With all the alterations of the fabric of the music festival it important to see how the fans feel about many of these changes; in previous blog posts I've mentioned some of the types changes. The range of opinions vary from year to year and festival to festival because of their rapidly changing nature. Most music festival goers generally have good things to say but there are of course the occasional disappointed fans. Leaving fans with a positive lasting impression is crucial in establishing a lasting loyal fan-base.
Maria Gomes, a 19 year old and avid hardcore/metal concert goer, still recalls her first music festival from when she was 16. She went to the 2nd Mayhem Fest back in 2009 and called it "a defining moment" in her life. That year the line up included the legendary metal band Slayer alongside many big name bands of this era. Gomes said the concert had exceeded her expectations "It's was really intense. All the bands were so awesome but Slayer and Cannibal Corpse had the best sets," and she would gladly return the following year.
Steven Valentin, a 23 year old guitarist from Queens, recalled an unexpected experience he had at a music festival. In 2009 he had gone to The Bamboozle music fesitval with his girlfriend, who at the time liked pop rock music. Valentin expressed his feelings by simply saying "I don't listen to that stuff cuz it sucks," asserting that he only went to be supportive.The whole event was an ordeal for him, having to deal with young kids stepping on him and trying to push him around, to drunk parents chaperoning their children. Valentin stated his relief came at the end of the night "Just as we were finally getting ready to leave we heard the band one stage over starting their set, and it was Journey. I mean it wasn't Steve Perry singing, it was that new guy but still. And it was incredible" when he finally got to enjoy himself. Journey was a surprise guest that year, that many people had no idea would be there; so it came as a welcome surprise to those fans.
These stories are just two cases and there are many other like this. Some music festivals provide a venue for all kinds bands to reach a much larger audience, such as 80's rock band Journey playing a show geared towards a different generation. Among the big name bands that many people are familiar with, fans can also expect to see smaller local bands, which can be interesting; seeing your neighbor, friend or cousin performing on a big stage.
Music festivals have also served as a way for sponsors to promote new merchandise, giveaways, and contests. Schecter guitars used Uproar Fest '11 to promote their new signature model guitars, they hosted informational videos and brochures; along with employees to field any additional questions. They even allowed passerby's to pick up these new guitars plugin and play. Other tours like last years My Chemical Romance/Blink 182 Honda Civic Tour featured giveaways of a custom Honda civic as well as a custom Kawasaki Motorcycle. These sorts of things are usually all included in the admission price but generally do require you to sign-up on site; so it's just another reason for fans to get excited.
