Suzanne and Alan shares their day two experiences at Isle of Wight Festival. Ed
Saturday at the IW Festival witnessed better conditions underfoot, following welcome wind and warm sun. Festival goers had flattened the ground with their constant marching up and down the site and the mud remained only in a few places.
Amongst the performers were the ever popular James Walsh, a welcome return from Big Country and Madness, fresh from the roof of Buckingham Palace.
Time flies when you’re having fun
In fact, it was Madness who had organisers anxiously eyeing their watches as they over ran their set.
Scottish rockers Biffy Clyro originate from Kilmarnock. They are most well known for the original (and far superior) Top Ten hit version of their own composition “Many of Horror (When we Collide)”.
Their performance was effects laden with a leaning towards psychedelia.
Slowing the tempo
After a storming start Seattle rockers Pearl Jam slowed down the tempo with their rendition of the Beatles song ‘Rain’.
Lead vocalist Eddie Vedder was out front for the five man band formed in 1990. He took his turn by strapping on a guitar throughout their performance. According to legend, their name comes from the fact that Eddie’s great-grandmother Pearl was a dab hand at inventing interesting preserves including jams.
Tribute to Joe Strummer
During the show Eddie paid tribute to Joe Strummer of the Clash who died almost ten years ago. Pearl Jam included a sprinkling of their most well known standards including ‘Even Flow’ and ‘Jeremy’.
Towards the end of their set Eddie went down to greet the front row of fans, with whom he traded lyrics.
Historical record
Dimbola Museum and galleries situated at Freshwater, which champion pioneer photographer Julia Margaret Cameron have a presence at the Festival.
Dimbola has an excellent historical record of the Island Festivals that is on permanent show.
Litter bugs
Despite Biffa providing ample refuse containers it is incredible that so much rubbish is strewn over the main arena.
With everything from drinks containers to food packaging and even leftover food underfoot, talk about putting your foot in it!
