Projekt Revolution Review (w/photo gallery)

by Kenneth Smith of 2K7 Photography

When you hear the term "Projekt Revolution" (imagine that it is spelled properly) , you probably start to think of things such as valiant uprisings against corrupt governments, or something to that extent. Well, guess what? You are wrong.

This is actually the name of one of the biggest and best summer US rock tours out there. Presented by Linkin Park, this tour boasts 2 stages, 10 bands, batting cages, countless vendors, and information for the concert-goers on how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As if that weren't enough, Linkin Park are donating $1.00 per ticket sold to "green" organization "American Forests". When you consider that this tour is playing venues with capacities of near 20,000 each, this will most certainly end up being a significant donation.

When I arrived at Dallas's Smirnoff Music Center on Saturday I immediately thought one thing, "Did I take a wrong turn and end up in the freaking Mohave Desert?!?" You would think that after living in this state for 23 years, one would be used to the insane heat, but no. Once getting inside venue I realized that because Main Stage had not started yet, they actually had the amphitheater part closed off to attendees. It was like a ghost town. I hitched a ride over to the second stage area out in the parking lot on a golf cart and it was quickly made apparent where everyone was. There was a huge stage set up off to the side, with a sea of people in front of it watching "The Bled" play the final song of their set. On the outskirts of the fans were booths selling various items, batting cages, a "Monster Energy Drink" area with tables and cooling fans and all kinds of "Spin The Wheel" type games spread about.

Saosin was next. This alternative rock act from California are a huge hit with the Dallas fans. The piercing scream of the ladies when vocalist Cove Reber took the stage was almost unbearable. It was rivaled however by his high pitched screaming vocals. He walked around on stage between songs in a slightly cocky way answering 1 girls "I LOVE YOU" with "Im just too far away from you baby, im just too far away from you". Despite the cockiness, they sounded great. The bands hit song "Voices" caused a crowd frenzy while between the remainder of songs, Reber kept trying to get the crowd to form "circle pits".

MSI (Mindless Self Indulgence) were the 2nd stage headliners and were up next. At this point, the show was running 30 minutes ahead of schedule. If you have never seen this band live, I strongly recommend you do so. Besides the fact that that they all look completely bizarre, the music is wonderfully intriguing. Bassist LynZ captured my attention almost immediately. She slowly walked out onto the stage with a coy, almost sinister look on her face. She had fishnet stockings that barely covered the band-aids and bruises all over her legs. I quickly found out where the wounds were coming from. She dropped to her knees multiple times during the set and even rolled around at one point, putting her all into the stage performance. Once vocalist "Little Jimmy Urine" took the stage, the crowd seemed to be overjoyed that MSI were finally playing. He was dressed in all white; A pair of pants that were cut to take the shape of a skirt, and a long suit jacket that said "Kiss Me: $1.00" on the back in black. He immediately began running around on stage and even jumped out into the crowd during the first song. They are full of energy that never seems to end. Between songs, the singer thanked Texas for the President saying that we "really did a bang up job". This performance was stuck in the minds of the fans as throughout the day you saw texts displayed on the screens by main stage saying things like "MSI ENCORE!". (Yes, there was a number that you could send text messages too and the message would be displayed on the large screens by the stage for all to see)

After a long break (during which I re-hydrated with multiple bottles of water and rested in the administrative offices) the main stage started (still, 30 minutes ahead of schedule). Julian K was the first to perform. Unfortunately I missed them because the security folks required an Escort to take me to the photo pit, who, due to some confusion was not available at the right time. Luckily, everything was straightened out by the time England's Placebo took the stage. This was the band I had been looking forward to the most and they did not disappoint. After introducing themselves as "Men and Women of Placebo" (Though they are all men) they opened up with the widely known "Pure Morning" from the "Without You I'm Nothing" album. Though they have been around for many years, they are just now starting to gain notoriety here in the United States. This is another band that I strongly recommend as both their music and stage performance are great.

HIM was next. Hailing from Finland and quite popular here in the United States, they emerged onto the stage under a massive backdrop with the bands symbol (The Heartagram) towering above them. Singer Ville Vallo slowly walked out as the entire crowd screamed in excitement. Before starting the 1st song, he took out his pack of Marlboro Lights and ceremoniously lit a cigarette. He is known for smoking throughout the entire set. The performance was stellar. They sounded phenomenal and the crowd couldn't have been more receptive.

The heat was still relentless at this point. It seemed to radiate to the stage from the sun beating down on the lawn section of the amphitheater. This diddnt seem to matter to anyone though as Taking Back Sunday took the stage. They had a very simple setup. A red velvet looking backdrop with the drums on what looked to be about a 5 to 6 foot riser, also draped in the same red velvet material. Nothing else was on the stage accept for the band members who had an insane amount of energy. Vocalist Adam Lazzara could rarely be seen standing still. Unfortunately the volume coming from his mic seemed to be very low and I could barely hear him. It did not seem to bother anyone else though as the entire venue was on their feet singing along.

My Chemical Romance's stage set up was the biggest and most interesting of the day, up to that point. The backdrop had the bands logo on it surrounded by a pack of wolves. On the stage was a 2 foot circular drum riser and all of the speakers bore a pattern resembling the backdrop. Spray painted on the front of the drum riser were the words "She Loves You". As the intro music played, pyrotechnics flew into the air from above the speakers. Gerard Way (Vocalist) ran out onto the stage wearing all black with a bandanna over his nose and mouth. The crowd screamed and he ran from left to right, belting out the songs with great sound. Absent from the stage was Mickey Way who is the bassist and also Gerard's brother. He decided not to participate in this tour to spend time with his new wife. Regardless, the performance was great.

Linkin Park made up for the show being 30 minutes ahead of schedule by taking almost a full hour to set up.. When I got down to the photo pit there were giant tarp-like screens covering the stage. Shortly after arriving, the intro music started. You could see shadows of band members behind the screens as the intro played for what seemed like hours. Finally, with an explosion of sound, the tarps were pulled away and the band that everyone had anticipated all day were right in front of us. Vocalist/Guitarist Mike Shinoda immediately ran to the front of the stage while the other Vocalist/Guitarist Chester Bennington stayed in the back on top of a giant riser that multiple other band members were also on. Shortly into the song both vocalists, along with other members were all at the front of the stage with Shinoda. The entire venue of what had to be filled close to capacity were on their feet singing, pumping their fists and jumping around.

It was a great end to a very long day, and was extremely well worth the wait. This was probably one of the best summer festival tours I have been to. Great bands, nice stage setups, and stellar performances. The crowd was great too. I will definitely be attending the Projekt Revolution Tour in the future as it will almost certainly be a great time.