Glastonbury Other Acts - Glastonbury Festival, Worthy Farm - 22nd-26th June 2011 (Live Review)
Tuesday, 05 July 2011
Written by Jenny Greenwell
For those who chose the comfort of their own home to a muddy field and a sweaty tent, Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage headliners tend to be the centre of television coverage. But England’s muddiest festival boasts an eclectic wealth of acts, from the Wombles to Wutang Clan, from Tinie Tempah to Paul Simon. It would be physically impossible to see everyone on the bill that took your fancy, especially for those who spent most of the weekend inebriated. But the headliners weren’t the only tricks up Michael Eavis’ sleeve.
Friendly Fires on the Other Stage on Saturday proved to be one of the more entertaining acts of the weekend. It was down in part to lead singer Ed Macfarlane’s pretty unique dance style, slightly reminiscent of your weird uncle’s wedding moves. As the band danced their way through upbeat carnival songs from their two albums, the medium sized crowd revelled in it, providing a jovial atmosphere as the sun began to sink behind the campsite. They ended the set with dance-floor favourite ‘Kiss of Life’, complete with the stage invasion of Polynesian dancing girls and a very impressive stage dive from Ed, which almost got him lost under a sea of muddy wellies.
Wu-tang clan’s set on the Pyramid stage on Friday lunchtime was also a surprise hit. The old debate of whether hip-hop acts such as Jay Z and Snoop Dogg should be allowed at a festival that is traditionally based on folk music was again raised when the very offensive Clan were booked on Glasto’s bill. But the sea of W shaped hands bouncing along to the words of a dressing gown-clad Method Man put the argument to rest. It was a bit of a mixed performance; at some points the vocals were drowned out, and some members of the clan were more lack lustre than the others. But the large crowd that had assembled ate it up, and when Gravel pit came on, the clan cemented their position as one of the favourites of the weekend.
Paul Simon of Simon and Garfunkel fame was, predictably one of the biggest and most popular acts, appearing mid-way through Sunday afternoon on the Pyramid Stage. The fact that he commanded the attention of one of the biggest crowds of the weekend reflected the slightly older demographic of the festival. Unfortunately, sound problems marred the earlier portion of the set, his voice drowned out by the large backing band. But by the time he finished with 'You Can Call Me Al', which, let’s face it, was the song a large proportion of the crowd were waiting for, the problems had been rectified and he proved why he’s lasted so long.
One of the main secret guest slots went to Radiohead, playing on the intimate Park Stage. Veteran Glasto players, Radiohead performed a beautiful and surprisingly soulful set, mainly taken from 'In Rainbows' and new album 'King of Limbs'. Only 'Street Spirit (Fade Out)' and 'Karma Police' were there to appease the fans of older and more classic Radiohead songs. Thom Yorke seemed in his element, having made the slightly backward transition of main headliners to smaller stages. However, the Park Stage became a problem for Radiohead; a natural amphitheater, sound carries brilliantly for all those lucky enough to be close enough. But the fans unlucky enough to be past the crest of the hill only heard a muffled and quiet Radiohead. And with a set based on an album only really loved by very loyal Radiohead fans, and with the absence of popular favourites such as 'Paranoid Android', Radiohead was for many a disappointment.
But Glastonbury is a festival that can’t be judged on the review of a few select bands. It’s all about stumbling upon some hidden treasure, whether it be hardcore techno in the outer reaches of the mental Shangri-La, or watching some chilled out acoustic in the Green fields or on the Jazz stages. Personal gems include Dub FX, a motley crew comprised of an Australian beatboxer, a 5footnothing female rapper, a didgeridoo and a saxophone, and an impromptu performance by a member of the audience. Every visitor to Worthy Farm will have had a different but undoubtedly amazing experience, albeit it a very muddy one.
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Friendly Fires on the Other Stage on Saturday proved to be one of the more entertaining acts of the weekend. It was down in part to lead singer Ed Macfarlane’s pretty unique dance style, slightly reminiscent of your weird uncle’s wedding moves. As the band danced their way through upbeat carnival songs from their two albums, the medium sized crowd revelled in it, providing a jovial atmosphere as the sun began to sink behind the campsite. They ended the set with dance-floor favourite ‘Kiss of Life’, complete with the stage invasion of Polynesian dancing girls and a very impressive stage dive from Ed, which almost got him lost under a sea of muddy wellies.
