Star light: Matt Bellamy of Muse at T in the Park 2010 Pic: © Drew Farrell
The past weekend was so packed that it’s hard to know where to start with our reviews coverage - so we’ll just start with the first night. It was headlined by Muse, who apparently proved inspirational as they brought out the hits including Hysteria, Knights of Cydonia and United States of Eurasia. Over on the Radio 1/NME Stage there was the Black Eyed Peas, with member Will.I.Am paying tribute to Cheryl Cole during their set.
Before that Florence and the Machine got the love at the festival, and attracted a huge crowd for her gothic folk-pop, while Dirty Projectors brought their indie suss and leftfield leanings to also dazzle. La Roux also brought T in the Park back to the future, Bloc Party front man Kele showcased his debut album in superb style and The Big Pink proved an appropriate choice to kick off T in the Park 2010's Main Stage.
Eminem was the main headliner on Saturday night, and his set certainly disappointed our reviewer - drawing a strong reaction from those who disagreed. What did you think? Things didn’t seem too much better beforehand for 30 Seconds to Mars, who were described as “pompous beyond the point of parody”. On the upside, Paolo got 10 out of 10 after receiving the warmest of welcomes by festival-goers.
There were plenty of other highlights to shout about, with The Black Keys bringing their blistering blues rock to the Radio 1/NME Stage, The Proclaimers inspiring plenty of singalongs with their crowd-pleasing afternoon set, and the Broken Social Scene showing why they’re underground indie darlings.
Folk seems to be making something of a comeback, or at least making an imprint on indie right now. The T in the Park crowd fell in love with Laura Marling - but then again, who wouldn’t? - and Mumford & Sons were also on hand to deliver a blinding set.
Pop also made its mark, with perky starlet Diana Vickers bringing a touch of angelic majesty to King Tuts Wah Wah Hut Tent and Chipmunk squirreling his way onto the Main Stage to make a first appearance at T in the Park.
Then the final day! Sunday’s Slam Tent was headlined by Plastikman, who transcended at at T in the Park with an intense minimal techno performance that came complete with an amazing light show. On the other hand Kasabian didn’t prove to be for everyone, especially not anti-fan Michael MacLennan, though he was a lot happier to see rap megastar Jay-Z put in a storming performance on the Main Stage beforehand.
It was a strong line-up, what with Scottish heroes Biffy Clyro soaring during their biggest T performance to date, and Dizzee Rascal proving irresistible on the Main Stage before that.
Gossip’s Beth Ditto was in fine form as she gave her band’s audience the crack at the festival, while Two Door Cinema Club had the entire tent gripped and cheeky jokesters We Are Scientists bonded with the crowd.
Nineties Brit-Rockers Skunk Anansie also shined at the start of the day. Goodness, reading all that back, it’s almost like being there again! After such great times, it’s just a shame that we have to wait another whole year for the next T in the Park...
