Glasgowbury offers music, sun, heat, color, and vibrancy
Glasgowbury 2011 review
Tuesday 26th July 2011
Sun, heat, color, vibrancy, all lacking so far this summer, and all made up for at Eagles Rock this year. Celebrating its tenth anniversary, Glasgowbury 2011 has been a blinding albeit belated start to an otherwise dreary summer.
Following last year expectations were pretty high. The panoramic setting at Eagles Rock is breathtaking in itself when you stop to look around and to be honest not much as to be done to make the place look good. Nevertheless the organizers clearly put in the effort with flags up, workshops, dance classes for all ages, swing ball, various stalls, a tailored Glasgowbury cocktail and new on site this year, the G Spot comedy stage.
Security into the site was notably tight compared to other festivals, understandable due to the mix of young and old but Glasgowbury's not the type to attract knife wielding e-heads. I couldn't help think security searching everyone's wallet was a tad OTT considering weed could be smelt around site later in the day. Dread to think where they'll search next year.
It was all happening this year on the G Sessions stage with some of the day's best acts gracing it with their presence. New for this year an outdoor stage it stole the thunder from the main stage. The only notable qualm was the stage crew trigger happy with the smoke which engulfed any band playing there. LaFaro discretely remedied this mid-set shouting, "stop way the fuckin' smoke!"
After a few notable performances from emerging artists The 1930s, Rainy Boy Sleep , and The Rupture Dogs, one of Northern Irelands recently esteemed exports, General Fiasco, got the party pumping with an early surprise performance on the G Sessions stage. The band gathered large crowds with the call of 'We Are The Foolish' and other hits such as 'Ever So Shy'.
One of Glasgowbury's best characteristics is it's commitment to the promotion of emerging talent. No more so was this true than for Limavady five piece, Furlo. Recent critical acclaim and airplay on popular radio is indicative of their growing popularity which was clear to see at the G Sessions stage. This band is definitely one to look out for in the years to come with a sound suited to larger festivals.
The North Coast's finest addition to the line-up this year was Axis Of. They took over the Small But Massive Stage with energy reminiscent of ASIWYFA's performance last year. Their sound dominated the audience with the like of 'Circle Pit' going down a storm. LaFaro kept the ball rolling with raw tunes like the renowned 'Tupenny Nudger' as well as their own interpretation of 'I Kissed A Girl'.
Towards the end of the evening the rock turned old school with Swanee River and The Answer busting ears on the G Sessions Stage. Having been unable to hit up Glasgowbury in recent years The Answer were keen to reestablish their place in the local music scene ahead of their up-and-coming tour. With ear-splitting guitar solos, Cormac Neeson effortlessly wailing his way through song after song fully immersing himself in the audience and thunderous bass and drums The Answer define classic rock. You need to see this band!
The penultimate act of the day was Cashier no 9. While they are a good band after a day spent mostly rocking out they were quite a subdued ending to this years festival and following The Answer a lot of people ended up trekking back to the campsite early to keep the party going. Despite this scheduling hiccup I have nothing but praise for this very affordable, very awesome festival. Get your tickets early next year!
review by Andrew McLaughlin photos by Andrew McLaughlin
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