The JBTV Blog

Cold Waves X Day 4 Recap:With Co- Headliners Front 242 & Nitzer Ebb Along with support from Portion Control, Light Asylum, The Foreign Resort & Hapax

9/30/2022

Writing and Photography by Bobby Talamine
Edited by Fiza Javid

Riviera Theatre Chicago- Sunday 9/25/22

Everything culminating in all things Cold Waves X comes to a mighty fine and celebratory conclusion at the Riviera Theatre in Chicago.
Yes- you heard right.

The Riviera Theatre.

A big leap, a big risk, and like all things Industrial- why not take the chance?
For all intent and purposes to close out Day 4, from my vantage point, talking with CW staff, talking to the CW faithful, what I've seen online- a giant success.

When Cold Waves made the announcement for all things Number 10 back in early March, had to take a second look to make sure it wasn't a typo- The Riv, and not the Metro Chicago.

The Cold Waves home away from home has always been the Metro, as well it should, except for their first year which was the Bottom Lounge, right after Jamie Duffy passed away.

For those not in the know, this is the sole reason that Cold Waves started, through Jason Novak and Kelly Britton- Novak, amongst many others in the industrial community of Chicago.

Hard to imagine it's been over ten years since his passing- a fixture on the Chicago music scene for some twenty years, a multi- tasker, whether it be mixing and engineering at various venues around town, or playing guitar with Acumen Nation, Cyanotic, Chemlab, let alone the mighty Pigface, amongst others.

So yes- you can see why the industrial music community of Chicago came together for a good cause, and has continued to the present day, in addressing issues of mental illness, let alone suicide and suicide prevention.

Not to completely dwell on this, but it needs to be said front and center the scope of the festival, and what Cold Waves brings to the table to support these important topics, the people involved, and always the chance for being there in reaching out to those in need with nowhere to turn.

So coming full circle- without a true mission statement to rely on, and going with my gut- Cold Waves exists in the spirit of community more than anything else.

Again, awareness of what it's about- sure- but after nine successful years, and the completion of number Ten, the culture, the vibe, the coming together in this beautiful city of Chicago, is all about community.

Keeping those thoughts in mind, and addressing all things Day 4- the booking is reflective of the overall aesthetic of Cold Waves, inviting, and also challenging. Challenging in a good way, not just with the obvious headliners, but with the undercard.
The undercard of all four days.

Makes you as a music hound to want to get there early, to not miss bands such as Leathers, New Canyons, Kontravoid, Spike Hellis, Ghostfeeder, Haloblack, let alone previous years with Pixel Grip, Panterah, or even Kanga- these are all bands where I was not even there and present.

Just goes to show the anticipatory feel year in / year out, when the Cold Waves crew make their announcement on the forthcoming Cold Waves Festival event.
You have plenty of time between March and September every year to get your act together and research, and discover new bands on the bill that may well deserve your attention.

Having said that- working from the openers and up in all things Day Four-
Must start with HAPAX - an Italian Post- Punk and Darkwave project all the way from Italy.

Their sound, their overall presentation, was full force, taking advantage of their brief 25 minute set, and playing to a decent sized crowd on the main floor, which looked like a lot of the Cold Waves faithful had gotten their early to catch the entire show.

As far as The Foreign Resort- have always been a fan of them, dating back to around 2010 or '11- introduced to their coolness courtesy of Scary Lady Sarah, when she played a few of their songs at either one of her Nocturna events at Metro, or something similar.

And like openers HAPAX, they had a brief 30 minute set, but it was incendiary, and tight, steeped in heavy melody with over the top guitar interludes.

This band, when provoked, can unleash the hounds with might and vigor.
Next up- another highlight for me- Light Asylum.
This girl also commands your attention.

Shannon Funchess, who is everything Light Asylum - Founder, producer, amazing vocalist, and overall multi- instrumentalist- she comes out with your basic sampler, and that's it.

Not as easy as it sounds, especially when performing live, and your mix can get somewhat thwarted compared to overall vocal.

And especially for a crowd such as Cold Waves- who can be somewhat forgiving, especially because of the circumstances- "Festival" and all-
But Shannon, her songs, and the slow and heavy build up....she commands.
She commands through dance. She commands through pulsating beats. She commands in choice of wicked hair coloring and camouflage pants, let alone searing vocal.

Such a riveting performance from Shannon.
And now look out for Portion Control.
The talk from doors opening at the Riviera, up until their performance- outside of co- headliners Front 242 and Nitzer Ebb, the Cold Waves faithful were geeked up for their set as well.

With Dean Piavani and John Whybrew, they have a dark wickedness about them that pervades to this very day- imagining a darker version of all things Underworld, and you sort of get the gist.

Although that in truth is not a fair comparison as well- Dean Piavani has a more commanding stage presence, immersed in confrontational moves and contortions, enticing whichever crowd to get up and dance on your feet, and embrace all things "Underground".

What a monumental set from these guys- the samples, the segway between songs just one big reveal after another, with the pulsating beats from the PA hitting you in the sternum all the way to the back of the venue.

As for Nitzer Ebb and Front 242- a one/ two punch of might and power and movement.
Bon Harris and Douglas McCarthy were splendid throughout, opening with "Blood Money" from their album "Belief' - a slow and steady buildup about shedding things- both personal and material.

Their whole set was like this- a slow buildup to inevitable pandemonium, so well thought out on what deliver, and when.
Me- I've always been a fan of "Getting Closer" and also "Lightning Man"- which the latter, sung so diabolical from Douglas, just gives you shivers.

And Douglas is fired up, believe me, in well fashioned black suit, looking like a guy with knives, knives, guns, guns, ready to do business his way.

Bon Harris, god bless him, has his moments in the sun as well, for the song captivate, and commanding the stage front and center with Douglas.

Of course we get the heavy hitter staples, "Join In The Chant" into "Control, I'm Here", into "Let Your Body Learn", and then closing out with the diabolical "Murderous".
What a set folks- memorable in oh so many ways.
Same goes for Front 242.

These guys.....
Still punishing, and still so inviting.
And Jean- Luc De Meyer- looking healthy, in full caustic vocal, slender, and meaning business.

Same with Richard 23- the both of them- the yin and yang of wicked onslaught, brought to you by yours truly all things Patrick Codenys at the controls and samples.
The three of them, to the very present day, can command with visuals and a PA that swirls around you and sucks you in, front of the house- back of the house.
Mezzanine- balcony.

Doesn't matter.
Their songs still matter.
Their songs still count.

They sing and play with such urgency throughout.
Maybe because it's their supposed last hurrah- who the fuck knows.
But you can tell by the smiles- they're having a damn good time playing for each other, let alone their fauithful audience.

Their production is meticulous- well suited for the confines of the Riviera Theatre- their video projections not too intrusive, but done sophisticated enough to command your attention equal to the principal players performing.
And the main floor crowd- the world for all intent and purposes could've ended after the show, and most of us would've been in agreement that we're going out with a bang, and with the right band involved.

The nuggets.. Opening with "Moldavia"- heavy strobe flashlights involved for full effect, into "Take One", into "Don't Crash"...heavy breathing on my part at this point- the heavy buildup of song armory just continues, with "Soul Manager" and Command Mix", and we're not even to the heavy hitters yet- that being of course "Tragedy>For You<", "Headhunter", let alone "Body to Body".

I mean sheesh.
Their entire set is not sheepish one bit.
Adore these guys?
Of course.
You should too.

As for Cold Waves X- to Jason Novak, Kelly Britton Novak, Ethan Novak, to Pat MamaKidd Duffy, to Brian Dickie, to Dann Szymczak, to Jean Shock...thank you so much for making this happen at The Riviera.
Love you all so much.

Bobby Talamine - JBTV Music Television Chicago

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Deadmau5 - We Are Friends Tour - Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom with openers Lamorn & Nero

9/26/2022

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Writing and Photography by Bobby Talamine
Edited by Fiza Javid

9/25/22

Another spectacle, another sojourn with Joel Zimmerman, aka Deadmau5, on his North American "We Are Friends Tour".

And he's bringing along some special guests, Lamorn and also Nero for support.
Over the past few years, besides his Drive In Outdoor Tour during the pandemic, he's made the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago his home away from home.

The Spanish Conquistidor expansiveness of the venue, the overall vibe, just enhances the overall feel of his productions- some on a grand scale with the gigantic cubes of yore, each time through getting bigger and bigger, with tech sophistication, and audio / PA sophistication to make the entire concrete and stone venue thump along side you.
The PA part hasn't changed- after a few songs to start from the Aragon balcony, I went down to front of house to get decent audience shots.

That PA still blasted through my chest to the back of the main floor, to the point of the entire riser shaking to the beat, like being a 4.5 or higher magnitude earthquake.
Have to be steady with your hands to relieve camera shake- although by now I'm used to this from Joel, and wouldn't expect anything less.

His budget, his commitment to sophisticated production, along with the immense lighting rigs, and separate but unique vertical LED screens and imagery by the back of the stage- nothing is taken for granted.

And the place was packed, even when opener Nero took the stage just before.

In essence, Deadmau5's "We Are Friends Tour" is a chance to branch out a bit, showcasing to the next generation of stars on his label mau5trap, and as always, enhancing his own personal take on his iconic mixes and songs from over the years.
So for all intent and purposes, this is a gigantic spectacle, a big party of celebratory exploration on all things progressive house, all things EDM.

It's cool that Joel has started off his set without the mouse ears- just a baseball cap, and black t shirt and pants, looking like a cab driver who just popped in after his workday, and now ready to go to his other job, which is to entertain at the controls.
This says lots in my opinion- an everyman, a normal dude, who happens to know electronic wizardry like none other, without all the fanfare.

And about six or seven songs in, out come the sophisticated mouse ears, and from my vantage point, the entire venue went apeshit.

The Aragon is so hot by this point in the show, that Joel can't keep the mouse ears on for long, clearly seeing after he takes it off the amount of sweat he's encountering, his hair soaked.

As far as details, this version of the cube is dialed down a bit, still having the look and feel of a stealth fighter from front and center, but yet not as gargantuan as previous versions.

But to the scale of the vertical LED screens directly behind, with giant and movable floor lighting by the lip of the stage to enhance the overall participatory feel.
Have to say that Joel's entire set was captivating- not just by intensely watching him, but the crowd as well, especially since his show is at the Aragon on a Friday night.
So yes- The Aragon went bonkers throughout the night, dancing in place on the main floor, Joel all smiles throughout, making for a refreshing evening in Chicago in all things dance- a pulsing dance to the beat kind of evening.

For those not necessarily in the know- everything about a Deadmau5 production is future forward.

Hard for me to try to explain to people and friends kinda in the know, but not in the know.

Its masterful, his productions, with a fresh sound and a fresh vision to make his tour stops an immersive experience, where you leave said venue dumbfounded and weak in the knees.

Bottom line when discussing this around the water cooler, all things Deadmau5- and you still can't get what I'm trying to convey in excitement- well- your loss.
For those in the know- they certainly know.

Deadmau5. Always a must see.

Bobby Talamine - JBTV Music Television Chicago

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Riot Fest 2022 Day Three: Nine Inch Nails, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Sleater-Kinney, Coolio, Night Spice, The Linda Lindas & More

9/19/2022

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Photography by Bobby Talamine
Writing and Editing by Fiza Javid

Sunday, September 18, 2022 - Douglass Park

My mind is so blown by the experience of day three that my head is rolling, on the floor. Nine Inch Nails. Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Sleater-Kinney, Coolio, Linda Lindas, Night Spice. What a hypnotic festival experience.

The anticipation for NIN was running deep. They were supposed to headline Riot Fest 2021 but were forced to cancel due to Covid-19. It was worth having an incredible Slipknot experience last year, however, we were long overdue for this performance.

Trent was truly effortless in addressing it. "It has been crazy, covid and all, but here we are," but more to that later.

We began our day with the Synthwave sounds of Night Spice. Hailing from Miami, Illinois, it was the groove that Chicago was truly missing, kind of like the last hurrah of summer. Their comic value, dad bods, and of course, their music. Particularly their songs "Plums" and "Damn, that Hot Synth," truly inspired a jolt within the audience. Their music almost sounds like satire, but don't let the comedy fool you. Beyond the showmanship, their musical quality was smooth. Hell, they even sell their own hot sauce. Do you know any other band doing that?

Next we were off to the Linda Lindas. They are always a blast, and they have so much fun on stage. They opened with "Growing Up" which made everyone want to jump around. Their covers included "Tonite" by the Go-Gos, and "Rebel Girl" by Bikini Kill, but it was their debut song "Vote!" which truly got the message across. They always manage to share an important message while injecting a fun punk vibe to it.

Other notable mentions include: Mom Jeans, Zola Jesus, and Alice Glass, Lunachicks and Polica.

Lunachicks busted out with incredible energy to date. With their songs "Badass Chicks" and "Less Teeth More Tits" along with their neon hair, in your face persona and hard, fast riffs, they are rock madness. They opened with the "Gonna Fly Now" theme from Rocky, and it almost felt like they could be the yang to the ying of the energy brought by Night Spice, but all feminine energy. Its always good to have loud riffs and angry, nearly satirical grooves in the punk world, and the Lunachicks are on the top of that list.

Zola Jesus shifted the energy from punk to theatrical. This front woman Nika Danilova is a pure actress, and almost like a super hero film character with her persona, but the industrial, almost sludgy sound she echoed was deep and dark. She is carving out a new era for the goth world, and may have displayed the most underrated vocals of the entire three days. They are pure talent.

"ITS FREAKING COOLIO!!" I overheard as I entered the crowd for Coolio, just as he was about to begin. Who doesn't want to listen to "Gangsta's Paradise," as the presence of this man is as iconic as it was in the 90s. I'll be honest, I wondered if for nostalgia's sake that he would sing the Kenan & Kel theme song, but that would be unnecessary, unless you were a huge fan like I was. Still, he was out of this world with "Fantastic Voyage," "C U When I Get There," and "1, 2, 3, 4 (Sumpin' New). Let's be real, no one EXPECTS a Coolio experience at a predominantly punk themed festival, but Gen Z is all about nostalgia waves. They needed a dose of Coolio in their lives, and it was solid.

The biggest yet simultaneously underrated band of the Seattle music scene will hands down be Sleater-Kinney, who I was damn near going to get a heart attack for. Their song "Real Man" was recently featured in Hulu's "Pam & Tommy" which not many know was actually released in the early 90s. A 90s Carrie Brownstein and Corin Tucker are the dynamic duo made in heaven.

Their musicality in "Jumpers" should be right up there with the Beatles, considering their vocal range, lyrical poetry and stage presence. I feel transported right into Olympia (no she is not from Portland) when they play and they truly show how the best of the best comes from the pacific northwest. Carrie and Corin jumped around, blasted riffs like no one was watching. The only thing it missed was an appearance from Fred Armison, which many believed would happen, but did not. This is fine, because we got to hear "Entertain" and "Modern Girl." If you haven't had a chance to fan girl over them like I have, it's never too late.

Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Watching them is like MDMA in musical form. Who can make a group of headbangers feel like they are zoned out in a club in two seconds but them? Sure we were all looking forward to singing along to "Maps" but Karen proves again and again the essence of being a true artist isn't just about playing through the songs and praying people keep showing up. She also showed how any genre can be rock and roll is you give your audience enough venting energy. We screamed as she spit out water into the crowd, put the mic in her mouth, attempted to destroy it, and still managed to sing like a total goddess.

When the melody to "Heads Will Roll" kicked in, the audience looked truly lost in another planet. People were dancing, jumping and screaming along to their hearts desire. "Spitting off the Edge of the World," "Wolf," and "Soft Shock" were also roaring in person. Its truly magic when an artist creates a particularly unique experience live as compared to their recording, and I pray they come back to Chicago to give us more.

Trent Reznor does not age. Nine Inch Nails never disappoints and their cult following will reign on for decades more. They put on a spectacular light show, and the edge had everyone in awe. They opened with "Somewhat Damaged" and "Wish" and we knew we were locked in. Only at a NIN show can you surround yourself with a crowd of people shouting "I Wanna F*ck you Like an Animal" and not be scared. We were left speechless.

Their set list included "God Break Down the Door," "Sanctified," "The Perfect Drug," "Head like a Hole," and many more hits. For anyone dreaming of this moment like I was, this was a dream. Watching Reznor throw his guitar, and the way they allow their music to speak for itself, was everything. They are on fire vocally, their drumming, and the overall experience of them was the perfect chapter end to Riot Fest 2022, as very few bands herald this kind of power, and they will continue to be part of the soundtrack of our lives.

Until next year Riot Fest, thank you for giving us and the rock world another unforgettable festival experience for the memory banks.

Fiza Javid - JBTV Music Television

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Riot Fest 2022 Day Two: Joy Formidable, Yungblud, Bad Religion, Gogol Bordello & more

9/18/2022

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Photography by Bobby Talamine
Writing and Editing by Fiza Javid

Saturday, September 17, 2022 - Douglass Park

Welcome back to day two of Riot Fest, where the drinks were flowing, the music was roaring and everyone got an incredible mix of music to truly bask in.

I must say, they changed the set up a bit that deserves praise. It used to be that four stages were in four different corners, but Riot Fest decided to change it up a bit. Now the Roots and the Radicals stage are directly next to each other, with the scheduled lined up to make each act go one after another. What a real treat for the fans who don't want to compromise their schedules. The theatrical feeling of watching one band end and another one ready to go at the drop of a hat. I truly believe other festivals need to take notes here, and now those camping out won't go in vain.

That being said, there was more room to enjoy some mind blowing music.

First up there was Mannequin Pussy, and their presence is never like a mannequin. They set off the day where the riot aspect of the festival becomes a vibe. They played "Control," "Piss Drinker," and "Meatslave" and that gritty aspect is what truly makes rock n roll come to life, no matter the genre. Mannequin Pussy's Marisa Dabice has such a natural energy for indie punk rock, and her showmanship sets her above the rest.

It is always incredible to be able to rock out to one incredible woman, not that gender is what stands out, it's their true musical talent, but as a woman it is so cathartic to go from one to another. To be able to go from Mannequin Pussy to Bully? What a treat.

Listening to the audience before Bully began, it was clear there was also a real appreciation for seeing women rock out. Let's be real, the genre was genuinely dominated by men for far too long, and while women were on the scene, the image and expectation was still there. The need to exert overt feminine qualities and sexuality. However, women have finally had the ability to showcase their music and talent beyond the expectations of behavior. Bully is the essence of that. Some fans have dubbed her the "female Kurt Cobain" but that would take away the fact that she is on a league of her own, beyond the labels of masculine and feminine. Her raw vocals during "Trying" and Trash" were out of this world, and the crowd truly goes bonkers for her.

Joy Formidable. Freaking joy to watch Joy Formidable. With songs like "CSTS" and "Gotta Feed My Dog." They truly bring the rock with an original Welsh attitude that never disappoints. The crowd adored Matt Thomas with his gong, and the music was effortless.

It was great to look around and appreciate not just the artists but the effort that fans make to dress up and show out. I imagine the day jobs these individuals must go to, but they always manage to put wear their rock music love on their sleeves. It was great to capture them along with the appreciation of the music.

SURFBORT. Holy shit. I read somewhere online that Blondie named this band as a favorite, and that is certainly thanks to the front-woman, Dani Miller, who was hands down the most badass front-woman I've seen in years. During "Dicks in Space" and "Pretty Little Fucker" she truly engaged with the audience like no other. Hear fearlessness as a performer and the fact that she isn't afraid to really get in the face and feel the energy of her fans, is all we can ever ask from an artist. The real connection created with the music, and hers is completely electric, and all punk rock. She is truly carving out punk rock for Brooklyn, and she let Chicago know like no other. I mean, how often can you tell what I mean from pictures alone? Send her to the moon, because she deserves to be seen and heard more.

I felt like a proud mom watching Yungblud, because the way in which he matches to give all his energy, and not afraid to be electrically feminine, is truly out of this world. We last caught him at JBTV in his Lolla debut, and that was long before he was shot to stardom. He did it truly with his energy alone, and the only other artist I could compare his particulat animated stage prescence to is Gerard Way. But Yungblud does it for Gen Z, and he does it for the messages in his song and his truly devotion to artistry. His songs are timeless. From the debut of his new song "Mad" to his MGK cover of "I Think I'm OKAY", along with "loner," 'fleabag," "parents," and "The Funeral," it's hard to tell if it is his fanbase or him that is beat on ecstatic energy. The way he emotes through his songs, there is no way in hell Dom is ever faking it. I mean he truly puts the "Dom" in his performance, that is for sure. I could talk about him for hours.

The fans definitely love his sex appeal, along with his ability to stand alongside all the female rockers in the line up and come across like he is definitely learning from them too. He praises the balance between feminine and masculine energy in his music, and he is truly doing it for the fans. He just keeps on giving and we'll always be there for it.

Last but NEVER the least, Bad Religion and Gogol Bordello.

Bad Religion and the true essence of punk rock, considering their natural ability to cover a wide range of social topics but really show how badass they are at doing it. They are venting in musical form. They played "Fuck You," "Suffer," "We're Only Going to Die," "American Jesus" and just a powerful set list that I honestly would have paid top dollar for.

Finally, Gogol Bordello. It always feels like that lower deck scene in Titanic, but their Romani grit is the essence of it all. We will always show up for "Start Wearing Purple," "Immigrant Punk," "Wanderlust King" and honestly all their songs. Their music has a way of just making you want to grab a bottle of whisky and become best friends with the person next to you.

Needless to say, with all the incredible punk acts, we all went home immensely happy.

Until tomorrow, rock on!

Fiza Javid - JBTV Music Television

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Riot Fest 2022 Day One: ls Dunes, Pale Waves, Anberlin, Taking Back Sunday, Portugal the Man, & My Chemical Romance

9/17/2022

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Photography by Bobby Talamine
Writing and Editing by Fiza Javid

Friday, September 16, 2022 - Douglass Park

When fall begins to kick in, Chicago knows its rock n roll season. The sun was shining and the MCR fans lines the outer entrances of the festival.

That feeling alone couldn't have been more exciting. Anticipating their return while catching one of the best lineups to date.

First up we had Pale Waves, who began with "Lies", and their charisma and fan base never disappoints. "Television Romance" truly got the crowd going. Their natural goth vibes along with their immersive sound was a a delight, but hands down they deserve a headlining show.

Holy Fawn rocked to "Death Stone" and "Death is a Relief" and also put on a killer show.

There was genuine anticipation for LS Dunes. The post-hardcore supergroup consisting of members from My Chemical Romance, Coheed and Cambria, Thursday and Circa Survive. With their debut album called "Past Lives" being announced today, Chicago truly got a one in a million opportunity.

This season has definitely been a season of debut supergroups, with the band 3rd Secret featuring members from Nirvana, Soundgarden and Pearl Jam coming into the rock scene completely independent, and to imagine a new era of LS Dunes and 3rd Secret is just the moment the industry has been waiting for, and LS Dunes had everyone enamored. Their songs "Bombsquad" "Like Forever" and "2022" were powerful. Their particular electric sound, pounding drums and groovy bass lines are a force to be reckoned with. Anthony Green's vocals were truly electric, and "Permanent Rebellion" was a screaming master piece.

More notable acts included: Lucky Boys Confusion, Anberlin, Algiers, Rocket from the Crypt, before we were off to the evening shows. Portugal, the Man, Alkaline Trio, Taking Back Sunday and Marky Ramone's Blitkreig was also in the midst and it was like being a kid in a rock music themed candy store.

Anberlin never disappoints, ever. "Godspeed" hits you like a drag race, and the way they bring it into "Feel Good Drag" just goes to show how dynamic and timeless they remain.

Portugal, the Man did a cover of "In Bloom" by Nirvana which left everyone over joyed and speechless. It is always great to hear their hits "Modern Jesus" and "Feel is Still" but their showmanship alone and personality has a way of sucking everyone in like a magnet. The crowd was beaming.

Last but never least, My Chemical Romance truly put on the show of a life time. Opening with their recent release "The Foundations of Decay" was phenomenal, but I have never seen a crowd of tears before today. Fans traveled from California, London and many more distances for this moment, and when Gerard way stepped out beaming in a dress, head scarf and sunglasses, we couldn't believe it was him. But the moment he takes the mic and his animated charisma kicks in, you know there could never be a front man like him.

30 somethings like me who grew up waiting for this moment, it was incredible to look around and watch a crowd sing along to "Helena," "Ghost of You," "Teenagers," "Black Parade" and truly just immerse themselves in a once in a lifetime moment.

The security was pouring water all over the front row, and beyond the music, Gerard did a fantastic job instilling safety into the audience by encouraging everyone to move back and give each other enough space to have a good time. But thanks to MCR and all the incredible acts, that is truly what happened.

Is this only day one? Pinch me.

Until tomorrow!

Fiza Javid - JBTV Music Television

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Rammstein: North American Stadium Tour 2022

9/6/2022

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Writing and Photography by Bobby Talamine
Edited by Fiza Javid

Soldier Field - Chicago, IL - 9/3/22

Rammstein's Mind Blowing Juggernaut of a show hits Soldier Field in Chicago

Rammstein.
Known for their exclusive pyrotechnics.
Rammstein.

Known for their use of sophisticated production techniques- like replicating an intimidating tower of might on the back side of the stage, looking like something out of a Fritz Lang movie, like "Metropolis", circa late 1920's.

Rammstein.

Intimidating as always, with a show of force and might to capture their live audience by the throat, even towards the back of the venue, and command you to listen until the very very end.

This is fierce stuff folks, if you've never witnessed such a spectacle firsthand.
They are push the envelope performers, as they've always been, since I first photographed them back in 1998.

Yes, Till Lindemann and the rest of his cohorts in Rammstein have over the years had moments when they've been brazen, in performance rituals and antics, along with imagery and theatrical reenactments of some pretty morbid events, some of which are still in their production to the present day.

That statement is in no way a slight on them- in fact, it's just the opposite.
To stoke controversy, in my opinion, and have your hand at the ready, with not letting off any tells, a la the game of poker, to provoke, and then unleash the consequential belittlement that you so rightly deserve for questioning anything related to such topics, well, let's just say you're in for a treat.

They love that you're upset, and that you haven't done your homework.
They know the term firsthand "Contempt prior to investigation".
And so they're somewhat insulated from all the bullshit that comes their way, although somewhat aware as well.
I bring this up because the slights I hear from fellow reviewers, posts online through social media, with friends I know, amaze me as much as if I were in the band.
I'm too tired and too damn busy to throw my thoughts into the mire of bullshit, knowing full well that the best way to speak is though reviews such as this, and let my pictures do the talking.

But this kind of show- an outdoor similar to a major festival production made of gargantuan proportions makes you stop in your tracks.

There's so many avenues to convey the beauty of it all, even prior to the performance, when the gates open, and you take it all in from the back of the bowl of the stadium you're in.

Just watching people's faces time and time again, entering the venue at the 100 level and seeing them soak it all in, let alone the costumes and dress up- all of this never gets old at a Rammstein show.

Had to convey this somewhat in my iPhone pictures- a couple sitting comfortably, and she has a bright red mohawk.

Or the guy wearing a Nacho Libre mask, hanging out with his buds prior to the show.
Let alone the main floor of Soldier Field, and the massive display of a stage to the north, compared to the tiny dots of people slowly filling up the ground floor field before the show.
All of this is amazing, almost equal to the actual performance, with a setlist that covers the gamut, some 21 songs in total, including two encores.

The last encore- those are the pictures from the performance that were allowed.
I could go on in detail of not more coverage, but keeping things simple- I'd rather focus on the beauty of the song "Rammstein" from the second encore, and the use of the sophisticated pyro backpack that Till Lindemann displays in conjunction to the actual song, and the timing of it all.

It's a beautiful and shock and awe thing to behold, the immensity of the peacock pyro jutting out in a perfect semi circle. time and time again perfect to the beat of music- let alone the guitar pyro from stage left with Richard Kruspe, and stage right with Paul Landers.

The timing between the three of them is impeccable- leaving you with the hairs on your arms standing on end in absolute amazement.

I don't want or need to get all technical here- but look at the pictures with Till and that pyro backpack.
Can you think of any other band that can pull this off?

Can you think of any other band that has the wherewithal to utilize such a display of might and force with such artistic beauty?
I believe you can't.

And their entire show astounds in similar fashion, from the opening entry music to Handel's "Music for the Royal Fireworks", which rises up the gigantic tower the Rammstein insignia, to the roar of the Chicago crowd.

And off we go into opener "Armee der Tristen", the opening song from their latest release- "Zeit", then into "Zick Zack", also from "Zeit".

And why not?

Their latest album swings and pops and makes you move, especially the title song "Zeit", which has its fair share of eye popping lighting at full display.
The whole night was like this, with their iconic numbers in full display of pyro on top of pyro with a little more pyro- "Sehnsucht", "Zeig Dich", "Heirate mich", and "Sonne" in particular.

Some pyro so full on you feel the heat like you're on the gas burner yourself popping off the frying pan.

It's a sonic sensory overload, but done in the highest order imaginable leaving nothing to the imagination.

They're providing the scope of dreams for you, well in advance.
So let it be said for the remaining North American dates- East Rutherford on Tuesday, Foxborough on Friday, San Antonio on the 17th, Los Angeles on the 23rd and 24th- you're nuts if you don't witness this spectacle firsthand.

Bobby Talamine - JBTV Music Television Chicago

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