Download - (Day 3 part 1)
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22 July, 2006 02:27
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Following Metallica’s mammoth performance last night, the general elevated spirit at Donington had reached its peak. This was still lingering this morning, as I unzipped my tent and peeked outside. Diehard fans in full Metallica-wear were now returning to their base, smiling and satisfied, squinting under the early morning sun that signalled the start of yet another possible memorable day ahead. Although for them, it was more of taking a hiatus, as they were on their way to catch a few hours worth of sleep, a necessary recharge before the day’s offering.
We, on the other hand, were gearing up to catch the opening headliners of today - our close at heart friends from Breed77.
I had woken up feeling as if I had just emerged from a mud bath. A combination of 2 day’s worth of swirling dust, a heat wave and our inevitable sweat. Unisex or not, I just had to take a shower, and at half 7, I didn’t think there would be any queues. I was wrong. This failed to put me off though, especially when I could see how refreshingly clean and lightweight people were stepping out. An hour or so later, I shared the same feeling. Breed, here we come.
The stage was busy with technicians providing the final touches. The familiar castle and key on the red and white flag was shining brightly in the background, weighed down by Danny’s Peavey amp. The sun had not yet reached its deadly point in the clear blue sky above us, guaranteeing a more comfortable and bearable experience. Breed’s faithful hardcore followers were reserving prime spots in front of the stage like Gibraltarians do at Camp Bay.
There was a large gathering for such an early spot, and we met up with some familiar faces. And as a common Gibraltarian trait we stuck together, revelling in our shared feelings of excitement.
We frantically waved our flags as the band members started to make their appearance on stage and it was amazing to see how much of a strong following they have.
I could see Paul was sporting a cornrow/scalp-plait hairstyle as he made his way to the front. Danny, Stuart, Pedro and new member Andy were taking their positions. (I have to mention Pete’s presence was greatly missed.) With their new single ‘Alive’ being released the following Monday, and the album due out in July (this has since been re-scheduled to September 11th) we were looking forward to witnessing some of their new material performed live. And so, a large section of their frustratingly short set was taken up with songs from ‘In My Blood (En Mi Sangre). With a set that consisted of Petroleo, Alive, Blind, Empty Words, Apathy and La Ultima Hora, Breed proved themselves to be highly impressive as live performers. My only experience of them live had been of gigs back home, and this was nothing in comparison. Don’t get me wrong, their performances in Gib have been good, but this was outstanding.
Paul started to build up a great rapport with the crowd as he jumped from the stage at one point and ran to the crowd along every inch of the yellow security barrier, something I hadn’t yet witnessed from any of the other frontmen here at Donington. He was clearly loving it, and it was obvious the feeling was mutual.
With such an eclectic infusion of sound, from Latin licks and rock, to a Moroccan-inspired vocal style, (admirably delivered by Paul), there’s no wonder one finds it hard to associate them with anything that’s ever been heard of before, making their sound as unique and successful as it is innovative and refreshing. A few curious people, new to them, were stood in wonderment, not quite sure what to make of it all. It was amazing, to be witnessing such a great act from friends of ours. The only disappointment though, was the short set, but this didn’t make any difference to their thrashing performance which left a good impression on the majority of Breed virgins out there.
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