I floated this in the Sex Pistols thread but that appears to have been overcome by "PUNKZ NOT DEAD!!!11"-related bickering, so I'll float it seperately instead.
Thing is about the IoW, it has a history, technically longer than Glastonbury's, which they never pass up the opportunity to publicise. It gets a pile of mainstream media attention, with annual big reviews in all the papers and on assorted Teletext services, and highlights are usually on late night Channel 4 for months. It gets a bill of major acts. And yet, do you know anybody who's bothered about it? I've never heard of anyone who's gone, it's never considered when papers or sites like this list the big festivals in the calendar, and it's named after the island, yet with Bestival's myriad attractions it's not even the most celebrated festival held there. It seems to exist of itself for three days and then drift by without leaving any trace. What's the point?
Cash money.
What else?
lots of families along
the south coast and i assume everyone on the island goes. its the only big mainstream festival along the south coast, where nothing ever happens.
but yeah its cack.
I've been.
Worst festival EVER.
I would guess it is more of an older, mainstream crowd
The line-up looks like Virgin Radio live or something.
It doesn't have the same tradition as Glastonbury does it? I thought it only came back about 10 years ago.
Anyone see The Wedding Present?
I didnt go because the lineup was generally dire but would have loved to have seen Gedge and co. again. Any good?
Well apparantly if it weren't for the IOW festival
there wouldn't be a Glastonbury, or something. Shame they had to ruin the history/heritage my turning it into completely shite.
I've been twice
because I live there. And pretty much everyone on the IOW seems to bum it. It's shit. I think Bestivals not as popular coz it's considered a bit more 'alternative', whereas the IOW festival is about as MOR as it gets.
This is the first year i haven't been
i know it's shit, there's no bands i'd like to see and i always have a miserable time, but i still feel as though i'm missing out on something because EVERYONE here goes.
I've been a couple of times
only because I live on the island. That was a few years ago.
Now I don't bother going. After a diet of ATP and Bestival I get a bit embarrassed about the IOW festy. I got offered a really cheap ticket last week and still declined.
Its true though that apart from a very small minority everyone goes.I have friends who hate the line up like me but still go to see friends/network. It is a very different crowd to Bestival. Alot of middle aged people go, and casual music listeners. Not people who are really serious/passionate about music. I mean, even my managing director at work is going. Its just that sorta crowd.
is it true there is only one stage
?
Yes.
If you're at the front for the last band you're fucked. I had to tell security I was pregnant so I could use the front exit.
This year
was the first year there were 2 stages.
The second stage being headlined by Stranglers & Sugababes.
Did anyone just see the Sunday highlights?
That James stage invasion was cringeworthy in the extreme.
Also, what the f**k was Sting wearing? He looked dreadful.
I saw it...
"That James stage invasion was cringeworthy in the extreme. Also, what the f**k was Sting wearing? He looked dreadful." I agree to both.
Also, surely with all the money he's made he could afford a new bass.