Locobazooka is a festival-style concert featuring many regional and national acts performing on a main stage, and 3 side stages. There’s a little bit of something at the show for everyone to enjoy. I’m writing this review with a focus on a few of the acts from the main stage (however, honorable mentions should go to all the other acts, including Buckcherry, Ra, The Fools, Jaded, Days of the New, Charlie Farren, and many, many more).

I remember first seeing Powerman 5000 in their early days as a rap-metal act from Boston during the mid 90’s. It was good to see them take the stage again, years later, with the same amount of energy and drive. Spider One worked the ‘hometown’ crowd well, and the crowd in turn provided a warm reception. They played a good mix of their newer and older, more familiar material. Despite Adrian having some trouble holding his sticks (sweaty hands?) the band was tight and they put on a great show.

Wicked Wisdom was next to take the stage. I had never seen them perform live before… and probably was more skeptical than normal. I not a big fan of entertainers crossing over into one genre from another… especially into music, but it did not take long into their set for Wicked Wisdom to convince me otherwise. The band has a lot of talent and presence, and Jada did a great job of owning the stage.

This was definitely a day of shattered pre-conceptions. Alice in Chains' performance was incredible. (except for the guy running the sound board for the monitors… made Mike screw up a couple times). Nobody can replace Layne, but William DuVall is a great fit for Jerry, Mike and Sean.

After seeing this Alice in Chains performance, it was crystal clear that they weren’t struggling to rid them selves of Layne’s memory. They were embracing his spirit in celebration of his life, their life together, and of things to come. Jerry closed the show by walking on stage to thank the fans for the tremendous reception, and to say ‘we’ll be back.’ We can’t wait Jerry.

| 08.13.2006 | Review by J. Pierson |