Gallery, ReviewDitch This MagazineDecember 10, 2023gallery, live, melbourne, Odin Imaging, Nathan Goldsworthy, odin imaging, Good Things Festival, Destroy All Lines, Zheani, Limp Bizkit, John Cain Arena

Limp Bizkit + Zheani @ John Cain Arena 08-12-23

photos & words: Nathan Goldsworthy @odin.imaging

It what was another busy day of live music in Melbourne, the ritual commenced at John Cain Arena with and emerging artist from central Queensland. Zheani, a sorceress of sonic vibrations, conjuring spells of dark pop and ethereal melodies, showing its possible to so fucked up whist serving c*nt. Yet, this was merely the prelude, the stillness before the storm.

“Hello everybody,” he croaked, his voice a rasping greeting. “I haven’t been feeling my best these past few days,” he admitted, “but I can still stand, still breathe. And, no pun intended, I feel like shit.”

A wave of laughter washed over the crowd, a momentary reprieve from the tense electricity in the air. But it was short-lived, as the opening chords of "Break Stuff" ripped through the speakers, igniting a wildfire of moshing bodies.

Limp Bizkit defies definition. They are a sonic hurricane, a maelstrom of rock, metal, and hip-hop that leaves you breathless and exhilarated. Their music is a potent concoction of aggression, angst, and party anthems, the soundtrack of a generation that yearned to tear down the status quo.

The band took advantage in one of the short breaks between songs to pay respects to the legendary Kraftwerk who were playing just over the road.

Tonight, they embodied all that and more. Fred prowled the stage, a wiry dervish, his voice a guttural roar that ignited the crowd into a frenzy. Sam Rivers’ bass lines rumbled through the arena, while John Otto’s drums were a relentless assault on the senses. Wes Borland’s guitar soared and wailed, weaving intricate melodies amidst the sonic chaos.

Yet, it was Fred who truly held the crowd in the palm of his hand. His every word was met with rapturous cheers, his every gesture a call to arms. He was the ringmaster of this circus, the conductor of this symphony of chaos.

The setlist was a greatest hits bonanza, a nostalgic journey through the band’s long and storied career. From the opening salvo of "Break Stuff" to the closing singalong of "Break Stuff," (Yes, they opened and closed with the same song, genius) they kept the crowd enthralled, leaving them breathless and hungry for more.

As the final notes faded, a sense of exhilaration hung heavy in the air. Limp Bizkit had delivered a performance that was both brutal and brilliant, a stark reminder of why they remain one of the most electrifying bands in the world.

As the crowd flooded out of the arena, a sea of bodies clad in black shirts emblazoned with the words
Not a drop of merch was available at the show, as Zheani sold out of their "I went to the Limp Bizkit show and all I got was this Zheani shirt" at the Brisbane show. This cunning marketing tactic, devised by the opening act, Zheani, proved wildly successful. A testament to the power of a well-timed joke and the enduring popularity of Limp Bizkit's unconventional approach to merchandise sales. This clever play on Limp Bizkit's well-known refusal to sell merchandise at their own shows not only benefited Zheani's own sales but also added a humorous layer to the evening, further solidifying the memory of this unique concert experience.

But it was a fitting tribute to the evening. For tonight, Limp Bizkit ruled the stage, reminding us all why they are a band that will never be forgotten.