In the annals of rock and nu-metal history, few performances have left as indelible a mark as Limp Bizkit’s explosive setlist at Woodstock 99.
Woodstock 99, held in Rome, New York, was intended to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the legendary 1969 Woodstock festival. However, the event took an unexpected turn. It was marred by logistical issues, oppressive heat, and escalating tensions among the attendees.
Limp Bizkit’s performance, which took place on the festival’s second day, became a focal point of both acclaim and criticism. Was that fair? Let’s take a deeper look…
Limp Bizkit’s Iconic Woodstock 99 Setlist
Limp Bizkit’s Woodstock 99 setlist is simply iconic. It emerged as a fiery testament to the band’s ability to captivate and energize a massive audience.
Some people consider Woodstock 99 to be the death of the 90s. If that’s the case, then Limp Bizkit and this iconic setlist was the Grim Reaper.
1. Significant Other Outro
The set kicked off with an atmospheric intro, setting the stage for what was to come and building anticipation among the eager crowd.
2. Just Like This
Bursting into the frenetic energy of “Just Like This,” Limp Bizkit wasted no time igniting the audience with their trademark blend of rap-rock aggression.
3. Show Me What You Got
Continuing the momentum, “Show Me What You Got” commanded the attention of the crowd, inviting them to be active participants in the sonic spectacle.
4. Counterfeit
One of the band’s early hits, “Counterfeit” showcased Limp Bizkit’s raw intensity, driving the audience into a frenzy.
5. 9 Teen 90 Nine
Listen to “9 Teen 90 Nine” today if you want to bring back memories of the late ’90s nu-metal era. Seriously, it might be the band’s best song.
6. Thieves (Ministry cover)
The unexpected inclusion of Ministry’s “Thieves” added a unique twist to the set. The song demonstrates Limp Bizkit’s ability to seamlessly incorporate diverse influences into their performance.
7. Stuck
Slowing down the tempo, “Stuck” provided a brief respite while showcasing the band’s versatility in delivering emotionally charged compositions.
8. Re-Arranged
Transitioning back into high gear, “Re-Arranged” offered a dynamic shift in tone. It proved that Limp Bizkit could seamlessly navigate between different sonic landscapes.
9. Break Stuff
An anthem of cathartic release, “Break Stuff” reinvigorated the crowd, transforming the festival grounds into a chaotic sea of energy and emotion. This song is perhaps what Woodstock 99 is remembered most for.
10. Nookie
The infectious groove of “Nookie” had the audience singing along, creating a unifying experience that transcended the chaos of the festival.
11. A Lesson Learned
Adding depth to the setlist, “A Lesson Learned” showcased Limp Bizkit’s ability to explore introspective themes while maintaining their signature intensity.
12. Faith (George Michael cover)
Their iconic cover of George Michael’s “Faith” injected a dose of humor and playfulness into the performance. It created a memorable moment of connection between the band and the audience, as this was their first big single.
13. Significant Other Outro
Bringing the set to a close with a bookend, the outro from “Significant Other” served as a fitting conclusion. It was the stamp of approval this set didn’t want or need, but got anyway.
Notable Problems at Woodstock 99
The failure and controversy surrounding Woodstock 99 cannot be solely attributed to Limp Bizkit and their red-hot setlist. The event faced numerous issues that contributed to its failure.
- Poor Planning and Organization: The event suffered from inadequate planning and organization, leading to issues such as insufficient facilities, lack of access to water, and chaotic crowd control.
- Overpriced Amenities: The cost of food and water at the festival was reportedly high, contributing to frustration and discontent among attendees.
- Aggressive Atmosphere: Reports indicated that the atmosphere at Woodstock ’99 became increasingly aggressive, with instances of violence and destruction.
- Extreme Weather Conditions: The festival took place during a heatwave, leading to uncomfortable conditions for attendees.
- Artists’ Performances: While some artists, including Limp Bizkit, faced criticism for their on-stage behavior, it’s important to note that blaming a single band for the entire event’s failure oversimplifies the situation.
Limp Bizkit’s setlist, performed on the last night of the festival, has been highlighted for a multitude of reasons. However, it would be inaccurate to attribute the entire failure of Woodstock 99 solely to the actions of one band.
In summary, Woodstock 99’s failure was a result of a combination of factors. Those factors include poor planning, logistical issues, high prices, and unfavorable weather conditions.
Perhaps the biggest failure of all? A general breakdown of the peaceful and communal atmosphere associated with the original Woodstock festival.