And the way I feel tonight
I could die and I wouldn’t mind
And there’s something going on inside
Makes you want to feel makes you want to try
Makes you want to blow the stars from the sky
I can’t stand up I can’t cool down
I can’t get my head off the ground
A nostalgic euphoria overcame me as The Jesus and Mary Chain launched into the catchy chorus of Head On upon my arrival at V Festival on Sunday. A teenage anthem I’d pogo’d on many a dance floor to, I couldn’t have timed my entrance any better as the Scottish veterans took over from current ‘it’ boys Cut Copy. I took it as a good luck omen for the day to come and remained with them to take in such classics Blues from a Gun and of course Reverance. Funnily enough their hour long festival set proved to be slightly longer than their solo show when last in town, more than a decade previous. While seeming every bit their age in appearance and stage presence, it was a sound that was unmistakably theirs and no doubt a big satisfied tick off a few ‘must see’ lists.
Two further headliners had also left it more than a decade between visits; The Smashing Pumpkins and Duran Duran. It was no surprise that they had attracted an older crowd, with the fluro trashy theme of many other festivals this summer replaced by a more relaxed feel in a sea of black band T-shirts. The Esplanade provided an intimate but comfortable venue for the reported 15,000 crowd. With just one side stage near the alternating main stages, even with line up clashes it was only a hop, skip and a jump to check out the action of competing acts. The only real complaint with the venue was the toilet-smelling muddy patch near the entrance due to the torrential downpour the day before. But really we should count ourselves lucky: the skies emptied then, and we were blessed with a beautiful clear day to enjoy the day’s festivities.
Modest Mouse followed on the main stage and after the debacle of their Southbound 2007 set, it was a pleasure just to see them on the right stage at the right time. Channeling the energy of VFest 2007 headliners The Pixies, they put in a solid performance including such singles as Dashboard and Float On. As good as they were, after Roisin Murphy’s cameo in a leather jump suit with Jesus and Mary Chain, there was only once place to be as the clock struck 5.45pm.
“I love her so much, she is so beautiful” proclaimed the guy next to me in a thick German accent. As a capacity crowd huddled in the cosy ‘Other Stage’, Roisin Murphy wooed us with her gorgeous voice, various costume changes, sexy antics with her two back up swingers whilst being supported by a full live band. With live drums, guitar, bass and keys/electronics, the band held a tight funky groove, combining it with upfront live electronic production. The combination of all of the aforementioned catapulted Murphy’s set to highlight of the day, a title that was never really challenged for the remainder of the evening (for this reviewer).
Queens of the Stone Age had been a welcome late addition to the bill for many attendees, and were well received with such tracks as No One Knows. They were followed by Duran Duran, who whether you counted yourself a fan or not you couldn’t help but know at least half their set with such songs as Hungry Like a Wolf, Wild Boys and the singalong song of the night Ordinary World. Simon Le Bon and band were dashing, their sharp suits and skinny ties going down a treat as the crowd of retro loving music lovers lapped up every minute of it. On the ‘Other Stage’ at the same time, CSS had a small but passionate crowd digging their fun filled vibe.
Then came time for the final round of performances for the evening. On the main stage, weighing in with heavy expectations after long gaps between visitations were Chicago’s very own gimps The Smashing Pumpkins. Relegated to the smaller stage were regular festival faves and Aussie dance music darlings The Presets. The Pumpkins got off to a flying start with the upbeat Tonight, Tonight. Whilst delving into a few classics such as Mayonaise, Today and Bullet With Butterfly Wings, the set understandably heavily leaned on most recent album, 2007’s Zeitgeist. Corgan himself seemed in good spirits and far from the grouch as portrayed in ITM news following the Gold Coast leg of the V Festival, engaging in casual banter with the crowd and having a light hearted dig at “disco music”. However many were left disappointed (to say the least!) with his over indulgence in often wanky guitar solos at the expense of an often good tune. As his faithful companion Jimmy Chamberlain pummelled the skins like few others can, Corgan struggled to get a reply to his cry for “revolution” during United States from a sea of mostly blank faces. Disappointing to say the least… However it made catching the end of the Presets an easy decision and they were lapping up their captive audience in stark contrast to their main stage sparring partners.
It was hard not to enjoy V Festival’s first full blown adventure to Perth, and it only leaves one wondering what bands they’ll dig out of semi-retirement for next years event. Bring it on!
benjiswan says...
Roisin was so goddam hot