For anyone who was not privleged to attend from what I hear was a sensational T in the Park Weekend, or did not have access to BBC Three, there is a two hour compilation of highlights on BBC 2 tonight at 11.35pm.
I have seen some footage on the BBC i Player, featuring returning heroes Manic Street Preachers back after a ten year ban was lifted. Signature tune A Design for Life was particularly emotional.
On BBC Radio 1 I heard a selection of tracks, Kings Of Leon a main stage headliner sounded visceral when playing Sex On Fire. While Lily Allen seemed a little flat in comparison to her Glastonbury stint.
Blur have been the band of the summer in many eyes and this may have been have their last ever gig. The show was cut short to a condensed 75 minutes due to guitarist Graham Coxon being struck by food poisoning. He finally got there straight coming from hospital.
Amongst the other acts too look out for tonight are local favourites Glasvegas who delivered an intense set just before the Manics, plus you have Nine Inch Nails, Bloc Party, The Killers, Snow Patrol, Florence and the Machine and many more from Scotland's biggest music festival.
Friday, 17 July 2009
Wednesday, 15 July 2009
Glastonbury 2010
It has been two weeks since Blur closed what many were describing as one of the greatest Glastonbury festivals. It certainly pandered to a lot of old schoool rock with star turns from Bruce Springsteen, Madness, Tom Jones and Neil Young. It has set the bar high for next years festival which is a special one as the iconic festival celebrates it's 40th anniversary.
Promoter Michael Eavis has promised some very special acts, but here I speculate as to who the three Pyramid stage headliners might be.
Muse- Strong rumours are already flying around for the Teignmouth trio, who release a new album in September. They have announced a fairly small arena tour for November, so this would lead me to believe they have big plans for 2010 livewise.
Coldplay- Another firm rumour, but hopefully untrue as they are too one dimensional for a lengthy headline show. However I fear their mass popularity will see Eavis turn to them once again.
Radiohead- Have not played since 2003, but seem to be linked to headlining every year since. It would be nice to see the avant garde rockers return as their live activity has become so limited in recent years. If they do it would be nice for them to churn out a classic career spanning set, which they rarely do.
Kylie Minogue- Michael Eavis has said they have been constantly trying to get the Australian songstress on board for some time. I think she might be better suited to the sunday teatime slot myself as she is of a certain vintage now, although I still would!
Dolly Parton- A more realistic contender for the teatime slot as as she fits the age criteria. Eavis has described as her as a dream act, so next year would be as fitting as any.
U2- Still yet to break their Glasto virginity but have stated they will eventually. Well they are not getting any younger and it could be a good way to finish the touring for their current album.
Oasis- After a lukewarm reaction to their headline show in 2004, the clamour for their return has not been so high with the band admitting they have not delivered there greatest performances at Glastonbury.
I would be interested to hear from others as to who they would want to see headline or appear at this landmark Glastonbury festival. Also their views on who they hope will not appear.
Promoter Michael Eavis has promised some very special acts, but here I speculate as to who the three Pyramid stage headliners might be.
Muse- Strong rumours are already flying around for the Teignmouth trio, who release a new album in September. They have announced a fairly small arena tour for November, so this would lead me to believe they have big plans for 2010 livewise.
Coldplay- Another firm rumour, but hopefully untrue as they are too one dimensional for a lengthy headline show. However I fear their mass popularity will see Eavis turn to them once again.
Radiohead- Have not played since 2003, but seem to be linked to headlining every year since. It would be nice to see the avant garde rockers return as their live activity has become so limited in recent years. If they do it would be nice for them to churn out a classic career spanning set, which they rarely do.
Kylie Minogue- Michael Eavis has said they have been constantly trying to get the Australian songstress on board for some time. I think she might be better suited to the sunday teatime slot myself as she is of a certain vintage now, although I still would!
Dolly Parton- A more realistic contender for the teatime slot as as she fits the age criteria. Eavis has described as her as a dream act, so next year would be as fitting as any.
U2- Still yet to break their Glasto virginity but have stated they will eventually. Well they are not getting any younger and it could be a good way to finish the touring for their current album.
Oasis- After a lukewarm reaction to their headline show in 2004, the clamour for their return has not been so high with the band admitting they have not delivered there greatest performances at Glastonbury.
I would be interested to hear from others as to who they would want to see headline or appear at this landmark Glastonbury festival. Also their views on who they hope will not appear.
Monday, 13 July 2009
Oasis and The Enemy at Ricoh Stadium July 7th 2009
The Ricoh Stadium was the venue for the latest leg of Oasis lengthy UK tour. It was at the request of support band The Enemy who hail from Coventry that this show be staged.
Nearly 35,000 people crammed in to witness a celebratory homecoming show from The Enemy, followed by a triumphant, but a little tiring Oasis performance.
The Enemy came onto a raptourous welcome but tossed away their two biggest hits Away From Here and Had Enough inside the first three tracks. This left the remainder of the show feeling somewhat pedestrian, but was punctuated by the beautiful Jane Ballad that Oasis would have been proud to have in their arsenal. Set closer It's Not Ok was powerful in uniting their home crowd, despite this the jury is out on whether they we will see the day when The Enemy are headlining these type of shows.
Oasis entered nearly an hour later to their now customary walk on track Fuckin in the Bushes, before swiftly charging into a slightly off key Rock 'n' Roll Star.
The early part of the show was full of the punkish songs to get the mosh heaving, Cigarettes and Alcohol and Roll With It sounding timeless as if the mid nineties had never slipped away. Although this segment of the show was the gig's peak it meant the remainder of the show was majoring on mass singalongs, albeit some beautiful moments especially Champagne Supernova and a noticeably euphoric Live Forever, but why not space these songs out around the mosh friendly ones?
I know there will be some people who think I am being pedantic but in my opinion it prevented the gig from being a great show to merely just a very fine one.
Liam Gallagher has never been the most demonstrative of frontmen, his mere presence and aura has generally led him to being described as the best frontman of his generation. Tonight he was in snarling mode admonishing the crowd for clapping saying "this is not a Simple Minds gig" and later on dedicating a song to the "real sky blues MCFC".
Oasis have always prided themselves on letting the music speak for itself and this goes a long way as no other band can generate so many people speaking in unison. However I think the time has come for Oasis to offer a bit more of a show, otherwise they could stagnate as a live force as the new music does not speak for itself.
Nearly 35,000 people crammed in to witness a celebratory homecoming show from The Enemy, followed by a triumphant, but a little tiring Oasis performance.
The Enemy came onto a raptourous welcome but tossed away their two biggest hits Away From Here and Had Enough inside the first three tracks. This left the remainder of the show feeling somewhat pedestrian, but was punctuated by the beautiful Jane Ballad that Oasis would have been proud to have in their arsenal. Set closer It's Not Ok was powerful in uniting their home crowd, despite this the jury is out on whether they we will see the day when The Enemy are headlining these type of shows.
Oasis entered nearly an hour later to their now customary walk on track Fuckin in the Bushes, before swiftly charging into a slightly off key Rock 'n' Roll Star.
The early part of the show was full of the punkish songs to get the mosh heaving, Cigarettes and Alcohol and Roll With It sounding timeless as if the mid nineties had never slipped away. Although this segment of the show was the gig's peak it meant the remainder of the show was majoring on mass singalongs, albeit some beautiful moments especially Champagne Supernova and a noticeably euphoric Live Forever, but why not space these songs out around the mosh friendly ones?
I know there will be some people who think I am being pedantic but in my opinion it prevented the gig from being a great show to merely just a very fine one.
Liam Gallagher has never been the most demonstrative of frontmen, his mere presence and aura has generally led him to being described as the best frontman of his generation. Tonight he was in snarling mode admonishing the crowd for clapping saying "this is not a Simple Minds gig" and later on dedicating a song to the "real sky blues MCFC".
Oasis have always prided themselves on letting the music speak for itself and this goes a long way as no other band can generate so many people speaking in unison. However I think the time has come for Oasis to offer a bit more of a show, otherwise they could stagnate as a live force as the new music does not speak for itself.
Friday, 10 July 2009
Tin the Park
Scotland's biggest music festival is upon us once again in the beautiful area known as Balado near Kinross. The festival has a reputation for being a bit lairy, but is all taken in good spirit. This years main stage headliners will be moron led (sorry mormon!) american rockers The Killers, bedwetters Snow Patrol, the improving Kings of Leon and on a glorious comeback trail Blur. Here though are my five bands you must see over the three day weekend.
Manic Street Preachers
The Welsh trio have not played here for ten years when they headlined the main stage at their commercial peak. This year they will be headlining the King Tuts stage, effectively the third stage. In 1999 bassist Nicky Wire labelled Billy Bragg a big nosed twat, so expect more incendiary mayhem.
Blur
Fresh from their huge comeback shows at Hyde Park which were a massive success, this is Blur's last stop on their reunion tour. Co headlining the final night with Snow Patrol, Blur Im sure will stamp their authority all over Snow Patrol's sickly indie balladeering. Make sure you are down the front for Song 2 as at Hyde Park it was the best fun I have had at a gig all year.
Little Boots
A current personal favourite of mine after hearing two gorgeous electro pop singles Remedy and New In Town. Victoria Hesketh as her mom knows her will bring a touch of glamour to the Scottish countryside.
Bloc Party
This band are now seasoned festival campaigners, who seem to take on another life on stage. The records are not too shabby but seem so lo-fi in comparison to the bruising rock beast they turn into live.
Florence and the Machine
The buzz band at the moment which is all down to lead singer Florence Welch's captivating stage show. She is a performer right out of the top draw taking the music to another level. The songs are a mixture of orchestral pop, opera and indie that sound gloomy but at the same time seem to end up lifting you.
There are many acts playing across a variety of stages throughout the weekend check the official website for full details. The festival sold out a long time ago, so if you want to catch a bit of the action tune in to BBC 3 in the evening, plus Radio 1 has some of the best bits, plus there is BBC i Player for those who want to watch at their own leisure. At some point next week I will have some discussion on the Weekend.
Manic Street Preachers
The Welsh trio have not played here for ten years when they headlined the main stage at their commercial peak. This year they will be headlining the King Tuts stage, effectively the third stage. In 1999 bassist Nicky Wire labelled Billy Bragg a big nosed twat, so expect more incendiary mayhem.
Blur
Fresh from their huge comeback shows at Hyde Park which were a massive success, this is Blur's last stop on their reunion tour. Co headlining the final night with Snow Patrol, Blur Im sure will stamp their authority all over Snow Patrol's sickly indie balladeering. Make sure you are down the front for Song 2 as at Hyde Park it was the best fun I have had at a gig all year.
Little Boots
A current personal favourite of mine after hearing two gorgeous electro pop singles Remedy and New In Town. Victoria Hesketh as her mom knows her will bring a touch of glamour to the Scottish countryside.
Bloc Party
This band are now seasoned festival campaigners, who seem to take on another life on stage. The records are not too shabby but seem so lo-fi in comparison to the bruising rock beast they turn into live.
Florence and the Machine
The buzz band at the moment which is all down to lead singer Florence Welch's captivating stage show. She is a performer right out of the top draw taking the music to another level. The songs are a mixture of orchestral pop, opera and indie that sound gloomy but at the same time seem to end up lifting you.
There are many acts playing across a variety of stages throughout the weekend check the official website for full details. The festival sold out a long time ago, so if you want to catch a bit of the action tune in to BBC 3 in the evening, plus Radio 1 has some of the best bits, plus there is BBC i Player for those who want to watch at their own leisure. At some point next week I will have some discussion on the Weekend.
Wednesday, 8 July 2009
Idlewild at Godiva Festival July 4th 2009
Idlewild have been inactive for a year or so now, so a free festival in Coventry seemed the ideal starting point to promote the new album and dust off some choice cuts from the back catologue. Godiva Festival is now into it's 12th year and for free you can't complain as otherwise I could launch into a full blown rant!
The Scottish rockers were selected to headline day two of this three day family festival. They oddly started their set with mid tempo rocker Love Steals Us From Loneliness, before launching into their biggest hit You Held the World in Your Arms which instigated a bit of good old fashioned rock violence down the front, a trend throughout a thrashy punky set. One man was escorted out in just his pants, with his trousers nowhere to be seen thankfully he did not return as I would not have wanted to get squashed against him!
The set slowed down briefly for a beautiful rendition of American English, before they cranked up the pace for When I Argue I See Shapes, Rosability and set closer the brutal Modern Way of Letting You Go.
Overall the band seemed reasonably engaged with the show, but lead singer Roddy Woomble's vocals were lost amongst their punkish sound, ashame as he is one of the best live vocalists around. The new stuff suggested a return to their rockier roots but created only a little stir. Its probably a make or break time now for Idlewild whose commercial star has waned, on this evidence it is difficult to call which way there career will turn as people enjoyed it, but it seemed like most would be ambivalent if they did call it a day.
The Scottish rockers were selected to headline day two of this three day family festival. They oddly started their set with mid tempo rocker Love Steals Us From Loneliness, before launching into their biggest hit You Held the World in Your Arms which instigated a bit of good old fashioned rock violence down the front, a trend throughout a thrashy punky set. One man was escorted out in just his pants, with his trousers nowhere to be seen thankfully he did not return as I would not have wanted to get squashed against him!
The set slowed down briefly for a beautiful rendition of American English, before they cranked up the pace for When I Argue I See Shapes, Rosability and set closer the brutal Modern Way of Letting You Go.
Overall the band seemed reasonably engaged with the show, but lead singer Roddy Woomble's vocals were lost amongst their punkish sound, ashame as he is one of the best live vocalists around. The new stuff suggested a return to their rockier roots but created only a little stir. Its probably a make or break time now for Idlewild whose commercial star has waned, on this evidence it is difficult to call which way there career will turn as people enjoyed it, but it seemed like most would be ambivalent if they did call it a day.
Monday, 6 July 2009
Blur at Hyde Park July 2nd 2009
When Blur announced their plans of a reunion, the Hyde Park shows were the first gigs announced, bassist Alex James wondered whether they could sell them out in their nineties pomp never mind now. He need not have worried as 55,000 crammed into the 350 acre park as Blur took on the mantle of the people's band they always shied away from at the end of the 1990's.
Arriving on stage at 8.20pm they kicked off with their debut single She's So High, which was something of a stunted opener, but was to prove a false dawn to a set which was one big jamboree. The show really opened with indie disco classic Girls and Boys, which despite the heat had rows of people bouncing a common occurence throughout as Blur played a lot of the back catologue with a ferocity that many had forgotten.
Parklife album favourites Tracy Jacks and Jubilee were dusted off with Albarn spitting venom at anyone who thought he couldn't handle being a frontman on a grand stage once again. After an early blast the pace was slowed for mass singalongs Beetlebum, Tender and Out of Time. It was when Blur charged into Country House a song that they spent years being embarrased by, but now seemed to embrace it realising that it is a quintessential Blur anthem, which sparked a joyous moshpit that Blur realised how much they had seeped into the nation's psyche.
Despite the baking conditions neither band or crowd were waning physically, especially not when Phil Daniels came onstage to sing a riotous Parklife. Daniels was captivating in his brief cameo, clearly a recent stint on Eastenders has helped his acting skills.
Finishing the main set with This is A Low seemed appropiate, before they returned for two very different encores. The first was a turbo charged triple blast of Popscene, Advert and then Song 2 which was song that moshpits were meant for with dust off the grass flying everywhere bringing the first encore to a frenzied close.
Encore two saw Blur chilling with Death of a Party followed by the epic For Tomorrow and then The Universal which brought things to a spine tingling climax. There was sense that we had witnessed one of Britain's greatest bands reclaiming their position as such, we were all part of a piece of Rock n Roll History. Even if Blur never record a new album their legacy is intact and 55,000 will testify to that.
Arriving on stage at 8.20pm they kicked off with their debut single She's So High, which was something of a stunted opener, but was to prove a false dawn to a set which was one big jamboree. The show really opened with indie disco classic Girls and Boys, which despite the heat had rows of people bouncing a common occurence throughout as Blur played a lot of the back catologue with a ferocity that many had forgotten.
Parklife album favourites Tracy Jacks and Jubilee were dusted off with Albarn spitting venom at anyone who thought he couldn't handle being a frontman on a grand stage once again. After an early blast the pace was slowed for mass singalongs Beetlebum, Tender and Out of Time. It was when Blur charged into Country House a song that they spent years being embarrased by, but now seemed to embrace it realising that it is a quintessential Blur anthem, which sparked a joyous moshpit that Blur realised how much they had seeped into the nation's psyche.
Despite the baking conditions neither band or crowd were waning physically, especially not when Phil Daniels came onstage to sing a riotous Parklife. Daniels was captivating in his brief cameo, clearly a recent stint on Eastenders has helped his acting skills.
Finishing the main set with This is A Low seemed appropiate, before they returned for two very different encores. The first was a turbo charged triple blast of Popscene, Advert and then Song 2 which was song that moshpits were meant for with dust off the grass flying everywhere bringing the first encore to a frenzied close.
Encore two saw Blur chilling with Death of a Party followed by the epic For Tomorrow and then The Universal which brought things to a spine tingling climax. There was sense that we had witnessed one of Britain's greatest bands reclaiming their position as such, we were all part of a piece of Rock n Roll History. Even if Blur never record a new album their legacy is intact and 55,000 will testify to that.
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