San Francisco USA
Written By Sason Bishope Parry
The 1st of several planned exciting concerts located at Golden Gate Park’s Pollo fields is underway for Saturday, August 17th. As soon as organizers Another Planet Entertainment, put the event on sale, it sold out with 50,000 tickets snatched up in less than ninety minutes. Organizers will utilize the Pollo Fields, which will be transformed into a vibrant hub of musical excitement. Performing at the 1st inaugural event are dual headliners System of a Down and Atmospheric rockers The Deftones, both of which will be celebrating more than three decades of making music. Also taking the stage will be The Mars Volta, Viagra Boys, and VOWWS, rounding off an incredible lineup.
As the sun sets over beautiful Golden Gate Park, thousands of passionate music lovers will come together to celebrate their shared love of music, creating an atmosphere that should be both electric and exhilarating. More than just a concert, organizers promise a celebration of community, creativity, and connection spanning decades. Whether you’re a seasoned concertgoer or attending your first live show, you’ll feel right at home amidst Golden Gate Park’s warm and welcoming atmosphere.
But what about the set lists? With bands like SOAD and Deftones, which have a massive catalogue, the one question on fans’ minds is what they will play. Every music fan has their favourite song or songs they love and eagerly anticipate hearing live. That one song that got them hooked and may have made them a lifelong fan. Although we don’t have a crystal ball, we dug deep to develop this list.
HERE ARE OUR TOP 5 PICKS WE HOPE TO HEAR FROM EACH BAND:
SYSTEM OF A DOWN:
Toxicity:
No SOAD show would be complete without what’s arguably their most famous song, “Toxicity,” from the highly acclaimed album of the same name. This track is characterized by its driving rhythm and extremely catchy chorus that invariably ignites fans to scream out at live shows. The song’s socio-political commentary and infectious energy have made it a staple of System of a Down’s live performances. I can see it as one of their encores!
Chop Suey:
The electrifying track, “Chop Suey,” is always awesome live!” The song’s intricate blend of heavy guitar riffs, pounding drums, and dynamic vocals translate well to the stage, often resulting in an intense and energetic atmosphere. Serj Tankian’s powerful voice and passionate delivery, combined with the band’s tight instrumentation, make for a
memorable experience for fans. If they play this song, we expect it to be a standout moment that should leave a lasting impression on concertgoers.
Aerials:
Another fan favourite, known for its haunting melodies and introspective lyrics, “Aerials” is an incredible track that showcases the band’s musical versatility and emotional depth. Its atmospheric soundscapes and soaring vocals would make it another highlight of their setlist. Imagine the scene in the Polo Fields, surrounded by the beautiful Golden Gate Park scenery, as SOAD rips through this track.
B.Y.O.B.:
With its politically charged lyrics and explosive energy, “B.Y.O.B.” never fails to ignite the crowd. Its hard-hitting riffs and anthemic chorus make it a fan favourite that is sure to get everyone fired up at the concert, especially given the current state of the world. “We wrote ‘B.Y.O.B.’ as an anti-war statement. It’s a party song that talks about war and terrorism, but it’s not pro-war. It’s a protest against the way things are.” – Serj Tankian
Sugar:
Closing out the top 5 would be “Sugar,” which is a blend of aggression and melody that defined SOAD’s sound in the early years. “Sugar” is one of the standout tracks from the album “System of a Down,” released in 1998, and showcases the band’s signature blend of heavy metal, alternative rock, and socially conscious lyrics. Its infectious groove and catchy hooks are guaranteed to leave the audience wanting more.
DEFTONES:
Change (In the House of Flies):
This standout track from their repertoire, “Change (In the House of Flies),” is characterized by incredible guitar soundscapes and deep-cutting vocals by the always emotional and amazing Chino Moreno. Its brooding atmosphere and introspective lyrics make it a fan favourite and one that is sure to command a sing-along.
My Own Summer (Shove It):
Known for its infectious groove and catchy chorus, “My Own Summer (Shove It)” is one of those tracks that just exudes high energy and never fails to get any crowd moving. Its driving rhythm and dynamic musical shifts make it a staple of their live performances. My only hope is that I’ll be at the stage front and centre if they drop this track!
Digital Bath:
“Digital Bath” is another favourite known for its atmospheric and ethereal vibe, characterized by dreamy guitar melodies and Chino Moreno’s haunting vocals. The band often amplifies the song’s intensity in a live setting while retaining its atmospheric qualities. The dynamics between the band members onstage add to the experience, with their chemistry and energy often enhancing the track’s appeal. Overall, “Digital Bath” should deliver a powerful and immersive experience that I’m sure will go over well.
Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away):
This is one of those anthemic rockers who is characterized by its massive, soaring chorus and powerful vocals. The dynamic shifts between quiet verses and explosive choruses make it a standout track in The Deftones’ discography that should leave a lasting memory.
Hole in The Earth:
And last on our wish list is probably my favourite song by the Deftones. The recording is phenomenal and one of those timeless tracks that gets better whenever you hear it. However, hearing and seeing them play “Hole in the Earth” live takes on a whole new dimension that is sure to captivate fans with its raw emotion and sonic intensity. All I can say is if they play this track, fans should expect to be swept away by the band’s dynamic stage presence. Chino Moreno’s impassioned vocals will draw you in, while the band’s tight musicianship and electrifying energy will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout their performance. It’s a must!
THE MARS VOLTA:
The Widow:
The Mars Volta is known for their energetic and unpredictable live shows, and “The Widow” is often a standout moment in their setlist. It is a hauntingly beautiful ballad characterized by its expressive vocals from Cedric Bixler-Zavala and the band’s intricate instrumentation. Fans can expect a powerful and immersive experience that captures the essence of the studio version while offering new and exciting interpretations of the song’s themes and musical elements. This is a favourite that is sure to captivate.
L’Via L’Viaquez:
With its Latin-inspired rhythms and experimental flourishes, “L’Via L’Viaquez” is a tour de force of musical virtuosity that should get fans dancing. Its dynamic shifts and intricate arrangements make it a must-hear live. The band often extends instrumental sections, allowing for intricate guitar solos, dynamic drumming, and keyboard embellishments. Cedric Bixler-Zavala’s vocals are delivered with passion and intensity, captivating the audience with his dynamic performance. This could be their stand-out tack!
Televators:
Another favourite and known for its ethereal vocals and swirling guitars, “Televators” is a mesmerizing track that showcases The Mars Volta’s talent for crafting atmospheric soundscapes. Its haunting melody and introspective lyrics are sure to resonate with the audience. Guitarist Omar Rodriguez-Lopez’s solo makes a mesmerizing song, adding depth and intensity to their performance. If played, this should be a memorable and immersive experience for fans.
Cassandra Gemini:
Clocking in at over 32 minutes, “Cassandra Gemini” is an epic journey through The Mars Volta’s musical universe. Its sprawling arrangement and complex structure make it a
challenging yet rewarding listen that fans will enjoy even more live. The thought of this incredible and lengthy jam session blasting out from the Outsideland’s mainstage should be enough to build a fan’s anticipation.
Goliath:
Rounding out the list is “Goliath,” a thunderous rocker characterized by its blistering guitars and frenetic energy. The track is from their fourth studio album, “The Bedlam in Goliath,” released in 2008. It features a blend of progressive rock, experimental sounds, and intricate musicianship, characteristic of The Mars Volta’s style. An explosive chorus and intense vocals make it a standout track in The Mars Volta’s repertoire.
VIAGRA BOYS:
Sports:
An energetic anthem that blends punk rock with post-punk influences, “Sports” is a crowd-pleaser known for its infectious groove and irreverent lyrics. “Sports” was the debut single released by these punk rockers from Sweden, and its high-energy performance is sure to get the crowd moving.
Just Like You:
With its gritty guitars and sardonic lyrics, “Just Like You” is a standout track that showcases Viagra Boys’ unique blend of punk and garage rock. It’s catchy hooks and deadpan delivery by lead singer Sebastian Murphy make it a fan favourite.
Ain’t Nice:
This swaggering rocker is characterized, by its bluesy groove and devil-may-care attitude. Expect the band to fully embrace the song’s rebellious spirit and deliver a performance that pushes boundaries and challenges norms with its infectious rhythm and wry lyrics that continue to resonate with the fans.
Down in the Basement:
“Down in the Basement” is a high-energy track with driving rhythms and intense vocals. In a live setting, fans can expect the band to amplify the energy of the song and engage the audience with its infectious groove and dynamic performance. It’s another standout track that is sure to leave a lasting impression on all in attendance.
Worms:
Closing out the list is “Worms,” a gritty punk rocker from their debut album “Street Worms,” which showcases the band’s raw energy and irreverent humour. The track features a blend of punk, post-punk, and experimental rock elements, with atmospheric guitars and driving rhythms. Expect the band to showcase their musical versatility and tight instrumentation, creating a sonic landscape with an infectious energy that will get everyone pumped up at the concert.
VOWWS:
Structure of Love:
This mesmerizing track from the exciting Australian duo combines darkwave, industrial, and post-punk influences to create a brooding, atmospheric sonic landscape. Its hypnotic rhythm and haunting vocals, courtesy of charismatic singer-guitarist Matt James, are sure to captivate new and old fans alike.
Heartbreaker:
Another crowd-pleaser, with its shimmering guitars and ethereal vocals, “Heartbreaker” is a hauntingly beautiful ballad. The track showcases the VOWWS’ immense talent for crafting emotive melodies and evocative lyrics. Its melancholic vibe and introspective lyrics are a good bet for their 1st show ever at the iconic Golden Gate Park.
Forget Your Finery:
This dark, brooding track combines elements of post-punk, shoegaze, and industrial music to create a hypnotic sonic experience. Its driving rhythm and impassioned vocals make it a standout track in VOWWS’ repertoire that should engage the audience.
Impulse Control:
Known for its pulsating synths and delicious groovy textures, “Impulse Control” is another standout track that will get fans on their feet and dancing up a frenzy. Its atmospheric production and Matt James’s evocative lyrics should make it a fan favourite in a live setting.
Esseff:
Closing out what we hope is part of their set list is “Esseff,” a brooding, atmospheric track that showcases VOWWS’ talent for crafting cinematic soundscapes. Its haunting melodies and emotional lyrics dig deep and leave a long-lasting impression. It’s a guaranteed song that, if played, should leave fans wanting more.
Whether our picks align with other fans, there is no question that each of these fantastic bands will deliver an incredible set that should appeal to all music lovers. We just can’t wait for the lights to dim and the music to begin. So, mark your calendars, gather your friends, and prepare for a night you won’t soon forget at the 1st Golden Gate Park concert.
See you at the park on August 17th!
For more complete info on the Golden Gate Park Concert, go to: www.goldengateparkconcerts.com
