Limp Bizkit and Cypress Hill brought a wave of 1990s nostalgia to Ottawa Bluesfest on Friday night, delivering high-energy performances that thrilled the crowd at LeBreton Flats Park. The rap-rock legends, known for their chaotic live shows, capped off a double bill that also featured a surprise appearance by Ottawa-born comedian Tom Green.
Tom Green Joins Limp Bizkit On Stage
The evening's most unexpected moment came when Limp Bizkit invited Tom Green to join them on the RBC Main stage. The lanky comedian, dressed in overalls and sporting a scruffy beard, emerged to perform the band's hit single 'Rollin''. Green, who first gained fame with his homegrown cable-TV show in Ottawa, took the opportunity to plug his new show and connect with the local audience.
Adopting a backwoods Valley boy persona, Green shouted out to fans from Renfrew to Vanier, quipping, 'We get 'er done in the Ottawa Valley, eh?' He also referenced his teenage rap trio, Organized Rhyme, a line that fans immediately recognized. During his brief time on stage, Green paid tribute to Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst, noting the band's support for his MTV show in the 1990s. 'My little show that started here in Ottawa … and these guys were the biggest thing in the world,' Green said.
Limp Bizkit's Enduring Appeal
Despite the passage of time, Limp Bizkit proved they still have the ability to attract fans and deliver a full night of entertainment. The band's set included fan favorites like 'Break Stuff' and 'Nookie', which inspired the expected mosh pit mayhem. However, the band employed a clever strategy to keep the crowd in check: pausing to play a snippet of a cheesy hit like 'Tainted Love' over the speakers, which diffused the intensity and brought smiles to faces.
As someone who witnessed Limp Bizkit trigger the destruction of Woodstock in 1999, I had concerns about the chaos Durst's songs could inspire. But the band's ability to balance energy with moments of levity made for a well-paced performance that kept the audience engaged from start to finish.
Cypress Hill Electrifies the Crowd
Before Limp Bizkit took the stage, Cypress Hill delivered a stellar opening set that electrified the festivities. The California hip-hop group, best known for their stoner hits and advocacy for cannabis use, played a string of party-starters including 'Shoot Em Up', 'When the Shit Goes Down', and 'Hand on the Pump'. Frontman B-Real declared, 'This is for the stoners out there,' before asking the crowd, 'Are you ready to get high?'
Cypress Hill's performance was a highlight of the evening, showcasing their enduring influence on hip-hop and their ability to connect with a festival audience. The band's set was a perfect lead-in to Limp Bizkit's headlining show, creating a seamless flow of 90s nostalgia.
Local Talent Shines
The night also featured a strong showing from local Ottawa talent. Scrappy rockers F!TH opened the show on the main stage, bringing their own brand of energy to the festival. Their performance set the tone for an evening that celebrated both established acts and emerging artists.
Other notable performers included Steve Earle, who also played during the festival, adding to the diverse lineup that spanned genres and generations.
