Bikers and Love Bugs – Caribana Contrasts
- Catherine
- Jun 11, 2009
- 2 min read
There was a real contrast in the groups of fans at Caribana last night. Some were there for the young rock band The LoveBugs, the Swiss band from Basel (they were also Switzerland's representation for the Eurovision contest). Others were there that had arrived on Harleys and had come to see ZZ Top.
Girls, guys, Harleys, leathers and bikes revving up and arriving in convoy to the festival next to the (usually quiet) village of Crans.
It was quite evident who was there to see who... Despite a massive crowd waiting to see the latter, the Lovebugs put on a great performance, giving it their all warming up the crowd, getting them in the mood for this opening night of the five day festival. Even some of the more mature rockers, waiting for their bearded heros to arrive were in the crowd tapping their feet (albeit discreetly).
Although the heavens opened at the end of the evening, the rain did hold off for the first few hours and festival goers were able to wander round the stands, choose food from the many types on offer and sit amongst the trees, or look out at the lake from the lake bars. Caparhinas were on sale at the Brazilian stand for those who didn't want beer (although beer seemed to be the order of the night).
The Love Bugs
When ZZ top did appear (over 30 mins behind schedule) the pitch was full and the crowd enthusiastic as the band appeared on stage and they rocked up a storm. Metaphorically and literally, as later on the rain clouds gathered the wind grew stonger. By the time the rain began to fall I was back in Nyon where, unsurprisingly the music could still be heard. I don't know if all those bikers got their leathers wet or whether the concert had finished by the time it began to pour. Nevertheless a good start for the festival. Tonight amongst other bands The Editors, Travis and Chris Cornell are headlining. Motor bikes, goatee beards and beer bellies aren't obligatory attire for entry.
Drums waiting for their drummer of Duff McKagan's Loaded over on at the lake stage.
The Capirhina bar a regular feature at Caribana, Paleo and Montreux Jazz festivals.