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V-Fest has come and gone, and although it definitely had some issues, it was a great experience overall. The Flaming Lips clearly stole the show, even though they were forced to shut everything down after four songs on Day One, due to an 11pm curfew. Their show is like going to Disney Land, but for adults. Multiplied by 10. It warmed the cochels of my heart.
Other notable performances included The Raconteurs, Wolfmother, Phoenix and Muse, who all know how to rock a huge festival stage. Hopefully the Virgin folks take note of this for next year and get rid of the dead weight (I'm looking at you, Meanredspiders) and add more big name talent to draw out more fans.
It's really unfortunate that Massive Attack had to cancel due to visa issues, because seeing Broken Social Scene replace them to close out the festival really wasn't the finale that most fans were looking for. Many people left right after The Raconteurs, which was not surprising, since BSS had already played a few big shows this summer. Aside from knowing Emily Haines and Leslie Feist were performing, I probably would've left, too. Instead, I stuck it out and was able to go back into the pit to get the shot above.
Did you go to V-Fest? How was the experience for you? Richard Branson (my new best friend -- who held my hand...ooooh) said the festival is here to stay, so who would you like to see perform next year? Given the other festivals Toronto has throughout each summer, how important do you feel Canadian content is? Leave a comment and have your say!
Photo: Carrie Musgrave
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We were so excited. After waiting years to finally see Massive Attack and the day after we picked up our tickets, they had to cancel. We were so dissapointed. So the tickets were returned.
I've always been an advocate of Canadian musicians but this was apparently a venue that was supposed to be "From England, with Love."
There weren't many bands from the UK listed at all. We're hoping that if Virgin plans on making this a yearly thing, they will get more UK bands on...er the bandwagon!
Here's hoping & praying Massive Attack, now that they've cleared their visa problems, book a date in our great city.
The one group I really really wanted to see was Massive Attack, so now I'm really really really glad I didn't go.
only made it out for part of sunday- but the strokes' set was outstanding, and the debut of the raconteurs here in toronto was an unqualified success.
too bad about bss- it was a cheap and dirty last minute substitution that didn't fly to high. but the acts overall showed an ambition to bring together a variety of acts and genres, and that's certianly to be commended.
looking forward to next year- as long as they bring both julian and jack back for another round ;)
next year: Dollarama
hmph. i was upset that Massive Attack cancelled. i went and was grumpy. i wish i had exchanged my tix for saturday as the indie rock bill looked way better.
Who are those women in the photo?!
Surely Jones - I'm not quite sure if you're being sarcastic or serious, so I'll list them anyway. From L-R: Amy Millan (of BSS, Stars and she's solo), Emily Haines (BSS, Metric and solo), Leslie Feist (BSS, solo).
The Flaming Lips were entertaining but they were mostly flash with a little bit of substance. Their show is clearly meant to distract from the fact that their music isn't as good as the rest of the headliners. The Eagles of Death Metal clearly stole the show on day one. They were fun, entertaining and the music rocked.
Day Two was all about the Raconteurs. Their cover of Nancy Sinatra's Bang Bang was fantastic. While I enjoy the Strokes music, I have to say that they are a pretty boring live show. Can Julian Casablancas move onstage other than to stumble back for a drink between songs?
Mstrkrft in the Bacardi Tent was pretty cool as well.
ha I agree about the strokes, I love that band but the only action on stage was julian stumbling back for his booze, although he did say a few interesting things, ah can u blame him he was probably smashed by then
so hott tho...