Talk About Rock Music

Like many people, I did not actually go to the festival but was happy enough to Sky+ all the BBC highlights so I could watch my favourite acts at my own convenience and fast forward the rest. I must say that although the festival has generally been acclaimed this year, I have certainly seen, and indeed been to, many festivals with a stronger (rock) line up. For example, Download looked particularly inviting this year.

Following on from the Jay-Z backlash last year, the organisers have certainly gone back to their rock roots in some respects. I did watch the Crosby, Stills and Nash performance which was typically mellow – unspectacular and yet enjoyable all the same. I found Neil Young to be a surprise – getting the crowd going despite extended versions of his classic songs. I sat through his whole set, but didn’t expect the crowd to. The highlight for me was watching Glasto-first timers Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band – their energy and passion was phenomenal and really got the crowd moving.

Other favourite moments were; Spinal Tap performing Stonehenge, The Doves playing their anthem Pounding and the Fleet Foxes with their harmonious folk music.

Overall, I found the festival to be interesting, yet unspectacular. The line up didn’t compare to some of the Leeds Festivals or T in the Park (2005) I have been to in the past. Still, the future is looking bright again for the festival and it will be interesting to see the acts booked for next year when they are announced.