A Better Fest in Cruefest II
Once inside the park, I reveled at the stacks, of what I presume to be a resting battleship, lurking over the Monster Energy Stage. It’s shadow engulfed the stage that was hastily being prepped for the next band. The sun beat me from behind, and I can hear Drowning Pool’s first set begin on the main stage. I make my way to the lawn entrance, where I’m met by a plethora of generations vying for the best place to sit. I head to the center of the grassy knoll and take a seat. “Bodies” gets the crowd to their feet and I watch the younger generation take part in the time tested honor known simply as the moshpit.
This summer brings the next phase of Cruefest 2, with a line up consisting of Theory of a Dead Man, Charm City Devils, Drowning Pool, Godsmack and Motley Crue. The concept is to set the stage for all rock and roll concerts to come by playing harder, louder and in keeping with fan appreciation; the festival now has an extra stage to further fulfill the music festival experience. Tickets went on sale to the Crue fan club first, then to the public. Produced by Live Nation, the tour commenced in Camden on July 19, 2009 at the Susquehanna Bank Center.
The concert began with Charm City Devils, who have been under the Crue’s wing for some time. With hits like “Let’s Rock and Roll” and “Burn Baby Burn,” the bands ability to engage the crowd leaves you to see that they will be around for a while. With the crowd awake, Theory of a Deadman hits next. Theory rocks the arena with hits like “Bad Girlfriend” and “Hate My Life.” The sun begins to drop when they finish their set and the crowd seems poised to erupt when AC/DC is played on the background speakers. The stage crew works frantically to get the next band ready.
Godsmack enters the stage with a force that’s defined their reputation. They ramp up the crowd with their new track “Whiskey” and proceed with their greatest hits to date. The bands pyros are huge and Sully’s voice boldly keeps your attention. Shannon’s drums mesmerize you as the band smoothly transitions their vibe for the infamous drum solo. Not too many bands can make a two drum set solo work, and it’s a sight to see. When they finish their play list the band takes a bow and the crowds exhausted.
Motley Crue has two different looks in the works, bringing their best selling ‘Dr. Feelgood’ album to life through creative stage design and theatrical performers. The stage is that of a hospital with nurses and doctors moving in and out. After the infamous ‘Dr. Feelgood’ set, they change their view to knock out their greatest hits. With a set list that varies slightly, the group is quickly back to its live show staples; Neil’s charismatic screams and Lee’s strong presence on the drums. The band plays like they’ve yet to miss a beat and there is no shortage of topless women.
Cruefest 2 leaves no stone unturned and with this stellar line up, the experience is one for the books. The additional stage invites new music and an interval experience while waiting for the main stage to come to life. The Crue bring their notorious vibe and heartbeat to a timeless crowd striving to stay in the moment. Their ability to tie together such great bands and stay on top of their game makes the concert a success. In a time where depression has plagued everyday life, a concert of this magnitude is exactly what the doctor ordered.
