Reading Festival, the sister festival to England’s Glastonbury Festival, gives countless thousands the chance to become incapacitated in a field for three days, but more importantly it gives them the chance to experience genre-defining music at every turn. Spread over a late summer weekend in August, this is the last big festival of the British year.
After a short absence, The Dandy Warhols returned to the public eye with toe-tapping tunes such as singles “Get Off” and massive seller “Bohemian Like You,” which turned out to be “the” feel-good song of the summer. However, this U.S. band’s placement mid-way through the lineup is justified, as they just don’t have the prowess to lift the restless crowd. Nothing special in the performance – too much clean-cut guitar and not enough abrasive thrashing – combines to disappoint.
This is in contrast to double act The White Stripes who, from the moment they stepped onto stage, have the crowd in the palm of their hand. Appearing at Reading for their first time and dressed in their trademark red and white outfits, confusion surrounding the relationship between the two is quickly resolved as front man and guitarist Jack White introduces the band and his “big sister Meg.” Then it’s down to business.
With Jack’s vocals sounding unreal and Meg pounding her drums with all her heart and yet with such ease, this brother-sister pairing churn out short, sharp rock “n” roll music. Singles “Fell In Love With A Girl” and “Dead Leaves On The Dirty Ground” were definite crowd pleasers, and a cover of Dolly Parton”s “Jolene” defined this historic set.
Playing on the “Evening Session” stage, Australian newcomers The Vines with extravagant front man guitarist Craig Nichols played to a packed tent. Performing in their first gig since their debut album Highly Evolved elevated them to rock star fame, this Aussie foursome’s setlist included a brilliant version of Outcast’s “Miss Jackson,” but the biggest cheer went out to mega-single “Get Free.”
??Due to play Reading Festival last year, Weezer pulled out and split up. But with bandleader Rivers Cuomo returning to the music scene, Weezer was offered another chance this year to impress. Recent new songs “Hash Pipe” and “Keep Fishin” were good enough, and ending their set with “Buddy Holly” made it worth sitting through.
Just as the heavens opened, Jane’s Addiction took to the stage. But while hordes of people rushed for shelter or back to the campsite, the thunder and lightning would prove a lucky stroke for anyone who opted to forgo this band.
How Jane’s Addiction managed to pull off third-from-headlining spot will remain one of Reading Festival’s unanswered mysteries. Front man Perry Farrell’s costume was laughable, while former Chili Peppers guitarist Dave Navarro’s attempts to outsmart him with faster and louder guitar riffs made for an unenjoyable 45 minutes.
Thankfully, New York natives The Strokes restored order to proceedings with a touch of genius to boot. Last year The Strokes were originally headlining the “Evening Sessions” stage but, due to overwhelming demand from festival goers, were moved to late afternoon on the main stage. After pre-show nerves and puking from singer Julian
Casablancas, The Strokes pulled off a great debut appearance, so much so they were invited back this year to headline the main stage. Julian, broken ankle and all, made it to the stage though he sat down for the whole of it. The Strokes engulfed the now-dripping masses, and opened with new material. They played for a solid hour-and-a-half as guitarist Albert Hammond’s curly afro bobbed with every beat. An extra-loud cheer went out for the hit single “Hard To Explain,” while Jack White’s appearance for the last song saved the best until last.
Saturday promised to offer much of the same from Friday. Enter new sensations The Hives dressed in black suits and white ties. But more impressive was front man Howlin’ Pele Almqvist’s destructive combo of immense charisma and utter arrogance. “Do you want us to play another song or is one plenty?” and “Clap for The Hives” boomed from his microphone after every song. Despite some sketchy music in parts, The Hives continue to proclaim its strangle hold upon the world.
The Cooper Temple Clause is one of Britain’s brightest hopes, and being from Reading, the festival is their home venue. With a multi-instrumental six-piece cast, they blend together rock guitars with synth effects and big hair, producing a refreshing, original sound. Singles “Let’s Kill Music” and “Who Needs Enemies?” underline their potential.
Concern for Northern Ireland’s Ash dissipated as he walked on stage. The festival faithful had worried the group might withdraw following a train crash in the United States. Bass player Mark Hamilton wore a neck brace, but it didn’t detract from the rapid and raw guitar rock. Ash rocked the “Evening Session” stage last year and equally rocked the main stage this year, despite the heavens re-opening. But unlike during Jane’s Addiction, the crowd preferred to slug it out for this act. Much-loved hits “Girl From Mars” and “Shining Light” illuminated the otherwise darkened skies.
Artistically-minded Muse’s front man and guitarist Matt Belamy propels forward with his cascade of screeching effects, thrashing rock and, from time to time, his classical piano splendor. Perfectly played complex guitar riffs, diving off stage equipment and buzzing single “Plug In Baby” all added to a magnificent set. The release of giant balloons during the final song “Bliss” lifted any tired souls for the last few hours of Saturday night.
After supporting Oasis at London’s Finsbury Park, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club closed Saturday night with a fantastic performance. And it was no suprise that the U.S. three-piece was invited to fill the headlining spot in the “Evening Sessions” tent. Geared up with matching red guitars and black motorcycle leather, Black Rebel captivated the packed audience to the point of destruction. With the Foo Fighters playing on the main stage, BRMC had much to compete against, yet a mixture of dark and thumping noise made this band one of the coolest trios to watch. Fuzzy bass line opener for the latest single “What Ever Happened to Our Rock ‘n’ Roll” and spine tingling “Spread Your Love” summed up day two.
