V2002 (Staffordshire)
Ok at the start of the summer I had not even considered going to the V festival this year but as time went on it appeared more and more people seemed to be going to the festival and who am I to turn down an embraceboarders gathering and to be fair the line up was actually pretty good as well. So once again I saw myself booking a ticket and making my way up north to Staffordshire by train to another Music festival.
Ok first things first I was in the group that got there first so it was our choice where to camp and we already had an idea because of last year. I don't care what anyone says I still think that was one of the best camp sites on the site, remember that soft grass it was so comfy. It may not have been right on top of the arena but there was plenty of room for drunken cartwheels late at night in the area around our tents. If you look at the other campsites there was hardly any room left, come on you have to agree with me !!!
Right what happens at our campsite when we are there.
Well Ruff helps Graeme with his trousers, I'll say no more, ask them for the details its none of my business!!!!
Katie is introduced to Tequila with the sliced lemons brought along in a nice little container.
The Croations had the cheek to set up camp near us and boy did they regret doing that.
The group went about the field doing cartwheels and that included the sober Balco what was I thinking!!!!
Zara is introduced to a life of crime by Izzy when they steal a Mcalmont and Butler poster. Crime never pays!!
Oh yeah and we had Alex from big brother staying with us he really hated all the men going toilet on the fences. it was disgusting. That is what the toilets are for.
OK the bands which I saw at V2002
Saturday
Doves, Idlewild, Elbow, Seafood, Crescent, Longview, Starsailor, Stereophonics.
Sunday
Leaves, Mull Historical Society, The Bluetones, Elvis Costello, Supergrass, Nickleback, Ian Brown (end of set), Manic Street Preachers, (1st half), Badly Drawn Boy, (2nd Half).
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Ok once again, out of these bands here is my top five, but remember this is Balco's personal opinion and not necessarily the views of embraceboarders as a whole. I know for certain a lot of you will disagree with one of my choices but I don't care because its my own opinion and if the whole world had the same tastes in music it would be a very boring place.
OK right here they are!!!!
1. Idlewild: Being right down the front for Idlewild is probably what got this to the top of my list and it is so great when everyone around you knows the songs and they all sing along it is bloody amazing. Add to that the fact that Graeme had made a T-shirt and we decided to try and throw it on the stage, Roddy was so close to catching it but it just missed his hand and fell behind something at the front of stage and went down the back to the grass. Don't worry though we managed to get it back by getting a kind steward to retrieve it for us...
2.Starsailor: Right this is the one, that I know loads will probably say why the HELL are they there. Well if I like a band and they perform well at the festival then of cause they will get in my top five and that is what they did. I thoroughly enjoyed their slot at the festival. It was a great performance ask Zara if you don't believe me. Oh and if anyone wants to go along to a date on the next Starsailor tour just let me know I'm sure I can introduce you to their music and go along with you.
3. Supergrass: Right Supergrass what can I say it was one hell of a show, once again right at the barrier for them and the crowd went crazy for them. Only problem with this one was the amount of crowd surfers was terrible, and I saw one person get kicked in the nose and saw the blood spurt out which is not one of my favourite things to see. Anyway they played some great tunes which has got them into the top five. I only stayed for them because there was no one else on I wanted to see and I am so pleased that I stayed, well done guys a fantastic set. When they do another festival I would recommend them to anyone even if you don't know their songs, I know for certain that I will be there for it.
4. Manic Street Preachers: Well When Travis pulled out I wondered who they would get in to replace them and when I found out it was Manic street preachers. It meant I was in a bit of a situation because I was hoping it would be someone I didn't like which would mean I could see the whole set from Badly Drawn Boy, but instead I had to settle for half of the Manic Street Preachers set and from what I saw it was a great showing form them maybe if I had stayed for the whole set they may have got further up my top five. But hey I wanted to see some of Badly Drawn boy and I did I saw the first half of the their set and the second half of his set. "Well timed if you don't mind me saying"
5. Doves: Ok Doves make it into my top Five again, well they are just great live. The last few times I have seen Doves they seem to really get the crowd going and I cant see any reason why they should not get a headlining slot at their next festival. But until then I will make do by seeing them at Brixton on their tour later this year and the odd listen to The Last Broadcast one of the records of the year in my opinion.
Also special mention has to go to Nickleback, ok the music is not what I would normally listen to but I knew some of their songs so I stayed to watch them and can certainly tell you that they really do put on one hell of a show and from the from the barrier where we were we could feel the heat from the flames they had on the stage. And the crowd interaction was fantastic. Leaves also impressed me once again and the day after I got home, I went out and got Leaves new album its pretty good trust me.
Right after one or maybe more of my choices I'm sure you have something to say so pop along to the board and let me know what you thought.
Click here to leave your opinions
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