Rock for People: Day 1

It has to be said that yesterday was a pretty perfect start for the four day Rock fest that is Rock For People 2010.  Tans & Tattoos were all on show as the Summer sun beat down upon the highly spirited party people.  In all honesty, Friday’s line up served as more of an introduction for me to the predominately Czech line up.  After collecting my pass & pitching my modest tent I managed to catch some of the opening acts and get a really good feel for the festival’s layout.

At the Rock & Pop stage I found the sounds of Arciskačány’s blissfully off-key, semi pop harmonies slowly drawing in the sun-kissed crowd with relative ease. I warmed to the five piece band despite not understanding a single word of their lyrics! (I think the matching Pokemon T shirts helped.) Their up-beat songs had the early crowd bouncing and cheering when prompted. It was clear that all in attendance are here to have themselves a good time!

Simple Muffin were my second Czech Rock education of the day. As I said, I knew nothing about these guys, but was drawn to them by their name alone. Their show moved quickly and smoothly. Switching between Rock, Ska and occasionally Hip Hop. Each member of the band playing wholeheartedly to the appreciative audience. Simple Muffin’s attitude matched their name: off the wall antics was the mood in the group. The keyboard player in particular, throwing down dance moves that had me in stitches, in the best way possible.

For all you Fifa World Cup fanatics I’m pleased to inform you that the Ocko tent (close to the Rock & Pop Stage) was televising yesterday’s game between Germany and Argentina. I witnessed a lot of happy Germans in tight denim shorts celebrating their teams 4-0 victory. It was a good feeling watching a World Cup game without the intrusive drone of the ever-present VuVuzela, having Simple Muffin in the background was infinitely better. I’m assuming that today’s game will be televised too. So if you want to catch some football action you know where to go.

For those wanting a quick get-a-way from the growing hustle & bustle, the lake opposite the Festival site is a perfect touch. A dusty oasis away from the ambient baselines and  the deep fried klobasa scent. I took a quick trip to the other side before entering RFP and was pleasantly surprised. Picture relaxed people, basking in the sun sipping on ice cold beers, definitely a good place to take a breather and re-charge the batteries.

I’m looking forward to another day in the sun rocking with you guys. Some names I’m more familiar with: Skunk Anansie, The Prodigy & Tricky all representing the UK nicely today! I’m also looking forward to topping up my ever growing Czech Rock educational experience. A little tip though, if you’re heading out today pack your sun-screen I think it’s going to be a hot one!

More soon!

Craig Monts