Thought I'd post my thoughts of this year's V Festival in Stafford, which I've just come back from. It will also make a change to talk about artists that are still alive on these pages!
In no particular order I managed to see the following during the two days: Bjorn Again, Ocean Colour Scene, The Lightening Seeds, The Proclaimers, Alesha Dixon, James, The Human League, Oasis, The Noisettes, Jet, Dizzee Rascal,The Specials, Happy Mondays, Pendulum and The Killers.
OK that was pretty much chronological order over the Saturday and Sunday! It was something of an older affair (something that has been reported of late during the Media as a growing trend). It gave me a chance to see some bands I didn't think I'd ever see, such as The Human League, Happy Mondays and The Specials as well as a nostalgic look back at The Lightening Seeds and probably the only time I'll ever exchange money to see an Abba tribute band!
These older bands were excellent but it was a bit unfortunate that I didn't really know much of their music. I'll make a note to do my research better prior to going in future as it does so much to the experience when you do.
The surprise act of the weekend for me was Alesha Dixon! I had a free slot and went along out of curiosity more than anything other reason and liked what I saw: good songs (pop, but well produced), great stage presence, good rapport with the audience but above all of that you get the sense of a genuine person enjoying what she's doing. Should also mention the dancing! She's got quite an act and if her appearances as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing work out well for her and raise her profile, she'll make quite a success of things in the years to come. Genuinely impressive!
Oasis were poor (I feel having seen them more than a few times previously I can make such judgement) and something was clearly amiss as they then pulled out of the Chelmsford gig. A lot of people really enjoyed Dizzee Rascal and the 'bouncy' stuff was impressive but I was content to sit at the back with a beer! Same really goes for The Proclaimers and that's about as generous as I can be with them!
A final word on a non-music note, the Guinness Garden and V Healthy spots were excellent. I'd been to V a few years ago and didn't seem to remember them being there but it's a sign of good things to come from festivals if they're acknowledging that some of their campers want something a bit more refined! Someone also needs to rethink festival loos but I think that's just a pipe-dream!
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