As you can see, the weather was accomodating.
The first day, however, started off with a bit of sun and after working through the masses the main arena was entered. After taking in the totality of this event (simulatenous festivals, 3 campsites at each as well as thousands of non-campers, 4 stages on a site similar to SITG but about 5 times bigger) it occurred to me that we don't have any festivals of this size here in Australia.
Just Jack happened to be performing on the main stage upon our entrance and to be honest was doing little to nothing for me. Remimded me of Mike Skinner without an edge. Like a circle. But not a nice one with a smiley face on the inside. The Proclaimers arrived as the first band I was wanting to see at the festival and they delievered a solid set of old and new tracks (most of which I didn't know, and I dont think most of the crowd did either) but they played the ones we all wanted to hear as well. And these two guys can sing. I can't see myself rushing to buy a CD anytime soon but they were a great way to start the festivities.
With a few hours to kill before my next priority act I decided to have another bit of a look at the place. Then it occurred to me that maybe I should get drunk and so, hoisting myself onto the back of about a 200m drinks line, I waited. And waited. And the line did not move an inch. Just next to the drinks tent Juliette & the Licks were playing and while the singer looked like a whorebag and cavorted and flailed about the stage like a Tooheys New advert I couldnt help thinking to myself that the drummer looked alot like Dave Grohl. I then disregarded the thought thinking that the man himself would certainly not be so silly as to associate with people like these. Needless to say I left the drink line angrily and caught the last few songs of The Editors.
Not long after it was over to one of the big tops to see someone I've been dying to catch for a while - Dizzee Rascal. The tent was packed but the vibe was fantastic. Out to the stage first walks DJ Semtex. I did not know who he was or what he does before I realised he was missing an arm and controlling the switch with his NOSE! Lets see you do that! It all kicked off with 'Just a Rascal', finished up with 'Stand Up Tall' and ticked off every box in between. Great song selection, crowd interaction and a cheeky vibe throughout made this man my highlight of the festival. For an aritist from whom I was expecting so much, he delivered and more.
Up last for Saturday were the Foo Fighters and I think it's easy to say that these guys have become one of the biggest bands in the world. Whether thats because of Mr. Grohls history or not will never be seen and while some continue to laud the possibility that the Fooeys would never have been famous if not for Cobain (of course not, he'd still be alive and Nirvana would probably still be playing you twats), I was just happy to be there. From a one man start for 'Everlong' it was a greatest hits show played with a perfect mix of cockiness and sincere gratefulness. Any song you could ask for received a rotation and though the rain was pouring it didnt matter at all, there was even a dedication for a band that Grohl 'used to play drums in' before thanking Juliette & The Licks for the chance to play earlier (I was right, unfortunately). An encore later the stage was empty, the arena was filled with that post-show feedback and it was all over.
And so it was back to the cold of the night (English 'Summer' my ass), the mud, the pouring rain, the not-so-waterproof tents, and the fucking loud drunken brits keeping everyone up. I love England......
..but at least theres always tomorrow.
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