Style & Culture

Local Music Triumphs at Bumstock 2003

By Luke Krummel

Posted on April 28, 2003, at 12:00 a.m.

Chris Barter

6 Gig

Chris Barter

Rocktopus

Thank you, Fat Joe. Thank you for letting us remember how great local music is. Thank you for letting us go to Bumstock 2003 to support Rocktopus, 6gig and Paranoid Social Club. Thank you for being on MTV. Thank you for allowing us to support real hip-hop acts like Sence and Little Egypt. But most importantly Fat Joe, thank you for not arriving at the University of Maine to play your set.

Bumstock 2003 shouldn’t be remembered as the year Fat Joe didn’t show up, it should be remembered as the year local music triumphed over MTV. Local bands 6gig and Paranoid Social played sizzling sets on Friday and Saturday nights, respectively.

Warming up the freezing crowd for Hed P.E. on Friday night was 6gig. Hitting the stage at about 10 p.m., the Portland-based band rocked the crowd from a solid hour. 6gig energized the crowd and brought everyone to their feet. Walter Craven and company played crowd favorites “Free,” “5,” and closed their set with “Hit the Ground.” 6gig brought some electricity to the field and proved that Mainers can still rock. Mosh pits were rampant and people were having a good time. Technically, Hed P.E. headlined Friday night, but 6gig stole the show and could have been the real headliner.

Saturday, a night with clouds looming overhead and rain in the forecast, officially started to rock when Paranoid Social Club hit the stage. The band fought through the rain and showed UMaine students a good time. Lead singer Dave Gutter got the crowd motivated by playing hits from the band’s debut album, “Axis II,” including “Bully,” “Theme Song” and “Riccochet.” The band closed their set with what might have been the most energetic song of the entire festival, “Wasted.” The audience got into the party anthem, as mosh pits and crowd surfers were as common as mullets at a hockey game.

The bottom line: Local music stole the show at Bumstock 2003. It is a shame Fat Joe didn’t show, and it would have enhanced the experience for most. Don’t let his absence take away from a terrific night of local music and a time that most college students in this state can keep in their memories for years to come.

Campus Currents: Bumstock