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Knowsley Hall — In Praise Of Madness

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Ah, this is how you do it. As the mud deepens, Madness take the stage to today's biggest cheer. And, proving perhaps that there is a God after all, the sun pokes through the gloom to add some extra cheer. Suggs is possibly the only front man who could get away with announcing to the crowd:...

Madness

Ah, this is how you do it.

Madness Take Knowsley Hall By Storm

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Despite the appalling weather conditions, Madness rallied the crowd admirably at today's Knowsley Hall festival. Following Joss Stone, who'd provided a welcome flash of colour in the mud, Suggs, Chas Smash and their the Ska legends delivered today's highlight. Apparently up at 6 this morning to make it down to the site, and impeccably dressed in suits, they ran through their much-loved back catalogue, including "Our House", "One Step Beyond" and "House Of Fun", as well as their classic cover of Labi Siffre's "It Must Be Love". Headliners Keane close the inaugural Knowsley Hall festival at 10pm. More festival news on the new Uncut Festivals Blog here- we're at Glastonbury and Knowsley Hall this weekendwww.www.uncut.co.uk/blog/index.php?blog=10&title= Pic credit: May Starey

Despite the appalling weather conditions, Madness rallied the crowd admirably at today’s Knowsley Hall festival.

Following Joss Stone, who’d provided a welcome flash of colour in the mud, Suggs, Chas Smash and their the Ska legends delivered today’s highlight.

Apparently up at 6 this morning to make it down to the site, and impeccably dressed in suits, they ran through their much-loved back catalogue, including “Our House”, “One Step Beyond” and “House Of Fun”, as well as their classic cover of Labi Siffre’s “It Must Be Love”.

Headliners Keane close the inaugural Knowsley Hall festival at 10pm.

More festival news on the new Uncut Festivals Blog here- we’re at Glastonbury and Knowsley Hall this weekendwww.www.uncut.co.uk/blog/index.php?blog=10&title=

Pic credit: May Starey

Knowsley Hall — tequila and Joss Stone

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"She's not to blame!" sings one of Joss Stone's backing singers. Possibly she's exonerating her lead singer from the inclement weather, that's now reached torrential proportions. Looking at the waterlogged state of the fields round here, I suspect that it might not be the Mersey alone that you'll ...

Joss Stone

“She’s not to blame!” sings one of Joss Stone‘s backing singers. Possibly she’s exonerating her lead singer from the inclement weather, that’s now reached torrential proportions. Looking at the waterlogged state of the fields round here, I suspect that it might not be the Mersey alone that you’ll need a ferry to cross later this evening.

Come down Sunday… Shirley Bassey, Manics and more

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Have been for the final wander round the immense space that Glastonbury covers, the sound of Shirley Bassey as she performs on the main stage floats across the air... I've been for my final wander across the site, with that Glastonbury last day come-down feeling, I don't really want it to end, 'cos I haven't even seen half of it. I guess that's the festivals' draw - I've been making a list this weekend of 154 things that could make up the worth of the price of a ticket to Glastonbury, assuming tenuosly that everything is worth a £1 each, - mind you most experiences that Glastonbury offers are actually priceless - but I like making lists! I'll post that up tomorrow, though for now things I have learnt this weekend include: I dont like tahini. I don't like prunes. And food is a complicated business here. Nothing comes plain and unadulterated! Mind you, it is all organic. Anyway back to Dame Shirley, she can't and doesn't disappoint, it's Dame Shirley! And she's in a big pink glittery dress. Superb. Michael Eavis himself is spotted in the crowd - he's been like some sort of barometer for good gigs this weekend. He should know, he books 'em. Expected but still great, we hear Bassey perform 'Goldfinger', 'Hey Big Spender', 'I Am What I Am' and a surreal cover of 'Light My Fire.' Bassey in fact played 'Hey Big Spender' twice, eveyone loved it so much. This afternoon, I also finally found my back to King's Meadow, I haven't had a chance to get to that part of the field since I arrived on Thursday, and the Stone Circle today was quiet and peaceful. Lots of families taking in the view, probably with the same feeling of the festival about to come to an end weighing heavy. That and the fact that packing up and going home is one hundred times harder and takes two hundred times longer than when you arrive. Fact. The Stones area features Banksy's Portaloo version of 'realart' Stonehenge. It's a place of reflection today. Am also loving the fact that the only 'branding' here are slogans against war, againt litter and hints on how to halt climate change before the world ends. Favourite sign spotted tied to a tree so far was "If you don't need it , don't buy it." It's nice though that everything blends in, noone is forcing their views on you. You do appreciate though, that there are bins within five yards, whenever you need one. And they are colour coded for plastics, cups and food. It has been a remarkably tidy festival. I'm impressed that festival goers can be so grown-up with their waste automatically. The Green Fields and Healing Fields were also amazingly chilled today, a bit too late to discover that you can make stone scupltures, wood carvings, take in an Antiquities society meeting or take lessons in meditation. Next year, of course. The Manic Street Preachers are on now, just heard them start with classic oldies "You Love Us" and an extended version of "Motorcycle Emptiness" and "You Stole The Sun From My Heart" - sounds like it's gonna be an amazing show. I better get out there. Kaiser Chiefs, and The Who are still yet to play to finish of 2007's Glastonbury in style. I'll report back on them in the morning. Hope you've had a good Glasto. Mind you if you've already read my ramblings, you probably weren't splattered in mud down here. Computers are so not in the spirit of things down here. I hope I've managed to convey a small bit of the atmosphere... There's no where in the world quite like Glastonbury. It's been vast.

Have been for the final wander round the immense space that Glastonbury covers, the sound of Shirley Bassey as she performs on the main stage floats across the air…

Knowsley Hall — mud, sheep and “ladies day”

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Coming back to Knowlsey Hall today, Picture Editor May and I find a few things have changed... First, the downpour last night during The Who's set has left the field used as a car park resembling the Louisiana bayou. Another field is quickly commandeered, but no one seems to know what to do w...

Coming back to Knowlsey Hall today, Picture Editor May and I find a few things have changed…

Mike Scott’s Waterboys get Glastonbury twirling

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It's quite a trudge up to the Pyramid Stage, so deep and sticky, but I don't mean to bore you with mud stories - Mike Scott's Waterboys have just finished their third performance at this year's Glastonbury festival... and even though the Pyramid stage wasn't exactly heaving - it is Sunday morning, and everyone is flagging a bit - they put in a jigging good gig. Joined onstage by current Waterboys Steve Wickham on the fiddle, Damon Wilson on drums, Mark Smith on lead guitar and Richard Naiff on piano and organ, they played several tracks from the new album 'Book Of Lightning'. All of which blend seamlessly in with the older stuff. From the new material, I really liked hearing 'Sustain' live, and 'Love Will Shoot You Down' was emotionally blinding - it's now firmly my favourite from the album. Naturally, they played 'Glastonbury Song' in amongst their hour long set - how could they not! And 'Medicine Bow' went down exceptionally well with the crowd too, there were massive cheers when Mike Scott strummed the intro. As the sun made it's first appearance of the day - obviously it's having a lie-in today - Mike Scott stopped before the final song to shout out to the crowd: "Did anyone see Iggy play last night? Iggy, this one's for you! Fisherman's Blues." By the time the Waterboys' classic gets closer to the end, Mike Scott and Steve Wickham are twirling simultaneously as they play. Scott then demands the audience to do the same "On My Count, 1,2,3" - not that they need much demanding. What a sight, a couple of hundred people spinning in circles in the mud. As it's the final day, and I still haven't found any healing or spiritual awakeness, I'm gonna head up towards the Avalon field looking for some of those Hare Krishna holy beads that I've heard are on offer...

It’s quite a trudge up to the Pyramid Stage, so deep and sticky, but I don’t mean to bore you with mud stories –

Mike Scott’s Waterboys have just finished their third performance at this year’s Glastonbury festival…

Wellies, Weller and Weather, Glasto wades in for final day

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Closing day of Glastonbury is well underway, and the rain has been set at 'fine trickle' since about 2am. Today will see Dame Shirley Bassey do her big numbers on the Pyramid Stage - on a Sunday billing that also includes Manic Street Preachers, Kaiser Chiefs and The Who, who are straight on to the site from headlining Knowsley Hall up in Liverpool last night. For more details check out the Bonner's report on Townshend and Daltrey's show here on the festivals blog here at www.www.uncut.co.uk/blog/index.php?blog=10&title= Forgot to mention yesterday that I caught a bit of Modfather Paul Weller, the sun shone on 'Wild Wood' for the Pyramid Stage festival sing-along. Great that he treated us to Jam tracks 'Thick As Thieves','Running On The Spot' and rabble rousing crowd pleaser 'Town Called Malice' was a tip-top finale. Off to see The Waterboys now, Mike Scott and co have actually played headline slots for the past two nights running, that is stamina! Today, however, they play a daytime slot over on the Pyramid Stage - I'm off to check it out now. Incidentally, in Pete Doherty Watch, apparently the rumoured Barat/Doherty reunion is off. But Doherty has been wandering round backstage like a minstrel with a guitar strapped round his shoulder. He's also been drunkenly riding a bike. Check out the NME picture gallery at www.nme.com/festivals/glastonbury

Closing day of Glastonbury is well underway, and the rain has been set at ‘fine trickle’ since about 2am.

Today will see Dame Shirley Bassey do her big numbers on the Pyramid Stage – on a Sunday billing that also includes Manic Street Preachers, Kaiser Chiefs and The Who, who are straight on to the site from headlining Knowsley Hall up in Liverpool last night.

Paul Weller Jam Packs The Hits At Glasto

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Former Jam and Style Council founder Paul Weller played a career-spanning set on Glastonbury's main Pyramid stage last night (June 23). Playing for over an hour, Weller kicked off the back catalogue guitar fest with 'Peacock Suit' from his '97 album 'Heavy Soul' and 'Into Tomorrow' from his debut solo album. Highlight of the set was an amazing 'Wild Wood' for which the sun briefly shone over the Pyramid audience who were standing knee deep in a muddy quagmire. The Modfather also treated fans to three classic Jam songs, 'Thick As Thieves', 'Running On The Spot,' and the set closer of 'Town Called Malice.' Weller's set list was: 'Peacock Suit' 'Into Tomorrow' 'Science' 'From The Floorboards Up' 'Paint The Smile' 'Thick As Thieves' - J 'Above The Clouds' 'I Wanna Make It Alright' 'Come On/Let's Go' 'Wild Wood' 'Running On The Spot' 'Porcelain Gods' / 'Walk On Gilded Splinters' 'Changing Man' 'Town Called Malice' More festival news on the new Uncut Festivals Blog here- we're at Glastonbury and Knowsley Hall this weekendwww.www.uncut.co.uk/blog/index.php?blog=10&title=

Former Jam and Style Council founder Paul Weller played a career-spanning set on Glastonbury’s main Pyramid stage last night (June 23).

Playing for over an hour, Weller kicked off the back catalogue guitar fest with ‘Peacock Suit’ from his ’97 album ‘Heavy Soul’ and ‘Into Tomorrow’ from his debut solo album.

Highlight of the set was an amazing ‘Wild Wood’ for which the sun briefly shone over the Pyramid audience who were standing knee deep in a muddy quagmire.

The Modfather also treated fans to three classic Jam songs, ‘Thick As Thieves’, ‘Running On The Spot,’ and the set closer of ‘Town Called Malice.’

Weller’s set list was:

‘Peacock Suit’

‘Into Tomorrow’

‘Science’

‘From The Floorboards Up’

‘Paint The Smile’

‘Thick As Thieves’ – J

‘Above The Clouds’

‘I Wanna Make It Alright’

‘Come On/Let’s Go’

‘Wild Wood’

‘Running On The Spot’

‘Porcelain Gods’ / ‘Walk On Gilded Splinters’

‘Changing Man’

‘Town Called Malice’

More festival news on the new Uncut Festivals Blog here- we’re at Glastonbury and Knowsley Hall this weekendwww.www.uncut.co.uk/blog/index.php?blog=10&title=

Creedence Legend Plays Through Hits At Glastonbury

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60s legend John Fogerty played a triumphant hits-laden set to a packed Jazz World Stage last night (June 23). The former Creedence Clearwater Revival member came on stage to a huge reception, and said how pleased he was to be back in England. Californian Fogerty, has only played one other show in the UK since 1972 - he stopped off for one gig this time last year, and he made reference to this at the start, saying: "It's beautiful to be here at Glastonbury. I'm so happy to be in England again. But I ain't here to do speeches, I'm here to play rock'n'roll! The audience included festival organiser and fan Michael Eavis down at the front - he'd moved Fogerty's set on the billing so that he'd have time to see him, and fit Pyramid Stage headliners The Killers in too. John Fogerty got the crowd dancing and whooping with a batch of Creedence hits, 70s solo stuff, and a cover of 'Heard It Through The Grapevine' - the extended version which CCR used to play in the early '70s. Highlights included 'Bad Moon Rising', 'Green River', 'Lookin' Out My Back Door', 'Down On The Corner'and 'Keep On Chooglin''. Fogerty also provided Glastonbury with one of the best festival anthem sing-alongs with 'Have You Ever Seen The Rain?' Finishing up with 'Rockin' All Over The World', a gleaming Fogerty thanked the audience, and promised he'd be back. For more on Fogerty, and other Glastonbury news - check out the new Uncut Festivals Blog here- we're also at Knowsley Hall this weekendwww.www.uncut.co.uk/blog/index.php?blog=10&title= Pic credit: Farah Ishaq

60s legend John Fogerty played a triumphant hits-laden set to a packed Jazz World Stage last night (June 23).

The former Creedence Clearwater Revival member came on stage to a huge reception, and said how pleased he was to be back in England.

Californian Fogerty, has only played one other show in the UK since 1972 – he stopped off for one gig this time last year, and he made reference to this at the start, saying: “It’s beautiful to be here at Glastonbury. I’m so happy to be in England again. But I ain’t here to do speeches, I’m here to play rock’n’roll!

The audience included festival organiser and fan Michael Eavis down at the front – he’d moved Fogerty’s set on the billing so that he’d have time to see him, and fit Pyramid Stage headliners The Killers in too.

John Fogerty got the crowd dancing and whooping with a batch of Creedence hits, 70s solo stuff, and a cover of ‘Heard It Through The Grapevine’ – the extended version which CCR used to play in the early ’70s.

Highlights included ‘Bad Moon Rising’, ‘Green River’, ‘Lookin’ Out My Back Door’, ‘Down On The Corner’and ‘Keep On Chooglin”.

Fogerty also provided Glastonbury with one of the best festival anthem sing-alongs with ‘Have You Ever Seen The Rain?’

Finishing up with ‘Rockin’ All Over The World’, a gleaming Fogerty thanked the audience, and promised he’d be back.

For more on Fogerty, and other Glastonbury news – check out the new Uncut Festivals Blog here- we’re also at Knowsley Hall this weekendwww.www.uncut.co.uk/blog/index.php?blog=10&title=

Pic credit: Farah Ishaq

John Fogerty triumphs at Glastonbury

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John Fogerty has just played the Glastonbury Jazz/ World Stage (June 23), only his second show in the UK since 1972. Coming on to massive applause and cheering, Fogerty looked very pleased to be here, saying: " It's beautiful to be here at Glastonbury. I'm so happy to be in England again. But I ai...

John Fogerty has just played the Glastonbury Jazz/ World Stage (June 23), only his second show in the UK since 1972.

Coming on to massive applause and cheering, Fogerty looked very pleased to be here, saying: ” It’s beautiful to be here at Glastonbury. I’m so happy to be in England again. But I ain’t here to do speeches, I’m here to play rock’n’roll!

The Who Bring Knowsley Hall First Night To A Close

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Despite the rain which greets The Who as they arrive on stage, Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend and co turn in a blistering festival performance. Introducing the band's set, Townshend tells the audience he's just come from Glastonbury -- and the good news is, Knowsley Hall is "better than" the competition! How that'll be received when word of Townshend's comments reaches the Vale of Avalon -- where The Who headline tomorrow -- remains to be seen. Playing for two hours, the band pull out all the stops to deliver the perfect festival greatest hits set, covering 20 songs. For more details, see the UNCUT festival blog. The set list in full: 'Can't Explain' 'Seeker' 'Anyway Anyhow' 'Fragments' 'Who Are You' 'Behind Blue Eyes' 'Good Looking Boy' 'Baba O'Reilly' 'Relay' 'Eminence Front' 'Man In A Purple Dress' 'You Better You Bet' 'My Generation' 'Won't Get Fooled Again' 'The Kids Are Alright' 'Pinball Wizard' 'Amazing Journey/Spares' 'See Me, Feel Me' 'Listening To You' 'T And Theater' Check out our new Uncut Festivals Blog here- we're at Glastonbury and Knowsley Hall this weekendwww.www.uncut.co.uk/blog/index.php?blog=10&title=

Despite the rain which greets The Who as they arrive on stage, Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend and co turn in a blistering festival performance.

Introducing the band’s set, Townshend tells the audience he’s just come from Glastonbury — and the good news is, Knowsley Hall is “better than” the competition! How that’ll be received when word of Townshend’s comments reaches the Vale of Avalon — where The Who headline tomorrow — remains to be seen.

Playing for two hours, the band pull out all the stops to deliver the perfect festival greatest hits set, covering 20 songs.

For more details, see the UNCUT festival blog.

The set list in full:

‘Can’t Explain’

‘Seeker’

‘Anyway Anyhow’

‘Fragments’

‘Who Are You’

‘Behind Blue Eyes’

‘Good Looking Boy’

‘Baba O’Reilly’

‘Relay’

‘Eminence Front’

‘Man In A Purple Dress’

‘You Better You Bet’

‘My Generation’

‘Won’t Get Fooled Again’

‘The Kids Are Alright’

‘Pinball Wizard’

‘Amazing Journey/Spares’

‘See Me, Feel Me’

‘Listening To You’

‘T And Theater’

Check out our new Uncut Festivals Blog here- we’re at Glastonbury and Knowsley Hall this weekendwww.www.uncut.co.uk/blog/index.php?blog=10&title=

Knowsley Hall — The Who prove they’re still the best

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"You couldn't bury 'em, could ya..?" So says a genial Scally, somewhat glassy-eyed after an afternoon on the booze and on the scrounge for a cigarette. He talking about The Who's opening salvo, and admittedly he's got a point. The first five songs of tonight's set reminds us, no argument, quite...

may starey

“You couldn’t bury ’em, could ya..?” So says a genial Scally, somewhat glassy-eyed after an afternoon on the booze and on the scrounge for a cigarette.

20 minutes until The Who!

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OK, it's getting very exciting backstage. The biggest tour bus in the world has just hoved into view, and a suited chap, who looks like he probably knew the Krays back in the day, is purposefully standing in front of the door. Someone's just passed me The Who set list -- 20 tracks. I'll post back immediately after they come off stage, around 11pm. Meanwhile, I've been out in the crowd, just as the rain starts coming down. The Coral played a pretty raucous, rough-rounnd-the-edges set,which contrasted nicely with The Thrills (pictured below) earlier, who I felt were too polished. This kind of music needs a bit of ruffing up. Thrills The Coral certainly got things moving, particularly a song that sounded suspiciously like The Supremes' "My World Is Empty Without You". Anyway, the site is pretty full now, and despite the cloud and concerted attempts at rain, spirits are admirably high, people dancing, as it traditional, in the mud dressed completely innapropriately. The number of heels, short skirts, t-shirts and even Birkenstocks beggars belief, even if it is June. Anyway, got to go and get a good spot for Roger, Pete and the chaps. More later.

OK, it’s getting very exciting backstage. The biggest tour bus in the world has just hoved into view, and a suited chap, who looks like he probably knew the Krays back in the day, is purposefully standing in front of the door.

Liverpool Legends Shack Rock Knowsley Hall Festival

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Some of Liverpool's finest bands have played today at the Knowlsey Hall festival. Pete Wylie's Wah! played a rousing Greatest Hits set, including debut single, "You Better Scream", "Sinful", "Come Back" and "Heart As Big As Liverpool". Wah! were followed on stage by Shack, featuring Mick and John Head, whose set included a fiery version of Arthur Lee's "House Is Not A Motel". The Thrills, from across the water in Ireland, played crowd favourites "Santa Cruz" and "One Horse Town". Headliners The Who are scheduled to take the stage at 9. Weather and toilet conditions have, thankfully, held up so far. Check out our new Uncut Festivals Blog here- we're at Glastonbury and Knowsley Hall this weekendwww.www.uncut.co.uk/blog/index.php?blog=10&title= Pic credit: May Starey

Some of Liverpool’s finest bands have played today at the Knowlsey Hall festival.

Pete Wylie’s Wah! played a rousing Greatest Hits set, including debut single, “You Better Scream”, “Sinful”, “Come Back” and “Heart As Big As Liverpool”.

Wah! were followed on stage by Shack, featuring Mick and John Head, whose set included a fiery version of Arthur Lee’s “House Is Not A Motel”.

The Thrills, from across the water in Ireland, played crowd favourites “Santa Cruz” and “One Horse Town”.

Headliners The Who are scheduled to take the stage at 9.

Weather and toilet conditions have, thankfully, held up so far.

Check out our new Uncut Festivals Blog here- we’re at Glastonbury and Knowsley Hall this weekendwww.www.uncut.co.uk/blog/index.php?blog=10&title=

Pic credit: May Starey

Biffy Clyro, CSS and Klaxons defy Glastonbury rain

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Apologies for late posting, but got carried away round at the Other Stage, there was a nice run of back-to-back bands that it would have been churlish to try and wade back to the press area. Scottish rockers Biffy Clyro were as good as I'd hoped they'd be. The trio's debut Glastonbury show was a quick stop off in their newly glamourous itinerary -they just opened for the Rolling Stones in Barcelona, and tonight they play with Muse in Paris. But while they were here, they certainly kicked a bit of rock in to the day despite the rain that was still falling as they took to the stage. Front man and singer Simon Neil made a joke by saying: "Fair play to you guys for having a good time in the fucking rain. When everyone dies God is gonna give you a handjob." Biffy played several tracks from their latest number two charting album 'Puzzle', including 'Whose Got A Match', 'Love Has A Diameter' and a great version of 'Living Is A Problem Because Everybody Dies' gets the front of the crowd up-n-moshing. After a quick nip to the loo (well, I say quick, but now that everyone's on site for the weekend, quick now equals 30mins), and a wander over to the Glade area at the top of the Other Stage, Lovefoxxx brings on CSS, her multi-couloured Brazilian beast of a band that are definately worth getting wet for. The red, green, yellow and blue helium balloons that filled the stage and th colourful outfit that Lovefoxxx was adorned in, certainly made everything seem sunny, regardless of what the clouds were doing. Stage diving twice during the band's set, she even lost her yellow headband in the throng of the finale of 'Let's Make Love And Listen To Death From Above.' CSS played through all of their 2006 self-title album's highlights including 'Alala', 'Meeting Paris Hilton' and 'Alcohol.' Lovefoxxx is sexy and she rocks. And about 10,000 folk in a field look like they agree. Following on from the confident colours of CSS, Klaxons came on to play their second show of Glastonbury weekend. They played the Dance Tent late last night, and to be honest were looking a little tired and worse for wear backstage before their performance today. However, the boys did good, bassist Jamie Reynolds coming on to announce "If you're not at the Other Stage at this time of day, you're not coming in!" before they launched into first EP track 'The Bouncer.' Midway through their show, after playing their mammoth can't-go-anywhere-for-hearing-it-hit 'Golden Skans' James frontman Klaxon announces that playing Glastonbury is very special for them. Having met in a tent "somewhere over there (- Jamie points across to the back of the field -) three years ago." They end their mini-daytime-guitar rave with latest single and original Paul Oakenfold house track 'It's Not Over Yet.' Which causes a mini stampede down the front, what with all the colourful brollies in the way. On the way back I noticed a funny sight - a festival stall that's completely run out of wellies due to demand from people's muddy feet - methinks though someone over ordered this batch of lonely looking pink flip flops - they'll never shift these! Paul Weller is about to go on at the Pyramid Stage, and I'm getting hungry too. Still got plenty of gems in the itinerary for tonight, I'll check in with you soon as I can. Yours swilling in mud

Apologies for late posting, but got carried away round at the Other Stage, there was a nice run of back-to-back bands that it would have been churlish to try and wade back to the press area.

Scottish rockers Biffy Clyro were as good as I’d hoped they’d be.

Knowsley Hall — Greetings from Liverpool!

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"Don't start! This is my best shirt. And me mum's dead..." These, you should know, are the first words I hear as I enter Knowsley Hall's 35,000 capacity festival site. They come from Pete Wylie, who's clearly taken some kind of umbrage with a heckler. Wylie Leading The Magnificent Wah! And The Secrets Of The 42nd Dimension, or whatever the latest permutation may be of his long-standing outfit, Wylie is dressed in what appears, from this distance at least, to be a Nudie shirt, and sports a greying goatee beard. He leads his band through spirited renditions of some of Wah!'s finest moments, from the debut single, "You Better Scream" and the 25-year-old "7 Minutes To Midnight" as well as "Come Back", "Sinful" and, of course, a rousing "Heart As Big As Liverpool". He's followed, shortly after, by Shack, more veterans of the Eighties' Liverpool scene, whose earliest incarnation, Pale Fountains, recorded one of my favourite singles -- "Jean's Not Happening". Shack are masters of big, Northern guitar anthems, you can hear flashes of everyone from The Las to Oasis, Stone Roses and Doves in their songs. But I always found Shack's songs a little more textured and nuanced than the plodding verse-chorus-middle eight-chorus of, certainly, Oasis' later songs. Proving a point, there's even a flute player. As befitting a band who once backed Arthur Lee, they deliver a fine version of "A House Is Not A Motel". You sense the old guard of the Liverpool scene is planning something of a weekend of it -- tomorrow, we get the Icicle Works. Oddly, perhaps, there's no sign of Echo And The Bunnymen on the line-up. Oh, well. Check back later for more blogs from Knowsley Hall -- including The Who.

“Don’t start! This is my best shirt. And me mum’s dead…”

Bjork rules, Arctics whimper, Good morning on Glasto Day 2

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Bjork kicks some futuristic arse on Glastonbury opening night... Morning, First, a weather update from Glastonbury's rather sticky ground. It's been raining on and off all morning, but the sun is perservering, and it keeps taking us by surprise. The combination of a now full capacity crowd at...

Bjork kicks some futuristic arse on Glastonbury opening night…

Bjork Brings Colourful End To Glasto Other Stage

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Bjork headlined the Other Stage last night (June 22), marking her return to Worthy Farm after thirteen years. Coming on stage 25 minutes later than scheduled Bjork wowed a massive Glastonbury festival crowd just after 11.30pm. Dressed in vivid green, the ethereal Icelandic singer began with 'Earth Intruders' and 'Venus As A Boy.' Flanked on stage by huge multi-colourful flag bearers, and percussionists, the show was theatrical, Bjork changing costumes at several points during her 16-track show. The stunning show was completed with the all-incompasing attack from green laser effects, and futuristic computor screens at the side of the stage - the pinancle of which was a truly all-sense engaging 'Army Of Me.' Other highlights from Glastonbury's opening day included Super Furry Animals, Rufus Wainwright and a surprise performance by Lily Allen. Arcade Fire caused a major sing-along with 'Colder' at the end of their set on the Other Stage, and the Hold Steady rocked a packed John Peel Tent. Also, apparently, Chas 'N' Dave went down a storm too! Check out the Bjork's set list from last night at the new Uncut Festivals Blog here- we're at Glastonbury and Knowsley Hall this weekendwww.www.uncut.co.uk/blog/index.php?blog=10&title= Pic credit: Andrew Kendall

Bjork headlined the Other Stage last night (June 22), marking her return to Worthy Farm after thirteen years.

Coming on stage 25 minutes later than scheduled Bjork wowed a massive Glastonbury festival crowd just after 11.30pm.

Dressed in vivid green, the ethereal Icelandic singer began with ‘Earth Intruders’ and ‘Venus As A Boy.’

Flanked on stage by huge multi-colourful flag bearers, and percussionists, the show was theatrical, Bjork changing costumes at several points during her 16-track show.

The stunning show was completed with the all-incompasing attack from green laser effects, and futuristic computor screens at the side of the stage – the pinancle of which was a truly all-sense engaging ‘Army Of Me.’

Other highlights from Glastonbury’s opening day included Super Furry Animals, Rufus Wainwright and a surprise performance by Lily Allen.

Arcade Fire caused a major sing-along with ‘Colder’ at the end of their set on the Other Stage, and the Hold Steady rocked a packed John Peel Tent.

Also, apparently, Chas ‘N’ Dave went down a storm too!

Check out the Bjork’s set list from last night at the new Uncut Festivals Blog here- we’re at Glastonbury and Knowsley Hall this weekendwww.www.uncut.co.uk/blog/index.php?blog=10&title=

Pic credit: Andrew Kendall

Arctic Monkeys Close Glastonbury Pyramid Stage

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The Arctic Monkeys played their biggest UK show to date, headlining the Pyramid stage on Glastonbury's opening night last night (June 22). Alex Turner, Matt Helders, Jamie Cook and Nick O'Malley kicked off the show with a double-whammy of 'The Sun Goes Down' and 'Brianstorm'. Turner declared that "this is terrific, I think" before telling the audience that they had "Never been to Glastonbury, us four. So it's a double celebration!" After dedicating 'Fake Tales Of San Francisco' to a Norwegian fan in the audience, They they live debuted 'Temptation Greets You Like A Naughty Friend' - the B-side from recent hit single 'Brianstorm.' Turner said: "We never played this live before, it's a Glastonbury special not that Glastonbury isn't special already," - rapper Dizzee Rascal, who performed on the single came onstage to deliever his part. Sound quality on the Pyramid Stage was quiet, and a lot of the audience were screaming out for the volume to be turned up. "What are you saying, 'louder'?" asked Turner. "I can't tell if they're happy or angry." Mass crowd sing-alongs to 'Do Me A Favour' and 'Leave Before The Lights Come On' brought the set to a close. The crowd cheered so loudly at the end that Alex Turner rhetorically asked: "You liked that? Well ok, we're just going to bring on an organ and then we'll come back and play some more." Arctic Monkeys returned to the stage with 'The View From The Afternoon' before giving the fans a special surprise. Turner announced gleefully: "We liked to play a cover for you, like we said it only happens once, so we want to do something special for you, we're thrilled to be here. Shirley Bassey is playing on Sunday, so this one is for Shirley." The band then played Bassey's '71 Bond theme 'Diamonds Are Forever' joined by their producer James Ford accopmpanying on organ.. Returning the crowd's earlier thumbs up the band thanked the crowd before playing closer 'A Certain Romance'. Arctic Monkeys set list was: 'The Sun Goes Down' 'Brianstorm' 'Still Take You Home' 'Dancing Shoes' 'Ritz To The Rubble' 'Teddy Picker' 'This House Is A Circus' 'Fake Tales Of San Francisco' 'Balaclava' 'Temptation Greets You Like A Naughty Friend' 'Old Yellow Bricks' 'I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor' 'If You Were There, Beware' 'Flourescent Adolescent' 'Mardy Bum' 'Do Me A Favour' 'Leave Before The Lights Come On' 'The View From The Afternoon' 'Diamonds Are Forever' '505' 'A Certain Romance' Check out the Uncut Festivals Blog here, we're at Glastonbury and Knowsley Hall this weekendwww.www.uncut.co.uk/blog/index.php?blog=10&title= Pic credit: Andy Willsher

The Arctic Monkeys played their biggest UK show to date, headlining the Pyramid stage on Glastonbury’s opening night last night (June 22).

Alex Turner, Matt Helders, Jamie Cook and Nick O’Malley kicked off the show with a double-whammy of ‘The Sun Goes Down’ and ‘Brianstorm’.

Turner declared that “this is terrific, I think” before telling the audience that they had “Never been to Glastonbury, us four. So it’s a double celebration!”

After dedicating ‘Fake Tales Of San Francisco’ to a Norwegian fan in the audience, They they live debuted ‘Temptation Greets You Like A Naughty Friend’ – the B-side from recent hit single ‘Brianstorm.’

Turner said: “We never played this live before, it’s a Glastonbury special not that Glastonbury isn’t special already,” – rapper Dizzee Rascal, who performed on the single came onstage to deliever his part.

Sound quality on the Pyramid Stage was quiet, and a lot of the audience were screaming out for the volume to be turned up.

“What are you saying, ‘louder’?” asked Turner. “I can’t tell if they’re happy or angry.”

Mass crowd sing-alongs to ‘Do Me A Favour’ and ‘Leave Before The Lights Come On’ brought the set to a close.

The crowd cheered so loudly at the end that Alex Turner rhetorically asked: “You liked that? Well ok, we’re just going to bring on an organ and then we’ll come back and play some more.”

Arctic Monkeys returned to the stage with ‘The View From The Afternoon’ before giving the fans a special surprise.

Turner announced gleefully: “We liked to play a cover for you, like we said it only happens once, so we want to do something special for you, we’re thrilled to be here. Shirley Bassey is playing on Sunday, so this one is for Shirley.”

The band then played Bassey’s ’71 Bond theme ‘Diamonds Are Forever’ joined by their producer James Ford accopmpanying on organ..

Returning the crowd’s earlier thumbs up the band thanked the crowd before playing closer ‘A Certain Romance’.

Arctic Monkeys set list was:

‘The Sun Goes Down’

‘Brianstorm’

‘Still Take You Home’

‘Dancing Shoes’

‘Ritz To The Rubble’

‘Teddy Picker’

‘This House Is A Circus’

‘Fake Tales Of San Francisco’

‘Balaclava’

‘Temptation Greets You Like A Naughty Friend’

‘Old Yellow Bricks’

‘I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor’

‘If You Were There, Beware’

‘Flourescent Adolescent’

‘Mardy Bum’

‘Do Me A Favour’

‘Leave Before The Lights Come On’

‘The View From The Afternoon’

‘Diamonds Are Forever’

‘505’

‘A Certain Romance’

Check out the Uncut Festivals Blog here, we’re at Glastonbury and Knowsley Hall this weekendwww.www.uncut.co.uk/blog/index.php?blog=10&title=

Pic credit: Andy Willsher

Sun goes down on Rufus Wainwright at Glasto

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Just watched a magnificent sunset go down over Glastonbury, the skies have finally cleared enough to see the burning orange. Rufus Wainwright put in a magnificent set, with a little help from sister Martha at the end for 'Hallelujah.' Backed by a six-piece band, Wainwright was exquisite, and dre...

Just watched a magnificent sunset go down over Glastonbury, the skies have finally cleared enough to see the burning orange.

Rufus Wainwright put in a magnificent set, with a little help from sister Martha at the end for ‘Hallelujah.’