Limp Bizkit, 20th June 2024, Helviti, Copenhell Festival, Denmark

Photo: Goran www.urbanmescalero.com

The opinions on Limp Bizkit are many, and they are very different, but regardless of what a typical Copenhell guest might think of the band, it’s likely that most would agree that they know how to deliver a festival show. Not one of those where you are expecting to be dazzled or have your artistic horizons broadened, but rather one of those that just make you want to jump and have a good time.

The band has been through a lot over the years, with break-up, conflicts, stardom, commercial failures and what not. But as the band members are getting older it seems that there has come more peace in the band and the utter contrasts that are the band’s singer Fred Durst and guitarist Wes Borland seem more nuanced these days. Especially, Durst comes across as someone who’s more at peace and even introspective. His stage presence is more balanced and far less arrogant.

The intro in form of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s ”Sweet Home Alabama” made for a good sing-along in the crowd and once the band started “Full Nelson” the place exploded in sort of redemption and from then on there was no looking back. The band followed the opener with some six absolute classics, which seemed like an indication that this was going to be one short concert. Why else would you play just about all your classics from the start, back-to-back?

But the band did use some time on playing those interludes and flashing DJ Lethal’s skills. There were a bit too many of those but singing along to George Michael’s “Careless Whisper” was fun. Unfortunately, Limp Bizkit didn’t get to play one of their live favourites, George Michael’s “Faith”. We did, however, get a decent cover of Nirvana’s “Come As You Are” and before you know it, an hour later the band closed their show with “Break Stuff”.

Most focus often goes towards Durst and Borland, but it’s very much worth mentioning the band’s rhythm section, consisting of Sam Rivers and John Otto. The two create a utterly solid backbone. And whether you are aware of it or not, it’s those fat grooves that make your hips swing at a Limp Bizkit concert.

Limp Bizkit played a good show and has proven to be a good booking, but with only an hour of music and interludes it’s just not enough for a headliner.

SETLIST:

1. Full Nelson
2. Hot Dog
3. Rollin’ (Air Raid Vehicle)
4. My Generation
5. My Way
6. Behind Blue Eyes
7. Nookie
8. Boiler
9. Come as You Are
10. Take a Look Around
11. Break Stuff