Live: Chicago Open Air

Every year in May, we\’re blessed with what is now known as The World\’s Loudest Month. This is the month where numerous rock festivals pop up- Rock On The Range, Carolina Rebellion, Kansas City Rockfest, Northern Invasion, Fort Rock and Welcome to Rockville are just a few of them. With the success the fine folks at Danny Wimmer Presents have seen with the festivals in May, they started hosting festivals during the other parts of the year- let\’s face it, there was really no room left in May. First we saw Louisville\’s Louder Than Life festival pop up and, with that one going into year three this year, DWP had an idea- let\’s see if we can bring the Open Air concept to the United States. With that, we now have Chicago Open Air and Houston Open Air- the first of which recently went down in mid-July and we were had the honor of being present for year one. Over three days, there were numerous bands bringing their A Game and doing their best to “up” the band before them and set the bar high for the ones to follow. This show was also the only United States performance for German metal legends Rammstein, who lived up to every bit of myth, legend and buzz. We also saw a press-exclusive press conference from Messugah, who announced their upcoming album and Fall tour with High On Fire. Day One Winners: Of Mice & Men, Messugah, Hollywood Undead, Hatebreed, Butcher Babies, Through Fire and Drowning Pool. Day One Highlights: Seeing Drowning Pool bring 82-year old America\’s Got Talent contestant John Hetlinger- who made headlines and instant fame by shocking the AGT crowd and judges with his performance of “Bodies.” Day 2 Winners: Saint Asonia, Nothing More, Gojira, Alter Bridge, Breaking Benjamin, KoRn and Disturbed. Day 2 Highlights: Disturbed playing the first-ever Chicago Open Air festival in their hometown of Chicago on their return tour; KoRn debuting brand new single “Rotting In Vein” for the first time. If this track is any sign of what\’s coming, The Serenity of Suffering will be one of their best albums. Day 3 Winners: Gemini Syndrome, Babymetal, letlive., Bullet For My Valentine, Slipknot. Day 3 Highlights: Despite an unbalanced sound mix, Babymetal was definitely one of the standouts; Gemini Syndrome are back and they unveiled their new guitar players- they\’re incredible and fit in perfectly; anytime Slipknot plays, it\’s something to remember. -Reggie Edwards