The day started off as shit as it possibly could. It was bloody cold and windy, and the sky looked as if it was about to avenge us all and pour down the most destructive storm in quite sometime. Miraculously, the day changed to a cool summer breeze, with the sun shining down as it does on any awesome day, reminding us of how cold it was in the morning, with the weight of our unecessary sweaters and cardigans hanging from our hips. What could have possibly caused this climate change? Wind from the east or something like that you say? No. It was infact, the arrival of The Hives.
 
The Hives had finally returned, after promising they would, on the success of the Mecca of all festivals, the Big Day Out, earlier in the year. Lead singer Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist promised to the crowds of thousands that The Hives would return in 2005, and he did not lie. Brownie points for Pelle.

The night commenced with New Zealand’s The D4, who had been supporting The Hives through their tour, and with great reason. The four of them put on a great live set, revving the crowd up with a cocktail of newies and oldies. The D4 got a healthy mosh going, topped off with lead guitarist in crowd, as commonly done at their shows. After an enjoyable set, the fellas returned backstage, exhausted as they had put on a show that was the equivalent of a 12 km run. Kudos to The D4.

Post-D4/pre-Hives, was one of the most tedious and impatient periods of 20 minutes ever. This was not just because of the sweat or smell that The D4 had already caused the crowd to conjure up, or the serious invasion of space, but because of the continually repeated phrase ’When are The Hives coming on?’ Come on people!! Was it not clear that the roadies were setting up everything? Patience is vital, as geniuses’ such as The Hives, cannot be rushed. 

Then finally, as if sent from the heavens above, The Hives strutted on stage, all smiles and sex appeal. Their signature suits were freshly pressed, and their bowtie’s tied on tight. Shoes were shined to a ridiculous luminosity, at my own envy, and hair was neatly combed, and slightly changed. These boys or men I should say rather, have the whole nerd/cute/little boy-men/yet we are rockstars who you worship unhealthily, shtick about them. Who ever said that the whole, dirty chucks, ripped jeans and mullet was appealing, must have stated this before knowing of The Hives. Clean cut, men who take care of themselves, and probably call their mother’s every week at a set time, are the way to go.

They opened the set with Abra Cadaver. That’s the shit. Like a dose of cheap, over the counter pain killers, the crowd wanted more. More pills. More Hives. And then, after a few doses, everyone’s addicted. The thought of withdrawal already makes you think of foaming at the mouth, but you ignore your conscience and just pray for more.

The Hives continued to play a set that was spectacular. Everytime I see The Hives, I am more amazed with the showmanship style maintained and displayed through humorous remarks, priceless antics, and damn good music. The Hives are the expensive red of rock, classy, exceptional, yet still get’s you off your face, every time.

Lead Singer, Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist danced like no tomorrow, with hip shakes of all kinds and even a slight duck movement at some stage. But no band would be anywhere without their fans. The Hives knew this, and displayed their everlasting love with great tunes, kisses and crowd embracement. Drummer Chris Dangerous played while chain-smoking, obviously the most rebellious of the quintet, while lead guitarist Nicolaus Arson played with robotic antics and disturbed facial expressions. Bassist Dr. Mass Destruction played with flair and concentration, while guitarist Vigilante Carlstrom played as if it was no trouble.

The Hives may seem all fun and games, but these fellas work their asses off. They continued to entertain the crowd, despite being as tired as hell, and as wet as the back of an over-licked stamp. All your top hats should be instantly removed in the presence of them, or perhaps if you don’t have a top hat and are feeling a bit frisky, then I suggest your pants.

The set continued with songs including Statecontrol, Hate to Say I Told You So, Main Offender, Outsmarted, and A Little More For Little You, among other greats. Pelle continually came into the crowd, embracing us all. How considerate.

The Hives announced that they would be taking a break for Christmas and the New Year, before writing a new record. Something spectacular I presume, just by looking at the track record. Of course the crowd had absolutely no comment on this the announcement of a new record, just as expected.

Then the Hives left. They said their goodbye, and waved their hands and went. But the crowd would have none of this. The floor shook and the chants of ‘ENCORE’ were deafening. Courteously The Hives returned… they would never be rude to their fans now would they? They continued to play, Walk Idiot Walk, A.K.A I-D-I-O-T and closed with Two-Timing Touch and Broken Bones.

Everyone was more than displeased to see the glorious Hives leave, but all had a story to tell. Some bragged of touching Pelle’s mic and hands, which was topped off by another who touched his face and hair, but the person who beat them all, was a pair of guys actually, who had received the D4’s drumsticks, the whole set of Hives picks, and topped it off with Pelle’s bowtie. Some people are just so fucking lucky.