When & Where? Main Stage on Friday July 9th @ 23:00.
Canadian megastars Arcade Fire took to the Main Stage half an hour after Jay-Z finished his set. A much smaller crowd (particularly in the right hand side of the pit) were treated to the majority of the band's debut Funeral, a large portion of the follow up Neon Bible and a number of tracks from the forthcoming The Suburbs.
The majority of reviews seem to be focusing on the rather small size of the crowd, while there was even a campsite rumour than there was simply a few hundred in attendance - entirely untrue. However, regardless of how many were watching, the Canadians played their hearts out. Win Butler and Regine Chassagne looked to be on fantastic form, their chemistry as alive as ever. The backing band looked to be thoroughly enjoying the show too.
The crowd responded extraordinarily well to the anthemic hits such as Rebellion (Lies), Power Out, Laika, Intervention, Keep The Car Running and Wake Up. The new tracks were greeted well too, though the running order of the set could use a shake up I feel. There was simply too many tracks in a row at one point - the attention of many of the audience members seemed to be wavering. Granted the tracks are very enjoyable (Modern Man, Rococo, The Suburbs and We Used To Wait in particular) though the crowd were just unfamiliar with them. After the release of the album in August this shouldn't be an issue, but it was a little of an oversight on the part of the band I feel.
That is not to take away from the show, mind you. It was my first time witnessing the Arcade Fire live and I would not hesitate to go again. It was very enjoyable, a number of tracks felt really special. The rain began to fall as the opening lines of Wake Up were about to be uttered - it was the type of moment that can define a festival.
I am not particularly sorry that thousands missed out - the band still played to the best of their abilities and it made the whole performance all the more intimate. A really special event.
About Me
- Kevin
- Cork, Ireland
- An Irish based alternative music blog. Music news, gigs, live reviews, album reviews... You'll find them here. If you want anything featured or removed, please shout. I hope you'll discover something new to love on this little experiment of mine. Currently editing the Music Section of the UCC Express and contributing to Motley magazine on campus, as well as writing for PopCultureMonster and 4FortyFour. Always looking for new projects so please get in touch if interested. Thanks for reading.
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