Glastonbury 2015 - Diary
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I kept a diary -- of sorts. This is a transcript.
Apologies for the mixed tenses!
Apologies for the mixed tenses!
Friday 26 June 2015
08:06 - It's currently sunny with a threat of showers later on. I am camped in the imaginative named Pylon Field on the north-east part of the Festival Site. Pylon is considered "quiet" as it is on the periphery of rather than in the buzzing centre of things. This morning, I dispute this, as deliveries of catering supplies have woken myself and a few others up. Personally, I managed about 3 hours undisturbed and probably another 3 stirring in and out of consciousness.
So, before I get ahead of myself, what happened yesterday?
08:06 - It's currently sunny with a threat of showers later on. I am camped in the imaginative named Pylon Field on the north-east part of the Festival Site. Pylon is considered "quiet" as it is on the periphery of rather than in the buzzing centre of things. This morning, I dispute this, as deliveries of catering supplies have woken myself and a few others up. Personally, I managed about 3 hours undisturbed and probably another 3 stirring in and out of consciousness.
So, before I get ahead of myself, what happened yesterday?
Thursday 25 June – Journey and Arrival
I had packed and repacked throughout the previous 10 days and finally settled on my Vango 60/10 DofE approved rucksack and a large holdall that a friend at work had found at home.
The rucksack was pretty good, but the holdall was very heavy – too heavy really, if it was to be carried across a potentially muddy set of fields, or even a tarmac covered coach park. My problem is that I cannot camp light. The holdall contained my tent (4 man – I need to feel a little space and to be able to stretch) and a groundsheet, my sleeping bag, oddments of clothes and a few odds and sods with my flagpole in it’s bag strapped to the outside. Nothing in itself weighed a lot, but combined the kit had the gravitational pull of a black hole.
I had packed and repacked throughout the previous 10 days and finally settled on my Vango 60/10 DofE approved rucksack and a large holdall that a friend at work had found at home.
The rucksack was pretty good, but the holdall was very heavy – too heavy really, if it was to be carried across a potentially muddy set of fields, or even a tarmac covered coach park. My problem is that I cannot camp light. The holdall contained my tent (4 man – I need to feel a little space and to be able to stretch) and a groundsheet, my sleeping bag, oddments of clothes and a few odds and sods with my flagpole in it’s bag strapped to the outside. Nothing in itself weighed a lot, but combined the kit had the gravitational pull of a black hole.
A colleague at Canon who is responsible for the Currys Store at Stratford had volunteered to schedule a visit there, so he would be passing the O2 West Car Park in Greenwich which was where See Tickets had decided was a good substitute for the Thames Embankment which is suffering roadworks due to the construction of Boris Johnson’s Bicycle Superhighway.Schedule for Coach 341 was to leave at 12:00, so I asked Robin to get me there at a prudent 11:00 or so. Things were fine until we got to the immediate area of the Dome – many bus-only roads and routes completely confused the car’s Sat Nav.
Robin dropped me at North Greenwich station and I followed the convoy of overpacked sacs and bags to the coach park which was about 15 minutes walk away. I considered at the time the eternal question, just how can some folks only be taking a tent and a store carrier bag?
I realised early enough that the bag I had been given had a major bonus of wheels (which are officially considered rubbish by Veteran Festival Goers - henceforth known as “VFG” – for even slightly soft ground. I can pronounce that they were a damned Godsend on Greenwich pavements.
Robin dropped me at North Greenwich station and I followed the convoy of overpacked sacs and bags to the coach park which was about 15 minutes walk away. I considered at the time the eternal question, just how can some folks only be taking a tent and a store carrier bag?
I realised early enough that the bag I had been given had a major bonus of wheels (which are officially considered rubbish by Veteran Festival Goers - henceforth known as “VFG” – for even slightly soft ground. I can pronounce that they were a damned Godsend on Greenwich pavements.
Coach 341 left about on time after alarming amounts of kit/trollies/beer crates and sundries have been crammed, repeat with emphasis CRAMMED in to the underfloor storage compartments.
At this point, the driver drops a bit of a bombshell – expected journey time from Greenwich to Pilton is about 6 hours. I was expecting about 4:30, so my evening plans might need re-jigging. I had seen that Billy Bragg was due to play a short gig in the Green Fields area at 19:00, so that would probably be a write off.
After a 45 minute stop at Reading Service, Festival entry tickets were handed out and we arrived after a convoluted last 2 hours to our journey at about 17:30.
It is really nice to feel the journey mood lighten once entry tickets have been given out. I guess that punters see a ticket with their photo on it for the first time rather than just an email confirmation and it becomes more “real”. The anticipation is tangible.
Now to the business at hand: get your kit from the coach storage – get to mythical “Pedestrian Gate A” – ticket inspection – wrist band on my left hand please – pick up programme and Guardian booklet – freebie linen bag? Thanks.
At this point, the driver drops a bit of a bombshell – expected journey time from Greenwich to Pilton is about 6 hours. I was expecting about 4:30, so my evening plans might need re-jigging. I had seen that Billy Bragg was due to play a short gig in the Green Fields area at 19:00, so that would probably be a write off.
After a 45 minute stop at Reading Service, Festival entry tickets were handed out and we arrived after a convoluted last 2 hours to our journey at about 17:30.
It is really nice to feel the journey mood lighten once entry tickets have been given out. I guess that punters see a ticket with their photo on it for the first time rather than just an email confirmation and it becomes more “real”. The anticipation is tangible.
Now to the business at hand: get your kit from the coach storage – get to mythical “Pedestrian Gate A” – ticket inspection – wrist band on my left hand please – pick up programme and Guardian booklet – freebie linen bag? Thanks.
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The ground is pretty solid, so against all VFG advice I can wheel the holdall – and progress is quick.
Although there was not as much room on Pylon Field as I hoped, I pitch probably only 50 feet from where I was in 2011 but this time I am, out of necessity, closer to the metal roadway.
After I start pitching, 3 or 4 other tents appear which will discourage pedestrian corner cutters.
By about 19:10, the tentage is settled and tidied, the mattresses inflated, sleeping bags lofting and flag and fish are flying and it is time for the first bimble of this festival.
Although there was not as much room on Pylon Field as I hoped, I pitch probably only 50 feet from where I was in 2011 but this time I am, out of necessity, closer to the metal roadway.
After I start pitching, 3 or 4 other tents appear which will discourage pedestrian corner cutters.
By about 19:10, the tentage is settled and tidied, the mattresses inflated, sleeping bags lofting and flag and fish are flying and it is time for the first bimble of this festival.
The first thing I notice is the provision of about 20 compost loos in the corner of the field across the road – the proud boast is “a cup of sawdust is your flush!”.
I head east towards the John Peel Stage and the Dance Village. I see that there have been some minor routing changes and that a whole shanty town frontage called “The Blues” has been erected in the Dance Village which itself has been renamed “Silver Hayes”. There are also many art works scattered around the site. There are many photo opportunities (which I take happily, while trying to avoid “Photo Bombers”).
From Silver Hayes I proceed slowly clockwise around the site passing The Pyramid Stage, Left Field and William’s Green, Green Futures, Healing Field, Craft Field and up the hill towards Sacred Space.
I head east towards the John Peel Stage and the Dance Village. I see that there have been some minor routing changes and that a whole shanty town frontage called “The Blues” has been erected in the Dance Village which itself has been renamed “Silver Hayes”. There are also many art works scattered around the site. There are many photo opportunities (which I take happily, while trying to avoid “Photo Bombers”).
From Silver Hayes I proceed slowly clockwise around the site passing The Pyramid Stage, Left Field and William’s Green, Green Futures, Healing Field, Craft Field and up the hill towards Sacred Space.
I realised that there a lot of revellers gathered in front of where I was walking and it dawned on me that I was walking through the Stone Circle. In 2011, I must have had my eyes closed as I walked about as I couldn’t find The Stone Circle, even though I did find the secretive dragon farther up the site!
Carrying on the upward trend, I was soon in Strummerville and above the Tipi Village. The light was going as the sun went down and lights below started twinkling – it is a real beautiful place.
Carrying on the upward trend, I was soon in Strummerville and above the Tipi Village. The light was going as the sun went down and lights below started twinkling – it is a real beautiful place.
Having take in the view for a short while, I went back down the hill and headed north east towards The Cabaret and Theatre & Circus areas. I was off to the Pilton Palais for a screening of the documentary about “Lambert and Stamp”, the Who’s first management team.
When this had finished, I once again braved the Silver Hayes crowds and made my way back to Pylon Field and my tent.
When this had finished, I once again braved the Silver Hayes crowds and made my way back to Pylon Field and my tent.
Friday 26 June - a short stroll and then on to the stages
Not such a good sleep but a baby wipe, compost long drop and breakfast sort me out (breakfast baguette and a cuppa £7)
Dry and sunny, so I decide to mooch up towards the south of the site and up to the Crow’s Nest above The Park. Not so many people about before 09:00. As I got closer I was surprised at the numbers of people around the iconic “GLASTONBURY” letters until I noticed that they all had a plastic litter picking bag. They were collecting rubbish dropped by revellers last night.
I had not given much thought about keeping the “special” areas pristine. There are 15,000 bins on the site and the litter still hits the ground – shocking fact.
Dry and sunny, so I decide to mooch up towards the south of the site and up to the Crow’s Nest above The Park. Not so many people about before 09:00. As I got closer I was surprised at the numbers of people around the iconic “GLASTONBURY” letters until I noticed that they all had a plastic litter picking bag. They were collecting rubbish dropped by revellers last night.
I had not given much thought about keeping the “special” areas pristine. There are 15,000 bins on the site and the litter still hits the ground – shocking fact.
After a while breathing the good air, I walked towards the Other Stage where “Special Guests TBA” were due to officially open the main music stages at 11:00.
The Charlatans have a reputation for being a classic “Indie” band, but did nothing for me. As this is Glastonbury, a short walk will give you something of interest. I wandered via Silver Hayes towards John Peel.
Very interesting vocals drifted from John Peel Stage, the act was The Weaves. I caught their last few songs.
Following on were Hinds, an all-girl band from Spain. They can really play and seemed genuinely excited at the audience response.
Next I was off back to the Other Stage for one of the acts on “My List”, Catfish & The Bottlemen. Time allowed for a pretty tasty Paella Carne (£7) for lunch and a Water Bottle top-up before joining the gathered crowd taking in the last few songs from Everything Everything.
As the crowd cleared, I was able to get on the front rail for Catfish & The Bottlemen who, talk said were one of the bands of the moment. As the group came on stage, large raindrops began to fall and carried on. I was badly prepared, only having my showerproof jacket and get pretty wet.
This did not dampen the reception given to the band, nor their performance. Catfish played a cracking set, even with the rain causing guitars to de-tune and equipment to cut out. The rain stopped as they finished their set.
The Charlatans have a reputation for being a classic “Indie” band, but did nothing for me. As this is Glastonbury, a short walk will give you something of interest. I wandered via Silver Hayes towards John Peel.
Very interesting vocals drifted from John Peel Stage, the act was The Weaves. I caught their last few songs.
Following on were Hinds, an all-girl band from Spain. They can really play and seemed genuinely excited at the audience response.
Next I was off back to the Other Stage for one of the acts on “My List”, Catfish & The Bottlemen. Time allowed for a pretty tasty Paella Carne (£7) for lunch and a Water Bottle top-up before joining the gathered crowd taking in the last few songs from Everything Everything.
As the crowd cleared, I was able to get on the front rail for Catfish & The Bottlemen who, talk said were one of the bands of the moment. As the group came on stage, large raindrops began to fall and carried on. I was badly prepared, only having my showerproof jacket and get pretty wet.
This did not dampen the reception given to the band, nor their performance. Catfish played a cracking set, even with the rain causing guitars to de-tune and equipment to cut out. The rain stopped as they finished their set.
I had time to get back to my tent and pick up my poncho and as the ground was getting a bit sloppy the wellingtons also made an appearance.
Next on “My List” wee another newer band with a growing reputation, Wolf Alice.
The Pylon Field and The Park Stage are a way apart so off I trudged.
After a couple of songs, the rain started again and was in for a while. Wolf Alice were really good, more guitar riff based than I expected but excellent to see.
Now came one of those “considered” walks from one stage to another that you have to make at Glastonbury. The Park and Acoustic Stages are about as far apart as you can go and it was raining and the ground becoming very muddy.
The walk took me about 25 minutes which was under estimate – the conditions were worsening, but the rewards worth it.
Wilko Johnson and his band played a great set – Wilko strutted and showed so much attitude. He has been treated for cancer for a couple of years and thankfully is in recovery. The band were tight and the bass player, Norman Watt-Roy amazing.
The rain had stopped, so at least I didn’t need my poncho during the stroll to the Left Field tent.
Thea Gilmore had just started when I arrived, but there was plenty of space around the stage. She is good and there was one of those bizarre Glastonbury moments.
Just as Thea was going to sing one of the old unaccompanied folk style songs, she realised that she was competing with Motorhead’s guitar riffs and drums which could be heard very clearly in the quieter Left Field tent. She persevered and again, was very good.
To close Friday on Left Field was stalwart Billy Bragg, who curates this part of the festival and has attended since 1984. The Left Field ethos is to mix pop and politics and encourage debate if issues. The motto is “Recharge Your Activism”.
Although a bit throaty, Billy came on an gave us an hour of favourites from his back catalogue, together with a couple of other writers political songs. And another teary (mine) sing-along of “A New England”.
Thea Gilmore had just started when I arrived, but there was plenty of space around the stage. She is good and there was one of those bizarre Glastonbury moments.
Just as Thea was going to sing one of the old unaccompanied folk style songs, she realised that she was competing with Motorhead’s guitar riffs and drums which could be heard very clearly in the quieter Left Field tent. She persevered and again, was very good.
To close Friday on Left Field was stalwart Billy Bragg, who curates this part of the festival and has attended since 1984. The Left Field ethos is to mix pop and politics and encourage debate if issues. The motto is “Recharge Your Activism”.
Although a bit throaty, Billy came on an gave us an hour of favourites from his back catalogue, together with a couple of other writers political songs. And another teary (mine) sing-along of “A New England”.
This was a great day.
Saturday 27 June – A folky start to a day that just kept giving
Weather forecast is good – a drying day with sunny bits.
As good a night’s sleep as I could expect – in fact I am feeling pretty rested this morning.
Another wet wipe wash, compost toilet followed by breakfast and tea.
First on “My List” today is The Unthanks with orchestra on the Pyramid Stage at 11:00, so I can spend a little time packing waterproofs and hanging some socks still damp from yesterday. Camp Steward has suggested wellingtons again today as conditions underfoot are wet and muddy.
I walk to The Pyramid and the mud is not so bad in most places. The ground is drying fast with the sun and warm breeze and the strategic placement of loads of wood chippings.
Picked up a green tea on the way and people watch outside the Tolpuddle Bar near the John Peel Stage as it cools.
I managed a position on the stage rail for the Unthanks, who are accompanied by the Charles Hazelwood Orchestra. Things were a little tricky for a while technicians operated very noisy equipment to set the stage for a later act. Other than that, Rachael and Becky put on a good one.
I stayed put for Courtney Barnett’s first set of the day. CB3 (Courtney Barnett Trio) rocked the place and created buzz.
Weather forecast is good – a drying day with sunny bits.
As good a night’s sleep as I could expect – in fact I am feeling pretty rested this morning.
Another wet wipe wash, compost toilet followed by breakfast and tea.
First on “My List” today is The Unthanks with orchestra on the Pyramid Stage at 11:00, so I can spend a little time packing waterproofs and hanging some socks still damp from yesterday. Camp Steward has suggested wellingtons again today as conditions underfoot are wet and muddy.
I walk to The Pyramid and the mud is not so bad in most places. The ground is drying fast with the sun and warm breeze and the strategic placement of loads of wood chippings.
Picked up a green tea on the way and people watch outside the Tolpuddle Bar near the John Peel Stage as it cools.
I managed a position on the stage rail for the Unthanks, who are accompanied by the Charles Hazelwood Orchestra. Things were a little tricky for a while technicians operated very noisy equipment to set the stage for a later act. Other than that, Rachael and Becky put on a good one.
I stayed put for Courtney Barnett’s first set of the day. CB3 (Courtney Barnett Trio) rocked the place and created buzz.
The day was heating up now, so back to the tent to lose my wellingtons. I would not wear them through choice – my ankles begin to ache and lock up in them after a while. The tent was baking, so I took down my now dry socks and put those I was able to take off in their place.
Not much planned until about 16:00, so I strolled passed the John Peel Stage area to see it absolutely overflowing – The Slaves were playing and obviously doing a great job.
I picked up a Cheese and Spinach Crepe on the way.
George Ezra was due on the Pyramid Stage as I passed, and the whole arena was packed. The routing around this area means a long and hilly circuitous walk to pass. Still the weather was good and I got a couple of shots from different angles.
I ended up having a cider in the William’s Green area, after which I took the flat route back towards the Pyramid.
George Ezra was finishing up and Burt Bacharach due.
After a softly, softly start the crowd began to grow as Burt Bacharach and his band came up with classic hit after classic hit. My reaction surprised me a bit – I knew that Burt had written a stack of classics for other artists, but it hit me just how many there were. All a bit emotional really, and a real privilege to see him. Burt Bacharach – a true legend, I salute you.
Next up, I was back to William’s Green to catch Courtney Barnett’s second set of the day.
I got there a little early and saw that the stage was being set by some bright looking young things, who it turned out go by the name La Femme.
Their look was interesting and when they came on and one of them announced “ ’Allo, we are La Femme. We are from France. Do you want us to give you some plais-ure?”, I was hooked.
What emerged was a brilliant pop band, consisting of 5 guys and a girl. They played 3 keyboards, 2 guitars and drums.
I really fell for their Gallic Style and liked them a lot.
Due next was Courtney Barnett, who I thought would come up with a different type of show in the more intimate surroundings of the smaller tent. The band came on and played as they play – very enjoyable but this time a little sloppy in parts – I suspect that she had taken a drink or two between shows.
Not much planned until about 16:00, so I strolled passed the John Peel Stage area to see it absolutely overflowing – The Slaves were playing and obviously doing a great job.
I picked up a Cheese and Spinach Crepe on the way.
George Ezra was due on the Pyramid Stage as I passed, and the whole arena was packed. The routing around this area means a long and hilly circuitous walk to pass. Still the weather was good and I got a couple of shots from different angles.
I ended up having a cider in the William’s Green area, after which I took the flat route back towards the Pyramid.
George Ezra was finishing up and Burt Bacharach due.
After a softly, softly start the crowd began to grow as Burt Bacharach and his band came up with classic hit after classic hit. My reaction surprised me a bit – I knew that Burt had written a stack of classics for other artists, but it hit me just how many there were. All a bit emotional really, and a real privilege to see him. Burt Bacharach – a true legend, I salute you.
Next up, I was back to William’s Green to catch Courtney Barnett’s second set of the day.
I got there a little early and saw that the stage was being set by some bright looking young things, who it turned out go by the name La Femme.
Their look was interesting and when they came on and one of them announced “ ’Allo, we are La Femme. We are from France. Do you want us to give you some plais-ure?”, I was hooked.
What emerged was a brilliant pop band, consisting of 5 guys and a girl. They played 3 keyboards, 2 guitars and drums.
I really fell for their Gallic Style and liked them a lot.
Due next was Courtney Barnett, who I thought would come up with a different type of show in the more intimate surroundings of the smaller tent. The band came on and played as they play – very enjoyable but this time a little sloppy in parts – I suspect that she had taken a drink or two between shows.
As the evening progressed, it was time to go up to the Acoustic Stage which is only a short walk.
My old and everyone’s favourite Uncle, Nick Lowe was playing a set with other “old-timers” Paul Carrack and Andy Fairweather Low. This geriatric “Super Group” was really great as you might expect with so much performing experience. This was a crowd pleaser, that is for sure : sing-alongs to "Paradise Is Half As Nice" "Wide-Eyed And Legless", "How Long" and "Breaking Glass".
Staying put, the next act would be my last of the day.
I had not seen The Moody Blues for at least 30 years, but they are still a gigging band and have a massive following, particularly in the U.S.
When they first appeared, I was not sure what to make of things as three original members (Justin Hayward, John Lodge and Graeme Edge) came on with two ladies (guitar, flute and keyboards) and two guys who were not in my sight line (a second drummer and all-rounder).
I noticed John Lodge come to the front of the stage when he came on to check how large and where the audience was – how professional is that?
They were at Glastonbury to round of a tour celebrating 51 years as a band. Just listening, it was as though they had not been away.
The Moodies played a great set (although shy of Ray Thomas and Mike Pinder songs), and the crowd loved it.
The crowd got even more excited when “Mr Glastonbury” Michael Eavis came on to the stage to shake a tambourine and make some noises during the encore rendition of “Question”. Just fabulous.
My old and everyone’s favourite Uncle, Nick Lowe was playing a set with other “old-timers” Paul Carrack and Andy Fairweather Low. This geriatric “Super Group” was really great as you might expect with so much performing experience. This was a crowd pleaser, that is for sure : sing-alongs to "Paradise Is Half As Nice" "Wide-Eyed And Legless", "How Long" and "Breaking Glass".
Staying put, the next act would be my last of the day.
I had not seen The Moody Blues for at least 30 years, but they are still a gigging band and have a massive following, particularly in the U.S.
When they first appeared, I was not sure what to make of things as three original members (Justin Hayward, John Lodge and Graeme Edge) came on with two ladies (guitar, flute and keyboards) and two guys who were not in my sight line (a second drummer and all-rounder).
I noticed John Lodge come to the front of the stage when he came on to check how large and where the audience was – how professional is that?
They were at Glastonbury to round of a tour celebrating 51 years as a band. Just listening, it was as though they had not been away.
The Moodies played a great set (although shy of Ray Thomas and Mike Pinder songs), and the crowd loved it.
The crowd got even more excited when “Mr Glastonbury” Michael Eavis came on to the stage to shake a tambourine and make some noises during the encore rendition of “Question”. Just fabulous.
With myself and other fans leaving with broad smiles, I walked back to the tent passed the Pyramid, all but ignoring Kanye West whose headlining set was still going on.
Brilliant.
Brilliant.
Sunday 28 June - New Talent to Start, Rock Gods to End
I am beginning to write this as I have just had breakfast and a cuppa on leaving Monday.
As I turned in last night, I heard the first sounds of the convoy of packed and laden trolleys being dragged up the metal road past my tent. It was so loud and many of the leavers were shouting and talking.
It is naive to wonder why people you have been sharing an amazing experience with are already reverting to their normal existence away from the oasis that is Worthy Farm.
They need to get home, to shower, to wash and earn their crust.
I did manage some sleep, but gave up at about 05:10.
The noisy stream was increasing in frequency – a peek out of my tent door put me in mind of a mass of refugees with all their possessions in bags or on trolleys.
I have not thought to hard about this before, but your arrival at the farm is a trickle, in dribs and drabs over two days – even a bus load is only about 55 people at a time. The closing of the festival, by the event’s nature is a mass exodus of 180,000 people in less than 18 hours.
I am beginning to write this as I have just had breakfast and a cuppa on leaving Monday.
As I turned in last night, I heard the first sounds of the convoy of packed and laden trolleys being dragged up the metal road past my tent. It was so loud and many of the leavers were shouting and talking.
It is naive to wonder why people you have been sharing an amazing experience with are already reverting to their normal existence away from the oasis that is Worthy Farm.
They need to get home, to shower, to wash and earn their crust.
I did manage some sleep, but gave up at about 05:10.
The noisy stream was increasing in frequency – a peek out of my tent door put me in mind of a mass of refugees with all their possessions in bags or on trolleys.
I have not thought to hard about this before, but your arrival at the farm is a trickle, in dribs and drabs over two days – even a bus load is only about 55 people at a time. The closing of the festival, by the event’s nature is a mass exodus of 180,000 people in less than 18 hours.
My tent is airing a little – it needs it after a damping half day yesterday.
Sunday started wet, but ended gloriously
After breakfast on Sunday, the poncho went straight on and I started towards the John Peel Stage. The first act on “My List” was not until 14:00 so there was plenty of time to stroll and see what came my way.
As I passed “The Blues” area, a voice caught on the wind and drew me into the John Peel Stage.
The singer’s name was Lucy Kitchen, I only heard one song but her voice is beautiful.
The MC told us that the next act would be on in half an hour, so I headed towards The Park.
The dampness stopped, so I packed the poncho away and arrived at the Park by about 11:30.
Food outlets were opening up, so I sat and took a Cheese and Bacon Wrap with a few chips for brunch/lunch.
My back was towards the stage and another lady’s voice started up. She sounded a little like Rae Morris style of a couple of years ago. When I started to take notice, it turned out to be a young girl called Denai Moore and her friends. She sounded more established than her age suggested.
I went to the front of the stage and made myself comfortable.
A talented guy who seemed to be a new take on a one-man band, Jack Garratt came next. Keyboard, electronic mini-drum, guitar and voice were his weapons of choice. I thought he was terrific.
My old favourite Rae Morris followed, who I admire greatly, and have now seen 4 or 5 times. My only comment is that by Day 3, I am a little tired of being told how amazing it is to be asked to appear at Glastonbury. That said Rae soothed my soul.
Three sisters from Watford, collectively known as The Staves came on next – they are another musically adept band playing in folk/rock style.
Sunday started wet, but ended gloriously
After breakfast on Sunday, the poncho went straight on and I started towards the John Peel Stage. The first act on “My List” was not until 14:00 so there was plenty of time to stroll and see what came my way.
As I passed “The Blues” area, a voice caught on the wind and drew me into the John Peel Stage.
The singer’s name was Lucy Kitchen, I only heard one song but her voice is beautiful.
The MC told us that the next act would be on in half an hour, so I headed towards The Park.
The dampness stopped, so I packed the poncho away and arrived at the Park by about 11:30.
Food outlets were opening up, so I sat and took a Cheese and Bacon Wrap with a few chips for brunch/lunch.
My back was towards the stage and another lady’s voice started up. She sounded a little like Rae Morris style of a couple of years ago. When I started to take notice, it turned out to be a young girl called Denai Moore and her friends. She sounded more established than her age suggested.
I went to the front of the stage and made myself comfortable.
A talented guy who seemed to be a new take on a one-man band, Jack Garratt came next. Keyboard, electronic mini-drum, guitar and voice were his weapons of choice. I thought he was terrific.
My old favourite Rae Morris followed, who I admire greatly, and have now seen 4 or 5 times. My only comment is that by Day 3, I am a little tired of being told how amazing it is to be asked to appear at Glastonbury. That said Rae soothed my soul.
Three sisters from Watford, collectively known as The Staves came on next – they are another musically adept band playing in folk/rock style.
It was time now to move towards the Pyramid to catch some of Lionel Richie’s tea time set. My timing was flawed / misjudged and the whole arena was full. Paths up the hill had blocked with people, so in the end I cut my losses and tried elsewhere. A convoluted route took me ultimately to the Other Stage and my “Plan B” was sprung into action.
I was genuinely concerned that my choice of headliner this final evening might not be the Who if I could not get a spot. Anyway, I get ahead of myself.
I arrived at the Other Stage and was surprised to find a spot on the front rail to see Future Islands who according to an old school pal were worth checking out. He was dead right – the front man Sam, was the man and he has taken Dad-dancing to new levels. Good sounds from these boys from South Carolina who said that was their 991st gig.
My “Plan B” option could have gone either way at this point. I needed to get back to the Pyramid as one of my all-time favourites were due to play what would probably be their last gig in the UK as they are in the midst of a tour celebrating their 50th year.
If there was space, I figured I would have to take up a position for the preceding act Paul Weller. His fans and fans of the Who are probably one and the same.
When I arrived back at the Pyramid, there was a large but manageable crowd watching Alt-J finishing off their set. I was able to take up a position fairly central to the stage just behind the crush barrier. When Alt-J finished, some of the crowd moved away.
Eyeing the possibilities, I stood behind a couple of chaps in their mid-20s who I noticed were both shorter than me. It worked out well and although they didn’t move, I had a generally not bad view of most of the stage.
Contrary to what I had been told, Paul Weller played a good crowd-pleasing set. “The Modfather” included some of his solo hits and a couple from his work as part of The Jam, together with some stuff from his latest record. I thought it was actually pretty good.
I was genuinely concerned that my choice of headliner this final evening might not be the Who if I could not get a spot. Anyway, I get ahead of myself.
I arrived at the Other Stage and was surprised to find a spot on the front rail to see Future Islands who according to an old school pal were worth checking out. He was dead right – the front man Sam, was the man and he has taken Dad-dancing to new levels. Good sounds from these boys from South Carolina who said that was their 991st gig.
My “Plan B” option could have gone either way at this point. I needed to get back to the Pyramid as one of my all-time favourites were due to play what would probably be their last gig in the UK as they are in the midst of a tour celebrating their 50th year.
If there was space, I figured I would have to take up a position for the preceding act Paul Weller. His fans and fans of the Who are probably one and the same.
When I arrived back at the Pyramid, there was a large but manageable crowd watching Alt-J finishing off their set. I was able to take up a position fairly central to the stage just behind the crush barrier. When Alt-J finished, some of the crowd moved away.
Eyeing the possibilities, I stood behind a couple of chaps in their mid-20s who I noticed were both shorter than me. It worked out well and although they didn’t move, I had a generally not bad view of most of the stage.
Contrary to what I had been told, Paul Weller played a good crowd-pleasing set. “The Modfather” included some of his solo hits and a couple from his work as part of The Jam, together with some stuff from his latest record. I thought it was actually pretty good.
As the light began to drop at about 21:00, some film footage was shown telling us some of the Who’s history – Keith Moon, Jon Entwistle, Guitar Smashing, Fashion and all.
One final slide before the start, “Keep Calm Here Come The Who”.
All I can say is that the set was a crowd-pleaser – all the important numbers were include: My Generation, Baba O’Reilly, Won’t Get Fooled Again, Who Are You, I Can See For Miles, Love Reign O’er Me, The Kids Are Alright and a potted version of Tommy highlights.
While I acknowledge that Roger Daltrey and Pete Townsend are no longer at the peak of their powers, this show was brilliant and helped heal one of my few real music regrets – never having seen the Who do a whole concert.
It turned out that there had been no sound check. Pete went into a hissy fit shouting "Are we even in the same f$@%ing band ?" as he was having problems hearing Zac Starkey on the drums who was behind a plastic acoustic baffle. He "fixed it" by breaking one of the panels.
In a homage to the old days, Roger later brought the whole screen crashing down onto the stage, with a mischievous smile.
One final slide before the start, “Keep Calm Here Come The Who”.
All I can say is that the set was a crowd-pleaser – all the important numbers were include: My Generation, Baba O’Reilly, Won’t Get Fooled Again, Who Are You, I Can See For Miles, Love Reign O’er Me, The Kids Are Alright and a potted version of Tommy highlights.
While I acknowledge that Roger Daltrey and Pete Townsend are no longer at the peak of their powers, this show was brilliant and helped heal one of my few real music regrets – never having seen the Who do a whole concert.
It turned out that there had been no sound check. Pete went into a hissy fit shouting "Are we even in the same f$@%ing band ?" as he was having problems hearing Zac Starkey on the drums who was behind a plastic acoustic baffle. He "fixed it" by breaking one of the panels.
In a homage to the old days, Roger later brought the whole screen crashing down onto the stage, with a mischievous smile.
It brought tears and lumps to my throat.
As Pete said at the start, “All we’ve got to do is send you home happy.”
They did, and were absolutely great – I know, because I was there.
I waited for the crowd to clear a bit and bimble back to the tent, still smiling.
Settling down for the night, I heard the first trolleys being dragged up the road – which I believe is where I came in.
Onto the mundane, I now have to get my stuff packed and tent down. The coach is due to leave at 13:00.
Today is Monday 28 June 2015, a fabulous weekend has been had, but the countdown to Glastonbury 2016 has already started.
Adieu!
As Pete said at the start, “All we’ve got to do is send you home happy.”
They did, and were absolutely great – I know, because I was there.
I waited for the crowd to clear a bit and bimble back to the tent, still smiling.
Settling down for the night, I heard the first trolleys being dragged up the road – which I believe is where I came in.
Onto the mundane, I now have to get my stuff packed and tent down. The coach is due to leave at 13:00.
Today is Monday 28 June 2015, a fabulous weekend has been had, but the countdown to Glastonbury 2016 has already started.
Adieu!
Note regarding the pictures:
The photos from the Festival are my personal pictures, taken on the day stated.
If you would like to use them, please contact me and give me a credit.
(1 July 2015)
The photos from the Festival are my personal pictures, taken on the day stated.
If you would like to use them, please contact me and give me a credit.
(1 July 2015)