I posted this in the OTT, but I thought it'd make more sense here. My brief rundown of Rock the Bells:
I spent most of my time, with my gf, at the Paid Dues stage because I wasn't going to get close to the main stage and I was more interested in getting up-front for Sage Francis, Brother Ali and Felt.
I caught LuckyIAm's set in the beginning and he impressed me. After that I checked out Jedi Mind Tricks and Immortal Technique, with only the latter really drawing any enthusiasm from the "dudes" before grabbing a water before Pharoahe Monch.
When Mighty Pharoahe went on, I was extremely excited, but it was annoying that no one was really diggin' him until "Simon Says." The only other person who showed similar love for him was a guy a few people away from me who seemed to know Pharoahe's stuff, new and old. And my gf, too, of course.
The gf and I headed back to Paid Dues to catch Mr. Lif, but sadly we caught the last minute of "Brothaz" before he was done. I've seen him twice already as a headliner, but I like supporting him, Ak and Therapy.
Cage was going on next and since the girl and I were closer to the front, we decided to stay and wait for Brother Ali, who was next. Cage was damn good and full of energy, but his crowd on the other hand. It's like they though Cage = Rage. Moshin' and shit for a hip-hop show, it just felt weird. That aside, he was impressive.
Brother Ali killed it, as I expected. Think he caught me singing one of the choruses-can't remember which song-and he was just cool as hell. Sage was pretty good, but he did a few less-intense songs that can hurt a short set. I was also mad that I missed Public Enemy but I didn't want to leave during Ali or Sage's set. Also, I got to see Chuck D speak at my school last year and that was damn enjoyable.
Next up was Felt and holy shit, they were amazing. Slug and Murs are both incredible onstage and kept everyone into it. The crowd was really into it, for the most part, which always helps. I really hope I can catch them again. Definitely cool to see Ant rockin' out in the back, too, while smokin' a cigarette/working the turntables.
Next we grabbed some food, which took over an hour, while Cypress Hill was on because we weren't too interested. I know their hits, which don't really move me much at all, so we just ate and chilled during their set. The same went for EPMD, who I know are legends and whatnot, but I am yet to take the time to get into them.
Wu-Tang Clan came out and they were pretty damn good. Some mic troubles for a few of them, like Ghostface at one point, was a lil' bit of a downer, but good set nonetheless. The lack of energy was aggravating and also strange, but I just enjoyed it as much as I could. The whole white thing totally made sense here when the "dude" in front of me, who did know most of each song's lyrics, was droppin' the appropriate n-bombs in each song. I don't know how other people feel about that, just ain't my thing.
Rage Against the Machine, as I expected, put on an unbelievable show. Luckily, I didn't get bothered by any drunken frat boys. I never thought I would have seen Rage after they broke up, but last night made that dream come true, haha. Off the top of my head, their set was the following, though not in order:
-Testify
-Bullet in the Head
-Bulls on Parade
-People of the Sun
-Vietnow
-Know Your Enemy
-Tire Me
-Calm Like a Bomb
-Down Rodeo(lost it for this one)
-Sleep Now in the Fire
-Guerrilla Radio
-Wake Up
Encore: Freedom and Killing in the Name
Overall, I got my money's worth, although my gf paid for our tickets. Just seeing Rage, while I was in that kinda fenced-off area behind the main part, was enough for me. Never mind the fact that Brother Ali and Felt were great as well. As said, though, the crowd was definitely lacking in the intensity department, especially for Pharoahe and Wu-Tang.
After the show was the ultimate bitch, as I expected. It was funny to see some dudes get apprehended for being dumbasses and breaking a fence to get to the other side that was guarded by plain clothes cops, who actually were wearing their badges and guns in full view. Also sucked to have to sit around for an hour in my car to get out of the lot, but that's alright.