Who has surprised you at Glasto

[grumpyhack]

To me one of the joys of Glasto is falling across bands that you've never previously seen - or possibly never even heard of.

For example, how many people who were blown away by Seasick Steve or Manu Chao knew them before? (I appreciate there will be know-it-alls who say they've known them for ages and have all their CDs) but I just wonder who you've been surprised by over the years?

A few for me (and I can't be bothered to try to remember what years they were) have included:

Bonnie Raitt. Previosuly aware of her name and reputation but had never seen her perform live. I was knocked out and have seen her three times since.

At the other end of the spectrum Biggles Wartime Band. Fell across them by accident a few years ago and have always made a point of hunting them down at Glasto ever since.

In between Brian Wilson. Thought he was past it and feared my memories from the past would be shattered. But was delighted to discover that thanks to the support of a great band could still do it.

[Funkfarley]

Bodger and Badger.

Much better live than on TV.

[TheBoyInTheBubble]

Pet Shop Boys in 2000

[Ed209]

I don't wanna be a know it all, But Manu Chao was already pretty darn famous.

[Chocscoffer]

Rodrigo Y Gabriela - Jazz World 2007

Gogol Bordello - Pyramid 2007

I had heard of neither of these before people on here recommended them and I am so glad I checked them out. They were both awesome, especially Rodrigo Y Gabriella - my god that woman can play guitar.

[grumpyhack]

I don't wanna be a know it all, But Manu Chao was already pretty darn famous.

[grumpyhack]

Rodrigo Y Gabriela - Jazz World 2007

Gogol Bordello - Pyramid 2007

I had heard of neither of these before people on here recommended them and I am so glad I checked them out. They were both awesome, especially Rodrigo Y Gabriella - my god that woman can play guitar.

[DaveMac]

I don't wanna be a know it all, But Manu Chao was already pretty darn famous.

Edited March 10, 2009 by DaveMac

[beamends]

Judy Tzuke (spelling?) - thought she was a "pop star" type but did a brilliant set. One of the few performances I actually remember something about!

Cheers

Richard

[thatsnomoon]

gogol bordello.... in the rain....amazing!

[mazza]

i have not seen the boss blur or neil young im 38

[ralph250]

Rodrigo Y Gabriela - Jazz World 2007

[fantomas]

Michael Franti & Spearhead for me in particular. In the stinkin' rain strolling by the pyramid - immediately captivated.

[Mardy]

Pete Doherty in 2008. Loved the records but Babyshambles in 2007 were godawful. Dreadfully bad. So, was surprised at how good Doherty's solo spot was in 2008

[LRW]

Mika.

[darrenbha]

Jay Z

[Chazeboy]

Another shout for rodrigo y gabriela but back in acoustic tent 2003.

Absolutely bloody superb; seen them 4 times since, including front row for the jazzworld headliner slot and everytime they just blow me away. Met gabriela aswell; she's lovely.

Main other one for me;

Shlomo and the Vocal Orchestra - last year at the park, went along as thought it might be fun and different...easily one of the best things I've seen at glasto in 5 years of going.

[remote]

Gideon Conn - saw him when I went into a small tent when it was hammering it down a couple of years ago and he was amazing.

Will also add Jay Z to the list, I knew 99 problems and Encore but I was totally blown away by his performance.

Was also pleasantly surprised by The Subways in 2004 when it was too muddy to walk anywhere and we ended up near the other stage.

[Tugger2k]

turin brakes @ pyramid 2003.

had seen them before but never expected them to be able to carry it off on the pryamid.

i have a lasting memory of bass rattling my ribcage

brilliant!

[shortleg]

Another one for Biggles - I always search them out now after stumbling across them on the bandstand my first year. Also Rodrigo Y Gabriela first time in 2003 with a couple of people on violin accompanying them.

Too many to remember or list but there are always gems if you just lose yourself on a wander around the far reaches of the site. A few spring to mind:

Jason Webley late one night on a little stage with a handful in the crowd - really got us all participating in silliness

Lady Winwoods Maggot

Pronghorn

Hot Club of Cowtown

Dresden Dolls

Ozomatli

Latenight/early morning in the circus tent I've seen some great stuff

And Muse of the headliners who I had never enjoyed on record but live were great

[beamends]

From the bands listed, a listen to www.radiopradise.com might be in order - they play (advert-free) almost all of the mentioned music regularly.

Cheers

Richard

[sifi]

Joan Armatrading had me holding back the tears. Absolutely stunning set.

[DaveMac]

I forgot to add that Leonard Cohen last year was an amazing experience.

I only knew his very early stuff and went along just to say I had seen him.

Another 'Legend' to be ticked off the list

But what a set - absolutely brilliant, huge crowd and great atmosphere with the weather being kind as well.

His set will definately go down as one of those 'Magical Glasto Moments' never to be forgotten.

Went home and ended up buying most of his cds ! He is a real class act.

[DaftCat]

Sinead O'Connor in 1995

P J Harvey in 1995

Pete Doherty in 2007

[austrian_zeppelin]

McCartney in 2004 put on a blinding show. I never much liked the Beatles and only went as i knew i would never pay for him separately. Glad i went.