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Ozzfest Bristow, VA - August 6th, 2006 Review |
Posted by SystemofaDownisHot on Thursday, August 10, 2006 - 10:43 AM
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Even before entering the gates of Nissan Pavilion, it felt as if I was in a different world. Just by standing in line (that took 20 minutes to get through) there was clothing to fascinate the eyes and hair that screamed, “ROCK ON!” There were even body piercings where the “sun don’t [normally] shine.” There were no metal detectors and rarely a bag check so I was able to sneak in a small video camera. What I COULD NOT sneak in, however, was an Armenian flag I made out of poster board and a stick from outside as the flagpole. On the back of the flag I wrote “JUMP DARON.” I wanted him to see I care about the genocide and admire his heritage, and I wanted him to crowd surf (the jump part). The guards told me there would be too much smoke and that my flag would catch on fire. I watched as he roughly stuck it in the trash can. There went my dedication to SOAD! What a heartless jerk. Anywho…
It was obvious that most people came to see System of a Down, as did I. I believe the most tee-shirts I saw on people had some relation to SOAD. The first 3,000 people got green wristbands which meant they could get a band’s signature for free. The other method was to buy a band’s CD to get a signature. There were only two bands that did not have a signing time and that included System of a Down (which pissed me off). Therefore, I did not feel like it was worth my money to buy a CD because I only wanted a signature from System of a Down.
There were a lot of things to see at Ozzfest including a $5 freak show featuring a remarkably flexible Burlesque girl and a man sticking swords down his throat, an “I Love Vaginas” booth, and more. I was able to buy a disposable camera for just $10. I listened to some of the bands on the second stage and they were a little disappointing. It seemed like they replaced songs by pure screaming. I heard Ozzy Osbourne had an amazingly clear, crisp tone to his voice when he performed but unfortunately I missed it (I am not sure what I was doing at the time…). And now to the main stage bands… HELL YEAH!
The mosh pit was supposed to open at 3:30 pm although the first main stage bands did not start until 4:55 pm. I arrived at around 2 pm to get an orange wristband which meant I could leave and come back and still be one of the first people let in. I managed to be front row in the mosh pit on the left side (Daron’s side) EXACTLY like I wanted! The stage was only about three feet away from us too!
It was rather annoying waiting for an hour and a half for the show to begin because there was a large group of individuals next to me that were drunk off their asses and laughing so piercingly loud I had to put my free ear plugs I got from guest services in. However, the cool thing about them was that they made a large cloth display that said various things like “SOAD ROCKS” and “Eat Pussy and you’ll LIVE LONGER!” I was kind of mad that THEIR display did not get taken away like mine did :( !
Dragonforce, a band I never heard of before, was the first act. They were surprisingly good and probably my second favorite band that day besides SOAD. It was five guys from London (including an asian guy too) all with hair probably down to their butts. The keyboard player at one point during the show even picked up his portable player and came over my side to rock out. Their sound was that of 80’s metal and it was awesome.
Next was the Italian band Lacuna Coil. I already knew they were good. I love how they all started headbanging at the same time. The female is a marvelous singer (ALMOST as good as Serj) and had nice duets with the male singer. It was amusing because her fly was down and I do not think she noticed (or anyone else besides me). And she was so hot too (and I am STRAIGHT) that it was hard to keep my eyes off of her.
Hatebreed came after Lacuna Coil. All I can say is I would rather die than have to listen to them again—but people may have a differing opinions. It was constant screaming and I thought they should have been put on the second stage instead. Their music had one of the drunk guys in back of me headbanging so hard that he kept bumping into my head and it gave me excrutiating pain.
Avenged Sevenfold came next. They were pretty good—one of the guys is an amazing guitar player and fast with his fingers. They all had many tattoos and seemed young. I was familiar with one song so that was a cool experience.
The last band before SOAD was Disturbed. I was shocked that I actually liked a lot of their songs. I heard some of them before from what I downloaded and I used to think they were shit- but perhaps they are better live!? But yeah I suppose now I am a fan of Disturbed, they made good/catchy melodies and it is not all screaming like Hatebreed. Here is the sucky part- one of the crowd-surfers fell down or kicked one of the guards (on accident I am sure) and the guard fell to the floor. He was clutching his heart and had to be taken away on a stretcher. It was RIGHT in front of me and I felt horrible. A guitar player of Disturb looked down from stage and saw the guard on the ground and make an “uh oh…” face.
Finally the moment we have all been waiting for! SYSTEM OF A DOWN! I took my earplugs out for SOAD because I wanted to hear everything exactly how it was performed that night. Now the setlist was just like all the other Ozzfests (including the cover of Sultans of Swing with, “we are the system, of a down) and so I will NOT go through EVERY song. Another reason I can’t write about everything is that I was having SO much fun that it is hard to remember every detail, but I will write key things that I remember.
As soon as Daron started playing Soldier Side in the center of the stage everyone cheered. He was wearing a black hat and a black shirt without sleeves. After Soldier Side, the rest of SOAD came out for Attack and Daron nodded and smiled at the drunk people next to me because of that display I talked of earlier. I was happy for them despite the fact my flag was taken away. I was recording the first two songs until a guard came over to me and said, “System of a Down’s [something I forgot] manager does not allow video recording of their performance.” So I had to shut it off—but that was not taken away and I still took a crap-load of photos on my disposable camera that I will post later! The sad thing is Daron REALLY started acting crazy when I turned OFF my camera and I could not help but wonder if it was because of me that he was not acting crazy in the beginning and I felt awful.
After BYOB I think he took off his hat. He made funny facial gestures during some of the songs and hand gestures like during the word, “crying” he would make that “boo hoo” gesture with his fists to his eyes; he also spun around in circles a lot, sometimes on one leg. Daron went to the back of the stage and lit up a joint at least three times during the show in the darkness. Also, during his part in psycho (I think) where he has that long solo at the end, he was kneeling on the floor playing and someone came out to fix Daron’s guitar strap. I am not sure what the exact problem was but Daron seemed to be blushing and smiling with embarrassment because this guy had to touch him and help him fix the strap. Daron and the man exchanged a few words and the man left. During “Lost in Hollywood,” I noticed that Daron was closing his eyes during the first few lyrical lines and I found that to be truly beautiful. He was really feeling the emotion of the song and putting his heart into it. Also he changed the words—instead of saying, “they take you, and make you” he said, “they take you, and rape you.” Daron would also point to the audience whenever he said, “you” in any song (like Chop Suey).
Shavo came over to my side of the stage just once but he was his usual “cool,” “laid-back” self and girls were cheering for him. Serj (who was wearing a blue shirt) seemed even more crazy than Daron—he would do that high-knees circle run like in the Sugar video a lot. He also, just like the other Ozzfests, said the “just ice cream, I licked everyone” in Sugar. Serj’s voice seems higher every new time I hear him live and his voice was freakishly high during this concert but it was still beautiful. During Toxicity, Serj says something like, “Software version eight million seven thousand four hundred and thirty nine.”
It was a little evident that something was wrong with Daron though. He just was not the same as from last summer’s tour, it is hard to explain but I felt a sad vibe like something was troubling him (which may explain him lighting up so many times).
At the end of the concert, John threw his drum head to the audience but it landed with the guards instead. THEN GET THIS! One of the guards said to the other holding the drum head, “Give it to her!” and he was pointing to ME! I think they gave it to me seeing that I was singing along to all of the songs and dancing to everyone and did not stop jumping—basically acting insane. Someone else grabbed onto the drum head when I first got it but the guards helped me get it back and told me to REALLY hold on to it because people would attempt to steal it from me. I could not stop screaming, “OH MY GOD I GOT IT! IIIIIII GOT IT!” I did not get to meet the band because the tour buses and limos left RIGHT after the concert but I freaking got John’s drum head so I’ve got NOTHING to complain about! :) :) :) :) :)
All in all, seriously, it was such a good show and I was having SO much fun I just cannot think of what else to write. It was just F****** GOOD!
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Comments
Mikke
10.08.06, 13:09
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The concert sounds awesome, and your so lucky that you got Johns drumhead. Nice review :)
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mom45
10.08.06, 15:43
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Awesome souvenir!!!! I'd be screaming too!!
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partisan_3
10.08.06, 16:13
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sounds gd, didnt relise daron lit up so much. and yea gettin stuff frm the bands kinda dangerous wen i saw them last year shavo tried to give his sweatband to the girl i was with and like evryone was jus like beating eachother to get to it it was kinda scary
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mbeene_2006
10.08.06, 20:28
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nice review
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antigravity30
10.08.06, 21:15
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First I would like to start by saying that was me and my friends being the loud "drunk" ones next to you. I'd like to clarify the fact that I was not drunk. I had every intentions of being sober through System because I wanted to remember everything. Yes, my friends were drinking, but it was a concert selling alcohol, so it is to be expected. And, the loudness with us comes naturally, whether we are drunk or sober, so I would like to apologize to you if we were being too loud for your liking. But, we were excited and had driven almost 20 hours (we're from Florida) just to see System for my birthday. I was the one standing right next to you on the left, and I also want to say that I am sorry if I got a little close to you towards the end of Disturbed. There was a guy behind us that was trying to squeeze his way in between us and I refused to let him in cuz I didn't want him blocking my view, or yours for that matter. Thanks for the props on our banner. It said "it's party time, SOAD style!" With the clock and the band members in the middle. I wasn't thrilled with the eat pussy comment that one of my friends put on there. That's not what the banner was for. I made that banner to show my dedication and appreciation to the band. But, by the time he wrote it, it was too late. But, I was a happy camper that Daron acknowledged it! My heart fell to the floor! ;) I'm sorry you didn't get to bring your flag in. I had a feeling they wouldn't let poster board in so I made it on a bed sheet. That's probably why they let me have it. Cuz to them it was just a sheet to sit on. Subject change... the girl singer from Lacuna Coil. I noticed the zipper too.... but it wasn't down.... it was just that they were so tight that it looked like her fly was open! lol Anyway, the guitar solo you are speaking of was Needles (I'm pretty sure... now that you say it, it may have been Psycho)... I got that on video myself. Unfortunately the crappy camera I had didn't catch the sound at all. But, the performance is AMAZING.... all up to the point where he started crawling our way and you freaked out and smacked my elbow... so there's a little glitch in it. lol But, I understand. I was freakin out too. So much in fact I almost passed out. As a matter of fact, you asked me at one point if I was ok (I appreciate your concern). I said I was, but I really wasn't. Blue spots were everywhere and I didn't know what to do! I refused to leave though. A guard got me some water and I'm sure you know I poured it on my head and I felt 100% better after that. I'm glad you got the drum from John although I wanted it pretty bad; I wasn't gonna fight you for it. It was given to you and that was totally cool. I respect your love for Daron and the gang.... I have just as much love for them as you do. I won't say I love them more, anyone can say that. I believe we all love them with as much as our hearts will allow. So, noone has anymore or any less. I respect Daron tremendously for his creativity and dedication to his causes. He is truly a unique person. And an absolute genius!!! I'm a little surprised that it is you writing these reviews. I could have sworn on my life that you were a teenager. You look very young. But, no matter. You are a dedicated fan, and that's what counts. Oh, and the comment you made about Daron not being himself... my opinion.... they are almost done with their tour and I'm sure he is counting the days so he can rest and get on with his other projects. Probably just burn out ya know? But, he did a damn good job and I loved when Shavo came over and snaked one of Daron's picks and they were laughin and goofin off with each other. I was feelin the love! =D Well, I'm on myspace and you are in my top friends, so send some comment love my way ok! http://www.myspace.com/antigravity30 Rock on my SOAD friend! Cecelia
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sdsj3291
10.08.06, 22:09
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i stil cant believe i missed that show, i had to go to the beach in my cast, couldnt even swim, i wanted to go so badly, and my cousin was able to get front row so that really agrivated me.
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whenwedie9
10.08.06, 22:49
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OOOOOOOO i was there too!! i saw the drum head get thrown, lucky you caught it!! i do agree,Serj's voice was very high during that show, but he was just bieng funny. i think. i met that guy who came on stage with them, the one in the white robes. he said he was Serj's friend, and he was really cool. <3
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Moonette
11.08.06, 00:11
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I hope Daron's okay. I wouldn't want him to be sad at his last concert in West Palm (Which is the one I'm going to!).
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AK
11.08.06, 01:05
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Awesome review! i wish i was there. Usually it was only shavo that lit up during performances, now daron started too......not only once or twice but THREE times?!?!
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antigravity30
11.08.06, 17:38
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Daron lit up just about everytime the lights went out!!! But, he started having lighter problems. Poor guy... lol Oh, and the guard that you were talking about..... the guy that was crowd surfing was above me and some other people.... it was like we all grabbed him and flung him at the same time. He was like a sling shot and slammed right into that guard!!! There was alot of power behind that throw and I felt soooooo bad about it! He slammed into the metal frame of the stage and the concrete. Man, I hope that guy is ok.
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antigravity30
11.08.06, 23:14
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Moonette I wouldn't worry too much about that. Being it's the last show.... it's probably gonna be one of their best. You know they are gonna want to go out with a bang!!! Let us know how it went! =D
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Indira_The_Imp
12.08.06, 20:57
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I can't never see S.O.A.D live..It's so sad.. and I think i'm almoust crying right know.. i can just watch videos, that isn't nothing like Live Concerts.. *sad* All People in The world have saw S.O.A.D live, but i!? I'll never see S.O.A.D Live..! AND THAT SUCKS. I'm Crying.
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Mindless_force
13.08.06, 00:32
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let's cry together, couse me too won't see them 'till the end of time ;((( and thats because i live in the Eastern Europe...fuck everything;((((((((((((((((((((((
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spidersintoxicity
14.08.06, 07:22
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i was at the bristow show too. good review but thier were a few errorrs. soad didnt play attack right after soldier side, the ended up mixing two songs together but i forget what the first one was. i agree with you in the daron comment. i believe thr whole band was a little off that night. i was on the lawn and was in the biggest mosh pit of the show. good times thought. long live system!!!!!!!!!!!
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Flick
14.08.06, 11:29
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yea zacky is awesome! i wanna go n see them in concert since their coming to aussie on the 18th/19th to perform..any ways KOOL ur lucky to get johns drum head!
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AK
16.08.06, 21:35
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spidersintoxicity: I dont think that they "mixed up" the songs and made a mistake by not playing Attack second. They did it on purpose, and did it again for the last show (according to what I hear) just to change it up a bit and 'trick' the fans, so they don't always expect the same thing.
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antigravity30
18.08.06, 20:51
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That sounds like something System would do... cuz they're just crazy like that! =D
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system_soda_04
27.08.06, 05:44
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haha try having their e-mails!!:P:P
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