Beastie Boys at Montreux Jazz Festival 2007

Yesterday was the day! I went to see Beastie Boys in Montreux. I left office in a hurry to make it in time for the train. My friends were waiting in the train and train station already (with a couple of beers). The weather sucked and it rained when we arrived in Montreux but that didn't dampen our spirits. More beer, some food, some shots and we're ready to go.


Spank Rock opened the concert. A couple of homeboys fro Baltimore with a DJ, they rapped in a fashion not unlike Dizzee Rascal. Not bad, but we want Beastie Boys!

At 10 they came out, all dressed in suits (just like the picture here actually). MCA went for his bass, Ad-Rock took the guitar and Mike D ran around a bit before settling behind the drums. With Money Mark on keyboards, Mix Master Mike on turntables and Alfredo Ortiz on percussion they started by playing one of their funky tunes.

After that they just went on and on. Mike D was supporting an afro which you couldn't tell whether it was a wig or not (it wasn't). Ad-Rock still looks like that kid in the Fight For Your Right video. Only MCA seems to have caught up with time. Even his voice sounds older.

The energy level was amazing. And they put everything in the show. Oldies like Brass Monkey, Egg Raid On Mojo, and No Sleep Til Brooklyn were all there (no Fight For Your Right though). The hits as well, like Body Movin, So Wat'cha Want, Intergalactic, Three MCs and One DJ, and Sure Shot. They jammed their instrumentals (Sabrosa and some more). The vibe that they get off each other is just amazing, more amazing considering the fact that they have been around for ages (they started off late 70s as a punk band).

To finish it all there was only one song they could do and yes, they played that song. The minute the distorted bassline kicked in the whole room was on its feet. I could have felt the room move if I wasn't jumping up and down like a hyped up Tigger. "Listen all yo it's a SABOTAAAAGGGEEE!!!!"

I must have sweated 5 liters, I got a knee in my thigh (it hurts!), but it was one of the best concerts I have ever been to. Amazing energy, amazing vibes, and amazing performance by Beastie Boys.