Gogol Bordello
Everyone knew that Gogol Bordello's 3AM performance at the Crystal Palace was going to the show of the festival. The question was, could it live up to the hype?
Within a few minutes into their set, they proved this show was going to be something special. The Spiegaltent definitely got a workout as the front of the stage turned into a churning mosh pit of fans clapping and singing along to songs such as "Ultimate"and "American Wedding". Many of he songs were played just 10 hours earlier on the White Stage making this performance all the more remarkable. Gogol Bordello had everyone up and dancing throughout their hour-long set, with a few notable moments such as singalong songs such as "Wonderlust King". To signify the momentous nature of this show, Joe Rush, the acclaimed sculptor responsible for much of the work at Palace of Wonder stood in in the first row, flanked by fancily dressed friends throughout the set.
Most who wanted to attend the show in the limited capacity venue were able to make it in--- ie showing up half an hour early and properly emptying your bladder and monitoring beer intake meant that most could watch the whole show. However, those who came at the last minute or those who stepped out for a cigarette may have been disappointed. And At the end of the set, Gogol playfully taunted the audience, and uttered a couple of expletives. All in good fun really. Photos by by Miyuki Samata
Reported by Sean Scanlan (2008.07.27 / 15:43)