Virus Festival

The Virus Festival is organised by students of the University of Eindhoven. It's been held since 1991, and besides different styles of music there is also theatre, films and comedy. I wanted to go for the music, so that's what I've seen basically.

12.00 - The doors should have opened at this time. I was nervous, not only because I was totally alone but it also was my very first festival, though I already been to a lot of concerts, this was a whole lot different! After I got my red wristband and I was in I had almost than a hour waiting to do!

13.15 - The Strikes play at the main stage. First thing I noticed, I already had seen when I was waiting and watching the sound check, was the guitarist who looked very much like Nick Valensi of the Strokes! What are the odds! The show was great, lot of instrumental breaks which I loved! Nick Valensi (Who appeared not to be named Nick, but Jimmy.) did a lot of solo breaks. Only like 10 people where really seeing the show, which was a right pity cause I enjoyed myself really well and this blues band deserved a bigger crowd!

14.15 - Inside the auditorium, in the red hall (a small, cosy looking room with a low stage) singer/songwriter Jason Molina does his performance. Everybody sits on the floor when he starts to play and it appears to be a very good way to listen to his soft and slow songs. The way he sings is like Jason is in another world, or too shy to sing in front of public, a right shame cause else it could have been really good! There seem to be a few fans in the room, who sing along and make it a lot more pleasant to be there.

Time to get myself a beer and go to the toilet before the next performance.

15.30 - Smutfish in the same red hall. Again everybody sits on the floor, but this time it's a lot harder to sit still. The songs are very joyful, and the band seems to be enjoying themselves. A lot of interaction between the band and public makes it even more enjoyable. The whole set takes over an hour, which is apparently longer than the other performances I saw. At the end of the show people already leave to see another appearance, which would start soon. I await this show.

Another 45 minutes of before the next show. 17.15 - One of the bands I came for today: Voicst plays at the main stage. A lot of energy and goofiness. Shortly the only thing I can say about this performance is 'amazing'! The drummer often threw his drumsticks in the crowd, what caused people to do crazy things to get them. When the set was over the crowd kept shouting for a encore, we kept shouting until they came back. They told us this wasn't usual for festivals, but this wasn't just any festival; this was the Virus Festival!

18.30 - Jaya the Cat an American band that attracted a lot of fans. I liked the mixture of Punk and Reggae, but the singers voice annoys me and so after 30 minutes I am awaiting the set to stop, but eventually they played 8 minutes longer than they should have and I didn't even notice it!

Some free time again, dinner time so I get myself a sandwich and something to drink.

20.15 - Ozark Henry at the main stage, his voice is eccentric, but after three songs I have had enough of it. Apparently I am not the only one who's getting bored, cause his guitarist doesn't really seem in his place. He changes guitars way to many times and even in the middle of songs, the band doesn't really seem to enjoy themselves. Even though Ozark has a very strange grin over his face the entire time.

After Ozarks show a lot of young boys joined me at the front row at the main stage. They annoyingly enthusiastic ask where that real big fish is and when it will perform. We have to wait 45 minutes and if they had looked in the booklet, they could have known. Few by few more people come over to the main stage, but I firmly keep my front row place.

22.15 - Finally Reel big fish comes up on the stage, and only seconds later the party has started! I was just aside of the mosh area and the people around me where very still and made me feel like a complete fool for jumping around. On the stage it was a hyperactive mess and it was great! Unfortunately I didn't know many of the songs, thanks to all the record stores for not selling any RBF cd's! After the Aha cover 'Take on me' the band left the stage, but from backstage we where told to shout for more and so we did! Eventually the band returned for a last song, but then it was really finished!

It didn't mean the end of the festival, but as it was the last band to play I decided to call it quits and I called for my ride home. It had been a great, but tiring day! It was great, a bit boring because I was alone, but the bands and music where great!
I'll be there again next time! Yet, not alone!!

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