Goddess of Loki is a personal blog dedicated to Tom Hiddleston & his character Loki. Both have inspired me a lot, for example: writing. It most certainly has given me a lot of self-confidence back and made me discover my talents. I do write Fan Fiction (among others about Loki/The Avengers & The Lion King) and I‘m also a big film-lover of which I‘m enjoying to write blogs/reviews for. Both my Fan Fiction and film writings I will often share on this blog too. IG/FB: @Goddess_Of_Loki.
Do you recognize the following: It’s easy to choose out a
series to watch on Netflix, but finding a good film is quite a challenge! May I
tip you Holiday in the Wild, starring Kristin Davis & Rob Lowe? Even
though you might think it’s just an ordinary Christmas movie after you have
seen the first scene, but I can tell you: it’s not. After her husband has left
her, Kate (Kristin Davis) takes the second honeymoon to Africa herself,
what she actually had planned as a surprise for her husband. There she meets
Derek Holliston (Rob Lowe, doesn’t he look like Robert Downey Jr?), her pilot
for doing some sightseeing in Zambia. Together they help saving a baby orphan
elephant who just lost his mother due poaching. The animals and especially the baby elephants
are the ones who are going to make your heart melt during this film!
Rescue our wild friends!
The film states that we, the humans are the most dangerous
species living on this planet. I do agree with that and it’s absolutely sad
that there’s still animal cruelty happening such as poaching. Humanity also
comes with a large group of heroes, and fortunate this group is getting larger
and larger. Heroes that live for their goal of rescuing the involved animals.
This film sets its light on the elephants who after their futures seemed to be
stolen, were found and rescued by Game Rangers International (GRI), a non-profit
organisation established in Zambia. Also most of the scenes of this film were
filmed at GRI. On their website I read that lead actress Kristin Davis once
helped in the rescue of a orphaned elephant in Kenya, an event this film was
inspired by. Kristin has a heart for animals and with that I think she surely sets the right example. She became a Patron to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. On both the named sites above you can donate or digitally adopt a elephant, for giving these wonderful
projects a financial support! This film has inspired me to do so, it’s the only
thing I can do from the other side of the world.
A thank you note from Sheldrick Wildlife Trust after donating
Photo: WWF
Africa is the home of my favourite animals and also in a way the home of
my favourite Disney film. If you have read one of my earlier blog posts or are following me on IG, you probably guessed that I’m talking about lions & The
Lion King. Also the lion is one of the species currently in huge danger and
via organisations such as WWF (Dutch name: WNF) I’ve also been supporting projects that are
helping the King of the jungle to continue his existing. Also I support their project for the tiger, a specie on the brink of extinction since there are only less than 3900 tigers left in the wild! Forgive me for talking a bit off topic, nevertheless, tigers may live in a total different continent, the circumstances with poachers unfortunately are the same. But all together we'll succeed in creating a better life for all the wild animals out there!
Here at the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation you can find information about about a project called: End Tiger Extinction. Also there's an option to donate. Elephants, lions, tigers & all animals need our help!
Photo: David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation
Soul trips/Dreams
Also Africa is on my to do list for future travels, not in
the near future I do assume, but someday. Holiday in the Wild surely has
awakened my desire of going on a safari in Africa even more. Perhaps it also
gave me a country to start in, namely Zambia, I think that’s really a help
since Africa by far isn’t the smallest continent.. I liked that the lead
character in this film actually is doing a soul-trip. I think it’s definitely
something that brings someone on their right path towards their dreams. I’m
going through a lot of changes into my life and that’s good because sometimes
you’ve got to change. Sometimes you’ve got to say goodbye to certain things in
your life before new doors are being opened. I don’t want to spoil the film for
those who haven’t watched it yet, but in this film Rob Lowe speaks a sentence
about the positivity of change. At that moment I thought: “Wow, that’s so true!”
Once you hear it, you know what I’m talking about.
Normally I’m not that into Netflix films, also I’ve kind of
had it with those simple Christmas films (perhaps I should give Last
Christmas a chance) but I already shared that Holiday in the Wild is
not really a Christmas movie. Holiday in the Wild definitely is worth
the watch. I think especially romantic people, creative people and of course
animal lovers will love it!
Ilze Kitshoff
Extra
I've got to share this. You know my favourite Lion King character is Scar. I ordered a Scar plush because I loved it so much. But the delivery got delayed that much (he didn't even had to come from far..) that I thought he got lost or stolen in the mail. I even didn't dared to look at the tracking link I had.. But.. Guess who showed up at my doorstep last night? Isn't he adorable (in his own way)? He's totally going to inspire me in writing stories about the Lion King! (He's standing on my town's flag.)
I‘m so sorry that it took me three months to do a blog like this one again. I‘m not doing the time-talk again, we know it‘s flying by faster than Thor would⚡ (even before he got fat..). However had added some nature pictures and quotes in some of the blogs I published in August and September.
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Aren‘t we all bouncing in a circle up and down? The one moment we feel great, the next moment we‘re caught in a miserable mood. Perhaps that‘s what they mean with 'Circle of Life' in the Lion King. (Kidding..) Speaking of the Lion King, remember Hakuna Matata (it means no worries for the rest of..🎵)? Recently I got a tip from someone. He said something among the lines of: "If you‘re burdened with stress or you are worrying about something, throw some rocks in the water and watch the circles. Pretend that the disappearing circles mean your stress/worries and let it carry it away!" That‘s truly a wonderful advice. I knew that there‘s a large pond around my hometown somewhere I had never been before. I tried to find this a few months ago, but I don‘t know where Maps was sending me too. Not there, definitely. It was a great walk though, crossed a dog 🐶that lives close in the era (I was worried about him walking around there on his own, but people told me it‘s the dog‘s nature for as long as they remember) who joined me the whole time and actually helped me find my way back from the nowhere to the living! However, the other day I decided to give it another try and took my bicycle with me because it was actually quite the walk.. This time finding it took me no effort, so I decided to follow the guy‘s advise. And for me this really worked. I had two things on my mind that I wished the universe solved for me. Small things, but enough to spoil my mood for a few days.. Anyhow, the next day both of those 'problems' were solved.
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Somehow I‘m always drawn to take a picture of the sky. It‘s always the question how a picture like that turns out because I can‘t see the view when looking right into the sun..
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The above is a zoom-in of the previous picture. I did captured a light blue energy in that particular picture I took. You can tell me it‘s an effect of the sun, but I‘m too spiritual to believe that! 💙
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Hey, what‘s that in the water?
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Quotes/Inspiration:
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These days here it‘s raining a lot. One of the themes of this blog post perhaps is water.
You can‘t live without water, nature can‘t live without water. Every time when the rain spoils your mood, think that nature which is still recovering from two dry summers (here that is..), needs it a lot!
I do, I do!
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A sign of Infinity
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You are stronger than you think..
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End the blog with some Hiddles vibes!
I know I have used this Tom Hiddleston quote earlier, but you can‘t share a lovely quote like this enough!
I like to write down small quotes or save images in small note books. Every time I open this small blue notebook Tom Hiddleston‘s quote magically creates a smile on my face. 💙😇
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I hope you enjoyed this blog,
Love,
xx
Nicole
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Sources: Rituals, Flair Magazine, Flow Magazine, Tom Hiddleston
I almost can‘t keep track of all new Tom Hiddleston content, but I‘m not complaining because I love to see and read all his lovely interviews. I just watched this one from Playbill, however watched.. make that listened because unfortunately the video was black..
Also I‘m very pleased about the fact that Tom is posting a lot on social media lately!😊
He took a beautiful picture of the New York Times article. It‘s stunning and I love the shade below the plate!
This interview by Josh Horowitz (Personal Space/MTV) was so lovely. I love it when Tom talks about the Loki Series (which will be 6 hours in total)! There‘s so much chemistry between Tom and Joshua. I totally can relate to a comment I read below the video, it said: "Just make Josh Horowitz the official Tom Hiddleston interviewer!"
The Loki Series: "The journey you and I are on isn't over just yet. In fact, it‘s only just begun!" - Tom Hiddleston (Tom, you know just to drop the right words. This was exactly what I needed to hear!)
From Thursday to Saturday I‘m a weekend off. (This picture of Loki with a bag suits my situation haha.) I will be traveling in my own country. If this works fine (sure it will), my next step is to travel to England on my own. 😇
I‘ll end this blog with a few random pictures I had saved on my phone/computer, so for a bit this is a inspiring quotes/spiritual blog post after all. 😇
Amen!
And the right way is the way that feels right for you!
Got a big dream?
It doesn't matter how big your dream is. Wish for it anyway. The wishing well is big enough to grant us all our big wishes, as long as they truly are what your heart desires!
Aww! (So that‘s how Disney came up with Winnie the Pooh😋)
Lately my drinks (coffee or in this case, a smoothie) are giving me a 💗.
I read this was in Japan, I thought it was heaven!
This blogpost will perhaps be in stead of my monthly inspiring quotes blogpost. Writing is something I love to do and always films give me a lot of inspiration. I let my dreams lead my life. I start with my blog/review about The Lion King with showing my love for Disney‘s character Scar, switching to 'Scar‘s Reign', another story I enjoy writing. This week I also saw Mamma Mia 2 again and this movie is an inspiration to follow your dreams. Let that be one of my motto‘s.. Do what brings you happiness!
It‘s no secret that Tom Hiddleston, with bringing Loki in my life, has inspired me this much in writing (& sharing it) and in to believe in my Dreams. So perhaps it‘s not strange as I say the following: For me Tom/Loki is the CircleofLife!
The Lion King
Summer 2019: Where are we going? Let‘s go to the savannah of
Africa, on a safari among the giraffes, zebras and last of course: lions! But
you don't really have to go that far this summer (depends on where you live of
course..) Just with one single cinema visit you are there! I think you have
read me by now.., I'm talking about The Lion King! This summer you can watch
the Disney lions Simba, Nala, Scar and Mufasa lifelike in 3D! Obviously they cannot
escape the weird bird Zazu, the giggling/drooling hyenas and the comic duo
Timon & Pumbaa can‘t be missed too!
The original Lion King from 1994 was a big blockbuster at
the time and I think with this version it don‘t be much different. The Lion
King already is one of Disney most successful franchises for years. The
musical, which stops this summer here in the Netherlands but has been playing
non-stop in Londonand in New York for years,
remains a great success.
As for the Disney Remake Live Action films there‘s always the
question whether it actually works just as it did in the original. The story of
The Lion King is one you should definitely not add too much changes in , Disney
also hasn't done that except for some expansions and some small things. Where I
believe this version of director Jon Favreau rocks in, has everything to do
with the breath-taking real-looking shots. The African landscapes are
absolutely stunning to see and I particularly was impressed by the scenes that
showed the starry sky. During the nature scenes, pay attention to the details. I
must admit: The talking and singing animals are a bit of a strange sight, but
of course a Lion King movie without the well-known songs is a no go! The intro
is again very amazing. During the first part of the film, the cute cubs totally
steal the show. The first look on baby cub Simba was without any doubts
definitely an "aww moment". The Lion King from 1994 really is one
that pulls your tears out! The expectation is that not everyone will keep it
dry while watching some scenes in real life. However even though they look more
real, I thought they didn't had the same emotion as in the animation. I thought
the interaction between the animals (especially during action scenes!) looked
epic (,especially on moments where they weren‘t speaking or singing haha). The
home front of Timon & Pumbaa was designed to be a bit more detailed and it
got more residents, that also caused some nice effects.
English version
Disney chose to let James Earl Jones return (Mufasa) as the
only one of the original voice cast. People now are wondering: Why just him? A
few of the missing ones are Rowan Atkinson (Zazu) & obviously Jeremy Irons,
who with his English accent, really brought Scar to life. He even appears to have
shown interest in this remake, but Disney chose actor Chiwetel Ejiofor to crawl
into the thin skin of this lion. However he wasn‘t bad and "Be
Prepared" sounded very entertaining (too bad they shortened the song, but
that‘s not his fault), but it really is no match for Jeremy Irons' performance!
And concerning Beyonce (Nala), the opinions are quite different. The new song
"Spirit" sung by Beyonce doesn‘t sound wrong but for me certainly didn‘t
reach the goose bumps level aka "Circle of Life" & "He Lives
In You", although there is also a bit of nostalgia attached to that. By
the way the song that you hear during the credits is called "Never Too
Late" from Elton John. Timon (Billy Eichner) & Pumbaa (Seth Rogen)
provide the necessary humor. This works out very well and Seth Rogen makes
Pumbaa a popper! Laughing moments guaranteed!
Dutch version
The original Dutch Lion King is really nostalgic for me.
That's why I thought it would be nice to also view this Dutch version. Although
again it is not comparable with the 1994 version, I am sure that children will
be impressed. Personally I had to get used to the voices but this version
certainly did well in the songs. Hats off to the young talents who took care of
the voices of the Simba & Nala cubs. They do an honour to the Dutch version
of the song "Just can‘t wait until I'm king!" On moments I couldn‘t
tell if it sounded any different than the original. Actor Jurgen Theuns also
emerges strongly in this song as the silly bird Zazu. Scar was voiced for this
version by Marc Jonkers. Also in the Dutch version of 1994 the voice of Scar
(Arnold Gelderman) totally gave you the shivers, so the expectations for the
voice of this evil lion is also quite high here! One moment, Jonkers‘ Scar
sounded like an old lion, but when the tense music plays in the background
(sometimes this was too loud to properly understand all what was said), it
suddenly jumps over and he sounds pretty frightening. Scar’s own song is also
very well sung. Against that, I am less enthusiastic about Mufasa (how is it
possible with James Earl Jones in the original version!), The hyenas and
Rafiki. Timon & Pumbaa are again spoken in by Belgian actors, which makes the
fact that they come from another piece of land more alive.
In addition to the few changes in the story, Disney has
given the animals a more realistic look to make the film appear more natural. The
character who definitely looked the most unrealistic in the cartoon was (I just
like to address him too often!) Scar with his black mane and orange-looking
fur. That Disney chose not to stick to that look completely seems actually
quite logical. However, you can still tell the difference between him compared
to Mufasa & Simba. Of course the scar, from what he owes his name, can‘t be
taken off! By the way, do you know there‘s a book that tells a part of the past
of the 2 brothers? This book is called A Tale of Two Brothers. If Disney ever
wants to make a Lion King movie again, I hope they prefer this prequel (in
cartoon form!) over re-making Simba’s Pride!
The Lion King will no doubt be the cinema hit of the summer!
The temperatures of Africa have already reached us (The Netherlands, 41 degrees
on the 25th of July!) and it‘s quite ironic to say that by a cinema
visit to a film about these hot landscapes, you can go for cooling down. The
Lion King will bring many of us back to their childhood. Don‘t be ashamed to
sing along with nostalgic songs such as "Can't Wait To Be King". Go
there with your group of friends and from experience I say that it might lead
to do "mini Lion King dialogues" among each other. Maybe you visited
the original film with your parents and you like the idea of repeating that
tradition with this version? The Lion King is suitable for children 9 years and
older. Simba is laughing at you!
Scar‘s Reign
I think Scar/Taka is a character Disney could have do more with. A few years ago I started writing a story a little based on The Madness Of King Scar scene (both the deleted scene of 1994‘s film and the musical version), but also I like to dig deeper into his past. This story is called Scar‘s Reign. I originally wrote this in Dutch and I‘m busy translating it, which also gives me new ideas for the continue. I just posted 'The Lead Huntress', a chapter I very much enjoyed writing. And for a upcoming chapter called 'The Madness of King Scar' I really stepped into that chaotic head of him. (I like to work with the italic font to reveal certain thoughts of the characters, but to truly show how chaotic his mind truly has become, I've written TMOKS in his perspective completely.) If you are interested in reading my story, here are a few links: Scar‘s Reign (FanFiction.net) Scar‘s Reign (Archive of Our Own) Wattpad
This is the story‘s original summary:
"This story based on 'The Madness of King Scar' & 'A Tale of Two Brothers' is, what‘s revealed in the name, about what happened after Mufasa's death and Simba's disappearance. The story starts years after that. We all know that Scar took over the Kingdom. But what happened during Simba's absence? And after that? What's life like on the pride with Scar? What's in it for the future for Nala, Sarabi and the other lionesses? And how's Scar holding up as King himself? Scar/Taka is such an interesting character to write about and with this story I‘m deepening myself into his chaotic mind. Also there‘s a closer look into his past as Taka, as it still hunts this black maned lion. Is Scar able to deal with all these 'ghosts' of the past? Is Taka still hidden somewhere inside or is our pal truly destined to be doomed? - The idea of this story actually also has to do with the fact that I wanted to be able to live the scene 'The Madness of King Scar' completely from his perspective."
Mammia Mia 2/Rush
Spoken of cooling down.. The other day it was around 35 degrees during the open air cinema with Mammia Mia 2 (if you are in need of finding inspiration for following your dreams, this one, Midnight in Paris (one of my favorite non-Loki Tom Hiddleston films) or Letters to Juliet I can recommend you.) Luckily this film had lots of goosebumps moments to cool off. Hopefully it's less hot during the showing of 'Rush' since this film with Chris Hemsworth has the opposite effect. (While I write this, I hear the F1 Grandprix from Germany in the background. The race is a bit of a problematic rainy race, oh yes I‘m looking forward in seeing this film again!) I love the music of ABBA and when hearing Waterloo my heart just warms. Last week I also heard it when a local band played it. Waterloo, Go Your Own Way, See You In My Dreams, Don‘t Stop Believing, only a few of the songs that make me touch my heart. Also a film which concerns your own dreams, is expected to touch you. In Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again young Donna is turning the wheel in her life by with traveling she begins her adventure. Traveling is one of my dreams. "Follow Your Dreams, You May Be Surprised Where They Lead You", is a lovely inspiring quote and I got a few places/countries on the list. Freedom is important and that I‘m seeking more and more in my life. You know, there‘s so much to discover in the world, but also discovering yourself more. When you take a step sort like Donna did, you‘ll grow and you discover that you can do much more than you perhaps thought you could. Another dream of mine is having a family. Films don‘t often make me cry but all baby/pregnancy scenes hit me every single time! I once wrote my dream this way: 'My dream is to hold my new born baby for the very first time. When imagining this happening, the warmest feeling fills my heart.' (Unlike Donna in this film, I wish to know who the father is..) And I believe that whatever your dream is, you got to hold on to it, don‘t let it go. Continue believing in your dream. I know for sure, my dreams are coming true! Listen to your Heart, Go your own path, Reach your dream(s)!
Tom Hiddleston Treatment Day: Tom is spoiling his fans with stunning photo‘s!
When having a beautiful lovely day there‘s always plenty of room for things that make you feel even better! I had such a lovely positive day and this: posted by Tom Hiddleston himself, only made my day even better!
On this picture I see Tom Hiddleston being totally in his element. His angel like smile just makes me melt! 😇😊He is such a beautiful person and his heart is so pure. This is precious. You are shining the light Tom, NY never was this light hihi 😇
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Today is a good career day. There are some positive movements happened for me today and then as cherry on top I saw this picture of Tom.
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Mis-grabbed this lovely Dumbo plushie at the fairground today,
Tom totally made that right. (I might just buy the plushie somewhere..)
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Photo: Getty Images Cindy Ord
He also visited the SiriusXM Studios today. It truly is treatment day here in the Hiddlesfandom! Again such lovely photo‘s of this talented man!
Photo: Getty Images Cindy Ord
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Is it okay if a post has two of the same pictures? If it‘s Tom, of course it‘s okay! His eyes are sparkling, his light is shining. This is our lovely Tom and I can‘t be more proud at him! I wish him and all involved best of luck and a great time during Betrayal Broadway in New York!
This time the blog post is all about music. A subject that lies close to
many people‘s hearts. Therefore I don‘t think many of you will bother
to read a post like this here. For me personally music does a lot. My taste in music is big. When in a certain mood, I only need to listen
to the music that fits my mood or brightens my day. Sometimes that‘s Nirvana, other times INXS, Muse, Fleetwood Mac or anything else. Music inspires many
people too, including Tom for the role of Loki (In this Only Artist fragment he mentioned that he listened to the song Mind Heist by Zack Hemsey for the role of Loki, and we know he got a lot of inspiration from listening to the Prodigy too.) He
also shared 'Song of the Day' tweets now and then back in the days.
One of Tom‘s old 'Song of the Day' tweets.
Last weekend was a busy, but fun weekend. While in London the last performance of Betrayal happened on Saturday, here in Holland we approached an holiday (Pentecost) weekend. (Sunday and Monday) All three days I had fun things to do. On Saturday I visited an event that was all about healthy food/ healthy lifestyle, on Sunday I had a private event and on Monday I traveled to Landgraaf, where the yearly Pinkpop festival was held. This music festival had names like Slash ft Myles Kennedy & the Conspirators, Fleetwood Mac, Bastille & the Pretenders this last day.
My Betrayal card I send to the theatre last April
A little background talk
Pinkpop is one of the largest Dutch music festivals. It‘s held in Landgraaf, an hour driving from where I live. Pinkpop is founded by Jan Smeets. He‘s known as a true Dutch hero, this year he even had his own statue on the festival. The festival had it‘s 50th anniversary this year. Can you believe my first visit was in 2013? Back then Green Day was the headliner. Awesome experience by the way, they were great! That day I discovered their song 99 Revolutions, happy memories every time I hear the 2013 live on Pinkpop version. A amazing 50 year old festival this close to my home and I've only visited it 3 (Actually 4 times if Pinkpop Classic counts too) times.. I should go out more.. According to WikiPedia Pinkpop is the oldest and longest running annual dedicated pop and rock music festival in the world. Wow! The name Pinkpop actually comes from Pinksteren (Dutch name for Pentecost), because the festival is usually held on the Pentecost weekend. When on the Pentecost weekend, it‘s held on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. But when the Pentecost weekend falls on a date in May (the next two years), the festival is held in June from Friday through Sunday. Pinkpop‘s logo/mascot is a black haired doll wearing a pink dress. Also that‘s to be referred in the name since 'Pop' is the dutch designation for 'Doll'.
Green Day - 99 Revolutions live at Pinkpop 2013
In 2007 Pinkpop gained a little sister, a spin off called Pinkpop Classic. Held in August with more classic bands, most who stood on Pinkpop many years ago. I've went to Pinkpop Classic with my father in 2013, the last edition because it was very hard for the organisation to book bands for this one. My father said if I came across of Jan I had to tell him to give Pinkpop Classic a comeback, but I only saw him standing on the stage in the distance.
Actually the Pinkpop first performance I saw was from Tom Odell. A beautiful performance. Pinkpop also is a stage for newer musicians, which he then was. Back then Tom Odell said: "I think this is the largest audience I've played for so far. Thank you for being here so early." Another great performance from 2013 was Kensington, a Dutch band. I even had seen them here in a local town that same year. Nowadays, if you want to see a Kensington concert, you have to book early since their shows in the Ziggo Dome are known to be sold out in a few hours. Even though Pinkpop wasn't sold out last Monday, I remember back in 2013 it felt far less crowded.
Kensington sparkled the sky at Pinkpop 2013
Spoken of sky shots. I took another one this year. One with a very grey looking sky. Not long after it gave us the first rain shower! Well, that‘s where the grounds got colored with all different colors of disposable raincoats (also by the people who indeed disposed them by flinging them off on the ground afterwards).
When Fleetwood Mac got announced, a voice inside me already got enthusiastic in wanting to attend the festival this year, and later when Slash got announced I knew that I needed to go! Why? In 2015 I saw a few songs of their Pinkpop performance that year, filmed by 3FM. Among others they aired You Could me Mine (Guns n‘ Roses cover) and World on Fire, one of their own songs. They were so great, with that (and especially because of World on Fire) I had found another music love, found out that Slash was much more than the guitarist of Guns n‘ Roses. Outcome: I so regretted my decision of not attending the event for 2 days that year. Slash and his band were there on Friday and I went on Saturday, mainly because of (my friends and I wanted to see) The Script (also they were great too). So I said to myself: Next time Slash is coming, I‘m definitely going! (Last minute I found three people to come with me, phew!) I had to wait 4 years, but hey nothing compared to the 6 years I‘m already waiting for 30 Seconds to Mars, another band I regretted not have seen live after seeing the performance (Plus point: Their whole performance was live to follow!) on the TV.
30 Seconds to Mars at Pinkpop in 2013. Photo by: Bart Notermans.
Slash ft. Myles Kennedy & the Conspirators
My highlight of the day: The rocking sounds of Slash, Myles Kennedy & the Conspirators. I only saw a few songs of the Pretenders because they played on another stage before, and you have to make choices when you want to stand in front at Slash‘s performance. (Light point: I could watch The Pretenders a day later at home, because it got aired and Slash‘s wasn't.) That‘s something I don‘t choose to do often, or like ever. You shouldn't do that at a performance of Rammstein or Rage Against the Machine for example, if you don‘t want to end up in the raging crowds or if you don‘t feel like you‘re standing so secure in your shoes, like me. Fun fact: In 1994, the Pinkpop crowds had caused a small earthquake at the performance of Rage Against the Machine. Since last year I‘m developing myself by stopping to see my legs-condition as an obstacle. It‘s like they are less a burden now, but of course there are some limits. But standing in front at Slash ft. Myles Kennedy & the Conspirators is not something I regret. Except for a moment when the camera‘s were in front of my face, however it‘s not aired anyway..
The performance was awesome, a great experience to live from up close-by. I was able to take some photo‘s as well. I've got no professional camera, you weren‘t allowed to bring them anyway, but the photo‘s are good enough for Facebook and Instagram. (Next year I think I need a new phone, perhaps I should deepen myself in it a bit more.) Unfortunately the sky had mistaken Slash for Splash because it gave us lots of Splash the entire performance. But I‘m definitely not made from sugar. I wore the raincoat again, only my shoes were dripping wet.
But yes, they totally were my highlight. And of course they didn't skip my favorite song, World on Fire! For those who don‘t know the song or like the song, I would like to share the song. The band probably didn't gave permission for 2019‘s performance, but because they had given permission to air the song in 2015, I can share 2015‘s version. I like Myles interaction with the public in the middle of the song, he‘s such a great singer. Yeah, they definitely know how to entertain the public! Their new album and tour name is named Living the Dream ♥. Dream, one of my favorite words. Following my Dreams is something I‘m working on hard, so me standing in front of a performance of a music hero who‘s music I grew up with, (I babbled with the music of Guns n‘ Roses since I was a 2 year old toddler!) definitely is no coincidence!
Had this posted on my Instagram a day before, my Slash pop was ready too!
(I also used my Slash pop last Halloween, to pretend Loki had dressed himself up as Slash for Halloween.)
Festival food
Mainly when spoken of festival food, you‘ll think of fastfood, the unhealthiest of the unhealthiest.. But a few years ago Pinkpop has introduced the Kalm aan Laan (Stay calm avenue), where lots of food trucks with healthy, organic and vegan were located. A very good initiative if you ask me. They had Pink (made from beet juice) vegetarian burgers, Banana bread, yoghurt, sweet potato fries, salades', name it. I took me a falafel burger (also pink), a piece of Banana bread (Too bad I didn't took a photo of the Banana bread counter, because they had more kinds and it looked and tasted delicious! But I‘m not the best at taking food pictures as you can see on the photo below..) and some frozen yoghurt (I guess the yoghurt thing is a tradition for me). So I managed to stay on the healthy course quite good. Only I took some fries before going home, to clear out my consumption's. (also bought a few souvenirs) You know at the healthy food event I visited last Saturday, they said it‘s okay to eat/snack unhealthy for 20% as long if you make sure to keep the healthy meter at 80%. And I stayed off the meat!
Festival outfit
Besides the famous pink Pinkpop hat (You can buy them on Pinkpop, also to support Amnesty International): What‘s the perfect festival outfit? Ideal is if the weather is good, so you can walk around in a top + short. Then you see people in bikini too. Not me, no definitely not! But when it‘s below 24 degrees, I can recommend bringing a little coat for when it‘s cooled down later in the evening. And don‘t forget to bring a small bottle of sun cream! (I also took bug spray with me, but didn't needed to use it.) Actually I would say: just wear what you feel comfortable in. (Once someone even made a pants from all the old pink Pinkpop hats, but I‘m not that creative!)
My dog with the 2013 hat (photo is a few years old) and this year‘s Pinkpop hat
I like to wear something that shows my love for music. I wore a Guns n‘ Roses t-shirt with the Use Your Illusion albums images on it. As a kid I always noticed the Red/Yellow and Blue/Purple colors of the images from these Guns n‘ Roses albums my father had in his CD collection.
Photo: Large.nl
Last summer I decorated an denim jacket with patches and pins from Nirvana and Guns n‘ Roses. I even got a patch from Thor on it. (Unfortunately no Loki patch to be found in the Netherlands!) Also I have added two Pinkpop pins and a pin I bought at the Top 2000 café on it. There‘s a big Guns n‘ Roses logo on the back. Actually I meant to buy a small one, but when I bought it, I forgot to look what the size was. This jacket I also wore last Monday, however during most of the day it was covered by a transparent plastic disposable raincoat and before 14:30 it was too hot, so I took it off.
Stands out right?
Fleetwood Mac & the Fireworks
I felt enjoyed by the performance of Fleetwood Mac, but it wasn't I didn't feel the spectacular vibe (like with Slash or Green Day) a headliner should bring over to the public. Now and then singer Stevie Nicks went out of tone and for my feeling, she talked a little too much. But the fun and pleasure was well present and goosebumps during Go Your Own Way, one of my all time favorite songs. The title of the song is one of my favorite motto‘s. I you are going your own way, you are following your dreams! ♥
Because this was Pinkpop‘s 50th anniversary the organisation showed past highlights in video‘s after the performance of Fleetwood Mac. (Was watching a take In The End by Linkin Park from 2012, wow yeah goosebumps again!) Also there was fireworks while All You Need is Love from the Beatles was to be heard. If it was Bohemian Rhapsody it would have given me an New Years Eve feeling (Nr. 1 of the annual Top 2000, which ends a few seconds before the year ends). Beautiful and worthy ending of a successful edition!
To end this post, two foto‘s of me being in my element at Pinkpop festival. The first one is from 2016, during the performance of The Script and the second one is a selfie I took last Monday.
