Regular-guy Moby and his traveling troupe of cutting-edge clones took over the Jones Beach Theater as if they were countering the wake of this summer's Ozzfest, which had rumbled through town the week before. Take your pick, Area2's politically correct formula with hints of the avant-garde, or the rude and raunchy, beer-slugging metallica of Ozzfest. One thing's certain, these fests give concert goers a bang for their buck.

Skateboarder at Area2, Jones Beach Theater, NY, 8/2/02. Photo by Glenn Emerstone © 2002 NY Rock.

In the comfortable air-conditioned confines of the DJ tent – cooled by space-age air ducts – John Digweed and Carl Cox offered up their techno psychedelia. Playstation 2 had an exhibit of games to check out, while outside skateboarders rolled down ramps and hurtled into the air like Evel Knievel.

But the real action took place on the main stage. Irish pop rockers Ash were the openers. Following that, off-Broadway act Blue Man Group delivered a tribal-fused futuristic bang session on pipes, cans and drums that spewed forth orange matter upon impact. As the four blue guys pounded, eyes glaring ahead, the audience woofed down hot dogs and slurped sodas, while Blue Man's back-up band rocked on. Highlights included a phreaky version of Jefferson Airplane's "White Rabbit" and an orgasmic rendition of Donna Summer's "Love to Love You Baby."

Busta Rhymes and Spliff Starr at Area2, Jones Beach, NY, 8/2/02. Photo by Glenn Emerstone © 2002 NY Rock.

Next, Busta Rhymes – dredded in rasta locks – took on a battle of the mouths with sidekick Spliff Starr. In general, he and Spliff made no hesitation about proclaiming their love of the mighty weed. On "Pass the Courvoisier," Busta shared his bottle with the crowd as the Mighty Fliptones (including ex-Living Colour bass player Doug Wimbish) chunked up the funk into a dancehall reggae. Unfortunately, Busta's version of hip hop appeared a bit cliched and catroonish to me. I would have preferred Public Enemy espousing their hit list of hatred. At least their shit's for real.

David Bowie at Area2, Jones Beach Theater, NY, 8/2/02. Photo by Glenn Emerstone. Photo © 2002 NY Rock.

As the day moved on, dark clouds appeared on the horizon. The winds whipped, the sky turned black and David Bowie took the stage.

The tuxedoed gent flashed a smile as the band took on "Life on Mars" and "Ashes to Ashes." Bowie's performance was a race against time as the clouds headed towards the outdoor amphitheatre and soon rained on the crowd's parade. The shortened set included a funkified "Fame," familiar hits "China Girl" and "Changes," as well as some new ones off Heathen that went down real well. Neil Young's "I've Been Waiting For You" was the surprise of the evening. The Thin White Duke took this rare gem off Neil Young's first solo record and turned it into a soulful romp that blistered with guitarist Earl Slick's piercing lead. "Afraid of Americans" followed, with its quirky rhythms and not-so-gentle reminder of what we have become.

Moby at Area2, Jones Beach Theater, NY, 8/2/02. Photo by Glenn Emerstone © 2002 NY Rock.

Bowie stared out at the soaked crowd, stone faced and emotionless at the song's coda and belted in his deep baritone – "God is an American" – as lightning bolted across the skies. The Man from Mars delivered "Heroes" amidst the thunder and "B-O-W-I-E" flickered onstage in cheap fluorescent glory while heaven, earth and the elements became one.

Headliner Moby ended Area2 with a set that pulled from the mega-selling monster Play and his latest 18. On "James Bond Theme" he bolted across the stage like a dashing 007 as he took on congas, keyboards, and his black Fender guitar. Moby settled down for "We Are All Made of Stars" as the band grooved to its quasi-psychedelic easy-going pop.

Unfortunately, it was hard to tell whether it was live or Memorex. In fact, for most of the performance, it seemed like the band was playing along to recorded tracks a la Milli Vanilli.

Yet Moby's self-deprecating nice-guy ways make it hard to dislike him. He thanked the crowd repeatedly after each number. What can I say, the stolen riffs and vocals are so blatant he's become an original.

Moby beckoned his punk roots as he drove into the Ramones' "Blitzkrieg Bop," which ended the set. Once again, he thanked the crowd, which was sufficiently soaked and soothed by Area2's safe and sugarcoated avante-garde pop.