Festivals 2008 Options

[Kick in the Head]

Well, festival season is still several months away, but with the announcements of Jay-Z and Neil Diamond headlining Saturday and Sunday nights respectively of the Glastonbury festival (and registration for tickets now open), maybe it's time for a little discussion.

I'm still set on going to Glastonbury this year, but I have precisely zilch interest in either announced headliner. I guess that means I won't be so torn on who to see on other stages, and there'll be hundreds of other interesting things to do instead anyway, but it's not exactly got my juices flowing so to speak.

[maian]

Seeing as I've missed out on festivals due to lack of money/family holidays over the last two years I'm dead set on going to Glastonbury and/or Reading this year. Of the two I'd prefer to go to Glasto more as my first time there was amazing and, whilst Reading was also good, Glasto is the way forward for me. If I get a ticket, that is.

And don't write off Neil Diamond, his last album was pretty good. Admittedly that was more to do with rick Rubin producing it and ''doing a Johnny Cash'' on it, but still.

[Sostie]

Just echoing what Ed said...don't write off Diamond. You'd be surprsed how many great tracks he has in his back catalogue. Plus the "old timers" slot at Glasto is almost always the one must-see moment of the weekend. The atmosphere is usually fantastic.

I'll never forget Tom Jones there years ago. One of the best show ever.

[Kick in the Head]

It's not that I think Diamond's a poor choice, it's just not a personal must-see that's all. As for old-timers, I agree the atmosphere's pretty special, even if the acts themselves aren't much cop (Brian Wilson anyone?).

Other times, they've announced unmissable headliners, but this time round, the only two acts confirmed aren't my cup of tea. There'll be plenty of other great artists playing, so even if I'm not keen of the headliners, there'll be something else to see.

[Heff]

Coupla years ago, Iggy Pop headlined the Big Day Out in Australia. I'm not a huge fan, but I went and saw him anyway, cause it's Iggy Pop. Shirtloads of people from the crowd ended up on stage, it was mayhem.
I've found that a band's performance at a festival isn't really a fair indication of how good they are. I stopped going to the Big Day Out to see bands I want to see, but instead to experience the atmosphere of so many people appreciating a band/act. Having said that, some bands can tear a festival to shreds with their brilliance (Flaming Lips).

And I missed the BDO this year. Bjork, Arcade Fire, Rage Against The Machine. Fuck.

This post has been edited by Heff: Feb 2 2008, 07:30 AM

[Peronel]

And I missed the BDO this year. Bjork, Arcade Fire, Rage Against The Machine. Fuck.

When I went it was Beastie Boys. Hella fun. This year would have been awesomeness. People quit their jobs to go and RATM, I hear.

[Zoe]

Me and Alyssa are considering going to Camp Bestival

http://www.campbestival.net

Chuck Berry and The Flaming Lips are headlining.

[logger]

I've always wanted to go to Bestival, and this looks even better.

[dandan]

depending on post hong kong finances, i think i might be off to primavera...

[Rebus]

When I went it was Beastie Boys. Hella fun. This year would have been awesomeness. People quit their jobs to go and RATM, I hear.

Bjork was disappointing and strange, but not strange in any way you could appreciate. Her heart didn't seem in it. Later found out why as she cancelled Sydney BDO due to health problems. So that standing off to one side and mumbling was dicky-tummy-Bjork. RATM were as awesome as you'd expect them to be, the years spent apart looked like they never happened as the energy was just as raw as it had been in their day of hey. A *lot* of arseholes though, man. When they inevitably finished with Killin In The Name, people were taking it in turns to punch each other in the head, willingly. It seems to have become the anthem to let you pretend you're really really angry with how everyone's beatin you down for many people.

Anyone going to Future music? Chemical brothers(!!!!!), Kid Koala(!!!), DJ Yoda(yay), John Digweed(woop), Roger Sanchez(meh).

[SkipToTheEnd]

I'm off to Roskilde for the third year in a row, confirmed so far are:

Radiohead
My Bloody Valentine
Chemical Brothers

+ several smaller Scandi bands

http://www.roskilde-festival.dk/2008/frontpage/

[Jubei]

I'm planning on going to Festival Internacional de Benicassim this year. I've never been to a festival before. I don't fancy mud and crap, but this one's next to a beach, and sunny. Some friends went a couple of years ago, and are going again this year, so should be good fun.

Also, if Neil Diamond does some Jazz Singer classics, it'll rock.

[witch_hazel]

i want to go to the greenman festival in wales but i'm poor
it's not for months yet, maybe i can pull a bank job before then

[Sostie]

I'm planning on going to Festival Internacional de Benicassim this year.  I've never been to a festival before.  I don't fancy mud and crap, but this one's next to a beach, and sunny.  Some friends went a couple of years ago, and are going again this year, so should be good fun.

I've been asked to go to this one again this year. My friend goes every year and she can't recommend it enough. Beach all day, festival in the evening. The line-ups are usually very impressive.

[Jubei]

I've been asked to go to this one again this year.  My friend goes every year and she can't recommend it enough.  Beach all day, festival in the evening.  The line-ups are usually very impressive.

So I'm told. I've not been to a festival before, but apparently the difference with this one is that there isn't much in the way of music in the daytime. SO you can go to the beach and not miss anything, then come back in the evening and see all the music. The line up on the website so far isn't exactly my cup of tea, but it's by no means finalised yet.

Jose Gonzales is on there though.