The Rock Show

I thought I’d never get to catch ‘Rock The World’ again. It was like 4 years ago since I went to the ‘Rock The World I’. Well I think it’s the first one and it was held in the Midvalley outdoor carpark(the carpark is no longer there). It’s not that I don’t have the time to go but there’s like no one into the same things. I was like this queer who enjoys rock music ‘nerdier’ than any straight people I know. Happened to be one who loves rock music, British rock mostly and some local rock bands. This time, I went to the ‘Rock The World IV’ with a housemate. Straight of course(and he knows my sexuality, in fact all my housemates know. More about this later…)

It was yesterday actually and we were like asking everyone the way to the venue. It’s amazing when everyone we asked came with their own different directions. I mean, if you are not sure about something, don’t try to be so wise. Certain matters are better left to the one who knows. Anyhow, from this reliable source(he’s like knowing every single road in KL), we managed to locate the venue with the direction given.

We were not sure at first but we just followed the people who dressed like they’re going to the concert. We followed the flow and guess what, there were like thousands of people queuing to get the tickets! I should have listened to myself to buy the ticket earlier. Too late. We were in the wrong line at first and this cute guy(he is, really) behind me informed us that it was the entrance line not the ticket line! He probably overheard our conversation about the tickets and we were like, what? we were already half way in and we have to brave the oceans of people just to be on the other end of the other line! I mean, the management should have put proper signage or something so that people won't get confused of which line they should take.

So after we got the tickets(RM 25 per arse), we decided to fill up a bit and hoping the line will ease a little but it’s getting worst! We decided to move and got into the line. Then, it started to rain and people started to push each other. I was sandwiched between thousands of people and things were out of control. At times I lost sight of my friend. Being only with the two of us, it’s kinda make me nervous cos if I lost him, I’d be the only queer without friends there and the Matthew Shepard things quickly came into my mind(how pathetic). Luckily, I saw him near the entrance and luckily we managed to be among the first 3000 to get the t-shirt! We were so excited and we started to feel the heat when we got inside the stadium.

Merdeka Stadium were really well preserved by whoever it is. It was my first time there. This is where the founding father announced the independence of Malaya and it’s now where the post-independence kids banging heads and get high. They still have the ‘twisting steel wheel’ at the entrance. I don’t know what to call it but it was so pre-war to me. We decided to seat in the field on the left corner of the stage instead of the bleachers. Like any other event in Malaysia, the gig started almost 2 hours late instead of at 4pm promised. But then, if they were to start at the stipulated time, we would have missed 2 or 3 bands.

I was looking around hoping to see someone I know but it was useless. But I saw this guy who I think used to be my classmate during my lower secondary year in Kedah. I didn’t have the nerve to shout out at him. What if he didn’t recognise me? Back to the gig, they started with a few not so well known bands like Single Trackmind, Tragic Comedy, Couple and Evenstar. I think they did it on purpose. I personally wait for Seven Collar T-shirt and Disagree to perform. We went crazy when it was OAG, Republic of Brickfields(with a number by Bob Marley’s ‘No Women No Cry’), Roots ‘n’ Boots, Love Me Butch and One Buck Short. This is the time where I left all the shits behind and screamed out loud to release all the clutters inside. I feel that Nice Stupid Playground has lost their glory days. They didn’t sound like they used to. Tempered Mental was cool with that song(I forgot the title). The Hidden was ok too. We lost each other a few times though. I managed to find him by remembering the colour of his t-shirt. We decided to take a rest for a moment since my friend had injured his right leg due to the ecstasy. We filled up a bit and enjoying the sight from the tracks.

The crowds were crazy and went even crazier when it comes to Cromok to perform. We weren’t into Cromok so we just seating on the tracks and enjoying the moment where all the metal rockers jumping and banging their heads. Dragon Red also performed with their shoutings numbers. Not into them too. I joined the crowds again when it's Seven Collar T-shirt's turn to perform. My friend decided to call it off so I went in alone. They came out with their latest numbers and they were damn great! I fall in love with their songs(and the lead singer...). His voice and the songs were so sexy that I decided to buy their cd afterwards. The band is really my type and I don’t mean to make any comparison here but they sound a bit like Radiohead which I technically listen to everyday. Honestly, their music arrangement is something to be proud of and would have gone international if they want to. I did not get paid buy saying this but even though I don’t play instruments(well I tried to but I’m not one of the geniuses out there who can do anything they want. I’m into drums….and cute drummers), I still can tell what good songs sound like. Seven Collar T-shirt, I swear to devote my life for you! You guys are maverick rock maestros!

It was really a crowd-puller when it was Disagree performing. Well they should because they were like the hottest band for local English rock scene at the moment and happened to be the last band to perform that night. 'Crumbs’ was so popular that almost all of us sang in unison. ‘Suicide Note’ also pulled the same motion. Jason Lo(the person responsible to make this possible) made a special appearance with the band.

Before we go back, I bought Seven Collar T-shirt cd from the stall they had set up. It costs me RM20 which is cheaper than the market price and it’s original!. We took the last LRT home, exhausted and all the way grinned in satisfaction!