Reading writeup, part 2

Saturday

On Saturday morning Lisa and I trekked into Reading town centre to enjoy a mid-morning Burger King (using the facilities too, of course!). We nearly made it back to see the 5,6,7,8's, but I think my purchase of a camp stool delayed us too much. We drank for a while, eventually wandering to the stages:

• The Roots (who I enjoyed very much, and ought to buy)
• Franz Ferdinand (energetic and ace, another to actually get round to buying)
• Morrissey (who kicked off with a great rendition of How Soon Is Now, then unleashed a mixture of vitriol, old songs, and the better ones from Quarry — class!)

We didn't bother with The White Stripes, instead opting for a fire, a piss, and some drinking.

Sunday

The feeling of the last day was accentuate by me disassembling the tent (to avoid having to do it in the dark). We were about to wander down to see The Rasmus (to watch them get abused, and to listen), when a text from Sheri announced that they'd been bottled off after 5 minutes (including mud-throwing, I hear). We ended up seeing:

• The end of Dropkick Murphys (full of energy, getting lasses from the crowd up to jig!)
• The Streets (who really showed how to play non-rock at a rock festival — impressive and entertaining)
• Lostprophets (who managed to turn my opinion in their favour, as well as starting a battle royale in the crowd)
• Placebo (who've now been going forever, and therefore have a decent back catalogue!)
• and finally 50 Cent (and the rest of G-Unit). They'd been bottled off in 10 minutes at Leeds, for having the temerity to think they're awesome, and for trying to play a rock festival (c.f. The Streets). Reading took a bit longer, 20 minutes, because they were prepared (including having their own bottles to throw back!), but were still showered with an impressive array of piss-filled bottles, and one brave stool. Good skills!
• actually, last on the main stage was Green Day, another very established band. Consummate performers, great set, and dragging chaps out of the crowd to play their instruments.
• We attempted to see Rahzel, but (a) Mike Patton is shit, (b) the tent was too crowded with assholes, (c) it was getting late.

People I wish I'd seen: The Kills, because I've heard Mr Brightside; Amplifier, because they're apparently slightly “early Verve”; and Funeral for a Friend, Dizzee Rascal, Har Mar Superstar, The Donnas, and Eighties Matchbox, to see what all the fuss is about.

We actually did see some of British Sea Power on the last day, but I forgot to write about them! Not all they're cracked up to be, I fear.

After the bands, we grabbed our stuff, loaded the car… then queued for an hour to get out. Heh.

So, that's it… quite a weekend!

Posted at 2004-09-03 15:19:05 by Richard • Link to Reading writeup, p…
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