Glastonbury 2008: Sunday Review

Barn Dancing - one of the many attractions @ Glastonbury

Sunday - Newton Faulkner / Jack Penate / Scouting For Girls / Neil Diamond / Goldfrapp

Glastonbury Pics: HERE

A lazy start to the day with a walk to the Jazz World stage for even more rest before trying to watch Newton Faulkner at the crowded Other Stage. His simple guitar playing and humble attitude was a pleasure to watch, even if I couldn't hear him very well because I was so far away. eventually I left the crowds and grabbed a view from the road behind and stayed there for Jack Penate and Scouting For Girls. It was a view from the bushes but it was crowd free and I liked that.

Scouting For Girls @ Glastonbury

Jack Penate was another down to earth musician that was lapping up the privilege of performing in front of thousands at Glastonbury. Crowds had shown up in their thousands once again as the sun shone through broken clouds from time to time. Scouting For Girls livened up the Glastonbury faithful with a string of hits and got everyone joining in their especially written Glastonbury song 'See You Next Year At Glastonbury'. Perfect timing to go and join my friends as we packed up our tent and headed one last time to the Pyramid Stage.

Neil Diamond was belting out the tunes and it looked like capacity crowds were watching as well as singing along to his classic tunes. I was even joining in during 'Forever in Blue Jeans' as I marvelled at the sight before me. The final act we saw at Glastonbury was Goldfrapp, who seemed a strange choice for the main stage but proved their worth as they captivated us in time with their hits.
Goldfrapp @ Glastonbury

Time to head home and reality, but it was a funny end as I got home at 02:15am to find myself locked out, having to get my sleeping bag out and spend the rest of the night on my doorstep. Now I've got the Glastonbury bug and can't wait for Glastonbury 2008 - no matter who headlines, the festival is more than any one artist.

Scouting For Girls - Heartbeat @ Glastonbury

robmacca's Glastonbury Highlights

Wrapped in a plastic bag looking like I'd died and was waiting to be collected by the bin men describes the picture of me above, but the reality of Glastonbury was far from dead and buried - it was alive and as vibrant as ever. This year we arrived about two hours earlier than last year and stayed four hours longer but I vow I'll get the coach next year and arrive on Wednesday or Thursday so I can get even more out of Glastonbury because three days is just not enough. It might have been a mud bath when we arrived Friday lunch time yet my wellies came home cleaner as glorious sunshine and warmth surrounded us during the annual festival.

Glastonbury is a chance to see bands you wouldn't normally watch, like the Metric (pictured above) - this Canadian band were the highlight of my Saturday as they belted out their tunes on the Other Stage. Rolf Harris had packed out Jazz World so much we just couldn't make our way into the field, we did manage to hear him singing 'Tie Me Kangaroo Down Sport' with the masses joining in. Bruce Springsteen may have got the crowds as the headliner on Saturday night but he just didn't do it for me as it felt more like a concert than anything else. We did spot the teacher from Inbetweeners and managed a crafty picture without disturbing him (he was too busy being mobbed by a group of drunken lads!).

Another nice surprise was bumping into a hot and sweaty Kid British who had just walked about six miles from the Pyramid hospitality area to their car, they had done a last minute set but the walking finished them off. I thought it best not to ask for a picture at that point as it wouldn't have been fair. So many bands so little time, that is what makes Glastonbury so good - walk around see the different fields and absorb the sights and people, it is a real treat. Trash City and Shangri-La transform at night with fire, bars and alleyways to keep you entertained throughout the night.

It's not all about the music at Glastonbury, the picture above shows a monk like character walking around huge sculptures - just one of the millions of visual delights you get at the festival. So many people who attend Glastonbury make a real effort to dress up in costume and just go for it, we Brits just love it and it all adds to the fun - rain or shine we know how to party!

Ultimately Glastonbury is about the music and Blur (pictured above) typified the Glasto experience - an emotionally charged stage performance with plenty of crowd sing-a-longs and an amazing light display to top it all. We love artists who get us involved and Sunday seemed to be the day for it with Tom Jones, Madness and Blur being three of the artists I sang along and danced my pants off too. Coming from Coventry, watching The Specials on Friday was a high point for me. I made my way down as far as I could squeeze and lapped up Terry Hall and co performing their hits as I took as many pictures and videos as possible, while at the same time making sure I enjoyed this historic moment. Another dream come true and I was a happy Coventry boy once again.

I'm getting older and this year I seemed to take every opportunity to just lie down and soak up the sun or shut my eyes for a few moments due to lack of sleep. The weather had been kind to us again this year and that makes a big different, plus the 2,400 toilets were well maintained as ever and made the whole festival a joy to attend. Being with friends, surrounded by fun-loving music lovers and pampered with a feat of artists makes Glastonbury my musical highlight of the year.

Roll on Glastonbury 2010 because I'll be doing it all again...............

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VIDEOS: The Specials @ Glastonbury 2009

Here are the collection of videos with The Specials at Glastonbury, recorded while I was in the thick of the crowds at the Pyramid stage. While the sound quality might not be perfect, they capture the feelings pretty well and made my Glastonbury Festival complete.


The Specials - A Message To You Rudy - Glastonbury 2009


The Specials - Blank Expression @ Glastonbury 2009


The Specials - Monkey Man @ Glastonbury 2009


The Specials - Doesn't Make It Alright @ Glastonbury 2009


The Specials - Hey Little Rich Girl - Glastonbury 2009


The Specials - It's Up to You - Glastonbury 2009



* view more pictures of The Specials from the Glastonbury 2009 Flickr set
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Glastonbury 2008: Friday Review

Friday - The Gossip / Fun Lovin Criminals / The Enemy / Pete Doherty

Glastonbury Pics: HERE

It was my first Glastonbury Festival and what a first night it was - the rain had fallen so setting up a tent in a tight spot was even more fun! Once we'd set up tent the sound of The Feeling blasting out from the Pyramid Stage feeding our desire for music, so off we set for a night of wet musical delight.

First up was Beth Ditto and The Gossip who wooed the crowds and even joined the throng as she left the stage to continue singing and mingling. Wearing a black hoodie, the colder evening prevented Beth from stripping off this year but still we saw a great introduction to Glastonbury 2008.

robmacca out supporting The Enemy

Nipping over to Jazz World we saw Fun Lovin Criminals churn out their hits then I left my friends and made my way to the Other Stage for the one band I'd come to see - The Enemy. Normally I'm in a safe spot filming but tonight I'd wormed my way towards the front and plonked myself about three rows from the front of the stage. With my Union Jack around my waist and my 'I Love Cov' t-shirt on, I was ready to sing my little heart out. I wasn't the only one, everyone around me was up for a anthem sing-a-long set.

The Enemy @ Glastonbury

From the moment The Enemy came on until the time they left - Tom Clarke, Liam Watts and Andy Hopkins kept the pace lively, fresh and loud with everyone joining in. Pride over took me (maybe the alcohol helped!), and my 'I love Cov' t-shirt was soon waving in the air. Despite some guy moaning behind me, I kept waving my t-shirt from time to time - after all these lads made me proud of my city so why shouldn't I express my feelings?

Crowds embrace the beardy robmacca

Final act of the night was Pete Doherty, turning up rather dazed and thinking he was playing Saturday night, he apologised for being late. This didn't stop the massive crowd that had come to the Park to listen to the ex Libertine singer put on a worthy solo set. Even past midnight and the hardcore Glastonbury faithful were listening avidly as Pete Doherty proved why he is a force to be reckoned with.

Sadly, this Glastonbury virgin could stand no more and the alcohol bore it's effects and my tent was calling me...............

The Enemy - Away From Here - Glastonbury 2008


Pete Doherty - Albion - Glastonbury 2008 (blurred - blame the alcohol)

visit: www.theenemy.eu - for the latest news on The Enemy

Glastonbury 2008: Saturday Review

Amy Winehouse @ Glastonbury

Saturday - Shakin' Stevens / A Human / The Blessing / Massukos / Eric Bibb / Joan Armatrading/ Will Young / The Grid / Amy Winehouse / Massive Attack

Glastonbury Pics: HERE

Today the sun was out and spirits were high for the second day at Glastonbury, the mud was drying but the hangover was kicking in as the tent warmed up to the morning sun. What better wake up call can you have than the classic Shakin' Stevens? I couldn't resist going to have a gander and watch him perform 'Green Door' and 'Marie' - Not bad for the first performer of the day.

I went to explore the Glastonbury site a bit more (apparently it's the size of Bath) and ended up in the Dance Village watching a band called A Human, who put on the best performance I was to see this year at Glastonbury. Each of the six band members put on a performance to be proud of, the lead singer was so energetic throughout, at one point leaping from the stage and dancing with the crowds. Then taking his shirt off, waving it in the air while rolling on the floor outside the tent - pure genius! This was the band that made a lasting favourable impression on me and hope they do well, especially since the lead singer had just quit work to become a full time musician.

Muddy dancers @ Glastonbury

The afternoon was spent relaxing on the ground at Jazz World listening to the delightful sounds of The Blessing, adding an air of spirituality. Massukos treated the crowds to the vibe of Mozambique followed by Eric Bibb and the legendary Joan Armatrading, who won over the audience like she did back in the 70's.

It was nice and mellow just chilling out to the sounds from the Jazz World stage then it was time to move on and capture more music in the form of Will Young in the Avalon Tent. He proved to be a popular attraction with many more people outside trying to listen in on his gentle performance. I gave up trying to listen so we moved to Dance West for some busting moves with The Grid - not even a drug in sight as we were taken back to the early 90's "rave" tunes.
Crowds have fun at Amy Winehouse performance

Amy Winehouse was another highlight for Glastonbury, while she may be out of it during songs, I loved her voice and her tribute to Coventry band The Specials was touching. 'A Message To You Rudy' and 'You're Wondering Now' added credibility to her much talked about appearance.
The night was concluded with Massive Attack, while not my cup of tea, the stage lighting was amazing and the crowds loved the variety of tunes presented.

Glastonbury 2009: Early Ticket Details

Glastonbury Lives On.......

Tickets for Glastonbury 2009 will go on sale early, with 100,000 festival-goers being able to purchase tickets in October 2008. Instead of paying the £170+ expected price, a £50 deposit will be accepted with the remainder being paid April 2009. If fans change their mind during that time, they will only have to pay a £10 charge.

Demand is expected to be high following this years Glastonbury success and the promise of more traditional headliners instead of a controversial headline act like Jay-Z. Michael Eavis revealed that some bands are already on board for Glastonbury 2009 with three or four headliners in mind.

It cost about £22m to stage Glastonbury and competition is tougher than ever as festivals run right across the UK during the summer, yet almost £2m will be donated to charity. Instead of paying headline acts more than £200,000, Eavis told the BBC that performing at Glastonbury is good for the artist, record sales and record companies. He was also pleased a younger crowd had returned to Glastonbury.

Blur @ Glastonbury

Damon Albarn @ Glastonbury

Blur closed Glastonbury 2009 in style with a performance to remember in an emotional set from the top 90's Britpop band as they made a welcome return as a band. As the video below shows, Blur came out to a warm welcome and the stage set gave great visuals to the thousands who stood in the evening sunset. They performed 'She's So High' and then had the crowds singing along to Blur classics 'Girls and Boys' and 'Parklife' - I was one of those people who lapped up every song and danced the night away at the Pyramid stage.

The most emotional moments were when Damon Albarn broke down in tears after 'End of The Century' and the crowds singing along to 'There's No Other Way'. Blur ended Glastonbury on a high, leaving the thousands of festival fans wanting more and certain to return next year for more of the same.

Blur @ Glastonbury

Damon Albarn

Blur @ Glastonbury



Blur - arrive on stage and perform 'She's So High'

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Glastonbury: The Enemy

The Enemy braved the rain at Glastonbury today as reported by NME.com :

The Enemy woke up Glastonbury on final day (June 23) of this year's festival.

The three-piece emerged onto the Other Stage to fellow Coventarian's The Specials 'Too Much Too Young' before launching into their set which showcased forthcoming album 'We'll Live And Die In These Towns'.

"Fair play to yous lots getting out of your tents and coming here," frontman Tom Clarke told the crowd. "You're the real people."The trio then shook the festival awake with track 'Technodancophobic' with their singer telling the fans who endured the heavy rain: to "Get some caffeine down yer, fuck it, get some lager! Let's make some noise! This is Glastonbury let's have it!"

The band then ended their first ever Glastonbury set with 'You're Not Alone' with Clarke praising the crowds."This is for ever fucker brave enough to stand in the rain at Glastonbury," he declared. "Whatever band, whatever stage, fair play to yers."

The Enemy played:

40 Days And 40 Nights

Away From Here

Don't Shed A Tear

Pressure

Technodancophobic

Aggro

It's Not OK

You're Not Alone

Had Enough

Glastonbury Festival Tickets Update

Glastonbury Festival tickets will go on sale to the public on Sunday October 4, 2009 at 9am. The 40th Anniversary Glastonbury promises to be bigger and better than ever with a special line up planned.

People will be able to pay a £50 deposit and pay the full amount at a later date, following the successful deposit scheme launch this year. Tickets will be priced at £185 (plus £5 booking fee and £4.95 p&p) and are expected to sell out once again. Full ticket details can be found on the official Glastonbury website: HERE.

Glastonbury 2010 will take place from Wednesday, June 23 until Sunday, June 27 at Worthy Farm, Somerset.


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Shakira To Perform At Glastonbury

It has been confirmed that international singer Shakira will be shaking her hips at Glastonbury festival on Saturday 26th June 2010. The Colombian will perform on the Pyramid Stage just before Muse and Scissor Sisters and is expected to woe the massive crowds with her hits 'Gypsy' and 'Hips Don't Lie'.

Speaking about her appearance, Shakira said, "I'm really looking forward to playing Glastonbury this year and being a part of their 40th anniversary. Glastonbury is famous for being one of the best festival crowds, so I'm sure I'll have a great time."

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Glastonbury: New Bands Given Chance To Perform

Scouting For Girls @ Glastonbury

Glastonbury Festival is going back to it's roots next year with the return of of the Emerging Talent Competition, giving up and coming bands a chance to perform in front of thousands at the UK's largest music festival.

Scouting For Girls (pictured above at Glastonbury 2008), previously won the title, which ran for four years before being axed. The competition is open to unsigned bands/artists until January 26th 2009, with the winner performing at one of the festival's main stages next year.

The public will have the opportunity to vote a 'wild card' into the final.

Glastonbury 2010 - Last Chance For Tickets!

This is your FINAL chance to obtain tickets for the 40th Glastonbury Festival, you will need to be up bright and early on Sunday 11th April. The re-sale tickets go on sale at 9am and are limited in number.

Tickets will be sold online at www.seetickets.com/g2010 and via the Seetickets booking line 0844 412 4635. Fans will need to have already registered for Glastonbury Festival prior to the re-sale, standard ticket costs are £185 this year. Expect a massive line-up as Glastonbury celebrates it's big 40.

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Winehouse To Enter Rapid Rehab In Israel

Amy Winehouse

Troubled singer Amy Winehouse could be flying out to Israel in a bid to get cleaned up for Glastonbury next month. Reports from the Jewish Chronicle claim the Winehouse management team got in contact with specialist Andre Waismann asking for his help.

The Barzilai Medical Centre would care for Winehouse, where she will receive 36 hours of treatment and the promise of success would ensure Amy Winehouse is able to make her Glastonbury appearance just before Jay-Z, as reported earlier this week here on 'robmacca's entertainment news'.

The 24 year old Rehab hit maker will undergo “very short, intensive and effective treatment” costing $12,800 (£6,400). Winehouse has also said she would love it if jailed husband Blake, could come to Glastonbury with her.

Amy has been under the public spotlight all week following the 'Winemouse' videos, as revealed here last weekend but is determined to bounce back at Glastonbury. Yesterday Amy Winehouse won an Ivor Novello Award but arrived so late her father had to collect it.

Tom Jones @ Glastonbury

Tom Jones @ Glastonbury

Tom Jones did to Glastonbury this year what Neil Diamond did last year - proved how much of a legend he really is. The Welsh singer got everyone up singing and dancing along to classic hits like 'Delilah', 'What's New Pussycat' and as the video below shows 'It's Not Unusual'.

Whereas Bruce Springsteen seemed to just play a concert, Tom Jones got everyone involved and created a setlist that delivered just that - playing hits for all ages and presenting them in such a humble way. We lapped up the tunes and sang along, enjoying the Sunday afternoon heat and Tom Jones was the man to bring the family spirit to Glastonbury.


Tom Jones - 'It's Not Unusual'


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HMV To Sell Glastonbury Tickets

HMV are going to sell Glastonbury Festival tickets from a selection of stores across the country. Festival goers have to provide their name, pay across the counter and then make sure that they bring personal photographic ID to Glastonbury when they arrive.

The offer is exclusive to HMV and will made available from Wednesday 11th June at Bristol, Glasgow, Newcastle, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff and London.

PICTURES: The Specials @ Glastonbury 2009

Here are the pictures of The Specials from Glastonbury 2009, taken while I was in the crowds enjoying their memorable performance on the Pyramid Stage. The Specials were the one band I really wanted to see at Glastonbury Festival and so getting as far front as I could meant I could enjoy it even more. I took a few videos and pictures yet still wanted to make sure I sung along and danced without spoiling it for anyone.

The Specials played:

'Do The Dog'
'Gangsters'
'It's Up To You'
'Rat Race'
'Monkey Man'
'Blank Expression'
'Too Hot'
'Doesn't Make It Alright'
'Concrete Jungle'
'Friday Night Saturday Morning'
'Man At C&A'
'A Message To You Rudy'
'Do Nothing'
'Hey Little Rich Girl'
'Nite Klub'
'Little Bitch'
'Too Much Too Young'
'You're Wondering Now'
'Ghost Town'

Watch some videos of The Specials: HERE

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