Live Review : Soundwave Festival 2015 – Brisbane

By Morgan Van Ewyk
Slash at Soundwave Festival 2015 - Brisbane
Battling the unrelenting humidity was one hundred percent worth the sweaty mess I had become, just to see the amazing talent on show this year at the Brisbane RNA Showgrounds. However, a welcome addition for Brisbane and Sydney venues, that would’ve been dearly missed in Melbourne and Adelaide, was the ‘Comfort Zones’ which provided lucky ticket holders an experience of luxurious proportions with clean amenities, massage services, exclusive bar service and deliciously prepared barista coffee. The perfect opportunity to recharge the batteries.

With a mammoth lineup of bands spanning the length of two days for the first time in Soundwave history, set times were longer and spread out over five stages, giving eager fans the ultimate experience. Sydney band, Tonight Alive, were on fire with a spine tingling performance that sent fans wild. Singer Jenna McDougall dominated the stage with a energetic presence resembling that of Paramore front woman Hayley Williams.

US artists, All Time Low, had fans chuckling at their cheeky onstage banter in between their uplifting and energising hits. The bands passion was visible when drummer Rian Dawson played so enthusiastically that the onstage camera shook uncontrollably.

Papa Roach gave a memorable performance when front man Jacoby Shaddox leapt off the stage and into an unsuspecting crowd, sending fans into a frenzy. It would have been a difficult task for anyone to follow this epic display, however it was no such challenge for Marilyn Manson, who provided his devoted fans with an incredible performance of his usual theatrics.

The real star of the show was of course Slash, accompanied by Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators. The iconic royalty of Slash, combined with the energetic intensity of Kennedy and the band, produced an extraordinarily impressive show that had fans losing their minds and screaming for more. Slash’s earth-shaking, goosebump-inducing solos were yet another display of the unmatched raw talent he possesses.

Other noteworthy mentions who provided flawless performances were Godsmack, The Wonder Years, Judas Priest, Apocalyptica, Of Mice & Men, Butcher Babies, The Smashing Pumpkins, Fall Out Boy, and of course, heavy metal legends Slipknot.

If the performances from Melbourne and Adelaide were anything to go by, it was anticipated that the Brisbane event would be mind blowing – however, the talent on display exceeded all expectations and was truly a festival not to have missed.

Venue: SOUNDWAVE FESTIVAL 2015 – Brisbane
Date: February 28, 2015

www.soundwavefestival.com