FOR pop fans who shudder at the sight of mudslides, there’s good news. Festivals are coming to city centres — or they will be, if events like Wireless do well this summer. A four-day festival that hopes to attract 100,000 people to Hyde Park, Wireless was wise to launch over Glastonbury weekend, not least because half the bands on the bill were on their way to Worthy Farm. Londoners could watch them on TV, or for not much more than the price of a regular gig ticket, see lots of them live and still get back to their own beds at night.
Friday’s line-up boasted the Glasto acts New Order, Rilo Kiley, the Bravery and the Dears, but also had the headliner Moby. It was Saturday’s dance day, however, that came closest to a capacity crowd. The Streets collaborators the Mitchell Brothers were the first big draw on the main stage, followed by a fun, if dated-sounding, Stereo MCs.
As Hyde Park filled up, it was clear that there were teething problems. The two tents — one with DJs, the other with live acts — were too small and getting in meant queuing for half an hour. It took twice that long to catch a glimpse of Death in Vegas, whose broody, psychedelic techno-rock set was worth the wait, and the sparkly suit-sporting M.I.A. and her sidekick, whose Salt’n’Pepa-goes-ragga performance definitely wasn ‘t. The less-hyped Lady Sovereign, with her super-fast raps and full band on the main stage, was much more enjoyable.
By the time Mylo took to the dance tent, there was no chance of getting in, but it scarcely mattered. On the main stage, LCD Sound-system’s riotous disco-techno-punk was deliciously good, while Roots Manuva showed why he should be a huge star with a set that mixed hip-hop, soul, Calypso and pop choruses with his warm, languid raps.
The highlight was always going to be Basement Jaxx and they didn’t disappoint, opening with Good Luck sung by a large lady in a ruffled, miniskirted wedding dress and bunny ears. In a chaotic carnival atmosphere six singers in tight, garish clothes took turns on lead vocals. Together with a set that mixed the hits Romeo, Rendez-Vous and Jump N’ Shout with steals from Gwen Stefani, Prince and the Pointer Sisters, this was a joy to watch. But when they covered Kylie’s Can’t Get You Out of My Head by slowing it down and adding rock guitars, it was a reminder that this wasn’t Glastonbury, just a day trip to town.