By Haile Lidow
Staff Writer
Triple digit heat did not stop fans from piling into the venue and crowding near the main stage with enthusiasm for the music. Jared Leto, lead singer of 30 Seconds to Mars, showed equal exuberance in his performance and interaction with the audience. He paused repeatedly between songs and prodded the fans to jump, sing and even crowd-surf.
The set ended with the band’s recent hit, “Kings and Queens.” Leto invited dozens of audience members onstage to sing along beside him. Leto’s performance and showmanship was impressive beyond measure, providing entertainment even for audience members unfamiliar with his music.
After a tedious 45-minute lapse between bands, Rise Against took the stage.
The jam-packed audience was immediately hit with exceptional music, wiping its memory of the uncomfortable standing arrangements entirely. The crowd toward the front of the stage jumped up and down violently, creating an atmosphere that only hardcore fans could handle.
From an exponentially calmer perspective, the band eased through a set including its more well-known songs, such as “Prayer of the Refugee” and the radio hit “Savior.”
Amidst the intensity of Rise Against’s set, front man Tim McIlrath slowed down the show by playing “Swing Life Away,” which presented a peaceful break from the head-banging music.
Of course, this period of sing-a-long tranquility immediately reverting to the band’s more characteristic sound, ending the set with a surge of intensity only Rise Against could provide.
As 9:20 p.m. approached, the much-anticipated headliner Blink-182 dropped the curtains in preparation for their only North American show in 2010. When the monstrous black curtains came back up, exposing the three musicans as they began their song “Dumpweed,” the crowd roared with passion, welcoming them not only with screams and applause but also with an overwhelming knowledge and recital of the lyrics.
The fans maintained their enthusiasm and excitement throughout the 75-minute set, laughing at guitarist DeLonge’s humor and singing along to the classic songs. With a set consisting of songs such as “Feeling This,” “I Miss You,” and “Rock Show,” Mark Hoppus (singer/bassist), Tom DeLonge (singer/guitarist), and Travis Barker (drummer), gave it all they had, passing their energy on to the audience.
Although Hoppus botched a couple of notes and DeLonge seemed uneasy at first, the trio soon became immersed in its work and delivered an unforgettable performance.
The band reunited in 2009 after a five-year hiatus, performing only a select number of shows. California was lucky enough to have Blink-182 stop in Fontana for an energy-filled set that ended with a hopeful, exciting and surprising revelation: Blink-182 is recording a new album.
Epicenter 2010 was filled with excitement, and the announcement of the band’s upcoming album simply topped off an overall incredible lineup.
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