Slipknot: Knotfest Roadshow – RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater – Tuesday, June 14, 2022 – Ridgefield, WA
We were not going to miss this show, even on a Tuesday night. MIRP was fortunate enough to have two of their reviewers at the show along with our photographer. This review will have perspectives from both Susie and Susanna.
Slipknot always delivers and that night was no exception. Luckily, the weather held up and it did not rain, unlike the evening when Stevie Nicks was at the same venue. Apparently, there was a straight downpour for her show but in the Pacific Northwest, it is something we locals come to expect. While many people sported ponchos, just in case, the rest of the audience was a sea of black, and most with cherished Slipknot shirts.
Live music in the Pacific Northwest was very missed due to the pandemic. Seeing bands we love and familiar faces…hugs and knuckle bumps.
Susanna: Up first to start the show was New Jersey hip-hop duo H09909 (pronounced ‘Horror’). Corey Taylor has come out before in interviews stating he is a fan of this duo and after seeing them live, I can see why. H09909 (triple 9 as Corey Taylor put it) is different and maybe ahead of their time. Mixing the genres of hip-hop with a touch of punk and metal, which has been done before but H09909 definitely adds their unique touch to it. Members of H09909 are theOGM (vocals), Eaddy (vocals, guitar/bass synthesizers) and touring drummer Billy Rymer. I was impressed by Billy’s drumming because his kit was simple, but the sound was like he had a huge kit. The song “Mega City Nine” was the most memorable to me. Eaddy and theOGM’s energy never stopped and had great flow. Eaddy at one point thanked the audience, to those that showed up early to check them out. H09909 put on a very entertaining set. I am glad we came early to check them out.
Susie: I had the prime spot to see theOGM from stage right. With their grills sparkling from the bright lights, their energy was intense. Many metal fans seemed confused, but it just goes to show you that Slipknot fans, and fans from the Pacific Northwest are kind, giving everyone a chance. Prancing back and forth across the stage, theOGM and Eaddy rocked out and danced with the frenzy of a storm. It was odd, but we were all ready for music.
Susanna: Before the legendary Cypress Hill took the stage, DJ Lord came out to do his thing and get the crowd pumped. Playing hits from the likes of Pantera and Metallica, of course the audience sang along. You could feel the energy building.
The stage then changed quickly with the drums and percussion set up on stage left and the DJ tower on stage right with a huge skull with glowing eyes and a pot leaf painted on the skull’s forehead. B-Real walked up center stage with a massive blunt in hand fit for Snoop Dogg. Seems like time hasn’t touched Cypress Hill at all. B-Real sounded amazing, Eric Bobo killed it on the drums and percussion and DJ Lord is truly a master at his craft. Noticeably absent was Sen Dog, B-Real informed us that he had to miss due to heart issues. Sen Dog was truly missed, and the audience screamed for admiration for him, hopefully loud enough so he could hear it in LA. My personal favorite part was the percussion and DJ collaboration moment. Eric Bobo showed us just what he is capable of, and we watched in awe as he brought the beat. For the last song in the set, B-Real asked us to get down, sit in our seats or for those on the floor, crouch down. He said we would know when to jump up and to trust him, it’s going to be cool. In the section I was in, we all sat in our seats and sure enough… Cypress Hill covered “Jump Around” by House of Pain and the crowd burst up! So fun! I am so glad I got to see Cypress Hill!
Susie: Again, with the perspective of the front row, I was shocked to see the amount of smoke generated by the crowd. During H09909, the staff required the snuffing out of any vape, cigarette, or joint. However, during Cypress Hill’s set, they let em’ rip. I watched the crowd to my right pass numerous joints around and soon the crowd mellowed a bit. Cool and smooth, B-Real commanded the stage with hits everyone knew. There was a little kid, likely around 7 or 8 next to me, with his dad behind him. When they had everyone stick their middle finger up, the little boy asked his dad if that was ok. With an agreeable nod, the dad said “Ok.” Then, one of the coolest moments of the night was when B-Real said (paraphrased) – “When this song ‘Fuck the Police’ was out, there was conflict. I want everyone to understand that now we are talking about the few police that break the law.” Everyone cheered. Bodies bounced, heads nodded, and the mighty Cypress Hill was the perfect spot to entertain us prior to Slipknot.
Cypress Hill’s set included:
- DJ Lord rips it for 10 minutes
- Weed Medley
- When the Shit Goes Down
- Real Estate
- Hand on the Pump
- Sound of the Pigs
- DJ + Perc Battle
- Illusions (remix)
- Throw Your Set in the Air
- Ain’t Goin Out Like That
- Kill A Man
- Rock Superstar
- Insane In The Brain
- Jump Around
Susanna: I personally had not seen Slipknot for many years so to say I was excited is an understatement. This is one of the few bands that I fell has been able to stand the test of time, continue to rock us and stay groundbreaking in the metal world. I knew I was in for a treat and when the big curtain fell but then was quickly sucked up to the rafters, the heavy music started, fire came from the stage and it was on! Corey Taylor took a few moments to talk and at one point, he actually acknowledged that he was in Ridgefield, Washington! Most acts just say “Hello Portland!” But to Corey, sure there were people in the crowd from Portland, Oregon but that evening, we were all Ridgefield. Thanks for the love there Corey.
New music? Corey teases that it will be happening soon. And “don’t be surprised if you hear some new Slipknot music within the next fucking month my friends.” Slipknot played a new song “Chapeltown” and yes, it kicks ass! Might be my new favorite. Corey also mentioned how Slipknot was almost banned from playing in Portland, Oregon forever. “You set fire to one fucking dressing room.” Ha!
One thing Corey said that really touched me. He said there are 2 things that make us metal-heads great “we don’t listen with our ears. We listen with our hearts with our fucking soul, we listen to every fucking drop of every fucking passion we have in our fucking lives. And because of that, when you join this family, it does not matter what color your skin is, what language you speak, who you love, what you believe, where you live, this is fucking family motherfuckers. And any motherfucker that tries to tell you fucking different, is not apart of this fucking family.” I couldn’t have said it better myself.
Susie: Having had the privilege of having VIP access, I received some special perks. A clear Slipknot bag, a Knotfest face mask, a poster, and access to the Slipknot Museum. What an amazing presentation: Suits, masks, shoes, equipment, it was truly spectacular. Being a Slipknot fan from the beginning, I thoroughly enjoyed the time and care they took in putting such a nice gallery together. I joined my friends at the front of the stage and took position. I met some nice people in line, one in particular, who had a full white Slipknot suit on. His lady was unfamiliar, but endured the moshers, and rushers with the ease of a veteran. Special attention was given to him with picks, and members playing right to him. There was a camera crew filming the entire time, and I watched them turn the camera on the mega fan numerous times. I love Corey Taylor and Slipknot, and was amazed to see their massive set. Having not seen them since Pain in the Grass, over 10 years ago, and prior to that it was a small venue (The Roseland), I’d never seen their massive set except for on video. There was fire, and explosions, little dudes in red capes, and all of the members you’d expect. They stood proud and it was flawless. Watching Clown and the other percussionists was awesome. Fit and energetic, they climbed on everything possible. The sound was amazing, but as Taylor mentioned, it was towards the end of the tour and his voice was scratchy. He hit the notes, but from my angle, I watched him retreat to stage right to drink something, likely to ease his throat.
Slipknot’s set included:
- Disasterpiece
- Wait and Bleed
- All Out Life
- Sulfur
- Before I Forget
- Chapeltown
- Dead Memories
- Unsainted
- Heretic
- Psychosocial
- Devil in I
- Snuff
- Vermilion
- Duality
- Spit it Out
- People = Shit
- Surfacing
Fans were fanatical. There were couples, groups of friends, families all there to see the beloved Slipknot. From the lawn to the pit, and everywhere in between, the intensity was something not often seen. Taylor makes everyone feel welcome, and part of the family. This is the one time I don’t mind being called a maggot.
