Some memories are hard to shake. Some people still remember where they were when they first heard Machine Head’s 1994 debut album ‘Burn My Eyes’. The band was founded in Oakland in 1991 by Robb Flynn, who is still the sole original band member to date. Recognised as one of the most influential bands of the new wave of American heavy metal, they still found it difficult to build a solid fanbase in the US until later in their career. Meanwhile in Europe their first four releases had established them as a household name and one of the leading acts on the metal scene. Robb Flynn has always been opinionated and there came a time when he’d had his fill of the whole festival thing. The last time we had the pleasure of hosting Machine Head was 2012, a memorable occasion for more reasons than just the awful weather. Flynn will never be fond of festivals but headlining GMM this year was an opportunity he didn’t want to pass up. What to expect? A belter of a set, a megaproduction and gang shouts of ‘Let freedom ring with a shotgun blast’ from thousands of hoarse throats. Goosebumps, anyone? #GMM23
