June
2003
Oxford bands shine at Glastonbury |
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main stage at Glastonbury |
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Saturday
night on the Pyramid Stage is the most prestigious slot at the UK's
most important festival.
That two of the three headline acts were Oxfordshire bands is testament
to the county's musical heritage. |
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By
Susie Healy
Radiohead
Last time Radiohead played the festival in the mud of '97 was spectacular
and this year's heat saw yet more Glastonbury magic.
Thom Yorke was in a great mood for once and how could he fail to be?
The audience was enormous but without the terrifying crush of the
former gig.
Grinning and even chatty he danced as though possessed by the spirits
of crazed demons.
First we were privilege to brand new songs from 'All Hail the Thief'.
Dark and mystical, these came across beautifully in the gloaming.
Tried and tested moments of genius included Paranoid Android, No Surprises,
Fake Plastic Trees and Just.
This performance's ecstatic peak though was Karma Police, every single
fan singing along and most with a tear in the eye.
Radiohead are incredible musicians, Johnny Greenwood in particular.
Each album is a step ahead of the last and giant leap ahead of their
contemporaries.
But it is the atmosphere they create which makes this band so special.
Spiky, angular, UglyBeautiful men, they seem to be from another planet
and their music has definite futuristic elements.
Far from their misery guts image they are a joy to experience live.
Supergrass
Its not that I can't handle change, I just find Supergrass' recent
material uninspiring.
Much of 'Life on Other Planets' is pub rock stodge, and I can't see
the point of 'Grace' at all.
But, BUT! they have never lost their live edge and for that the crowd
today loved them.
Not least the proud bearer of a chimp on a stick (a sure reference
to the band's simian qualities).
Blistering sunshine accompanied a string of fast paced songs for us
to get sweaty to, the only pause for thought being 'Moving'.
Luckily for me there were plenty of golden oldies to inspire nostalgia
too.
Final favourite 'Caught by the Fuzz' sparked tomfoolery on stage and
off.
The chimp befriends a blow up doll (cue the hairy one himself "Stop
molesting the poor girl"), Danny kicked over his drums and Gaz threw
his guitar into the air. I never saw it come down though?!
As Gaz carried Danny off stage rumours were abound that he had collapsed
with the excitement but he looked alive and well to me, strolling
sweatily through the press area afterwards.
Oh, and Gaz, you may be balding but I still love you. Congratulations
to you and Jules on your baby!
Other Oxford highlights included The Egg, reformed and playing the
Lost Stage. Glastonbury veterans, they have always been a great festival
band.
Their live blend of jazz, funk and beats is guaranteed to move the
feet of feet the sober and spaced alike.
The crowd was a mix of those in the know and lucky ramblers who stumbled
upon their set and everyone got a groove on.
There were plenty of old favourites, 'Getting Away With It' stood
out in particular.
It was encouraging to hear some unrecognised tracks too, in a similar
vein but with more vocals.
Here's hoping The Egg are back for good! |
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Write:
成人快手 Oxford,
269 Banbury Road,
Oxford,
OX2 7DW
E-mail:
oxford@bbc.co.uk
Phone:
08459 311 111 |
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