Mayhem is as follows; VIP parking becomes “pay $40 to park here,” VIP packages become “wait in the line, no that line, no, go here” and Press are lined up for almost two hours and then made to take shifts for photographs, you just know that  there are too many organ grinders and the Monkeys are really just lab rats!

The saving grace from all this fuckery in 35c, swelteringly, melting  heat?

The musicians we  all know and love.

They too had suffered logistical bollocks and as Motorhead drummer Mikki told Headbangerwoman “I am really still jet lagged and I haven’t even seen my kit yet.”  That kind of statement not an hour before your show is not generally a good thing!

Anthrax were the first big name to hit a stage.  Headlining the  Jaegermiester platform.  They may be getting there in age, but they still give it like a 20 year old doing his 18 year old prom queen doggie style.  A head dress would have added to the spectacle, but the large crowd loved them without it!

Dr Lemuel Kilmister did appear to have a slight vocal issue.  None the less he kicked major ass during his set.  Mikki gave a blinding drum solo and Phil kept the audience suitably engaged.  Is it possible this might be the last tour for this epic threesome? All we know is, that if it is, they will do it with no style, no poise and a kick in the bollocks for you, matey!

SLAYER

We repeat; SLAYER

Of course we could leave it at this.  No additional words are really required, but it has to be said that after 31 years at the helm these guys are still sailing a straight and steady course to hell, where they will, naturally be joined by headbangers the world over, when the time arrives.

Kerry is still King and Mr Araya is a vocal Bielzibub, horned and yet almost godlike in his performance.  Even if you don’t understand Slayer, you sort of get it after a live show!

If you have recently been on the search for the biggest cake, with the most yummy, delicious sweet and colorful frosting, you missed the bus by a week.

SLIPKNOT at Shoreline even had a whole tree full of cherries to top it off.  This was not the bowl of icing that you save for the kids.  This is the stuff you dip your fingers into, or maybe even your whole fist.  Yes, an icing, fisting fest,  slurping, smakcing your lips and dribbling the sweet sickly mess down your chin.  Hungry for more and being drip fed just enough to fend off the Jonesing.

Musical theatre is here to stay.  This is the way it is supposed to be!  Choreographed to keep your attention for the entire set, like a jigsaw puzzle, being placed piece by perfect piece, to bring a full picture at the end a conclusion that you are sad has ended, but damned certain you will be doing another and soon.  Perfection, but for the extreme loud bangers that were occasional to the set, but hey, what’s an eardrum between friends?

Of course Kudos must be given to ALL the bands performing in such a sweltering climate.  Each band gave their all and each were appreciated by the fans that for sure got their moneys worth in performances.

The venue is spectacular and if the organ grinders can get it together for next time, then what a pleasure it will be for those in attendance and maybe even for the lab rats!

Dedicated to Steph who could not be at the show x