It’s been many, many years since Korn graced the stages of UK venues and even then the focus was purely on a select few dates primarily around the capital. The music scene has shifted significantly since their last appearance over here, yet the interest generated by their first ever appearance in Newcastle was incredible.
The jam-packed Carling Academy was literally bursting at the seams and the anticipation grew significantly during the support slots by the Deathstars and Flyleaf. When Korn finally hit the stage at the rather late time of 9:45 pm, the crowd were well up for a lively night, however things were not quite as expected. Due to a family illness, guitarist Munky was absent much to the disappointment of many in the hall with his place being taken by Shane Gibson, who acquitted himself admirably throughout, which is particularly impressive bearing in mind he learned the entire set in just one day. Much to their credit, Korn turned what could have been a potential disaster into somewhat of a triumph when the easier option would have been to cancel the tour.
“Right Now” opened the show and the band proceeded to romp through “Starting Over” and a riotous “A.D.I.D.A.S.” Jonathan Davis is as manic as ever, flinching and spasmodically hurling himself around, grasping his HR Geiger-like microphone stand as if he’s on the receiving end of an electric shock.
Fieldy, the only other original Korn member on stage tonight looked like the bastard offspring of Side-Show Bob with a striking mane of hair billowing over the top of his bandana as he prowled the stage. delivering his trademark slap bass lines.
As Korn hadn’t been in the UK for so long, their set list was packed full of the songs every Korn aficionado would want to hear from “Falling Away”, “Freak On A Leash,” and the set closer “Got The Life,” which sparked a mass riot in the ever-lively mosh-pit. Korn also chucked in some welcome vintage cuts such as “Ass Itch” from Life Is Peachy and “Faget,” which Davis dedicated to the Hardcore fans.
Korn didn’t neglect their new album, featuring the superb single “Evolution, a song that showcases the more melodic side of Davis. In fact Davis really shines on the tracks where he sings rather than roars and shows what a pretty decent singing voice that he has.
With a highly impressive laser show that added to the atmosphere of the songs, combined with the strong, energetic stage presence of both Davis and Fieldy, Korn kept the attention level high throughout. Added to this, the incredibly scary sight of back-up singer Kalen Chase in full flight, and the superb Ray Luzier on drums, Korn fans had a blast.
On a night when Korn could have struggled, they rose to the occasion and delivered a stunning couple of hours of cracking Metal that will have left its mark on the packed Carling Academy and made their debut appearance in Newcastle one that will be talked about for some time to come.
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