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Leeds Festival Day 3Friday, 3 September 2010Surf-pop five-piece, Surfer Blood, kicked off my final day at I do feel sorry for the first three bands playing at the NME stage because although their sets were good, hardly anyone could be fucked to lift a foot to dance, or a hand to show appreciation. They were all still asleep! Fronted by singer and guitarist John Paul Pitts, Surfer Blood opened the final day the NME tent with Floating Vibes, a song that brought about just that. Having only released one album the band was seemingly limited to tracks off Next up – Making our way over to main for gypsy- punk outfit, Gogol Bordello who truly are a outstanding group (and still up there in best acts I have ever seen live!). With a line up that currently sits at nine members from counties including Russia, Ethiopia, Scotland and the Ukraine, its clear how Gogol Bordello have evolved into a highly theatrical collective built upon an eclectic selection of world music styles and instruments. The energy at Irish indie-electropop trio, Two Door Cinema Club put on yet another energetic performance on Sunday. Not straying far from their sounds at Splendour in The Grass this band are somewhere between Franz Ferdinand and Delphic. The power pop hooks of Undercover Martin and I Can Talk were crowd favourites as per usual and finally, by 3pm, did we witness the first glimpse of life from the horde at the NME stage. Moving as one to the enthusiastic beats this energetic set made way Although turned off by their name they share Bloc Party’s producer and Coredell runs Merok Records (early home of Klaxons and Crystal Castles) so I was compelled to check them out. And besides, who isn’t a fan of Dominos? On stage the two multi-instrumentalists with their power chords and pop hooks received a massive response. Although breaking mainstream with their infections choruses and pop sensibilities their set was a more band orientated change in pace. Playing with a full line up including guitars and drums it was the synth sounds of MGMT mixed with the shoegaze of The XX that made for a distorted, lo-fi, 90’s electro pop performance that was mesmerizing! Missing Yeasayer (FML) after a detour through the campsite in search of more alcohol to smuggle in we arrived in time for the second half of Delphic’s set. The Of all the acts here this weekend, Queens of the Stone Age were MY most anticipated. Warming up the stage for Guns N Roses, QOTSA appropriately opened with Feel Good Hit Of The Summer. Only moments in to their set lead singer Josh Homme announced he wanted his music loud “so turn it up for these mother fuckers. I’m sick of this quiet shit”. Josh’s between song repartees continued much the same tone through out the bands hour and a half set. Playing only six or so well known hits Despite initial rumours that Guns N Roses were going to pull the pin on their Sunday night Leeds performance after a spat with festival organisers, they arrived onstage 30 minutes late and after some desperate pleading for the audience to take a step back avoid crushing fans at the front. Tainted from the previous disputes surround Reading Festival (GNR came on one hour late and as a result ran past the festivals curfew, to avoid paying penalties organisers cut the sound during the bands encore) the audience were hesitant about whether another dummy spit would follow. Having watched opening anthem, Welcome to The Jungle, we slunk out in search of LCD Soundsystem who were playing to a not so big audience but were thankful to those who chose them over the Gunners. Charming as always frontman James Murphy put on an extremely lively performance with a set list that was identical to Splendour. With mischievously quirky lyrics and vibrant hooks the NME was brought to life for the final time this weekend. Returning to catch the end of GNR’s set we managed to see Night Train, and extend guitar solo and final track, Jumping on a last minute festival ride before heading out to the campsite to watch the riots and party at Piccadilly (blogs below) Bec Clark |
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Past FestivalsFriday, 3 September 2010A few people have asked me about the other festivals and where they can read our previous blogs.... well head to here for all the festivals, interviews and reviews from My World Tour 2010
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Leeds Festival Day 2Friday, 3 September 2010Saturday at the festival saw just the slightest drizzle of rain but was windy as hell and freezing during the night. But first up - The Joy Formidable, a trio from Saturday at Hanging out for Local Natives (formerly known as Cavil at Rest) this quintet out of LA have recently been described as psych folk. Their boyish charm and measured harmonies of the first few track reminded me of Sydney's Boy and Bear – just less folk and more dance. Fromm immense drumming to pop hooks, the guys brought their west coast charm to the audience at Catching the tail end of Performing with falsetto croons and deep tenor moans in perfect measure, this band seemed to transcend a number of genres and influences. Front men Hayden Thorpe and Tom Fleming both extremely talented and did a stunning job of introducing Leeds Festival to their mercury nominated album Two Dancers. Stunning the audience at the NME stage, Wild Beasts’s set was filled with unique melodies and an expansive range of daring vocals, the passion and sheer talent of this group strikingly evident. Trading instruments as the set progressed the band closed their 40 minute time slot with a chilling performance of Hooting and Howling. I hate to say it but I used to be a bit of a Limp Bizkit fan. Admittedly I was much younger and musically naïve, but I had to check these guys out for nostalgias sake. But sadly their performance was less than average. Entering the stage to the beats of DJ Lethal with his signature basketball singlet, this time the Celtics, and hat, (but no the NY one we have some to know and love) Fred Durst’s performance was bland. And , showmanship, almost not existent. Occasionally screaming “yeah…LEEEDs” into the mic there was often long pauses between songs and no real banter to fill the void. As for Wes Borland – this was by far the creepiest on stage ensemble I have aver witnessed. Painted black legs, a dark grey coat, fox fur around his neck, long black hair and a fringe with bangs, white make up with giant red clown lip and then his teeth – ohhh his teeth… covered in black grime. Opening with Rollin crowd favourites My Way, Break Stuff and Take a Look Around were play before the boys closed with their anticipated cover if George Michael's Faith. Sadly there was to Nookie Next up was west coast rappers - Cypress Hill who seem to be just an excuse for everyone in the audience to light up heir splifs. Considering the fact that there is no drug searches or dogs at this festival people could get in anything and everything they pleased. As expected How Could I Just Kill A Man and Insane in the Brain went off. Finally making it over to the dance tent for the first time this festival I caught American rockers Band of Horses, previously known as Horses had packed out the NME stage by 6PM on Saturday. Gaining popularity after their second album Cease to Begin the 5 piece are renowned for their indie country-rock revival and southern American sound. The vocals of Ben Bridwell echoed ever so magnificently through the tent at Leeds and enticed references to My Morning Jacket, the Flaming Lips or even soft rock sounds of Opening with Total Life Forever, Finally for the much anticipated Punk-pop trio – Blink 182 who seemed to entrain themselves as much as they did the audience. Regular outburst of profanities and burping on into the mic, Tom Delonge shortly announced “Leeds is going to kick the shit out of Screaming Fuck, shit, C_nt and blow jobs in to the mics at random, Blink 182’s set was insane from the get go. On stage banter continued as much the same level including mark announcing Thank you - "We are Mark Hoppus and the other two guys." The band hour and a half set opened with Dumpweed and included The Rock Show, What's My Age Again, I Miss You, Don't Leave Me, All The Small Things, Josie and closed with Dammit. Bec Clark |
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Leeds Festival Day 1Friday, 3 September 2010As 70,000 or so revellers descended on Bramham Park in Leeds, the sight was nothing short of impressive. Apparently pacing themselves for three days of incredible music and minimal sleep, the bar lines told a different story. Thick with intoxicated English larrikins, many of who were already stumbling, this scene set the pace for the rest of our unforgettable weekend. Having regrettably missed Modest Mouse the first act on our agenda was English quintet, The Maccabees, who’s Friday afternoon set was indie rock at its most cultivated. There were no surprises here, nor did the band push any boundaries, but that’s simply their style. Despite having a number of album hits, this band has hardly made a dent on Australian shores, but I think their basic structure is just why. In contrast however, punters at Leeds seemed to adore them. Having played the festival twice before, this was the bands first time on the main stage and ask anyone who is familiar with their music, they will tell you The Maccabees put on a killer set. Their Friday performance no doubt expanding their already doting UK fan base who were singing along with every word. Shortly after, the main stage welcomed on fellow English act, The Cribs. Playing a heavy collection of the bands back catalogue, including crowd pleasers Mens Needs and Mirror Kisses, the trio put on a stellar performance. My only criticism of the band was the horrific hairstyle of Jonny Marr, which epitomised the bowl cut and made him look more like a Lego Man than a rock star. Just before the final track singer/bassist, Gary Jarman announced “These are our last shows for along time, you won’t see us for a bit”. The booing and moaning of the audience subsided shortly after the first few chords of City of Bugs took flight. Perplexed by the addition of Dizzee Rascal into the line-up on the main stage, this abrupt change in pace kinda killed the musical flow and for me, the mood! The Maccabees, The Cribs, Dizzee Rascal???, The Libertines, Arcade Fire. No one else seemed to give a toss and as the opening beats of Jus’ a Rascal erupted, the rascal himself entered the stage and people bolted into the thick of it. Call it bling or call is cheese, Dizzee performed his 45 minute set, gold microphone in hand. Despite being renowned for his ability to create abstract musical blends that fuse together genres including hip-hop, grime, regga, electro and his regular use of samples, on Friday Dizzee lost all sorts of credibility when he tried to take on Nirvana. Butchering Smells Like Teen Sprit by rapping over the top. Kurt Cobain having just died a second time over. Bonkers and Holiday went off but its going to take a lot more than that for Dizzee to redeem himself. Having been offered a supposed £1 million for the shows, the much anticipated UK act The Libertines were enticed on to the stage by a mammoth wall of applause. Although Arcade Fire were set to play the headline slot for Fridays main stage, The Libertines were by far the most eagerly awaited. The return of Pete Doherty, Carl Barat, Gary Powell and John Hassall was phenomenal and despite rumours of Doherty’s early apprehension about performing The Libertines put on one hell of a show what covered material from their entire (yet all to short) career. Half expecting a doped up Doherty to match the chaotic history and unravelling that was so sadly the Libertines, fans enjoyed faultless renditions of favourites including Can’t Stand Me Now (where the lads shared a mic), Death on The Stairs and Boys In the Band. Their 19 song set was an amazing come back for the quartet and an unforgettable experience for fans. Playing off the back of their most recent album, The Suburbs, Friday night headline act Arcade Fire delivered a stand out performance. Full off energy this band was well deserving of their slot (although many Libertines or even Pendulum fans would disagree). Filling the stage with special effects, lighting and larges faces as a backdrop the bands set was full of musically grand statements and festival anthems. Opening with Ready to start and No Cars Go, Arcade’s musical presence engulfed the gathered mass. The immense church organs and vocal arrangements were a perfect note to end on! Or so I though. But the band even encored with Wake Up where the harmonies on stage were echoed by that of the audience to create an almost surreal finale. |
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London to Leeds FestivalFriday, 3 September 2010Catching one of the many regular National Express bus services to Leeds from Arriving at Leeds Coach Station I experienced my first dumb tourist moment – got into a cab and told the driver where I needed to go. He said it’s not far so he would cut me deal, not turn on the meter and I could just pay 5 pounds. Well stupid me for agreeing to trust him because not only did he take me to the wrong hotel but the amount he charged me was much more that it should have been. Jerk. Eventually go to the RIGHT hotel around 2pm, checked in and arranged to meet with Dan to head into the festival. For 17 pounds we got an unlimited bus pass that took us too and from Leeds Festival as much as we wished, bearing in mind that the last buses leave at 1am (something I forgot to factor in on my final night). Check points getting in to the festival were brief, only two in fact - one leading to the campsite that checked bags for glass bottles and our arms for wrist bands, and the latter heading into the festival grounds, supposedly checking bags and persons for any other grog. With the amount of people going though this section the searches were not thorough and almost every second person got drinks in. Brilliant – saved some dosh there! Friday’s weather was pleasant, although the masses had prepared with wellies and raincoats on the off chance the sky would turn. The layout of the festival was well planned and getting from main stage to the other areas was a breeze. Bars were plenty as were the food outlets, offering a simular selection to Latitude with just as steep prices…but you get that at every festival. Musically your options were NME/ Radio 1 stage Dance/Lockup stage/ Cinema The Alternative stage – occasionally offering comedians and entertainment of the sort BBC introducing stage – supporting up and coming local talent. Many band who play here go on to play the bigger stages in a few more years Festival fashions were a bit of a mixed bag. Many chicks seem to just layer things on to keep warm (side from the ones getting around in denim shorts) but still manage to look good. Guys on the other hand were less capable of pulling it off and trackies and hoodies were a popular option. I keep forgetting that on this side of the world most festivals are all ages – it makes for a more energetic crowed but also more immature and idiotic. Mainly referring to the cups of piss that get thrown through the crowd by little dick heads who think it’s funny. If your manning a spot for your favourite band and you have been there for hours – guys feel free to piss in a bottle and drop it, hey chicks would too if we could. But there is no need to throw it forward. You would see it hit someone and they would wipe the wetness and smell it – sometimes it was only cider and the look of relief on the faces was apparent. Either way I’m thankfully I never got hit. We have been told the vibe is way different to Enough dribble… now for the music…. (still on its way) Bec Clark |
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After Hours - Piccadilly PartyFriday, 3 September 2010The blogs from the festival itself are still on the way so for now Im just giving you guys a few vids... Piccadilly party was a sick little DJ booth and dance floor that kept the campsite going until 6am. This little gem was located outside the festival grounds but right in near all the campers. Here is a peak at what it looked like... |
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Sunday Night RiotsFriday, 3 September 2010Just a bit of footage from the final night at Leeds Festival. We had been warned about the Sunday night riots... People lighting tents on fire, blowing up aerosol cans in the flames, ripping down other peoples tents (final bit of footage in the vid below, little hard to see) and just destroying everything in sight! A guy I met on the ride back to London who told me of a tent being set alight last year with someone still inside! The first bit of footage is the only the start, it was still day light and things had already been burnt to the ground It was hectic and I have to say also a little scary at times. Walking around with my new camera around my neck a number of people even said to me they were surprised I lasted the whole night with that thing and hadn't been mugged for it.... shiiiiit We even witnessed metal bins getting launched down massive hills, one of which hit some chick in the head. Our friends went to get medics because for the first 5 minutes she lay on the ground hardly moving. We think she was alright shortly after.... The Aftermath Bec Clark |
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Friday, 3 September 2010Fuji Rock to Tokyo: Scissoring the Sisters Part 1. My feet are soaked, my raincoat is so wet it's no longer waterproof, as I stand at the foot hills of the Nigita mountain ranges patiently waiting for the Scissor Sisters to begin Fuji Rock Festival’s final performance. In an instance, the stage is alive as a multitude of lights dart across the natural arena, lighting up a 30ft backdrop of Mapplethorpe’s famous derriere. The opening and title track from the Scissor Sisters’ latest album Night WorK explodes into the crowd preparing us for some high energy and uber flamboyant entertainment. ![]() As I watch lead singer Jake Shears prance gregariously around the stage in nothing but his underpants, while vocalist Anna Matronic banters flirtatiously with the audience about boobs, butts, and blowjobs. I hesitate for a split second about the upcoming interview I have with them in Tokyo. However, that hesitation vanishes as the keys to ‘Laura’ kick in and the ten thousand Japanese punters in front of me start dancing. It seems the dance for the night is a synchronised Fuji Rock 2 step. Moving side to side and some more, I recognise other tracks from their debut album, Scissor Sisters; their break through songs ‘Take Your Mama’, and ‘Comfortably Numb’ are well received while Shears and Matronic paddle each other on stage. Soon after, I hear the song that introduced me to the Sisters, ‘I Don’t Feel Like Dancing’ from their sophomore album Ta-Da, and move out from under the trees to join the rest of the punters on lower ground. Embracing the rain and the Fuji Rock Mountain Spirits (as MGMT called it the night before), I take off my yellow plastic rain cap and give the Fuji Rock 2 step all I have. The set continues with Shears, Matronic, Del Marquis (Lead Guitar/Bass), Babydaddy (Multi-instrumentalist) and Randy Reel (Drums) all performing an enthralling and theatrical set. Finishing the night with ‘Invisible Light’ and ‘Filthy/Gorgeous’ the Scissor Sisters not only held the entire crowd in the rain at 12am, but kept them dancing until the early hours of the next morning. As I prepare notes on the way to Tokyo, I start making comparisons between last night’s gig, and the previous time I saw the Scissor Sisters, closing Splendour in the Grass 2006. Personally I thought they were both great sets, and both great festivals; however it would be interesting to hear their opinions and experiences of the major festivals around the world. Having only sampled a handful of festivals worldwide, my conversation regarding the idiosyncrasies of the majors is somewhat limited. My favourite for all those who have visited Roskilde Festival is the common discussion of the liberal attitude of the Danes themselves. There is only one festival in the world where fence space is limited for peeing because it’s filled with blonde bombshells squatting, Calsberg in hand; or Australia’s Big Day Out where bogans feel empowered by removing their shirts to expose their sacred constellation tattoo. Being a punter who usually stays in a half strung tent it might be good to get an artist’s perspective on how the rest of the Fests roll. A'Dam |

















































