Brian Ronald’s Sweden Rock Festival’s Top 5 Performances
Well, another successful Sweden Rock Festival is in the books and the good news is I have shed the SRF “virgin” title I garnered last year. All of us CGCM contributors were tasked with coming up with our top 5 performances of the festival. Because there were 92 artists to choose from, I decided on a very simple criterion. The top 5 would consist of bands that I had seen all or most of their set as running back and forth to photograph or overlapping was quite common. So here goes……
Number 5 – Powerwolf – Rock Stage
I am not usually a fan of European power metal bands but these German rockers were absolutely fabulous. I was going to leave after my 3-song photo pit shoot but I ended up staying through the whole set.
Number 4 – Enforcer – Pistonhead Stage
Swedish hard rock with a touch of melody was just what I needed to hear for these guys to creep into the top 5. They were on my radar as soon as they were announced and did not disappoint.
Number 3 – Wig Wam – Sweden Stage
I had seen Age Sten Nilsen’s band Ammunition a few years ago and they did sing some Wig Wam songs but this time it was the real deal. These Norwegians sure put on a fun and energetic show. Loved it!
Number 2 – Skid Row – Festival Stage
Well, what can I say? Seeing Erik sing for the first time in Skid Row and in his home country and on the festival stage was amazing. He truly brings back my love of hearing these songs again. I knew they would be good but did not expect them to end up in my number 2 spot. So good to see both Erik back healthy and Skid Row back in business.
Number 1 – TNT – Rock Stage
TNT are one of my favourite bands, period. They were my number 1 band to see heading into the festival. I have seen TNT with Tony Mills and I have seen Tony Harnell solo but never together. They were booked on the 2017 Monsters of Rock Cruise but cancelled just before sail away. I wanted to jump overboard. This time it actually happened and I cried like a baby. If you know, you know. I really can’t add anything more.
Honourable Mentions
1. Ghost
2. Lita Ford
3. Airbourne
4. Wolfmother
Pleasant Surprises
1. Liar Thief Bandit
2. Hot Breath
Until next year………….
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