JESS BECK | Go Venue Magazine
With this being my first time in Sturgis, I wasn’t quire sure what to expect.
But holy shit.
This was hands down the biggest crowd I’ve seen to date for any show I’ve covered, and estimates put it in the 70,000 range.
The Legendary Buffalo Chip was, for all intents and purposes – stacked to the brim.
Which is no surprise really. I think, somewhere, Kid Rock embodies qualities that we would all want for ourselves. A true rags-to-riches story with a giant “fuck you” to anyone who doesn’t like it. That’s been the brand for Kid Rock for years, and after the performance, he shows no signs of slowing that down any time soon.
He seemingly drips freedom – doing what he wants when he wants – and even though he’s got enough money to buy all the support he could ever want, he seemed right at home in this lawless wasteland of sinners and tattooed low-lives that cramped in together to watch the real live Captain America perform.
A true American Badass.
And seven-times platinum too, which is an impressive feat in and of itself.
Walking on to the stage in bedazzled sunglasses, his trademark long hair, and a Harley Davidson jacket (draped like the American flag no less), the crowd went absolutely batshit crazy. I’m sure the cheers and applause could be heard for miles outside of the Buffalo Chip amphitheater (which was voted South Dakota’s best outdoor music venue).
Kicking off the set with “Greatest Show on Earth” where he ignited the audience with not only an incredible vocal performance but also a spectacular fireworks show. It was indeed, one of the greatest shows thus far in Buffalo Chip.
After the first song, he was hand delivered his trademark cap and a joint, which after lighting it and taking a few puffs the audience became even more excited than they had been when he first appeared on the stage. He continued to hammer the crowd with mega hits such as “Wasting Time,” and “Cowboy” and “Born Free,” all of which caused eruptions from the audience.
There was a certain sense of empowerment after the show – a reminder to never let anyone take your freedom, no matter the cost or whatever the circumstances. A reminder to live and love freely. A reminder that we were born free. But most of all, a reminder to be American Badasses ourselves.
There will be more Sturgis Rally coverage to come, so don’t miss out! We’ll be here all week getting photos that no one else gets and covering the rally at Buffalo Chip one day at a time. Stay tuned for more!
All images © Jess Beck
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