92.1 KFMA and sister station 96.1 KLPX presented an impressive rock weekend with Fall Ball Saturday, October 3rd and the 30th anniversary of KLPXfest on Sunday, October 4th at the Pima County Fairgrounds. KFMA is a Tucson rock station that plays new music and KLPX plays classic rock mostly from the ‘70s and ‘80s. The difference between Saturday and Sunday were astonishing and fascinating when taking into account the audience and the music.
On Saturday the 3rd, fairgrounds were dominated by the young rock crowd. For this all-day event it is striking how many attending would compromise comfort to show off their alternative style mall clothes. Black and neon, frills and vinyl, hair done and faces made up, and yet keeping themselves together after 10 hours at the fairgrounds, they were definitely troopers to last the entire day.
Highlights from Saturday included an amazing performance by club/rock act Paper Tongues. I wasn’t sure what to expect since the only song that has received much radio play is Ride to California. I have noticed when there is one song associated with an artist, it is usually the only one that is radio friendly or would appeal to a larger audience. However, I was captivated with their entire set and I recommend listening to a few more songs.
Misfits then took the stage and gave a lesson in punk history. Not a band that you would hear on KFMA, they seemed a little out of place. They did give a high energy performance with hardly a break between songs. The lure of the Misfits is that they are a well known name which attracted an older crowd. Long-time Misfit fans pushed their way through the young rockers to the front of the stage and held their fists in the air with each song.
Now returning to music that is played on KFMA, Flyleaf was an instant crowd favorite. Lead singer Lacey Mosley gave positive energy as she told everyone that we looked beautiful. Mosley has a voice that compares to Paramore’s Hayley Williams in that it is strong, powerful, and feminine without taking away from the savagery of their music. Flyleaf performed “Again,” which is their first single from their new album Memento Mori.
Leading into the evening The Used brought about rekindled excitement to the exhausted crowd. This excitement was quickly turned into disappointment when lead singer Burt McCraken made a homophobic joke and then asked the crowd to boo them. Most people that I could see around me were taken aback by his interaction with everyone. It is difficult to enjoy and appreciate a band when they make comments that are distasteful.
To save the night, Rise Against came on stage and took upon one of the most difficult feats of a day long concert. Finding an annoyed and exhausted audience, Rise Against turned the crowd around and hyped them up by playing some of their more popular songs right away.
The evening ended and some of us waited with anticipation to see what Sunday would bring.
Walking into the Pima County Fairgrounds on Sunday, my first thought was, “when did they have time to clean up the mess that was left behind the night before?” After dismissing that thought I set out to find my spot in the field to enjoy the 30th anniversary of KLPXfest.
The first noticeable difference between the young rockers from Saturday and those who have been going to concerts for decades is that the KLPX crowd no longer has a need to impress anyone around them with clothes or attitude. There were hardly any dark clothes or outlandish ensembles. Jeans and t-shirts was the outfit of choice, sprinkled with a few bandanas and leather vests from the biker crowd.
In addition, these wise concert elders brought blankets that quilted most of the fairground. Saturday I stood for 7 hours straight without a break, and I noticed that the people that came Sunday were not fooling themselves into thinking they could last all day without taking breaks between bands. I took heed and found my own spot on the grass.
The 30th anniversary of KLPXfest featured an epic classic rock line-up. I have always been a fan of 80’s rock, but it wasn’t until today that I became aware of how the music has changed in the last 30 years.
Sunday’s opener Great White was greeted by a crowd that was ready to rock loud and hard. Most of the crowd standing near the stage was cheering and singing with each song, and then more people joined when Great White finished with their most recognizable hit “Once Bitten, Twice Shy.” This made me realize that since these bands have been around for such a long time, I would expect a more intense reaction with each stirring of nostalgia.
During the intermission between bands, KLPX announced that the next band Ratt had to cancel due to illness. Not wanting to leave their fans disappointed, Ratt has scheduled a make-up performance on a later date.
War came on next with their laid back yet funky styling. As War played “Why Can’t We Be Friends” I saw a unity among the crowd as people would hold hands and sway to the music, it was a different pace to the head banging I’m used to being around.
As the evening set Styx possibly gave the best show of the night. They were energetic, funny, personable and extraordinary. A legendary band and much anticipated by those who partook in KLPXfest. Styx were the only band to give an encore to the demanding audience. Their presentation gave the impression that the band itself was excited to be part of the night.
Unfortunately for half of the crowd who left after Styx finished performing, REO Speedwagon came on and was absolutely incredible. Lucky for me and others waiting for REO, there was room for us to come close to the stage. I was taken aback that so many people had left, and wondered why KLPX had chosen to end with REO Speedwagon. Although it seemed as if there was more anticipation for Styx, I think people knew more REO Speedwagon songs. After so much excitement during the day, the mellowness of REO Speedwagon and lulled the remaining crowd into a near-slumber and put those blankets to good use.
Fall Ball concert photos by Alonso Murillo | www.photobyalonso.com
KLPXfest concert photos by Mike Leland | www.mikeleland.com
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