The Exploited + The Casualties + Maid Of Ace at Spirit Festival in Möckern, Germany on 15 August 2024.
What a fab couple of days seeing The Exploited with The Casualties in Germany at 2 outdoor events this week.
First off, Spirit Festival in Möckern, near Magdeburg. A bit of a drive and in the middle of nowhere, so not the easiest place to get to, nor to find nearby accommodation at. But in the end, a nice little festival on a scorching hot day, friendly and well organised.
The additional bonus at this one is that the wonderful Maid Of Ace are also playing. They open up the Thursday afternoon rather early, at 3pm in the blazing sunshine. But what a great job they do in getting the proceedings underway with their full-on “in your face” punk rock set. These ladies (4 sisters) always give 100% and play a blinder of a set. Looking forward to seeing them again next Tuesday in more intimate surroundings in Essen.
I have to admit that The Casualties have largely passed me by previously, having only caught brief snippets of their set when I have seen them before. However, they really won me over at this performance and the one the following day. I get invited to view the show from the side of the stage, so my photos this time are taken from a slightly unusual viewpoint. I even get to participate actively in the set, but more of that if/when I receive some suitably incriminating photos.
Live, the Casualties put on a great show, with singer David whipping up the crowd into forming frenzied circle pits. Towards the end of the set the band is joined onstage by a skeleton-masked individual in camouflage gear, enthusiastically waving a Casualties flag.
I am fortunate to be invited to view the Casualties and The Exploited from the side of the stage, so my photos this time are taken from a slightly unusual viewpoint. Thanks to Mani and Wattie and the guys for their kindness. Wattie even invites me to join the band on stage to sing along to “Fck The USA” with them. Hopefully some photos and/or videos will eventually surface.
It’s a different experience seeing the band from the stage side, rather than being in the thick of things down the front at the barrier. But I had a whale of a time at this festival and the band were absolutely on fire (as was part of the crowd, judging from the photos 
).Normal service (photos from the barrier) to be resumed tomorrow in Dortmund, but I absolutely loved this show.
