- Alison Green
- The crowd during Gwar’s set
Several faithful Reader staffers, deterred to varying degrees by chilly wind, persistent rain, and unavoidable mud, send fragmentary dispatches from day one of Riot Fest.
By 7 PM I was staking out the Dark Matter booth, on a quest for some much needed warmth and caffeine. I was also hoping to get my hands on a cup of the Mastodon blend—if you haven’t read the description (which sounds incredible), I urge you to do so. Then go out and buy a bag to share with me.
- Andrea Bauer
- Slayer
Luca Cimarusti: Reign in Blood. The record that pulled metal out of the sludge and put breakneck, raucous thrash at the forefront of the cutting edge of music. I was thrilled for the chance to see Slayer play it from front to back. Unfortunately, I am an old man, and the cold rain that rolled in before Slayer took the stage drove me to the Empty Bottle to take cover and listen to the Hoyle Brothers instead. Sure, I regret missing that set, but about 15 years ago I saw Slayer’s original, unstoppable lineup in action at the Riviera. I’m sure they killed tonight, but where was Lombardo? Let’s just hope it doesn’t rain during Primus on Sunday.
