GREEN MAN FESTIVAL
Brecon
Amidst the commercialism, big name bands (with bigger egos) and sheer size
of the major players, we’ve kinda forgotten what festivals should be
about. How precious it is then, that there exists on our doorstep, a festival
that is widely regarded as ‘perfect’ – take a bow The Green
Man. So what makes it so great? Many reasons: it’s small; it still retains
its folk ethos, even if the bill is much wider; it’s well organised (handwash
in the loos!) but not at all commercial; it’s in a beautiful setting;
but mostly ‘cos there’s no lowlife and everyone is just so, er,
nice. And of course, there’s the entertainment. I say entertainment because
there’s plenty aside from music, with book-readings (Niall Griffiths,
for example), through theatre, to an eco fair ground. But, apart from the vibe,
music’s the main draw. Folk featured strongly with an ethereal performance
from Joanna Newsome (harp virtuoso with vocals a la Bjork/Kate Bush in hot
pants!), a delicate and Zen-like set from 60’s icon Vashti, some mesmerising
acoustic guitar from John Renbourn and much more besides. Rock legend and headliner
Robert Plant barnstormed through Zep classics interspersed with new material
culminating in a rollicking Whole Lotta Love that had people running from all
corners to join the fray. The perfect antidote to a muddy, damp day. Other
highlights included a manic and hugely entertaining set from The Aliens, some
highly original electro folk from Tunng, quirky pop from ex-Gorky’s boys
Euros Child and Richard James, rousing blues from ex hobo Seasick Steve, accomplished
alt-rock from Steve Malkmus and Gruff Rhys’s inventive blend of cheesy
disco, mellow rock and acoustic ballad. And this is just a taste. It grieves
me to say it as success could prove its undoing, but Green Man really is something
special and I can’t recommend it too highly.
Paul Kelly
You know what we did last summer?