Distortion Festival

Wollaton Park, Nottingham - 20th July 2002

Over the past few years Daybrook House Promotions and Rock City have built up an outstanding reputation of putting on 'top quality' day events, these include City In The Park, The Longest Day, Extreme 2001, to name but a few. So you can imagine my excitement when I heard that they were putting on a new show called 'Distortion', which was going to have bands from the rock and punk genre. Just the thought alone made me start to foam at the mouth, an entire day without any appearances from cheesy pop acts.

Upon entering picturesque Wollaton Park, it was easy to see that rock/punk music is still as popular today as it ever was. It was so sweet seeing everyone in jeans and T-shirts displaying their favourite rock/punk bands. There were hundreds of people with green hair, which is a common sight at a Green Day gig.

Due to the never-ending queues, I didn't get to see the opening act - Capdown. This was annoying considering that I had arrived in plenty of time, yet for some reason it was taking forever to let people into the arena. Once inside the arena I noticed that the organisers had put a lot of thought into placing the stalls, beer tents, and the fair rides. No matter where you stood or sat you could see the stage without being blocked by any of the stalls, or beer tents, which was a nice touch.

Snuff were enjoyable to listen to, but they just couldn't get the crowd to move. Things started to get better as Spunge took to the stage, they managed to awaken the crowd form their catatonic state.

Face to Face demonstrated that you don't have to be the headlining act to get the entire crowd interested in your performance. Their music is classic no holds barred in your face punk music. These are definitely worth keeping an eye out for in the near future.

The Levellers, Hundred Reasons, Raging Speedhorn were well received by the audience, although they didn't really have enough time to showcase all of their classic hits.



The weather had decided to be temperamental, with showers occurring throughout the entire day.

A managed to create a bit of warmth amongst the wet and cold crowd by playing 'Starbucks', which made everyone get up and jump around. A also seem to have quite an effect on teenage girls, probably because the lead singer (Jason Perry) looks like he used to be in a boy band.



In no time at all the audience had witnessed exceptional performances by Rival schools, Idlewild, and The Wildhearts. However it was now time for a real veteran of rock music - Mr Iggy Pop.

He arrived on stage in his trademark blue jeans and no top, and treated the crowd to most of his hits, including 'Passenger', 'Lust For Life', and 'Wild One'. He was everything that you would expect from some one as wild as him. He stomps across the stage, as well as shouting expletives, which now days just doesn't shock anyone. His body and face showed signs of a hectic party life in his early days.



The stage was then set for the headliners - Green Day. Love them or hate them they know how to put on a brilliant performance. They opened with 'Maria' using pyrotechnic explosions to give the people right at the back a chance to have some visual stimulation. Their set list consisted of a greatest hits theme. The only exception was that they missed out 'Good riddance (Time Of Your life)' from their set list. But all the other hits were included 'Minority', 'Basket Case', 'Knowledge', and 'When I Come Around' to name just a few.



The only criticism that I noted was that there were no screens, which meant that the people at the back of Wollaton Park could not see much. If Distortion is going to be held next year, I hope that they install screens so that everyone can see the action on stage.

Apart from that one criticism, Distortion 2002 was extremely enjoyable, it was well organised and the music was superb. The organisers had managed to create a festival type of atmosphere by providing plenty of areas to wander into and have a look at, so even if you did get bored with the groups there were plenty of other things to keep you entertained.

Once again Rock City and Daybrook House Promotions have demonstrated that when it comes to day events there is no other organisation that comes close to being this good at organising one-day events. I have already started to foam at the mouth at the thought of this event being held next year.

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