As the rain pelted down, the faint images of tents springing up in the fields was met with the sound of a chainsaw. Smash staff continued to cut wood for massive bonfires, even as the rain further saturated each log. Everyone donned ponchos, raincoats, garbage bags, anything to stay dry and stave off the cold. And you know what? Everyone was smiling! This was fun! Asagiri usually attracts the best crop of FujiRockers, the type who can handle anything. They know best that the show - as well as the vibe - must go on.

The rain slowed down to a sprinkle as opening band, PE'Z, took to the stage. Not that that people in the camping area noticed at first. The fog was so thick that it seemed like the clouds had sunk, placing the stage smack dab in the middle. This gave the whole arena a purgatorial feel, like a place where Fuji Rock fans go when they die. Not as ideal as a sunny day, perhaps, but the fans didn't seem to mind. Whether boot-clad or barefoot, the campers slowly trickled to the stage, stomping and squishing in the then now four-inch-thick mud. PE'Z took advantage of the surreal atmosphere and cranked through their hour-long set of Dead-friendly jams.