With Glastonbury on one of its once-every-four-years breaks, others were given a chance to shine with Global Gathering and SW4 catering for the dance fans among us, Secret Garden Party and Bestival showing off the edgier side to popular music, and Reading and Leeds giving us one of the greatest weekends of the summer. Each festival was full of top class acts, but there were some that stood out from the crowd.
Returning to their spiritual home of Reading Festival, it was time to rock and Grohl with Dave and the guys as the Foo Fighters’ lengthy three hour set had over 80,000 music fans in awe. Well, other than those watching the next band on our list…
Almost headlining the NME/Radio One tent at Reading and Leeds, Two Door Cinema Club’s polished performance to a packed-out tent rounded off the weekend in style with their brand of pop-rock. On a whole other level to their performance on the main stage last year, TDCC proved their catchy melodies are impossible to resist.
Playing ‘the best worst-kept secret’ on Saturday morning at Reading, punk rockers Green Day had one of the most surreal sets of the summer. It almost didn’t happen due to crowd control concerns, but for those fortunate enough to get through the barriers around the tent it was a moment they’ll be telling their grandchildren about.
As amazing as Reading was, another festival worth a mention is Bestival. Although at the time of print Bestival hasn’t actually happened, it’s hard to imagine there’s many cooler feelings in the world than dancing along to Stevie Wonder singing Superstition on Sunday evening, particularly when you’re dressed up in Bestival’s 2012 fancy dress theme: wildlife.
Not only were the festivals full of brilliant, well-practiced performers, there were plenty of new acts to check out as well. Ambient group Alt-J have been taking the music scene by storm after several festival appearances and constant plays on the radio, while Bastille’s charming blend of electronic and rock styles lead to irresistibly catchy choruses and charming sentiment. Dry The River are another enticing new band, with unique falsetto vocals and a chillingly atmospheric debut album.
As happens every year, the summer full of festivals provides the perfect platform for veteran artists to show the world why they’re so successful and for the new guys to win over the crowds.
Whether you’ve found a new favourite band this season or are happy sticking with the old favourites, so many new musicians have cemented their place on the festival scene and in the hearts of many this year so expect to see a lot of them in the future.