X Games VIII
Philadelphia, PA.August 15 - 19, 2002As part of the X-Games VIII experience at Philadelphia's First Union Complex, live music and performances were once again featured at the outdoor awards stage. With over 300 athletes competing in Aggressive In-line Skate, Bicycle Stunt, Downhill BMX, Moto X, Skateboard, Speed Climb, and Wakeboard, the eighth annual sports contest drew a large audience, including the X-Games two-millionth fan. In addition to the bigger X-sports names such as Tony Hawk, Dave Mirra, and Fabiola DaSilva, the crowds had a chance to watch up-and-coming competitors, local and national bands, as well as participate in raffles and games at sponsors' booths -- all for free. Since the sports featured in X Games VIII are tied in closely with the most recent music releases (as seen in skate videos and demos), it wasn't at all surprising to see some of the newest names in the music industry on the awards stage. Performers included Roc-a-fella Record Artists, Pioneer DJ's, and bands such as Boardlords, Stutter, and Local H. In addition, the public could enjoy watching national artists such as Breaking Benjamin (Hollywood Records), Autopilot Off (Island Def Jam), Blindside (Elektra), and Clockwise (BMG/RCA Records). A treat for skateboard fans was the performance by Gudamunkas, which features the musical talents of Australian vert skater Tas Pappas. Some highlights of the four-day 'concert' event included the dance group, Chosen, and the New Haven, Connecticut-based band, Gargantua Soul. Under the direction of Clyde Evans, Jr., the Philadelphia locals, Chosen, impressed audiences with breakdancing and hip-hop routines. The six-man team of Gargantua Soul, on the other hand, entertained the crowd with hard rock songs mixed in with some tribal undertones. Recently filmed as part of the VH1 movie "At Any Cost," Gargantua Soul has also previously been a part of VH1's Farmclub TV, and as performers on Woodstock '99's Emerging Artists Stage. Following Gargantua Soul's set on the first day of the X Games were the pop-punk/pop-rock group, The Kickovers. With a style comparable to the California bands Blink 182 and Sugarcult, The Kickovers can win crowds over with catchy tunes and high energy. While performing songs from their album Osaka, the band easily establishes their own sound, and yet doesn't get tired or repetitive. The final day of X Games VIII was headlined by The Sound of Urchin (TSOU). Composed of Chris Harfenist (drums/vocals), Bill Fowler (lead guitar), Chris Huetz (bass), and Scott Heydt (rhythm guitar), TSOU is known for their ability to become involved in several types of music; as is evident in Harfenist's statement: "Once we've been somewhere, we go somewhere else." Produced by Ween's Dean Ween, TSOU's album, You Are the Best features the traditional 'Urchin humor' within the songs' lyrics. While TSOU's range can be heard in the calming nature of "Zen Magic Marker," the traditional rock in "Rock N' Roll Jubilee," the jazzy sounds of "Scary Skull Eyes," and the punk-induced "The Millipede/Who'll Stop the Beggar," my favorite track would have to be the catchy and upbeat "Let It Rain." Overall, the incorporation of live music into the annual X Games was a success. With extreme sports generating a greater following from the masses, this free-to-the-public event should have no problems attracting larger crowds with each passing year.
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