Austin City Limits. For two weekends, people from all over the world get together to celebrate music. From the legends that have made their mark, to those getting their name out there, there was no shortage of music to enjoy. Even though I did not go to the third day of the weekend, (My apologies to Camila Cabello, Travis Scott and Arctic Monkeys), I was able to see two outstanding concerts: Paul McCartney and Metallica.
(Sir Paul performing)
Paul McCartney
Four years ago, I was fortunate enough to go to the concert McCartney put on in Lubbock. Best night of my life. After years of listening to is music, from The Beatles, Wings and his solo career, I finally got to see him live. Let me tell you, seeing him live is something that must be done. Seeing him sing his hits with The Beatles, Wings and his solo career, and singing along to all the songs, was an unforgettable experience
Four years later, He still puts on an amazing show.
After being on the road for over 7 hours, I was able to get to Zilker Park just before he went on. As soon as he came up on stage and started playing A Hard Day’s Night, I knew I was in for a great show. He had a very diverse setlist, everything from his previous works to his new album, Egypt Station, and throughout the set, the crowd sang along.
During his concerts, he tells stories from his life, From his early life to the Beatles. At ACL, he told a story that I enjoyed very much. The story goes that when Sgt. Pepper’s came out, Jimi Hendrix learned the song and played it. The thing is though, when you play the song, it puts your guitar INSANELY out of tune. So when Hendrix was done, his guitar was out of tune. So he says to the crowd “Is Eric there?”. He meant Eric Clapton, as he tuned his guitar. And he was there, trying to hide himself. Jimi says to Eric “Hey man, Tune my guitar”. Eric replies “Do it yourself”.
Every song he plays is amazing, However, my personal favorite performance was Hey Jude, because as soon as the chorus hits, everyone starts singing. At 76 years old, he still puts on a fantastic show.
Metallica
As much as I love Paul, I went to ACL for another concert. Something heavy. Something that I knew that would blow my mind.
Enter Metallica!
I started listening to Metallica in high school, around the time their movie “Through the Never” was released. When I heard these guys, I was impressed. They rock out hard. Really hard.
When I got to the stage on Saturday, the air was electric. People, young and old, were waiting to see 4 dude in their 50s rock out. The concert began with Ecstasy of Gold, from The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. As soon as the song Hardwired started playing, I knew I was in for a good show.
They put on an awesome show. Like Paul, they had a very diverse setlist as well, some “old stuff”, as James Hetfield said, and some “new stuff” from the album “Hardwired…to Self-Destruct”. All the while, the fans were engaged, headbanging and singing along to the music, myself included. My favorite performance at the concert was “One”. When they usually perform the song, sounds of a battle are playing before the opening chords. This time, it started off with scenes from Johnny Got his Gun, the film which inspired the song. Seeing that was a surprise, but a welcomed one. (Fun Fact: Metallica owns the rights to the film to avoid paying the royalty fees).
After the concert, the band did their usual throwing out the picks to the fans and said their goodbyes. Metallica put on an AWESOME show. Full of metal, full of headbanging, full of fans singing along.
(The only photo I could get of James Hetfield)
The Indies
While ACL is a great place to see the greats of the music industry, don’t forget to see the unknown artists. For these groups, both the Festival and the PBS show is a great way for them to get exposure and build their fanbase, and for people to see bands that they’ve never heard of. If it wasn’t for the PBS show, I never would have heard of Alabama Shakes. If it wasn’t for the Festival, I never would have heard of The Wombats. So, while you’re waiting for the Headliners, check out the smaller stages for great music.
(One of the bands I saw: Naked Giants)
So, You want to go to ACL
You’re making plans to go next year. Or your going to Coachella, Lollapalloza or whatever Rave festival is going on in the desert. Great. Music Festivals are a great way to see the best and what’s new in music. However, if you’re going to one of these festivals for the first time, you’re probably wondering what to bring, what to expect, what to do. To help, I have a few tips for new festival goers to know.
1. Water is your friend
Walking around at ACL, I saw no shortage of water bottles and hydration packs. Water will be a big life saver at a festival, especially if you want to save money on drinks. Be sure to pack a bottle or get a hydration pack. Didn’t bring one? No worries. Some festivals will have them for sale.
2. Do your homework
If you’re going to take a bag or camera, know what’s allowed. Going online to the festival’s website will show what’s allowed and what isn’t. When I went, I took my umbrella, just in cased it rained. I had to leave give it up at the gate. (Twenty bucks wasted.)
3. Drink responsibly
There’s going to be alcohol. I’m not going to say avoid these areas. Just be responsible when drinking. This year, tragedy struck as a man went missing while attending ACL. A few days later, they found his body in a lake. His friends said that when they last saw him, he was incredibly drunk. So PLEASE, drink responsibly.
4. A Flag means a group
There were plenty of flags and signs at Zilker Park. This is done in case someone in a group gets lost, the flag will let them know that their friends are close by. What flag or sign to use is up to the group. Could be a national flag or a creative one. These are a few of my favorites.
(Please give him a lamp)
(I must dance)
(My personal favorite)
All in all, ACL 2018 was one for the books. Lots of great music, lots of good food, lots to do. The thing I got from the Festival was this, people have different lives, different jobs, and different opinions. But, for two weekends, all that is put aside to listen to some great music. And that is awesome.
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