Alive and Well

My dream came true 2 weeks ago when Rise Against finally played on South African shores. I was not as excited as I thought I would have been in the weeks following up, then again, I tend to play things down nowadays. I played all their albums on repeat for two weeks before to get psyched and re-acquainted with my old faves (not that I needed much playtime - I know those songs backwards, just saying). The Saturday of Ramfest arrived and it was raining. Of course it was. One cannot experience pure delight without a little rain in your eyeball. I had some family missions to complete before I headed off to Ramfest to join my friends in the drinking arena. Now I was excited. The bands and acts before Rise Against were a blur. Bring Me The Horizon, which I was as excited to see, were shit, as far as I was concerned. A few songs and they were off. 
Now the anticipation began as Rise Against's crew set up. Then Tim came on, I cried. This was actually happening. My dream was being fulfilled. My friend Ali stared at me as if I was mental. I like them okay? I sang along until my lungs and throat gave out. All I had ever wanted was to hear "Alive and Well" live. I was under the impression that they no longer sang songs from their older albums, well I was wrong. I don't think I have ever screamed or sang a song so loud in my life. I truly felt "Alive and Well". The band represents everything that a punk band should be; positive, fast, confident, humble and political. I have grown up with their music and it has defined my teenage years. Whenever something went wrong or I needed and explanation, I sought solace in the words and chords of Tim McIlrath and co. 


To this day I still can't believe that I saw them. What gives me great comfort is that the band does not take what it does for granted and they understand the impact they have on people's lives through music. I will forever hold them and this experience in my heart. 

Lyric of the Day

We may fight, we may kick and scream through the streets of suburban Johannesburg, we may cause a scene, we may march, we may hold each other tight, we may cry, we may apologise, we may curse, we may promise, we may run, we may fly, or we may ache. 

All these things we may do my love but my feelings for you remain unchanged Fuuni.

I have selected a few lines from two of my favourite songs for you. 

"Let go of the past, that tore you apart.

Embrace this chance for a brand new start.

We weren't meant to be one of them,

but to live life, love and give..."

 - The Taste of Regret by In Fear and Faith

I sang this song, lungs bursting, ears ringing, unawares, loud enough to wake the dead (as I felt this was honouring the song's spirit) on the way back from your house tonight. Not, in such a long time has a song touched me or resonated with me in a way as it did tonight.

I believe in you my love. Let the lyrics in the way in which I did... I love you. 

"This is our city of the dead

Another life holds its weary head

We hope, we try, we live, survive

Counting days, trying to get by

Waiting for the calling

Anticipation in the air

We hope and dream of difference

City sleeping, unaware

Break the silence, WAKE THE DEAD

Running through these streets alone

I'll kick and scream, let's break this hold

'Cause I swear, that this won't render useless

I promise you, we've come this far

And I'm not stopping, I'm not stopping now

Enough hiding in shadows

Wake up, send out this message, it's clear

You said, you said, you said

this time was gonna be different

WAKE UP THE DEAD

[2x]

Coming alive, something stirs inside

This isn't over yet

Shake off the dirt

Swallow regret

Stop living under the weight

Living under the weight of regret

Your regrets

DON'T LOSE HOPE

Your regrets

DON'T LOSE HOPE

Don't let it happen to you

DON'T LOSE HOPE

Which side are you gonna choose?

'Cause I believe, I believe it's in you RISE!

We said, we said, we said

This time was gonna be different

WAKE UP THE DEAD..."

- Wake The Dead by Comeback Kid

Fokof MK Vredefest

Fokofpolisiekar played the MK Vredefest held at Town Hall in Newtown, on the 3rd September (last week Friday). They were preceded by Foto Na Dans, Wrestlerish and other local bands. What an awesome night. Apart from being treated to my very first performance by Foto Na Dans (Holy Heck they were incredible!) and the always awesome Wrestlerish, Fokof seemed to own the night. I only managed to snap pics of Fokof, and Francois always puts on such an amazing show, what a performer. Great night spent with my love, watching bands, having a drink, having a time.

Lyric of the Day

Eating my breakfast this morning, flipping some channels and on came a familiar track. 'Love Lost' by The Temper Trap. I have fallen for this music video. It is cool. That is the only word that comes to mind when I think of it, Oh, and original. 10 young boys running in the rain and mud singing. Brilliant! Shame, they must have been buggered afterwards. haha. I love this band. Bee Gees meets U2 but listenable.  

"Oh our love was lost 

Lost, lost, lost, lost.... 

Our love was lost 

But now its found..."

- Love Lost by The Temper Trap

Oppi fucking Koppi

This was my first (and last) Oppikoppi. It was called Sexy.Crooked.Teeth and I saw one man who seemed to take the theme to heart, sipping on Tassies wearing lowcut jeans, no shirt and bearing his purple crooked teeth. It was an experience. It was dusty, it was busy, it was smelly, it was packed, it was vibey, it was chilled, it was hot, it was chilly. For a sold out festival (16 000 people) there were definitely not enough facilities. One set of ablutions and 40 showers is not quite cutting it I would say. It was so full, we had to camp off the farm. And being a self-proclaimed Jozi City Princess this would just not do. Despite all my bitching, I really had a lot of fun. The food was amazing. Try the Potjie Palace if you go. The band set up and performances were incredible, especially Danceyou'reonfire, Rambling Bones, Wrestlerish, Blk Jks, and of course Billy Talent. Now on that thought. Die Heuwels Fantasties put on the worst performance I have ever seen in my life. From what I heard from friends in fellow bands, Pierre Greef got drunk and lost his voice. This to me is unacceptable. We paid to watch and he is being paid (well) to play. Enough said. My love for them has waned, I feel sorry for the other members of the band. 

All in all it was a fun experience. The not having to worry about anything. Being able to drink and not drive. Meeting new, sometimes a bit crazy, people. Spending time with my boy. Spending time with my friends. It all seems like a bit of a blur and even composing these pics in the correct order was a bit confusing. haha. 

NIGHT 1

        

Dance You're On Fire

 

DAY 1 / NIGHT 2

        

Rambling Bones

    

 

Facing The Gallows

Electro Stage - Haezer

DAY 2 / NIGHT 3

  

Wrestlerish

Billy Talent