Limp Bizkit incite nu-metal chaos at Reading 2015

Approaching the Radio 1/NME tent this evening, it’s easy to assume – as the ever-recognisable anthem of ‘Rollin” rings out, loud and proud - that nothing much has really changed since 2000. Granted, that is, aside from Fred Durst’s choice of headwear. Having traded in his infamous backwards red cap for a more straightforward blue number, he may be showing off his more grown up side but his crowd aren’t quite ready to.

For any of those whose thought the hysteria that surrounded the band’s set three years ago on the Main Stage arose from sheer luck and irony, tonight proves them wrong. There are people of all - excuse the pun - generations spilling out of every side of the tent, and there’s no stopping them when the hits come into play.

‘My Generation’ still sounds huge, ‘My Way’ stands as a defiant “fuck you” that comes packed with nu-metal punch and, obviously, ‘Break Stuff’ is explosive enough to incite a riot. Throw in some “Limp Bizkit karaoke” that sees the band offer up a version of Rage Against The Machine’s ‘Killing In The Name Of’, alongside a few jokes about free beer - “Ladies and gentlemen, I was just informed that the festival is giving everyone in this tent free beer for the rest of the night” - and, well, Durst and co. effortlessly win over their adoring crowd.

Granted, they’re a band who many thought couldn’t stand the test of time yet, somehow, they’re still winning over new fans way beyond those who first joined ranks. Whether here for a bit of a laugh on a Friday night or not, there’s no denying it: they’re an iconic band unto themselves and that’s the power of Limp Bizkit.