Article and Photos by: Nick Durcholz
Noblesville, Ind. – It has been confirmed, folks. The Bizkit is back, and it is still quite flaccid, but it is anything but stale!
Just like many an angsty teens of the late nineties, I was instantly drawn to Limp Bizkit. We were hooked on that crystal rage. What about our generation? No one knew the plight, but the Bizkit did, and we repped the red Yankees hats to show our support. Coming of age in the same time when they were exploding, I had big expectations for seeing them for the first time. Of course, it has been a while, I was going to give them some grace, but I still expected some freaky sh** and a curveball or two. They came through in spades.
Never in my wildest head movies did I ever think I would see a concert emcee’d by a gimp who looked like he fell into the lost and found at a Planet Fitness. But there he was, and I still want more. Yikes on bikes, what does that say about me as a person? Anyway, after a bit of gyration, he announced Corey Feldman and slunk off the stage.
Corey’s heyday was a bit before my time, but I was aware of his eclectic nature, especially off-screen. His music and band were a perfect reflection of his public image, and perhaps a glimpse at his private one as well. It was fun, cheeky and fantastical. Most importantly, very entertaining!
Next up was a fresh artist called N8NoFace. I can confirm however, that, in fact, he does have a face, and it is savagely beautiful. I can’t say that the music was my bag, but it had an amazing energy and it was great to get out the ants. Most importantly, that man left all his emotion, passion, and a bit of his own blood out on that stage, and it was infinitely inspiring to behold.
Then came BONES and friends. I imagined them as a young Three Six Mafia coming up with sledgehammer beats, smooth drawl lyricism and a strong stage presence. I was able to see (and hear) immediately why they command songs with 200 million plus streams on Spotify. Even as my one damaged eardrum was turned into a wind sock.
Lastly, the (chocolate) stars came out onto the stage. My excitement increased with every note played as I realized that time hasn’t yet faded the three-dollar bill that is the Bizkit. Fred was bobbing and weaving like I was watching him perform on TRL in 1999. Wes, looking like a warlock on Destiny 2, proving how badass he is by just existing, was shredding as keenly as he always has. The rhythm section, Sam and John were laying down the stankiest of grooves while the great DJ Lethal put on the final magic dressing: that tangy nu-metal flavor. The turntables are key! The even ended the show with requests.
Truly, these guys didn’t do it for the Nookie that night, they did it for the fans.