It's 12:30 hours when we call the management to agree to a meeting point with the band at the festival. Fifteen minutes later we see them on the way backstage. There are already two big trucks which are being unloaded by roadies, and they're waiting for the stage manager to give the sign to do the same with the Fools Fatal's van. 

I must say I was quite impressed by the organisation, equipment, and facilities behind the stage. There are lot of people running around; the band are waiting for things to happen. Drummer Tony (the veteran of the band) is keeping the overview, because the record company people and the management are still stuck in traffic. Then at 13:30 hours the stage manager indicates that the equipment can be brought to the stage. The first bit of visible stress is showing, who has got the car keys? 

On the empty stage, the backline of Fools Fatal is installed, while behind the curtains the road crew of the "big" bands (Toto, UB40) are piling up their equipment, ready to roll it on. Singer Jean Pierre is standing on stage, overlooking the empty field, imagining how it's going to be later that day. The real sound check starts at 13:45 hours. The drums take quite a while (also because Tony is very critical: "too much low"), while bass player Jeff seems very relaxed, and gets his demanded sound within two minutes. 

Then it's time for the magic box of sounds from Stefan's guitar. (Jean Pierre: "You're way too loud!") After a short check of the keyboard of additional band member Robin van Vliet, and the rhythm guitar of Jean Pierre, there are a few minutes left to try one song with the whole band ("Queen In White"). The stage manager adheres strictly to the timetable, and at 14:10 he thinks it's good enough, time to go to the dressing room.

No luxury yet for this opening band, but they have got their own room, some sandwiches and drinks. The people from the record company have also arrived, and a very friendly greeting ritual follows (it's not only mean business and compulsory friendliness in the music industry). 

The nerves are starting to show; after Jean Pierre has taken a shower, the discussions are breaking loose about which T-shirt to wear, and whether to wear wet look gel yes or no. Ten minutes before they have to be on stage, they arrive backstage again.

Tony is warming up, drumming on a garbage can, and the rest is trying to get a glimpse of the (size of the) audience. Up the stairs, behind the curtains on the stage, the last final check with their crew (when do I need that other guitar, here is a set list) and a short group hug, then at 15:00 hours the stage managers whistle 'sounds. 

Tony, Jeff, Stefan and Robin enter the open stage and get to their instruments; 20 seconds later when the first notes are coming through the speakers, Jean Pierre also enters the stage, welcoming the early visitors of the festival.

Opening with the heavy rocking "She Hates Me", it immediately dawns on me again: this is a real live band. Though their debut album is good, live they can convince so much more. 

With the second song "Turn Around" the band really gets going; bass player Jeff Bickes is jumping around the stage, guitarist Stefan Corda giving it all, and singer Jean Pierre Schrijver even more secure, knowing the audience digs them. 

Being an opening act you cannot expect the field to be loaded with people yet, but you can see some heads moving in the present audience, and during "Mother" they even clapped along. 

The newcomer (Robin van Vliet) in the band is growing by the minute. Having played the keyboard parts on the album, he is familiar with the songs, and his head banging John Lord act is getting heavier every song. 

Must say, though the voice of Jean Pierre is one of rare quality, the backing vocals of Robin are making it sound even better. 

Two minutes before the set's scheduled to end, the stage manager enters the stage again. When the band has ended their gig at 15:47 hours (two minutes over schedule), the whistle sounds, and the next band, which has been waiting behind the curtains, is putting their gear on stage while Fools Fatal is gathering their stuff, and leave for some quality time in the dressing room. 

Then it's the time when you would expect the sex, drugs and rock and roll. Nope, Jean Pierre jokes about wanting to take over for Steve (Toto) later that evening, but furthermore it's leaning back for a while, half an hour for taking one or two beers, and watching the first results of the recorded video. Fifteen minutes later than the rest, Stefan and Jeff join the band, they have taken care of their equipment being safely put back in their van. 

After a short cooling down period, with the exchanges of the (very positive) impressions of the gig, it's time to go to work again. The recently arrived manager and the people of the record company introduce the band to some reporters and other important music industry people. 

It's time for interviews and other important conversations. Luckily the weather is cooperative, and these sessions take place in a relaxed atmosphere, on the field backstage. It all looks like a picnic.

Yesterday the band had been rehearsing in the studio until 22:30 hours, and this morning they were back there at 08:30 to pack their stuff. But after two hours of "part of the game" side effects, it seems that a few reporters have cancelled, so it's a short working day for the boys. 

When they wanna play a game of soccer, or give their girlfriend some attention, a very friendly, but also very clear voice from the record company is asking their attention. One of the reporters has forgotten to take some pictures. They all hurry back again. 

Rock and Roll: It's a dirty job, but someone has got to do it. 

(Cor Schilstra)