So this last weekend I went to Reading Festival for the first time and it was my first festival of that large scale and also the first one where I camped over on site. I had a brilliant time and I do think it was worth the money that I spent on it. Next time I go to a festival though I will definitely know things that I would do differently like tent location, and what kind of food to bring is very important to me. I would also plan my sleeping schedule better, i.e. not waking up so early and in doing so, staying up later and enjoying more of the camp fires and general fun. I was also really nervous about leaving my tent unattended after hearing all the bad stories on the on line forums about people slashing tents and robbing the contents but after the first night and day I calmed down a bit but still carried the essentials with my in my backpack at all times. Next year I would like to go to a different probably smaller festival just because I want to experience all the different styles and venues before saying which one I like the most. I figured I should tell you what I got up to so here goes.
On the Friday bands that I saw the whole set of were:
Findlay - I was really looking forward to seeing these guys after watching a couple of their videos on YouTube and really digged their female fronted sound.
Kodaline - I heard a lot of hype around this band and everyone seemed to be saying great things but I didn't really know what to expect but I liked what I ended up hearing and really want to hear more of their stuff.
Night Engine - I saw this band whilst waiting for another act, they were all right but nothing too special in my eyes.
Half Moon Run - I liked these guys before going and they put on a good performance. I would see them live again for sure.
Parquet Courts - I have these guys début album and their songs really worked live. They got everybody jumping and having a good time. Again I would like to see these guys at a gig of their own.
Kate Nash - She really brought her energy with her for her set. Her songs are super catchy and really worked the crowd great and even got amongst it.
The Strypes - The set they did, for me was really one of the best of the day. They all are a bunch of show men and I'm a real fan of that kind of music. Can't wait for their CD to come out.
Frank Turner - He was a perfect act for the afternoon sun. I sang along to practically every song. Great voice and personality despite back problems.
Bring Me The Horizon - I didn't plan on seeing these guys and really wish I didn't. It really wasn't my kind of music, way too much screaming and telling people to kill themselves for me.
Green Day - My other favourite for the day (perhaps obviously) they played loads of great songs and even though I was fairly far back I felt like I was part of the front crowd and felt a real connection with the band.
partial sets from:
Temples - Only heard a few songs from these boys, from what I heard they were all right. Considering giving them another listen soon.
MMX - So-so band, I wasn't terribly impressed by them and I don't think I will listen to them again.
On Saturday I saw the full set of:
Eminem - Initially I wasn't planning on seeing Eminem but after chatting with people around my camp site I figured I probably wont really see him again and he is a bit of a legend compared to the other head liners that were on on Saturday. He turned out to be pretty good and I was glad I saw him in the end.
Johnny Marr - I didn't really know what to expect from this guy but again I was surprised and I really enjoyed listening to his music. He is a real talent.
Darwin Deez - He really was a bit of fun. I liked his synchronised dancing with his band mates at intervals between the songs and he really got the crowd dancing with Radar Detector.
Foals - I was a bit disappointed with Foals tbh. I was expecting a really pumped up show but to me it all sounded a bit boring and just all on one sort of flat level. Maybe it was my location in the crowd or something but I didn't really enjoy these guys anywhere near the amount I thought I would.
Palma Violets - I really loved these guys. Great energy and great songs that kept me singing along throughout the set.
Theme Park - I was expecting a pretty standard indie band but I got a way more dancy discoy kind of music which was a surprise but I did end up loving it.
Lucy Rose - This was the second time I have seen her at a festival and she put on a good show again.
Swim Deep - I did like the music they played but they didn't really do anything standout for me.
Childhood - They were pleasant enough but I was not overly fussed with their music.
Drenge - I heard a lot of good things about this 2 piece but the music turned out to be not for me. It was a bit too heavy and like grungy for my liking.
I caught a bit of Tim Burgess who I liked despite not hearing any of his stuff before the show. He was more poppy than I was expecting him to be.
Finally on the Sunday I saw
Fall Out Boy - These guys were really my headliners of the main stage. Every song they did killed it and for me they can do no wrong.
Editors - I had sort of forgotten how good the Editors songs were until this set. They really made me get back into them and rekindle my love for them.
We Are The In Crowd - I had seen them once before in Birmingham and their kind of Pop Punk really is my style and I enjoyed their set.
Haim - I was looking forward to seeing these girls, they didn't disappoint and it has made me crave their début CD even more.
Tribes - I had their latest album and loved it. They had a great set and I would want to see them live again after that performance.
Dinosaur Pile Up - These guys were the first act of the day that I saw. Good rock music and I also got a free pin badge so I cant complain.
and a bit of
Azelia Banks - Not really my jam but I did sing along with 212 but that's about the best I could say.
Villagers - From what I saw they were pretty good guitarists and singers but I'm not sure how much I'm going to listen to them again.
The Jim Jones Revue - I wanted to watch the whole set but due to unforeseen circumstances I had to leave for the middle section. From what I heard of them, great classic old rock and roll music. Need to get one or more of their Cd's.
Pure Love - A bit too harsh for my delicate ears but the odd song wasn't too bad :)
I had a great time with the ups and downs and below is a selection of pictures from over the weekend.
No comments:
Post a Comment