We’re BACK! What a crazy couple of years it has been. The metal fans gathered in droves to pack the Budweiser Stage in Toronto recently. The Knotfest Roadshow always brings a healthy crowd to the waterfront venue and this year was no exception.

Unfortunately there was a modification to the supporting acts. Hip Hop / Punk artists Ho99o9 had to back out from the show due to Yeti Bones contracting Covid. Cypress Hill took over the slot, by having DJ Lord spin metal tunes getting the crowd pumped for the show. Eventually rapper B-Real and percussionist Eric Bobo made their way to the stage to start their set. B-Real smoked a huge blunt while smoke machines billowed in the background for effect. Their set was tight, fun and energetic.  Surprisingly Cypress Hill didn’t play any songs from their 10th studio album Back in Black which was released March 18 2022. They performed a 17 song set list (click HERE to see) ending their performance with the cover Jump Around by House of Pain.

 

The lights dropped, the crowd went wild and the PA played “For Those About To Rock” by AC/DC and “Get Behind Me Satan” by Billie Joe Spears. The crowd was pumped and ready to rumble as the huge Slipknot kabuki sign bounced up to the sky to reveal the spectacle which is Slipknot.

Opening their show with “Disasterpiece”, it didn’t take long for the tsunami of crowd surfers rolling through the pit. The tornado of moshers also quickly ensued. Water bottles where flung and the fans where letting lose. It was refreshing to see people gathering and enjoying each other, while letting out their pent up frustrations from being cooped up for 2 years.

Slipknot unleashed the adrenaline, running around, flipping hair and swinging on metal kegs. Smoke and pyro were a staple to their performance. At one point you could see V-Man at the top of the stage with a flame thrower harnessed to him as fireballs shot out into the sky. The aggressive emphatic drum beats, paired with the grinding metal guitar tones and growling vigorous vocals was like an auditory wall cranking up the decibels to max levels. The visual art from the band, to the huge screens that where strategically placed made the ambience very chaotic (but in a good way).

Frontman Corey Taylors vocals were on par, belting out song after song with little hesitation. I’ve seen Corey perform twice before, once with Stone Sour as well as the 2019 Knotfest Road Show with Slipknot. He maintains a personable demeanor, genuinely humbled, no Rock Star attitude. It’s very refreshing. Hidden behind the mask, a decent character is visible. He referred to the fans as family stating “that’s the one things about this family is the ties they share through music”. With that announcement started “Heretic Anthem” and the crowd went wild, 555 – 666… Something caught my eye at stage right. A fan had somehow made his way to Clowns percussion riser and started pounding on the drums next to Micheal Crahan. Security detail were swift to act and evacuated the intruder.

“Snuff” was performed and the full capacity venue lit up. Prior to the song, Corey spoke about it being 13 years in the waiting and to wish him luck, since he had no idea how he was going to pull it off. In the end Corey did a great job.

Their set list comprised of 17 song. (Click HERE to view) Performing “People = Shit” and “Surfacing” as their encore.

Throughout the show I wondered how they could perform for nearly two hours wearing masks and their outfits in 30 degree weather, with flames tickling their backsides. I guess they do what they need to do as the show must go on.

It was so nice to let lose amongst “the family” that night. Slipknot put on an amazing show. Concert goers exiting the building where stoked with what they had witnessed.

Check them out if you have the chance. You won’t be disappointed!

Slipknot are : Shawn Crahan (Known as Clown) Co- founder of Slipknot and Percussionist \ Craig Jones (Known as 133) Sampler and Keyboardist \ Mick Thomson (Known as #7) Guitarist \ Corey Taylor (Known as #8) Vocalist \ Sid Wilson (Known as DJ Starscream) Turntablist \ Jim Root (Known as #4) Guitarist \ Alex Venturella (Known as V-man) Bassist \ Jay Weinberg (Known as BallBag) Drummer \ Michael Pfaff (Known as New Guy) Percussionist.

Connect with Cypress Hill online : WEBSITE / FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM / TWITTER 

Connect with Slipknot online : WEBSITE / FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM / TWITTER 

All image are ©Sue Hebert Sadzak 2022. Please do not copy or use without consent.

Cypress Hill

Slipknot