Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Rock The Bells @ Hyundai Pavilion, 8/11/07
()
Large crowds, temps close to 100 degrees and pepper spray in the air. Ahh yes, just another night in San Bernardino. The premiere hip hop (+ one Rage Against the Machine) festival Rock The Bells rolled through the 909 this past weekend and what was billed as a celebration of respect and unity turned into a bit of a mob scene.
There was something for every hip hop fan on the bill. Your backpackers got the Roots and a whole stage of independent and upcoming MC's, including LA's own MURS who did rock the main stage with an impromptu set. Your conscientious hip-hop fan got Mos Def and Talib Kweli who combined to perform as the outstanding Blackstar. For your more hardcore fan you got Wu-Tang and for your nostalgic fan there were Cypress Hill and Public Enemy.
Then you had this little group called Rage Against the Machine...
Support for LAist comes from
()
The Roots were one of the standouts. The legendary crew put on a great show with a great set list of both old new and covers. They are one of the most versatile acts, not just hip-hop but period, out today. Boasting a full brass section, a tuba player, the amazing Captain Kirk on guitar, the iconic ?uestlove on drums and the most underrated emcee in the game Black Thought, the Roots tore through their set of classics like "You Got Me" and "Proceed" to new hits like "Here I Come." They were even joined by Nas, who did not show for his own set earlier in the day, on two of his own tracks. I was worried about the Roots set, I have seen the 7 times now and their most recent set at Coachella was a let down for me but this performance reaffirmed my stance on the power and ingenuity of their live set.
()
>
()
()
()
Support for LAist comes from
As I mentioned, there was one moment when the scene looked as if it were going to turn ugly. As we waited to enter the photo pit for Wu-Tang a rush of people ran out of the venue, followed by more all covering their mouth and nose with their shirts, some being carried out and at least one throwing up. We were unsure what the hell was going on but soon the stinging and burning of my eyes and throat made it apparent that pepper spray had been used on part of the crowd to control the fans moving forward to get closer for Rage and Wu-Tang.
()
()
()
If I had to make a rough estimate I would say that 75% of the crowd was at the show for Rage. There was a sense in the air that the place would explode for them and when the opening of "Bulls on Parade" the place nearly did. I have not been shooting/reviewing shows for that long but I can say that shooting this band, and the anticipation and build-up to it, was one of the highlights of my young career. Security was tight as expected so safety was not necessarily a concern in the photo pit but there was a sense that something could happen.
()
()
Support for LAist comes from
()
()
()
After seeing them at Coachella and now this past weekend, Rage has proven that they are not only a relevant voice but also a necessary one in today’s musical landscape. The time of artists speaking their minds and using their platform has passed; now it's all about record sales and contracts. As it stands, the band is only together for this last year but as the current state of our world evolves and changes, this band can once again speak to a generation and prove their relevance again.
All photos by Joey Maloney. Check out the rest of the pics over at the photoset
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars. -
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity.
-
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
-
Monarch butterflies are on a path to extinction, but there is a way to support them — and maybe see them in your own yard — by planting milkweed.
-
With California voters facing a decision on redistricting this November, Surf City is poised to join the brewing battle over Congressional voting districts.
-
The drug dealer, the last of five defendants to plead guilty to federal charges linked to the 'Friends' actor’s death, will face a maximum sentence of 65 years in prison.
Best of LAist