Andrew WK @ Leeds Festival 2002
By Suzanne HutchinsonThe one-man party machine drew a large crowd to the Main Stage to witness some self-abuse antics. The performance is full of energy from the start; Mr WK and backing band run around like lunatics. The force of their anthemic pop rock smack you in the face and tug at you to bounce along. All choons are buoyant and sound like the pop cheese of Abba fusing with the raw rock power of Slayer. Andrew comes across as an emotional and humble bloke. He profusely thanks the crowd for turning up before stomping in to 'She Is Beautiful'. He describes his music as the sonic equivalent of the on-site Ferris wheel - " a bundle of fun". At one point he allows a front row punter to finish the song off before hugging him like an old mate. But it's 'Party Hard' that everyone's waiting for and it really rocks the crowd. It's infectious piano based riff sees the assembled masses go mad. As the band leaves the stage Andrew turns back and worships the crowd in a 'we're not worthy' way. The feeling is mutual for most of the crowd but, disappointingly, there's definitely been no blood spilt at this party.
