Reading and Leeds Festival

Went with my brother in 1990 and that was a killer line-up.

On Friday we were really excited for Janes Addiction but they no-showed because of... well, addiction. However, we had a blast: Mudhoney gave it their all (and are still one of my favourite grunge bands) and Nick Cave had everyone in the palm of his hand. Faith No More were excellent but I have never been more concerned for a band member's safety (unlike seeing Cypress Hill in a small venue and being concerned for everyone's safety!) - Mike Patton tore up the stage planking and then climbed right up the scaffolding above the stage until one slip would have killed him. Which it didn't. The Cramps finished off the night and converted any Cramps agnostics with wild stage antics (I thought Lux Interior was going to injure himself rolling around in his PVC thong amongst a broken wine bottle but I wasn't that worried as I suspected might have enjoyed it) and catchy tunes.

Saturday was less intense day but Billy Bragg seemingly converted everyone to the cause, even what I assumed were a group of Young Farmers drinking a mix of whiskey and cider from a welly and shouting "baggage" (which appeared to be the name of the drink as they offered it around but got no takers).

We were largely there for the Pixies but everyone brought their A-game, especially Living Colour, who brought full stadium funk rock to the masses who didn't really know what hit them and Jesus Jones got every worked up before the Pixies arrived. They've never disappointed any of the times that I've seen them.

So a good time was had by all, including the girl my brother managed to sneak into our rather modest two-man tent while I was crashed out.