EARTHDAY BIRTHDAY 22
Central Florida Fairgrounds - Orlando, Florida
April 25th 2015
Earth day birthday is an institution in this part of the world and WJRR
Floridas best rock station sure know how to put on a show with a line up
lacked with local talent and international and national acts. It's great
to see that sort of mix in a festival supporting local live music as well
as drawing some of the best and biggest names around.
Want a show reviewed? Want to let us know about a tour? Contact digg [at] therockpit.net
For reviews of albums, DVD's, books and other music, head to our MUSIC REVIEWS section.
For us the biggest draws are the very first date of Slash's American Tour
and headliners Five Finger Death Punch and of course it's always great to see Buckcherry.
It's one of the earlier acts though that also impress.
Though they may come across laden with gimmicks Gothenburgs Avatar are a
fine band: with just the right amount of showmanship swagger and
aggression and a swathe of damn fine songs, it's not hard to imagine them
climbing bills like this in coming years.
The same goes for the female fronted Flyleaf who take a heavier approach
to a mash of Paramore and Evenescence like material. It's another strong
performance by a band so sharp and slick they are quickly turning into a
must see.
Whilst the rest of the early entertainment is a bit hit and miss with
locals Islander not really taking our fancy (though the crowd beg to
disagree) and Saving Able putting on a rousing set packed with huge energy,
it's shaping up to be a great day.
By the time Buckcherry take to the main stage the crowd is huge and we
have already been treated to great sets by a heap of great bands on the
second Full Sail stage probably topped by Saving Abel who put on an
energetic performance and really get the crowd moving.
Buckcherry are of course still cool as hell opening up with the timeless
"Lit Up" and highlighting tracks from the new EP, they own the stage and the
fairgrounds audience but surprisingly finish before their allocated time
with the crowd baying for one more.
Most have already had their money's worth and the big hitters are yet to
come - a breakdown sees Hellyeah by default headline the second stage when
Tremonti graciously goes on before them and he pulls out all the stops
knowing his Alter Bridge band with Miles Kennedy is next on the main stage
with Slash. Hellyeah by comparison though playing full of fire seem a
little flat today probably due to their road worries. By comparison on the
main stage Sevendust who are great friends of the festival are so pleased
to be out of the studio where they are recording their new album their
enthusiasm is infectious and their sound is huge - a big highlight for
sure.
Band of the day is Slash - he and the band are in fine form and sound
incredibly well rehearsed for the North American Tour - of which this is
the first date. They run through the Guns N' Roses classics as well as
the best of the new album and career highlights and Miles sounds simply
sensational. It proves a tough act to follow despite an idiot in the pit
with a go pro on a five foot pole ruining the view for the crowd and
hindering every other photographer.
After Slash, Rise Against seem limp by comparison but the crowd loves them. It's Las Vegas' Five Finger Death Punch though that own the night and the Florida crowd - all day long it's been FFDP shirts and tattoos
dominating the crowd and the band rises to the occasion setting the night and the crowd on fire.
Earthday Birthday could just be the best fun you will ever have in Orlando
and if you listen to WJRR you'll know that. If you are just visiting like
us, it's a date to put in your diary and one of the best festivals out
there.
__________________________________________________
Review & Photos by Mark Rockpit
