Kasabian whip the crowd into a frenzy on last day of T in the Park
T in the Park 2010 review
Thursday 15th July 2010
After the rain and drizzle of yesterday, today feels a lot more chilled out. There are a few picturesque clouds in the sky but the sun is breaking through, and today we only have to contend with the wind - one of the elements historically known to cause chaos for outdoor music. And it didn't just promise to cause trouble for the acoustics - on the journey up to the site there were warnings amidst tents being blown into the roads. There's a far more chilled out vibe today; perhaps the hangovers are getting a bit much for the happy campers but at least with the ground dried out a little, there's some chance to chill out on the grass and do some people watching.
This chilled out feeling oozes its way into the King Tut's Wah Wah tent where upcoming 'one to watch' Ellie Goulding politely works her way through her set - thanking the almost packed to capacity tent for their rousing responses to her electro-pop hits such as 'Starry-Eyed' getting the dancing off to a start. Ellie seemed genuinely awestruck to have played to such a large crowd and gave a grateful and enthusiastic performance, and didn't disappoint the large expectant crowd.
Biffy Clyro were set to be great favourites for me this weekend, and although they never fail to play with intense energy, they were plagued by what seemed like severe sound issues - the rising winds could be to blame for most of this, but much of the set, including massive hit 'Mountains' washed over those of the audience who were slightly further back and proved disappointing. However, for those close enough to be within the inner mosh pit for the enthusiastically topless trio an electric experience was had - just a pity the energy couldn't rouse the rest of us.
Back over to the King Tut's tent again and booming bass can be felt from a
distance for Empire Of The Sun; mixing techno with electro-pop to a packed tent. And when 'We Are The People' is boomed out, anyone in the vicinity who may not have known the Australian duo, definitely know this song and head in to enjoy the summer anthem while the sunshine is still doing its best to make an appearance.
And from bouncy electronica I make a transition into ethereal dance with
Goldfrapp. Another full crowd for the duo who enjoy hits such as 'You Never Know' and 'Ride A White Horse'. The enthusiastic crowd sing along while lead singer Alison asks us all to "move around a little bit more"; ensuring everyone is getting the most out of the flamboyant performance.
Jay-Z appears on the main stage, not as late as Eminem but still 15 minutes behind schedule yet the difference between last night's rapper and Jay-Z's presentation is staggering. This performance is slick, with Shawn Carter holding his own amongst hits such as '99 Problems', 'Hard Knock Life' and one of the top moments of T in the Park 2010; 'Empire State of Mind' where a mass sing-a-long ensues. With all this pomp and circumstance, Jay-Z could well have been the headliner to close the festival, but this honour is left to festival regulars Kasabian.
They're also running late - a theme running through T 2010 - although mainly due to the earlier tardiness of Jay-Z and the expectation in the crowd builds up. However, the main event is almost eclipsed as David Guetta plays a storming set in the King Tut's tent - those unsure of where their allegiances lie have their decision made for them as the "Tent Full" sign glares over those far back enough from the main stage before Kasabian make their entrance. Yet when they do, they play a storming set, although it feels like it's nothing we haven't seen before. They're plagued by some sound issues early on, although the wind has died down but this is quickly resolved as 'Empire' blares out, singer Tom Meighan announces "T in the Park, you are fucking Empire! I love you, you fucker". They may not have been the most obvious headliners, but they sure as hell look happy to be here and they have a knack of whipping the crowd into a frenzy before 'Fire' has everyone going crazy. As they play us out of T 2010 with 'LSF' before the lone bagpiper and fireworks, we all come to realise that this is the end for another year. We've had 3 seasons in one weekend, some diva strops from acts and a heck of a lot of mud. But it's T in the Park, and that's why we love it. Early bird tickets for 2011 anyone?
review by Clare Sinclair photos by Louise Davidson / Nicki Innes
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