Cyfatha Park, Merthyr Tydfil
Sat 3 + Sun 4 Sept
words: LAURA JOHNSON
In one word, Merthyr Rock was EPIC; as the kids say. But I’ve got a few hundred more words to tell you about it so best get on with it. Disappointingly I was only able to attend the Sunday of the weekend-long festival, but judging by the time had, I don’t know if I could have spread the love over two more days.
To the organisers and staff of Merthyr Rock I say a very sincere well done! The organisation and execution of the event was excellent, especially for its first year. There were no horrendous queues for portaloos – or more importantly the bar! – and there was enough of a police presence to prevent any funny business, but not so much as to impose on the event. the weather was glorious up until late afternoon when the rain descended on Cyfarthfa Park. However, the only thing that the rain put a dampener on was my very old L7 t-shirt. Everyone’s spirits remained high, and people stood watching bands unphased by the torrential weather. The rain also created its own entertainment with people slipping and sliding through the mud whilst playing Frisbee just outside the main stage so as to remain in earshot of the bands.
Now onto the music. The set I enjoyed most was that of Exit International. Although playing the second stage well into the second hour of the rain, the Exit fans were out in force. Highlights of the set included Chainsaw Song and Hey Disciple – both of which were delivered with the face melting venom that has come to be expected of the boys and their interactive live show. Rumour has it that during his venture into the crowd during the finale of their set, lead singer Scott Lee Andrews may have chipped one of his teeth. The consequences of rock’n’roll behaviour my friends, Shane McGowan eat your heart out!
Other highlights included Future Of The Left playing an old McLusky classic, Lightsaber C**k Sucking Blues; my “dancing” along to Skindred’s classic song Pressure; Funeral For A Friend and their singalong set with Oblivion really getting the crowd going; and watching the mania unfold that was watching all 18 year olds and under lose their mind as soon as The Blackout stepped on stage and finish off the party that FFAF started for them.
In a nutshell, for at least one weekend, Merthyr did indeed ROCK!