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The 2005 pre-Glasto experience has certainly been a smoother process than in 2004. With tickets purchased in twenty minutes, and the line-up released the following week, the stress and uncertainty all but disappeared. Whether it’s good to have the line-up confirmed so far in advance is debatable, HMZ have largely preferred the years when nothing was confirmed until the programme was collected at the gate, with the massive exception of 2002 when to our horror we saw Stereophonics had been given the headline slot. With the days and times not yet confirmed it is hard to engage in much planning of who to see, which is no bad thing, as Glastonbury is all about spontaneity, and attempting to stick to a plan is certainly not recommended. Another point that can never be re-iterated too often is that the live bands make up just one part of the entertainment at the festival, and you will spend many happy hours exploring the attractions away from the main stages. As last year HMZ will be arriving as the gates open on Wednesday morning, hopefully in better weather, and are looking forward to two full days and nights of cider, fire and discos before the festival officially begins on Friday. The Pyramid line-up looks pretty strong, with due respect to Coldplay it probably lacks the huge names of 2003 and 2004, but more than compensates with strength in depth throughout the weekend. Based on earlier leaked versions of the bill, it seems Friday will see the Undertones get things going, and their performance of Teenage Kicks will provide the opportunity for the festival to pay its respects to John Peel. The Zutons and Elvis Costello should make for a lively afternoon, before Doves mellow the mood into the evening. And to finish The Killers and The White Stripes should put on a night of rock to leave us all exhausted. The rumoured line-up for Saturday looks even stronger. A campaign for Bob Geldof to play Feed the World might do the trick, and give HMZ the opportunity to sing their Feed the Welsh lyrics. If we can’t sing them to him, perhaps the GLC will be more receptive, hopefully we will be able to understand them better than we could in the Dance Tent in 2004. It’s then Indie all the way with Kaiser Chiefs, Ash, The Coral and Keane providing lots of sing-a-longs (or chances to go to the cider bus according to taste!). New Order’s set should provide one of the highlights of the weekend, especially if they play World in Motion, again they can rest assured if they don’t sing it we will. Then Coldplay will follow on from their impressive 2002 performance, with more than one album to their name we won’t be shouting for an encore after 3 songs this time (no promises though!). Sunday's line-up remained a mystery until recently,
due to the unfortunate illness of Kylie Minogue forcing her to pull-out
and a replacement being required at the last minute. This has now
been announced as Basement Jaxx – a choice that has met a mixed
response, but they at least have several album and big singles under
their belts to and watching footage of their many previous Glastonbury
performances suggests they will put on an entertaining show to the
end the weekend. Overall, Beach Boys legend Brian Wilson should be
the pick of the day, probably playing a “Greatest Hits”
selection with his young, talented band. The Bellydance Superstars
should also prove an obvious highlight. Michael Eavis has picked one
of his personal favourites, Primal Scream, as another later addition
to the bill.
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