If any band is visually dafter, it's Kiss, who descend like cartoon characters in body armour and full makeup. Alas, they could never outrock the Priest, and should open with more hits rather than try to demonstrate metal credentials. However, as drum solos diminish, darkness descends and we are instructed to Lick It Up, the video screens pick out the full elongated horror of Gene Simmons' tongue. Gradually, Kiss become an aural-visual extravaganza. Simmons levitates to a raised platform, and I Was Made for Loving You is surely the weekend's only disco anthem. Their piece de resistance sees singer Paul Stanley flying across the field on a pulley, like Superman, although the Man of Steel obviously favoured much more sensible clothing.
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Thursday 26 June 2008
Download Festival, Donington Park, Castle Donington
While Glastonbury seems to have made a miscalculation by going for a more hip-hop bling crowd, the six-year-old Download festival has captured a trend by recognising the return to vogue of vintage heavy metal. As younger metal bands get ever more po-faced and serious, no generation should escape such quintessential metal silliness as the sight of a grown man wearing a silver cape and hood, carrying a three-pronged fork and proclaiming "I am Nostradamus". Judas Priest singer Rob Halford does look rather grizzled, but hasn't really been around since the 16th century, and obviously didn't prophesy that when he switched to more familiar leather and studs he would look like an S & M Michael Eavis. No matter, Halford is a bona fide Metal God, and anthems such as Hell Bent for Leather rock hard enough to win a whole new field of fans. The chuffed singer declares: "The Priest are back!" and even revives his old motorcycle riding stunt, this time without tumbling from the stage.
