Glastonbury, what a grand old tradition. The subject of conjecture, column inches and hand-wringing for almost 52 weeks of the year, for one glorious weekend it delivers an experience like no other. Sprawling, bewitching and frequently soaking, its 2014 edition had the usual hype and controversy to overcome. And boy, did it.
On Friday it all kicks off at the unholy hour of 11am as Ricky Wilson and Kaiser Chiefs see in proceedings in a fine manner on the Other Stage. Rousing anthems I Predict a Riot, Everyday I Love You Less And Less and Ruby justify the call to stick the rejuvenated band on early doors, in addition to their later headline set on the John Peel Stage.
Blondie explode into life next, delivering more classics than you can shake a stick at. But, the biggest roar from the crowd is reserved for the sun every time it pokes its head from behind the clouds. By the time Debbie Harry closes the set with the timeless Heart of Glass, there’s a feeling of optimism about the weather. Ah, well. Shit happens.
Drenge blast their way through a large crowd at the John Peel Stage, the sibling two piece providing a feast for anyone who enjoys their music raw, unfiltered and very loud.
Then, in some pre-storm Pyramid Stage sunshine, De La Soul get everyone dancing - including the security team at the barrier. A set packed with classics, including the timeless Me, Myself and I, is also bolstered by their Gorillaz collaboration, Feel Good Inc.
By the time Rudimental arrive, a storm is brewing. Shortly after the band’s special guest, Ed Sheeran, leaves the stage, the heavens open and they are forced to abandon their set, with the power cut across the site. Unfortunately, that also means that the mighty Vintage Trouble only manage two tracks before the storm claims them as a victim. But, they emerge as heroes to those still clustered around West Holts by climbing onto the fence and playing two tracks acoustically. Hopefully, the powers that be will bring them back next year for a proper crack at things.
Over on the Other Stage, the revised stage times mean many Interpol fans suffer through an hour of indie-pop by numbers from Foster The People before the New Yorkers take to the stage. Whether it's the weather or the wait, the energy in the crowd just isn't quite there, though. Nevertheless, several cuts from ‘Antics’ are excellent.
On the Pyramid Stage, Lily Allen orders the sun to come back during LDN, dispensing blunt truths, including some choice words for SeppBlatter, and singalongs with a wry smile. Elbow do benefit from some glorious late afternoon sunshine as a backdrop but, for all Guy Garvey’s effort, they succeed in doing little except boring a few people half to death.
Saturday’s line up has a lot to live up to, but fortunately it doesn't disappoint. Royal Blood draw a massive crowd to the John Peel Stage and hammer their way through a set of riff heavy rock that has already managed the tricky task of taking over both rock radio and Radio 1. It’s very easy to imagine this duo soaring as the Black Keys and BiffyClyro have done in recent years.
Fat White Family follow with a bass-heavy, punk-inflected sound that wins over a small crowd, while Wolf Alice provide a huge festival highlight. It's been refreshing to see so many women coming to the fore in rock of late and these Londoners, led by EllieRowsell, are quite brilliant.
As you’re aware, the weather didn’t much feel like behaving. But, Glastonbury is all about exploring and, as fate would have it, a downpour conveniently provides the Rails with the chance to earn a legion of new fans at William’s Green, the band taking full advantage of the rain with a marvellous set of high quality folk-rock.
Pitching up for the evening at the Pyramid, Robert Plant is up first. His new material is both of a high quality and perfectly enjoyable, but predictably it's the Led Zeppelin classics that bring the house down. Will the reunion ever happen? We can always hope.
Jack White, meanwhile, is his usual force of nature self, tearing through as many songs as he can squeeze into his allotted time. One of the most energetic performers you'll ever see, the guitar virtuoso mixes tracks from his two solo albums with White Stripes staples and, naturally, a jam based around Enter Sandman.
Finally, it's the moment that fans, and critics, have been waiting for: Metallica, one of the big four, headlining Glastonbury. After a slightly tedious spoof of their pre-festival hunting controversy, soundtracked by Sweet's Fox On The Run, it's full speed ahead with Creeping Death. Their set is quite simply a masterclass in how to own a huge stage as they run through their classic tracks and, without the normal pyro, turn the heads of many naysayers. By the time a triumphant Seek and Destroy rings out, metal and heavy rock has well and truly arrived. So much so, in fact, that the site is rife with rumours of AC/DC in 2015 the next day.
Sturgill Simpson is an enjoyable way to ease into the final day, before Dolly Parton draws an enormous crowd to the Pyramid field. Loving every minute of the show, the country legend is a true performer and keeps a smile plastered across almost every single face staring back at her. Over at West Holts, the Wailers are a big draw, their reggae classics the perfect way to enjoy a sunny Sunday afternoon.
At the Crow’s Nest, with only about 50 people in attendance and the whole, huge site behind, the superb Glass Animals provide a surreal moment. It’s a truly intimate performance set aside from all the madness below and the band are ones to watch for fans of Alt-J and Foals. Later, James Blake is excellent in closing the Park Stage before Massive Attack put on a wonderful finish on the Other Stage. Could there be a more perfect way to end than Unfinished Sympathy?
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