The weather forecast for this past weekend was all rain, which did not favor the outdoor music festival, The Bamboozle, held at the Giants Stadium parking lot in East Rutherford, New Jersey. But whoever went on Saturday was lucky enough to enjoy fantastic weather of cool sunshine without a drop of precipitation.
I dished out the $70 (after convenience charges) for Day 1 of the music festival. In my opinion, Day 2 (Sunday) of The Bamboozle Festival was by far the superior day… but the main reason why I went Saturday was to watch the reunion performance from my favorite band: The Get Up Kids.
The event began at 11:30 a.m. but I didn’t get there until a little bit after 3 p.m. since there weren’t any bands I wanted to see until then. It has been three years since I attended The Bamboozle Festival and I noticed a lot of changes. There was a carnival theme, which was present three years ago but not as much as this year’s. There was a Ferris wheel, rides, carnival games, batting cages, food, the whole deal. I guess it’s an attempt to make it a family affair? Though I don’t know anyone who would go to The Bamboozle Festival for a reason other than the music.
Anyway, so the first band I went to see was The Bloodhound Gang (3:30 – 4:05), a band I really enjoyed during high school especially their album “Hooray for Boobies.” Needless to say, the Gang put on a show playing on one of the two main stages (Wonka Stage). They played fan favorites like: Foxtrot Uniform Charlie Kilo, The Ballad of Chasey Lain, Three Point One Four, and of course their mega-hit The Bad Touch. It was a pretty good way to start off my Bamboozle experience.
Next, I walked across to the opposite end until I reached the MLB Authentic Collection Stage, which was next to the State Farm Stage. These two side stages were the stages for the hardcore acts of the festival. I checked out two bands on the MLB stage, Attack Attack and Dance Gavin Dance… both who were impressive and put on a very energetic live show.
Afterwards I hit up the concession stands. $8.25 for a small basket of chicken fingers and fries. Felt like I was at the U.S. Open. It was also $8.25 for a beer. So I got a basket of tenders and fries with a $4 cup of water. Mmmm.
Then it was New Found Glory time (6 – 6:35). I do have to say, I’m pretty sure New Found Glory attracted the largest crowd before sunset. They played an awesome set, starting out with “Hit or Miss” and finished with “My Friends Over You.” In between they touched on a bunch of new and old songs to please the audience. I think these Floridian natives put on the best show until…
The Get Up Kids (7:10 – 7:45)! I’ve waited for five years during their break up for a reunion. Their 35-minute set alone was worth the $70 I paid for the whole day. I was in heaven watching their set. Here are the songs they played: Coming Clean, Action and Action, The One You Want, Woodson, Mass Pike, I’m a Loner Dottie a Rebel, Holiday, Don’t Hate Me, and 10 Minutes. The Get Up Kids put on a great performance. I really hope they come back to the NYC/NJ area on a tour.
The next band was All Time Low (7:45 – 8:20) at the Imagination Stage, but I stayed at the Wonka Stage anticipating the “special guest” of the day. When it was finally announced, it was Journey! (although some would argue that it wasn’t actually the original band, but who cares!) They came out through the smoke and played “Separate Ways” that totally rocked the stage. They continued to play “Anyway You Want It” and then ended their set to their super-popular “Don’t Stop Believin’.” Was Journey’s special performance random? Yes. But it was awesome.
Third Eye Blind (8:40 – 9:30) followed Journey’s set over at the Imagination Stage. They played a lot of new songs but still managed to play some fan favorites like “Never Let You Go” and finished their set with “Jumper” and “Semi-Charmed Life.” Although they bored me with their lesser known, newer tracks, they ended with a bang.
Finally, the headliner of the day was Fall Out Boy (9:30 – 10:45). Practically everyone gathered around to watch the enormously popular band to sing along to all of their songs. I’m not so much of a FOB fan so I stayed for a few songs until leaving early to beat the traffic.
Overall, I almost forgot how much fun The Bamboozle Festival is. I will surely be back next year. Who’s joining me?
Posted by Rob 
The Entertainment Blur 