This is fun! I wrote about music, too, today. I wrote about Broadway show tunes. Although I think we're about the same age (you may be younger?) the music you wrote about was not my first go to. I can tell you about favorite musicals, but not so much about favorite concerts, though I did go to a few. David Bowie lived in Woodstock, and used to come into the bookstore where I worked. He wore very "regular" blend in clothing: slacks, windbreaker, button down shirts, and loafers. He was awfully lovely, and was always looking for street maps. He kept forgetting that we only carried hiking maps, and each time, I'd send him up the street to the town's hardware store...they sold maps! The year he died, we devoted our story slam theme to him. Each story had to include the line "We can be heroes, just for one day." I published the piece on my stack a while ago. xo
Glastonbury. 86 I think. Still a cnd festival and stalls selling hash brownies and people getting scrumpy in their inflatable plastic pillows! A far cry from what I expect today is like. The Cure, killing joke, the waterboys and of course lots of others. I still have the programme but following the theme of your last newsletter I am currently interrailing at 58 across Europe with my husband! Fun times! 😁💜
I saw David Bowie in Montreal sometime in the 70s during his Ziggy Stardust era. After the concert, my friends and I were walking down a small street behind the venue when a limo passed us. Staring out the back window was a pale face with kohl-lined eyes and a shock of mahogany-red hair. It was him! My friend, Carl, ran behind the limo for as long as he could, and then we watched it disappear onto a busier road.
Magical memories of Paul Simon playing the whole of Graceland at Hard Rock Calling in Hyde Park London 2012. Made the mistake of going back there to see him a couple of years later, nearly collapsed with heat stroke & had to leave early.
True that there's usually more under-cover choice at festivals! I've never been to Latitude, but it has a good reputation. Loads on offer. I like those that sit somewhere between a music festival and a book festival!
I'm always in awe of parents who take their kids to festivals. I'm not sure my anxiety could handle that!
I've got a a proper festival post planned for later in the summer. Until then, two things. Glastonbury '97 was the muddiest I ever saw. Biblical.
And towards the end of my festival career, for my stag weekend in 2015 my friends took me to Bestival. They put some incredible effort into my outfits (I hate fancy dress); I actually won a costume competition on the second day while dressed as Brian Blessed's character from Flash Gordon. I was supposed to appear in a grand finale on the main stage on the last day, but we were all too jaded to stick around for that and slunk home early.
I remember that Glastonbury so vividly. Not because I was there, but because I went to V97 in Chelmsford that year and it felt like a consolation prize after missing out on Glastonbury. But I listened to a lot of it on the radio and saw the TV coverage and that mud was something else. Wow, I can't believe it was that many years ago.
Thanks, Jane, and for restacking. The sound and atmosphere are always better near the front, but if it's a "blokes" band, no chance of a good view! Kasabian was the worst for hulks :D
Brilliant !!! So many festivals, love it. Love the pics Wendy and I was cracking up that Ian let a shorty sit on his shoulders but nearly got chopped by pink 🤣🤣🤣 I’ve been to many concerts and day festivals but only stayed over night in a tent (on my own) my sister was opposite with her girlfriend, at Latitude festival , Tom jones, Belle and Sebastian, Florence and the Machines. the site was empty went we pitched up , when I woke up in the morning I had tents sharing pegs with mine, too close for comfort and the snoring 🤦🏻♀️ it was a crazy experience!! I would def do it again though
Love these festival memories, Wendy. Sad, and great that you got to see Bowie on his last UK live tour. I never did get to see him live.
I think best festival for me was Austin City Limits (maybe 2005?), with Oasis, Wilco, Arcade Fire, Doves, Bloc Party, Futureheads (also Coldplay, but... meh, we skipped them). It was the best due to the incredible line-up, and how well run the festival was (easy to get water and food, didn't feel too packed).
It was also the worst festival because I was with my college roommate, who got so drunk, I was carrying him around like Weekend at Bernie's. He insisted on staying, though, and rallied through 100F+ temps to somehow see most of the acts. I'm not sure how much of it he remembers.
Thanks, Rob. That does sound a good line-up. Sometimes the memories that stick are as much to do with who got drunk or had some stupid mishap, or who you met, and the bands are just the backdrop! I wonder if your roommate has any memories of it at all!
What great memories Wendy. I love the fancy dress outfit and performing with FBS must have been incredible. I’m very much in awe of you taking young children to festivals. Sadly my experience of taking daughter camping usually involves no sleep whatsoever.
Best ‘memory’ was probably Reading in 89 I think. The Cramps and The Fall and a very hot weekend with lots of friends. Last festival was BlueDot (my local) which flooded. Watched Pavement got soaked but came home to my own bed. It’s now closed down.
Thanks, Margaret. Ooh, The Fall at Bestival 2006 were one of my highlights, you've reminded me! I didn't know their music that well, but was totally mesmerised. It was just a great performance.
I think a lot of festivals have fallen on hard times. The costs must be phenomenal.
My son was a pretty good camper, so I was lucky with that! Camp Bestival was such fun.
wendy - i live near cropready - fair port fest - and went once - in 2005 - it rained and I felt far too young to be there (I was 48) since the sensible crowd all had all over water proof green ponchos, low slung seats and thermos flasks ... what a lnob younger me was!!
That sounds a properly civilised festival, Cherry! The Isle of Wight Festival crowd seems to get older every year. I was going to say Justin Timberlake might reverse the trend, but just checked and he's 44. So maybe not!
I am envious that you saw REM. My brother's ex-boyfriend interviewed Michael Stipe many years ago. Stipe gave Nige loads of time and offered relationship advice.
I have written about my festival experiences, and have decided on no more big outdoor festivals. Worst for weather and that mud bath experience was Reading 77. Worst for atmosphere and a lack of interest in the punters on the part of the organisers was the last Hop Farm Festival we went to, a few years ago. Paul Weller was headlining. The first Hop Farm Festival we attended was terrible weather but we had an amazing time. Line up was Neil Young, Supergrass, Laura Marling, My Morning Jacket, Rufus Wainwright and Primal Scream. However, we too had the car park experience. It took us several hours to get out
The weather and "little things" like being stuck forever in car parks can really kill the mood!
I used to listen to Neil Young as a teenager in the '70s (the couple next door had his album After the Goldrush and I'd listen to it on repeat when I was babysitting). But when I saw him at IW Festival in 2009 I was completely unmoved. Wished I'd stuck with my 1970s memories and left it at that!
Loved Laura Marling, though! (Saw her at Camp Bestival in 2011).
Some great memories, I really enjoyed this, and the comments from all your readers are terrific too.
I have very little music festival experience. In fact, I've only been to one, and people tell me it doesn't count since it was only two days - V97 in Chelmsford. I had a splendid time, but we had an unfortunate tent disaster. We thought we had a proper tent (it was me, my sister, and my best friend) but it turned out all we could find was my dad's old military camping tent, a nasty smelly green heavy canvas contraption with no proper floor, and it rained all weekend and we were soaked and miserable, but the music was brilliant, I remember the good stuff at least.
I saw REM twice, on back-to-back days at Milton Keynes on the Monster tour, that would've been summer 1995 I believe. I had tickets for the Saturday show with Blur and Echobelly supporting, and then I won tickets in a competition for the Sunday show, with Radiohead and Cranberries in support. Two epic shows.
I feel a little shame-faced to say that I've never been to a festival. I came close twice, but both times - for different reasons - I didn't actually go. But putting festivals aside we've been to some amazing gigs. Two of which have been so awesome that they've scarred us for life when it comes to judging other live music as they were that damn good. Down the front at Maroon 5 in Phily and Mumford and Sons in a tiny venue here in Copenhagen. If I never hear live music again then I can deal with it!
There’s plenty I don’t like about music festivals (crowds, mess and waste!) and one-off gigs can be just as memorable, with far less hassle. I can imagine Mumford and Sons being perfect in an intimate venue. I don’t think I know Maroon 5. I’ll look them up, thanks, Jacqui.
Back when I lived on the island in the 90s, I wrote a fanzine. My stepmum did freelance marketing and was contacted by a couple of guys who wanted to revive the festival. They came round one evening and my stepmum involved me and my fanzine in the conversation.
I've never known for sure, but I would imagine the guys who came round are behind the revived festival. It took several years to get it off the ground, and you can see why with all the chaos that ensued with the blocked road. My brother's wife missed her train once when she was held up by the scooter ride-out on August Bank Holiday weekend, so I can well imagine how bad those massive jams in the rain must've been!
This is fun! I wrote about music, too, today. I wrote about Broadway show tunes. Although I think we're about the same age (you may be younger?) the music you wrote about was not my first go to. I can tell you about favorite musicals, but not so much about favorite concerts, though I did go to a few. David Bowie lived in Woodstock, and used to come into the bookstore where I worked. He wore very "regular" blend in clothing: slacks, windbreaker, button down shirts, and loafers. He was awfully lovely, and was always looking for street maps. He kept forgetting that we only carried hiking maps, and each time, I'd send him up the street to the town's hardware store...they sold maps! The year he died, we devoted our story slam theme to him. Each story had to include the line "We can be heroes, just for one day." I published the piece on my stack a while ago. xo
Brilliant Bowie memories, Nan, thank you! Just off to read your Broadway show tunes piece. (I love a good show tune!)
Thanks, Wendy. Me too, show music is the best. xo
Glastonbury. 86 I think. Still a cnd festival and stalls selling hash brownies and people getting scrumpy in their inflatable plastic pillows! A far cry from what I expect today is like. The Cure, killing joke, the waterboys and of course lots of others. I still have the programme but following the theme of your last newsletter I am currently interrailing at 58 across Europe with my husband! Fun times! 😁💜
Hurrah for Interrailing adventures!
Yes, Glastonbury in '86 must have been a totally different beast. Good line-up!
I saw David Bowie in Montreal sometime in the 70s during his Ziggy Stardust era. After the concert, my friends and I were walking down a small street behind the venue when a limo passed us. Staring out the back window was a pale face with kohl-lined eyes and a shock of mahogany-red hair. It was him! My friend, Carl, ran behind the limo for as long as he could, and then we watched it disappear onto a busier road.
Very lucky to have seen him in the '70s, Linda. I'd have loved that!
Ah, some great memories here, Wendy! Would’ve loved to see REM.
Bestival 2010 was the last time I “properly” did a music festival, camping and all. It was absolutely wonderful! So much fun. Flaming Lips were great.
Aside from this, Guns n Roses, Blur and Eminem (all at Leeds festival over the years) are my personal highlights that spring to mind.
Yes, I remember Flaming Lips in 2010, Andy! I woz there!
Magical memories of Paul Simon playing the whole of Graceland at Hard Rock Calling in Hyde Park London 2012. Made the mistake of going back there to see him a couple of years later, nearly collapsed with heat stroke & had to leave early.
That's someone I've never seen but wish I had! Festivals in hot weather are gruelling.
I guess it was more a concert than a festival, really... nowhere nice to sit in the shade and cool off. Perhaps I should try Latitude again.
True that there's usually more under-cover choice at festivals! I've never been to Latitude, but it has a good reputation. Loads on offer. I like those that sit somewhere between a music festival and a book festival!
I'm always in awe of parents who take their kids to festivals. I'm not sure my anxiety could handle that!
I've got a a proper festival post planned for later in the summer. Until then, two things. Glastonbury '97 was the muddiest I ever saw. Biblical.
And towards the end of my festival career, for my stag weekend in 2015 my friends took me to Bestival. They put some incredible effort into my outfits (I hate fancy dress); I actually won a costume competition on the second day while dressed as Brian Blessed's character from Flash Gordon. I was supposed to appear in a grand finale on the main stage on the last day, but we were all too jaded to stick around for that and slunk home early.
Haha! I can imagine you as Brian Blessed!
Look forward to your own festival post when it comes. I remember seeing pictures of Glastonbury '97 and being very glad I wasn't there!
Every time someone shouted "Gordon's alive!" I had to take a drink. I remember very little of Duran Duran's headline set that night.
Weirdly, I don't remember much about Duran Duran's set, either, and I was totally sober!
I remember that Glastonbury so vividly. Not because I was there, but because I went to V97 in Chelmsford that year and it felt like a consolation prize after missing out on Glastonbury. But I listened to a lot of it on the radio and saw the TV coverage and that mud was something else. Wow, I can't believe it was that many years ago.
I actually don't remember much aside from the mud, the sun coming out for Ray Davies, and an all-time great set from Radiohead.
Love this. I've seen , REM (one of my favorite concerts) Bowie, Fleetwood Mac. Average height woman at concert I can relate all to well
Thanks, Jane, and for restacking. The sound and atmosphere are always better near the front, but if it's a "blokes" band, no chance of a good view! Kasabian was the worst for hulks :D
Brilliant !!! So many festivals, love it. Love the pics Wendy and I was cracking up that Ian let a shorty sit on his shoulders but nearly got chopped by pink 🤣🤣🤣 I’ve been to many concerts and day festivals but only stayed over night in a tent (on my own) my sister was opposite with her girlfriend, at Latitude festival , Tom jones, Belle and Sebastian, Florence and the Machines. the site was empty went we pitched up , when I woke up in the morning I had tents sharing pegs with mine, too close for comfort and the snoring 🤦🏻♀️ it was a crazy experience!! I would def do it again though
Belle and Sebastian and Florence and the Machine were two more good 'uns!
Haha yes, that glee when you think you've found a nice quiet spot to pitch your tent, then get hemmed in… It was like that at Camp Bestival, actually!
Love these festival memories, Wendy. Sad, and great that you got to see Bowie on his last UK live tour. I never did get to see him live.
I think best festival for me was Austin City Limits (maybe 2005?), with Oasis, Wilco, Arcade Fire, Doves, Bloc Party, Futureheads (also Coldplay, but... meh, we skipped them). It was the best due to the incredible line-up, and how well run the festival was (easy to get water and food, didn't feel too packed).
It was also the worst festival because I was with my college roommate, who got so drunk, I was carrying him around like Weekend at Bernie's. He insisted on staying, though, and rallied through 100F+ temps to somehow see most of the acts. I'm not sure how much of it he remembers.
Thanks, Rob. That does sound a good line-up. Sometimes the memories that stick are as much to do with who got drunk or had some stupid mishap, or who you met, and the bands are just the backdrop! I wonder if your roommate has any memories of it at all!
What great memories Wendy. I love the fancy dress outfit and performing with FBS must have been incredible. I’m very much in awe of you taking young children to festivals. Sadly my experience of taking daughter camping usually involves no sleep whatsoever.
Best ‘memory’ was probably Reading in 89 I think. The Cramps and The Fall and a very hot weekend with lots of friends. Last festival was BlueDot (my local) which flooded. Watched Pavement got soaked but came home to my own bed. It’s now closed down.
Thanks, Margaret. Ooh, The Fall at Bestival 2006 were one of my highlights, you've reminded me! I didn't know their music that well, but was totally mesmerised. It was just a great performance.
I think a lot of festivals have fallen on hard times. The costs must be phenomenal.
My son was a pretty good camper, so I was lucky with that! Camp Bestival was such fun.
wendy - i live near cropready - fair port fest - and went once - in 2005 - it rained and I felt far too young to be there (I was 48) since the sensible crowd all had all over water proof green ponchos, low slung seats and thermos flasks ... what a lnob younger me was!!
That sounds a properly civilised festival, Cherry! The Isle of Wight Festival crowd seems to get older every year. I was going to say Justin Timberlake might reverse the trend, but just checked and he's 44. So maybe not!
I am envious that you saw REM. My brother's ex-boyfriend interviewed Michael Stipe many years ago. Stipe gave Nige loads of time and offered relationship advice.
I have written about my festival experiences, and have decided on no more big outdoor festivals. Worst for weather and that mud bath experience was Reading 77. Worst for atmosphere and a lack of interest in the punters on the part of the organisers was the last Hop Farm Festival we went to, a few years ago. Paul Weller was headlining. The first Hop Farm Festival we attended was terrible weather but we had an amazing time. Line up was Neil Young, Supergrass, Laura Marling, My Morning Jacket, Rufus Wainwright and Primal Scream. However, we too had the car park experience. It took us several hours to get out
The weather and "little things" like being stuck forever in car parks can really kill the mood!
I used to listen to Neil Young as a teenager in the '70s (the couple next door had his album After the Goldrush and I'd listen to it on repeat when I was babysitting). But when I saw him at IW Festival in 2009 I was completely unmoved. Wished I'd stuck with my 1970s memories and left it at that!
Loved Laura Marling, though! (Saw her at Camp Bestival in 2011).
Some great memories, I really enjoyed this, and the comments from all your readers are terrific too.
I have very little music festival experience. In fact, I've only been to one, and people tell me it doesn't count since it was only two days - V97 in Chelmsford. I had a splendid time, but we had an unfortunate tent disaster. We thought we had a proper tent (it was me, my sister, and my best friend) but it turned out all we could find was my dad's old military camping tent, a nasty smelly green heavy canvas contraption with no proper floor, and it rained all weekend and we were soaked and miserable, but the music was brilliant, I remember the good stuff at least.
I saw REM twice, on back-to-back days at Milton Keynes on the Monster tour, that would've been summer 1995 I believe. I had tickets for the Saturday show with Blur and Echobelly supporting, and then I won tickets in a competition for the Sunday show, with Radiohead and Cranberries in support. Two epic shows.
Two days counts as far as I’m concerned, Daniel. Especially in an old army tent!
REM twice in a row in ‘95 must have been special. And what a great line-ups both days. Brilliant.
Thanks for sharing your memories.
Love your Bestival costume! Amazing.
Thanks! I’ve never felt more glamorous :-)
I feel a little shame-faced to say that I've never been to a festival. I came close twice, but both times - for different reasons - I didn't actually go. But putting festivals aside we've been to some amazing gigs. Two of which have been so awesome that they've scarred us for life when it comes to judging other live music as they were that damn good. Down the front at Maroon 5 in Phily and Mumford and Sons in a tiny venue here in Copenhagen. If I never hear live music again then I can deal with it!
There’s plenty I don’t like about music festivals (crowds, mess and waste!) and one-off gigs can be just as memorable, with far less hassle. I can imagine Mumford and Sons being perfect in an intimate venue. I don’t think I know Maroon 5. I’ll look them up, thanks, Jacqui.
You're the festival queen!
Back when I lived on the island in the 90s, I wrote a fanzine. My stepmum did freelance marketing and was contacted by a couple of guys who wanted to revive the festival. They came round one evening and my stepmum involved me and my fanzine in the conversation.
I've never known for sure, but I would imagine the guys who came round are behind the revived festival. It took several years to get it off the ground, and you can see why with all the chaos that ensued with the blocked road. My brother's wife missed her train once when she was held up by the scooter ride-out on August Bank Holiday weekend, so I can well imagine how bad those massive jams in the rain must've been!
It doesn’t take much to create a traffic jam on the Isle!
Thanks for sharing these memories, Helen.
What was your fanzine about?