It’s safe to say I’m a festival addict. I enthusiastically attend most music festivals each year so I feel that I am educated enough in the festival experience to state that V Festival is driven by product placement, and you could be forgiven for thinking that it exists primarily to sell mobile phone plans to unsuspecting festival punters. Virgin-related advertising, perks of private bars, hairdressing/makeup stations (yes, it’s true.) and viewing platforms for ‘Virgin customers only’ was excessive.
Onto the real reason we were there, the music. We arrived to catch the end of Duffy, and not a moment too soon, her voice left me begging for ear plugs. The side stage definitely showcased the best music of the day. The Dø were exquisite and their rendition of ‘On My Shoulders’ was one of my highlights.
M83 sent the crowd into another realm with their dreamy electronic sounds. Elbow were wonderful and Madness had 10,000 punters of all ages singing “Welcome to The House of Fun”. The Kills blew me away. Allison Mosshart stalks the stage with such presence and an aggression which epitomised rock’n’roll. The on-stage chemistry between her and bandmate Jamie is nothing short of mesmerising.
Onto the headliners. Loved The Kaiser Chiefs. High energy. Great sound. Perfect festival band. Snow Patrol were ok, but lost me when Gary Lightbody forgot the lyrics to his biggest songs. The Killers were impressive. Their sound quality was impeccable and, as much as their new tracks leave a little to be desired, songs like ‘Somebody Told Me’ and ‘Smile Like You Mean It’ reminded me of how great they really are.
V Festival is certainly a civilised way to experience a music festival, and the mainstream crowd it attracts guarantees this. Just be sure to bring along your Virgin Mobile phone. ~Chrissy Kavalieros