European Festivals and the Pinkpop Archives Initiative
European television and festivals are often seen as pioneering, particularly when compared to their counterparts in other regions. Countries like Germany, France, and the Netherlands excel in broadcasting, streaming, and showcasing their rich cultural festivals. However, many performances and events slip through the cracks of mainstream media, sometimes only aired once and never repeated. The Pinkpop Festival in the Netherlands is taking a significant step to rectify this issue through an innovative initiative.
The Pinkpop Archives: A New Era for Music Lovers
Introducing the Pinkpop Archives, the festival has begun to release a treasure trove of footage collected over the years on their YouTube channel. This initiative aims to ensure that fans have access to performances that might otherwise be forgotten. This summer alone saw the release of iconic sets from notable bands such as Deftones, Sepultura, and Korn. Recently, the festival also unveiled Mastodon‘s performance from 2014, adding to the growing collection of memorable live music experiences.
Mastodon’s 2014 Performance: A Blast from the Past
Recorded on June 9, 2014, Mastodon delivered a powerful 12-track set at Pinkpop. While one track remains absent from the footage, the remaining songs showcase the band’s dynamic range and energy. The lineup featured:
- Brent Hinds – guitar and vocals
- Troy Sanders – bass and vocals
- Bill Kelliher – guitar
- Brann Dailor – drums
Fans can relive the excitement of this performance, as the band navigated through their set with remarkable prowess.
A Tribute to Brent Hinds
Tragically, Brent Hinds left Mastodon earlier this year and passed away in a car accident on August 20th. Hinds had been a pivotal part of the band for 25 years, contributing to their distinctive sound. Although there were some public disagreements following his departure, all original members attended Hinds’ celebration of life, indicating a bond that transcended their differences.
Setlist Highlights
For those interested in the specifics, here is the full setlist from Mastodon’s 2014 performance at Pinkpop:
- “Black Tongue” (not shown)
- “Divinations”
- “Crystal Skull”
- “Naked Burn”
- “Megalodon”
- “Oblivion”
- “Blasteroid”
- “Chimes at Midnight”
- “High Road”
- “Bedazzled Fingernails”
- “Aqua Dementia”
- “The Sparrow”
Conclusion
The Pinkpop Archives initiative exemplifies how festivals can embrace technology to preserve and share their rich histories with fans around the world. By making these performances accessible, Pinkpop not only honors the legacy of iconic bands like Mastodon but also enriches the cultural tapestry of live music. As fans continue to explore these archived performances, they can celebrate the unforgettable moments that have shaped the festival’s enduring legacy.
FAQs
What is the Pinkpop Archives initiative?
The Pinkpop Archives is a project launched by the Pinkpop Festival to release historical performance footage on their YouTube channel, allowing fans to revisit iconic sets from past festivals.
Which notable bands have had their performances released?
Performances from bands such as Deftones, Sepultura, Korn, and Mastodon have been made available through the Pinkpop Archives.
What was the significance of Mastodon’s 2014 performance?
Mastodon’s 2014 performance is notable not only for its electrifying setlist but also as a poignant reminder of the band’s legacy, especially following the recent passing of member Brent Hinds.
How can I access the performances from the Pinkpop Archives?
The performances can be accessed by visiting the Pinkpop Festival’s official YouTube channel, where a growing collection of archived footage is available for streaming.
