest, not leaving any room for mud or grass – if there was any left.

The first noticeable thing, apart from the lack of mud was the lack of bodies. Either lots of people got lost in London or the 2 for 1 offer on tickets didn't inspire enough to give Soundgarden a punt. The 15 years of absence hadn't seemed to make the heart grow fonder, just forgetful. Sadly only around 10000 were inside the 65000 capacity venue. Closed bars, silent speaker delay stations and a general feeling of abandonment filled the hollow arena. The grunge aesthetic of the band appeared incongruous to the commercial wrapper of the festival but made back up by the lacklustre atmosphere.

Skindred started the evening for me. Benji Webbe's endless enthusiasm could waken even the most sodden spirits. The outpouring of energy from the gold-suited frontman had everyone in the Pepsi Max stage singing and jumping along. Their self-styled ragga metal sprung shoots of life through the crowd that needed some cheering up after a heavy downpour.

Following them on the stage were The Mars Volta. Focussing largely on their latest album, 'Noctourniquet', much of the set was lost on the crowd. Cedric, Omar and band were almost rehearsing for their headline show the following day. Near the end, Cedric implored the people watching to come see them play a full-on unrestrained set where they could ignore any curfews. 'The Malkin Jewel' with its Nick Cave inspired delivery was the standout track till the final song 'Goliath'.

Soundgarden were that band of the day though. No amount of rain could wash away the dedicated followers gathered around the towering stage. The set was all the hits and nothing but the hits. Managing not to be dismayed by the negative space, they filled it with sound. The complex rhythms and anger came through true from the soundsystem, but I couldn't help but think I wish to see them in a small sweaty club.

Searching With My Good Eye Closed
Spoonman
Gun
Jesus Christ Pose
Black Hole Sun
Outshined
Hunted Down
Drawing Flies
Blow Up the Outside World
Fell on Black Days
Ugly Truth
My Wave
The Day I Tried to Live
Beyond the Wheel
Let Me Drown
Pretty Noose
Superunknown
4th of July

Encore:
Rusty Cage
Slaves & Bulldozers

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