Close Menu
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Running Wolf's RantRunning Wolf's Rant
    • Home
    • Explore
    • Featured
    • Buy Us a Coffee!
    • Contact Us
    • Privacy Policy
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram TikTok
    Subscribe
    Running Wolf's RantRunning Wolf's Rant
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram TikTok
    Subscribe
    Home » Music » My 2 Cents on RAMFest 2014 Johannesburg

    My 2 Cents on RAMFest 2014 Johannesburg

    Henno KrugerBy Henno Kruger Music 8 Mins Read18 ViewsMarch 12, 2014
    Share Facebook Twitter WhatsApp LinkedIn Copy Link

    This past weekend I made my way to RAMFest 2014 Johannesburg for what can be described as a weekend jam-packed with rain, sunshine, mud and epic live performances. We arrived at the Witfontein farm (which is actually located closer to Bronkhorstspruit than Johannesburg) around 4 PM on Thursday afternoon. Some die hard and hardcore musical pilgrims were already there having an awesome time when we arrived and after setting up our campsite (which should always be done before the sun goes down on day one at any festival) the logical option was just to go with the flow and join them in their partying ways.

    NetfloristOfferforge

    Day 01-1 (Small)

    The first act was up on a tiny stage (next to what turned out to be the “small” beer tent) at 7 PM. Aidan Martin and his brother Jonatahan (who is also a member of Piet Botha’s rock outfit Jack Hammer) entertained the tiny (but growing) crowd with some acoustic tunes, followed by Carri Wolfe and Justin Swart. Next up were old school Bluesy rockers Jet Black Camaro and their travelling Indian statue (and its incense). They played half of their set with balaclavas on, giving me the impression that they planned to steal the show, but I have to admit that I’ve seen better performances by them.

    Day 01-4 (Small)

    Day 01-13 (Small)

    Black Market Riots made their way onto the stage at 11 PM, but could only play 4 songs before an “annoying but hectic rainstorm” cut their set short. It poured for about an hour and a half, but it did not discourage festival goers and people who don’t like mud from getting completely hammered at the “small” beer tent. Eventually we braved the mud and wet terrain to make our way to our campsite around 1 AM. We tried to help two dread-locked twins to find their campsite, but soon found out they did not know where the hell they camped, so we eventually left them to find it themselves and ended up drinking brandy and coke and attempting to argue about music in general and Johnny Cash till about 4 AM.

    I woke up on Friday morning feeling slightly hung over, but full of zest for the long day ahead. After enjoying a breakfast beer, Creme Soda and an epic bacon, egg and cheese Panini coupled with some early morning comedy (courtesy of Vittorio Leonardi, Monique Nortje, Ryan Wittle and Mojack Lehoko), I was finally brave enough to tackle day 2 of RAMFest 2014 Johannesburg. The day started slowly with Sutherland and Elevated Motion, but eventually started picking up the pace around lunchtime with Mr Cat & the Jackal. The rain stayed away the whole day, allowing the sun to have its way with me and tan my face a bright red color (and giving Christelle Duvenage the opportunity to give me a new nickname, “lobster” the next day).

    Day 02-13 (Small)

    Day 02-19 (Small)

    The main stage area finally opened up around 4 PM, causing a flood of festival junkies to stream into the large beer tent and enjoying an awesome performances by UK based rock band, the Vuvuvultures. Next my time was spent being amazed how awesome Gangs of Ballet have become as a live act at the main stage and taking a trip down memory lane to the 1990’s with veteran hard rock / metal act Agro at the Monster stage. Before it was time for the international acts to start their sets, I enjoyed watching ISO entertain fans on the main stage, getting my ears reminded how loud Facing the Gallows were and starch reminder that rock ‘n roll was not dead by Taxi Violence at the Monster stage.

    Day 02-51 (Small)

    Day 02-61 (Small)

    Day 02-77 (Small)

    Day 02-82 (Small)

    Foals made their way onto the main stage at 9 PM and just completely blew music fans away with their blend of Indie rock. I may not have been standing in the crowd, but I have to say that I enjoyed listening to their set from behind the crowd barrier. It was not really what I expected but I got the sense that they did not really know which genre they want to be, but I have to admit that hearing “Inhaler” lifted my spirits a bit and gave me hope for the evening ahead.

    Foals-6 (Small)

    At one stage it almost seemed that this point in time would not arrive, but Biffy Clyro FINALLY made their way onto the main stage at 11 PM. I know that I may have said this in a post earlier this week, but they stunned any music lovers who doubted their ability as a loud rock act and just completely blew everyone away with a 2 hour set. It was exactly what I expected and I consider this one of the top 10 live performances that I’ve seen to date. Hearing the crowd singing along to songs like “Captain”, “Machines”, “Mountains” and “Black Chandelier” just made the moment more epic. We ended up drinking brandy till 4 AM on Saturday morning again, before finally settling in.

    Biffy Clyro-14 (Small)

    On Saturday morning some idiot decided to play Die Antwoord too loud at 7 AM in a camp site near us and woke a few of us who were still recovering from Friday night. After crashing for another 2 hours I finally dragged myself out of my tent at 9 AM. I was just finishing my breakfast Panini and my first beer of the day when Mother Nature decided that it was going to be a rainy day. Things got a little but more muddy in the camp site and stage area, but that didn’t discourage people (including your’s truly) from gearing up in plastic bags and rain coats for the day. I did catch a glimpse of Yo Grapes and the Frown before finally settling in at the large beer tent in an almost full Lord Voldemoot kit for some drinks with people looking to have a good time in the rain.

    The first real act that caught my attention on the day were Joburg rockers Man As Machine. These boytjies really brought their A-game to the party and had people rocking out in the mud in no time. Before I knew it, it was time for Martin Rocka & the Sick Shop, Newtown Knife Gang, Loveglove Pyrotechnic to give the Saturday at RAMFest 2014 Johannesburg a steady pace of rock ‘n roll. After 7 PM Pestroy tore the crowd a new one with a truly epic “last” live set on the main stage, Shortstraw satisfied every Indie rock fan’s craving and Black Cat Bones reminded us how lekker local has become over the last few years.

    Day 03-136 (Small)

    Day 03-127 (Small)

    Day 03-176 (Small)

    Day 03-185 (Small)

    Day 03-191 (Small)

    Day 03-196 (Small)

    After 9 PM Trivium fans were blown away by what was considered to be an epic metal performance by most and cravings for local Ska Punk were satisfied by local legends Fuzigish before it was time for the final act of the evening, Killswitch Engage. I have to admit that I’m not the biggest metal fan, but these American boys blew me away. After seeing them I can safely say that they’re probably one of the loudest acts that I’ve seen and that the lead singer has some serious pent-up anger issues. I finally clutched out around 2 AM after being reminded that one doesn’t have the same amount of energy at 37 than one has at age 18 and that boerewors rolls taste good after 1 AM.

    Trivium-15 (Small)

    Day 03-207 (Small)

    Killswitch Engage-9 (Small)

    On Sunday morning I got a grim reminder how disgusting festival toilets can be and found out why my mattress seemed a little damp over the weekend (yes, there was rainwater gathered under it) before we headed back to Pretoria.

    In retrospect: RAMFest 2014 Johannesburg was a well-organized festival. Kudos to Dawid Fourie, Hilltop Live and everyone else who was involved in organizing it. The new venue is much closer to Pretoria and there was ample camping space and minimal thorns that could mess up your feet or shoes. It was muddy at times, but it could have been worse. There were enough bar facilities and food stalls, the crowd was generally well-behaved and there were almost no sound or lighting issues. The organizers should definitely look at putting up more strategically placed porta pottis (especially in the stage area) and working shower facilities though. I’m hoping that this festival stays where it is and I’ll definitely be making my way to RAMFest 2015 Johannesburg next year.

    Did you attend this year’s festival? What are your thoughts? Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Feedback is appreciated welcome here. If you’ve enjoyed reading my review, feel free to share this article with your friends on Facebook and Twitter. Remember: Sharing is caring after all.

    Watch this space for regular updates in the Music category on Running Wolf’s Rant.

    Like what you just read? Subscribe To Our Newsletter to stay in the loop.

    Feel free to explore our website, check out our Featured Articles or scroll down to see the articles that are related to this article below. We've been around since 2008, so there's plenty of content.

    My 2 Cents on RAMFest 2014 Johannesburg 1

    My 2 Cents on RAMFest 2014 Johannesburg 2

    Looking for a gift for that special person in your life? Check out Netflorist.co.za, South Africa's top online florist and gift service. They offer flowers, gifts, and hampers for all occasions AND reliable nationwide delivery.

    Biffy Clyro Bronkhorstpruit Festivals Foals Johannesburg Killswitch Engage My 2 Cents RAMFest Reviews South Africa Trivium
    Share. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Copy Link
    Previous ArticleBiffy Clyro @ RAMFest 2014 Johannesburg: A Photo Album
    Next Article RAMfest 2014 Johannesburg: My Experience
    Henno Kruger

    Founder and owner of Running Wolf's Rant, Interesting Facts and SA Music Zone.

    Related Posts

    My 2 cents on the first Parklife Festival for 2014 3
    By Henno KrugerMarch 25, 2014

    My 2 cents on the first Parklife Festival for 2014

    4 Mins Read14 Views
    RAMfest 2014 Johannesburg: My Experience 4
    By Ewald CloeteMarch 14, 2014

    RAMfest 2014 Johannesburg: My Experience

    6 Mins Read12 Views
    Biffy Clyro @ RAMFest
    By Henno KrugerMarch 10, 2014

    Biffy Clyro @ RAMFest 2014 Johannesburg: A Photo Album

    2 Mins Read43 Views
    My 2 Cents on RAMFest 2013 Johannesburg 5
    By Henno KrugerApril 1, 2013

    My 2 Cents on RAMFest 2013 Johannesburg

    4 Mins Read22 Views
    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    Categories
    SA Gig Guide
    More articles in Music category
    Music News Wrap
    April 1, 2025

    In Case You Missed It: My March 2025 Music News Wrap

    93 Views7 Mins Read
    Werner Van Der Hoven: 'n Onderhoud oor "Wynland", ens. 6
    May 25, 2023

    Werner Van Der Hoven: ‘n Onderhoud oor “Wynland”, ens.

    149 Views4 Mins Read
    Satellite 79
    May 23, 2023

    Satellite 79: An Interview With Kevin Botha

    250 Views5 Mins Read
    Matthew Mole
    May 10, 2023

    Matthew Mole: A Quick Chat Before Lekkerland Carnival 2023!

    131 Views3 Mins Read
    Articles in Other Categories
    Berlin - German Cities
    August 29, 2025

    5 German Cities Worth Adding to Your Travel Bucket List

    5 Views4 Mins Read
    Ultimate Braai Festival
    August 28, 2025

    Brace yourselves for the Ultimate Braai Festival 2025

    6 Views4 Mins Read
    TCL Laundry
    August 26, 2025

    TCL Brings Smarter Laundry Solutions to South Africa

    6 Views4 Mins Read
    Tips to Main Septic Tanks
    August 24, 2025

    Tips to Help Maintain the Condition of Your Septic Tank

    8 Views3 Mins Read
    Featured Articles
    Wolfmother at Oppikoppi 02
    August 25, 2014

    Oppikoppi Photo Album: Editors, Rival Sons & Wolfmother

    65 Views3 Mins Read
    Van Coke Kartel
    December 5, 2011

    Photo Album: Van Coke Kartel Shows in 2011

    50 Views3 Mins Read
    Legion TV Show
    June 10, 2020

    12 Must-Watch Science Fiction TV shows

    268 Views12 Mins Read
    Vodacom
    April 29, 2009

    The Vodacom Player 23 Advert is one of the best ads of 2009

    199 Views1 Min Read
    Follow Us!
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • TikTok
    Recent Comments
    • george on Jannie “Hanepoot” Van Tonder: Pre-Park Acoustics Onderhoud
    • Henno Kruger on 30 of the Best Jeff Foxworthy “You Might Be A Redneck” Quotes
    • spkguy89 on 30 of the Best Jeff Foxworthy “You Might Be A Redneck” Quotes
    • Henno Kruger on Photo Album: Oppikoppi Photos from 2005, 2007, 2009 and 2010
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter

    Join The Wolf Pack!

    Get updates in your Inbox

    Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram TikTok
    © 2025 Running Wolf's Rant. Designed by ThemeSphere.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.