Deftones / Weezer - Crystal Palace Park - 29th June
/It was a scorcher of a Sunday! Under a relentless sun, thousands descended on Crystal Palace Park for a double bill that promised to be as compelling as it was contrasting. The weather was a character in itself, a baking hot and glorious backdrop to a day of loud noises that proved to be a resounding success.
We arrived as the day's energy was building, catching snippets of the early acts. We saw a little bit of High Vis and some of the jarring, industrial-tinged electronics of HEALTH which served as a fantastic appetizer for the main event. Both bands did an admirable job of battling the intense heat, and their sounds were a welcome jolt to the system, setting the stage for what was to come.
Then came the kings of infectious rock Weezer. It was a masterclass in festival euphoria. From the moment they stepped on stage, they delivered a non-stop barrage of hits, a set list so packed with classics it felt like a collective singalong spanning two decades. Every track was met with rapturous applause, but it was a specific moment that truly cemented their rock and roll wit. During "Pork and Beans," Rivers Cuomo's mischievous grin was visible from afar as he changed the iconic lyric, singing "Deftones knows the way to reach the top of the chart." It was a hilarious, respectful nod to their fellow headliners, a brilliant moment of mutual appreciation that delighted the crowd and showcased the band's genuine charm.
As the sun finally began to set, the mood shifted. The air grew thick with anticipation for the mighty Deftones. Their set was a primal, immersive experience that was the perfect counterpoint to Weezer's bright hooks. Chino Moreno, a frontman whose captivating presence is a force of nature, led the band through a journey of crushing riffs, atmospheric soundscapes, and soaring, ethereal vocals. The set was a powerful, visceral descent into their unique blend of heavy and melodic, a reminder of their enduring influence. From the heavy groove of "My Own Summer (Shove It)" to the otherworldly beauty of "Change (In the House of Flies)," they delivered a performance that was both brutal and beautiful.
Crystal Palace Park delivered a truly unforgettable Sunday. Despite the long queues and the inevitable trouble with trains on the way home, the day was defined by the music. Any frustrations faded into the background, completely overshadowed by the pure, electric energy of two legendary bands. It was a day of two halves: one filled with the nostalgic, hook-filled joy of Weezer, and the other with the heavy, captivating intensity of Deftones. In the end, it was absolutely worth every moment.
Check out our footage from the day below!