Rock and Pop: Preview - WIRELESS FESTIVAL 2010 - Pink, Jay-Z and LCD Soundsystem on bill
Published: 24 June 2010
by ROISIN GADELRAB
THERE were some great scenes of rebellion at last year’s Wireless Festival as we joined the scramble to break into the tent to catch The Streets during one of the most memorable and sweltering performances of the weekend.
And there’s sure to be as many equally unforgettable moments this year with a line-up of huge draws including Jay-Z, Pink, LCD Soundsystem, Snoop Dogg, Missy Elliott and 2ManyDjs.
Wireless (July 2-4), sponsored by Barclaycard, is one of the easiest festivals around – a medley of urban, indie, electro and hip-hop acts all in Hyde Park. Ideal for non-campers – and lazier music-lovers – there’s not even a worry about transport or accommodation, as it all usually ends before the last Tube leaves.
While last year Kanye West left us cold with his immense detachment, Basement Jaxx’s star shone bright with a euphoric carnival performance. We’re not expecting a repeat of West’s vacant show this year, as Jay-Z headlines the Sunday night, a US rap giant who knows how to play the crowd.
Another crowd pleaser with a mammoth voice is Pink, or is that P!ink?
Her gravity-defying feats at the Grammy awards were the talk of the show, but can she top it? She headlines on the Friday night.
LCD Soundsystem and 2ManyDjs co-headline on Saturday but I’ll be more interested in Snoop Dogg, Missy Elliott, and DJ Shadow.
There’s so much to see over the three days, so here are my picks: Snoop Dogg (he made it into the country, the least we can do is go see him), Slash (one of the greatest guitarists ever?), Jay-Z (always room for an epic megastar), The Temper Trap (soaring tunes), Hockey (good indie attitude), Alphabeat (they’ll smile even if it rains), DJ Shadow (to revive some hazy student memories), UNKLE (ever innovative), Missy Elliott (fierce), The Big Pink (too cool), Darwin Deez (edgy, quirky pop from the frizzy-haired, eyelinered one), The Hundred in the Hands (moody duo), Friendly Fires (lively electro), Dan le Sac vs Scroobius Pip (unfailingly fantastic, a must, must, MUST!) and Devlin (Dagenham MC with a good brand of dark hip-hop).
There’s sure to be a book running on what Beth Ditto plans to wear when Gossip take to the stage so start guessing now.
Others attracting attention are celeb offspring Lily Allen and I Blame Coco, the slightly irritating The Ting Tings, rapper-turned-lounge-singer Plan B, new young darling Daisy Dares You, New Young Pony Club, Example, Chase & Status, Chipmunk, Tinie Tempah, Mr Hudson, D12 and Roll Deep.
As well as a whole list of other acts, there’s a full programme of non-musical entertainment – fashion shows, talent scouts, a pampering parlour and all sorts of games.