The end of Sasquatch! is always the most bittersweet. 2012 had seen some flat-out phenomenal performances, and it felt more difficult than ever to trudge back to the campground after Beck closed up the festival.
Apparently there had been some outstanding shows missed this day, as well, including that which competed with Beck's time slot. Mogwai had been expected to play at this hour, but visa issues kept them out of the U.S., at the last minute. It was somewhat devastating to learn Deer Tick had stepped in to fill their shoes, for their second performance of the weekend, as I learned I missed their raucous, intoxicated covers of everyone from Chuck Berry to The Beatles.
There was plenty more to make up for it, though, including every second of the glorious Tenacious D return. The addition of a fourth stage this year was also a nice touch, even though its proximity to the Bigfoot Stage left for some truly battling moments. Cloud Cult was almost unnoticeable from the Bigfoot as Don't Talk to the Cops blasted their raps from the newly constructed Maine Stage.
One of the most unforgettable moments of the weekend came directly between the Tenacious D and Beck sets, as the JumboTrons captured a rambunctious raccoon climbing the eaves of the Main Stage. The crowd roared in support of the little guy as he scrambled to find better seating for the music to come. It seemed to signify the cohesion the thousands of fans had developed together over the weekend, and he received a cheering goodbye as we all applauded his desire to hear the same great music we were.
