A Blast To My Teenage Years At Slam Dunk 2019
2019 is a pretty special year as it marked the 10th time that Slam Dunk has been held in Hatfield. I remember 2010 so well and how bad the queues were to get inside the university. Music wise I remember distinctly how good Alkaline Trio were (and they were outside). I was 20 when the first Slam Dunk hit Hatfield. And other than one year when I just did Leeds and Midlands, I’ve not missed the festival. Personally, for me, the line up wasn’t as strong this year, but nothing was going to stop me going.
2019 was also a pretty special year for me as it’s the first time in about six years where I’ve not worked at the festival. I spent many glorious years of racing round to listen to as many bands as I could. Cramming in interviews where possible, and some years even taking photos. They were some amazing years. But after stepping down from Hit The Floor/ Mosh last summer 2019 was going to be different.
We consulted the lineup and planned our day around the three bands I really wanted to see. All blasts from my teenage years. The only clash which I am gutted about meant I missed Hellogoodbye. But I’m sure there will be another time to hear ‘Here (In Your Arms)’
I’m so glad that the whole outdoor festival setup stuck this year as it was a great move in 2018. I’d love to see how Leeds looked this year after doing the same move. It just feels more open, easier to walk around and gives you more choices of food and drink.
Nostalgic music
But back to the main reason for going, the music. We saw a bunch of bands over the day although didn’t push ourselves like normal. I definitely felt the impact of my age (and size) with backache which makes me very sad. Simple Plan was the first nostalgic must see’s for me. I am a huge Simple Plan fan and they had a decent 45-minute set playing a whole range of songs which was a really nice mix. Of course, when they played ‘Welcome to my life’ I was transported back to being a 15-year-old emo kid. I absolutely loved their set and it was a great mid-afternoon treat.
Next up for my must see’s was Gallows. I grew up with Gallows, although not the line-up they perform as now. As a fellow Watforder I spent loads of weekends at local shows around 2005-2007 seeing the band perform and I’m so happy they’re back. Wade is such a great front-man and it was amazing to see so many people crammed into the tent. Even if for some people it was just due to the rain outside. Hearing songs like ‘Abandon Ship’ and ‘In The Belly Of A Shark’ will always make me feel like a 16-year-old girl drinking alcopops in our local venues in Watford.
The final must see for me was Plain White T’s for all the nostalgic feels. I actually remember seeing the band for the first (and only) time in 2008 at my first Reading Festival. They managed to get a wall of death and mosh pits to ‘Hey There Deliah’ which will always make me laugh. I was fully expecting to only know that one song but actually found I remembered a few more which is always a pleasant surprise.
Overall it might not have been the best year for music (or for weather) but Slam Dunk will always hold a special place in my heart. And I can’t see myself giving it up for a long time to come.
Did you go to Slam Dunk this year? Or do you have any other festivals planned?
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18 responses to “A Blast To My Teenage Years At Slam Dunk 2019”
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All About Me
Rhian Westbury
Travels and Destinations
Nothing currently planned
It was my first slam dunk festival i went to Leeds to see bullet for my valentine .I’m 62 this year .and i really. Enjoyed it .The lady on the Gateway asked me for ID so i could buy beer .my main reason I’m. Writing is i saw simple plan and they have gained another fan went out and bought a cd i also saw new found glory they gained a. New fan as well your never to old to rock and roll
I’m so glad that you had a good time. Simple plan are so good so I’m glad you’re now a fan. Too right you’re never too old to rock, and I hope I’m like you when I’m older x
I wasn’t too keen on this year’s Slam Dunk – the lines for the bar were way too long which meant I missed most of my favourite acts. But also my circumstances were different than usual, most years we tend to go as a group so can take it in turns lining up but this year there was just two of us. I’m glad you had a good time though! x
Yeah the queues for them did look pretty long. Thankfully I don’t drink much at festivals so I didn’t need to worry about that x
I feel so old at knowing half of these! It sounds like you had a fab time though!
I’ve never been to a festival at all. I think I’m probably missing out but I feel like I might have missed the boat now! lol Mich x
Ah, I never know you used to work at festivals. I bet it was hard work but fun. The only festival I’ve been to was the Monsters Of Rock at Donington in my misspent youth. To see Aerosmith live in their hayday was fantastic
I bet Monsters of Rock was amazing! x
The festival looks like a lot of fun and who doesn’t like reminiscing over good times and tunes.
I’ve worked at a couple of festivals and way prefer not working them! Glad you got to be there for the 10th anniversary!
Ohh which festivals have you worked at? x
I first went to Slam Dunk years ago! But I’d love to head back, sounds like you had a great nostaligc line up this year! x
My brother and his girlfriend always attend this festival
I have never heard of Simple Plan, but am currently listening to ‘Welcome to My Life’ on Youtube to see what they are like x
That was the soundtrack of my emo teenage years haha x
It must have been strange to be there and not working the festival. Although interesting to see it from both sides
One of these days I’ll get to Slam Dunk, I keep meaning to go. Sounds like you had a fantastic time.
I’ve never been to a festival but it sounds like you had fun listening to all the different bands.