Following In The Footsteps: The Stereoboard Isle Of Wight Festival Setlist
Thursday, 12 June 2014
Written by Gavin Rees
Space is at a premium in the rock ‘n’ roll history books, but it’s safe to say that the Isle Of Wight Festival has a spot with ample legroom set aside.
Since the hectic staging of the event in 1970, which featured iconic sets from the Who and Jimi Hendrix and a crowd that spiralled into the hundreds of thousands, the name has been ingrained in popular myth.
Its subsequent revival just over a decade ago has yielded sets from the Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, REM, the Prodigy, the Police and Muse, while this year, BiffyClyro, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Kings of Leon will top the bill at Seaclose Park between June 12 and 15.
Here, we take a look through the latest line up to set aside a few choice picks, from future stars to established legends and drum and bass breakouts.
The Specials - Main Stage, Saturday
Taking to the stage just prior to the Chilis on Saturday night, these ska legends are set to provide one of the weekend’s highlights. The tales of urban decay and disenfranchised youth still hit like they did in the late ‘70s, while the band displayed not a hint of rust upon reforming for their 30th anniversary celebrations in 2008.
The Polyphonic Spree - Big Top, Friday
A festival band if ever we saw one. The Polyphonic Spree will take over the Big Top on Friday night, bringing robes and positive vibes in equal measure, as they have been since the release of their debut some 12 years ago. Tim DeLaughter and his many-legged band released ‘Yes, It’s True’ in 2013 after a seven year break and returned to UK venues this week for a headline tour.
Chlöe Howl - Big Top, Friday
For a dose of synth-pop with smarts, head to the Big Top early on Friday and catch Chlöe Howl. This star in waiting has been around for a while now, and is preparing to release her debut, but a quick Google search will fill in the gaps on why the hype’s warranted. No Strings, all fuck you attitude and sharp lyrics, is a real gem, while she can certainly cut it live.
Rudimental - Main Stage, Friday
This pop/drum and bass quartet are a bona fide big deal. Their debut album was released just over a year ago, hitting #1 in the album chart, picking up a Mercury nomination and racking up a platinum disc. But, none of that will matter when the first beat drops. This is set to be one of the most energetic, downright enjoyable sets of the weekend.
Suede - Main Stage, Friday
Perhaps Britpop’s hardiest band of survivors, Suede are still kicking hard over 20 years after their debut landed. ‘Bloodsports’, their 2013 comeback album, showed a band flexing their muscles, proving that they were not in thrall to nostalgia and that they were able to hit the same levels as their younger selves. And, with all that said, their old stuff still, to this day, sounds vital.
Isle Of Wight Festival Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Thu June 12 2014 - ISLE OF WIGHT Seaclose Park
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