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The first day of this year’s 80/35 Music Festival faced a few obstacles, including rain and the absence of a key member of Public Enemy. The rap group’s hype man, Flavor Flav, did not make the trip to Des Moines.
Speaking during a meet-and-greet earlier Friday at Urban Dreams, Public Enemy frontman Chuck D told a Des Moines Register reporter that Flav didn’t make the trip but he didn’t know why.
“He’s had a good life. This is unacceptable for a professional,” Chuck D said.
Amedeo Rossi, 80/35 project manager, said he was told by Brother Mike of Public Enemy that Flavor Flav had been hospitalized earlier in the week with chest pains.
“We’re not going to get his color,” Rossi said. “It’s unfortunate, but the show must go on.”
The Des Moines Music Coalition, which organized the festival, estimated Friday night’s attendance was 4,500 people. The festival must sell about 12,000 tickets over two days to break even for the event.
Last year the festival enjoyed clear weather, and Rossi said walk-up sales accounted for about 25 percent of the 13,000 tickets sold over two days. Advance ticket sales had been running about 20 percent behind last year.
Fans stuck it out through rainy skies. Maddi Epping, 15, huddled with two friends under an awning at Arlington Apartments between bands. They said the rain was not affecting their enjoyment, but Epping’s recently dyed red hair caused them to seek shelter.
“The only way the rain is affecting me is I don’t want my hair to bleed all over the place,” she said.
A U.S. Cellular booth in the festival’s Do More Village became a popular destination when booth workers started giving out ponchos.
Hasidic Jewish reggae artist Matisyahu drew one of the larger crowds of the afternoon. He sang the lyric, “Even all the rain can’t put out your flame.” The rain seemed to come down harder in answer.
Fans also ducked inside the Des Moines Social Club, 1408 Locust St., located inside the festival grounds. William Brady of Des Moines sat inside, but said he was armed with a poncho and umbrella for when the Cedar Falls band House of Large Sizes took the stage.
“Rain or no rain, when the House comes on, I’ll be in the mosh pit,” he said.
The festival continues today. Main stage acts include Ben Harper, Broken Social Scene, Poison Control Center and G. Love & Special Sauce.
