I am not much of a writer but I am a huge music fan. So when local radio station WCCC announced the line up for its annual 'Big Gig' I jumped at the chance to see some of today's hottest hard rock bands in one place. There is Mayhem Fest and others but The Big Gig had a sick line up. Headlined by Godsmack and preceded by Stained, Steel Panther, Volbeat, Dead Sara, and others.I got there later than I wanted to but I got there in time to catch some great band with a great crowd on a perfect late spring day. WCCC has been around as the hard rock station of Hartford CT for longer than I have but still remain current and keep rock alive in this lame city.
Best opener had to be Volbeat who I saw at another festival a few months ago. Screaming guitars and a insane vocalist keep rocking out even after you're passed out. They have a great album Beyond Hell/Above Heaven that is getting old- they totally need to crank out some new tunes. Three guys from Denmark are seriously owning the stage. They tour like crazy and will be in Boston in June.
Stained I had seen a couple times before and usually the suck or are awesome At the Big Gig they sucked. I was really disappointed but they didn't seem to have their heart in it- maybe they're tired. They need new material too, I'm almost tired of hearing the same songs each time.
Godsmack were amazing. They played late but it was totally worth it. It was the first time I had seen them live and it was amazing. The light show was cool and people were freaking out in the pit. By that time I was pretty far back after 8 hours of rockin out I was pretty spent so it was cool to just kick back and watch it.
A few people went out in ambulances and there was one dude carted off in cuffs, nice job loser!
WCCC knows how to throw a party cant wait til the next Big Gig. My good friend Mary Magpie put together this video of pictures from the day in arty black and white. Enjoy!