Today there’s a feeling many of us are just going through the motions. Girls are walking around the site in pyjamas while the freezing wind makes us rush for the nearest tent at every available opportunity.
While we’re still enthusiastic for the day we head to the main stage for a dance (and a warm up) courtesy of Gogol Bordello. Unfortunately the wind plays havoc with the sound, and instead the band are left bare with vocals and a bass drum.
Sheltered by a tent however, Pulled Apart By Horses prioritise power riffs and stage climbing to a packed Festival Republic stage. With their huge sound carrying twice the distance we make a quick getaway as crowd surfers are pulled away, guitars are smashed and security guards lose control.
Following a lacklustre Egyptian Hip Hop, we move to Yeasayer who bring a touch of class to the day. Disco beats clash over subtle, yet haunting vocals, leaving us throwing shapes for the first time this weekend.
Wandering through the mess of the main stage it’s clear the punters aren’t the only ones tripping out of their minds. Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age declares Leeds’ grey sky “beautiful” but fails to light up the main stage. Each year the band play, yet their performance is always lacking something to make you really pay attention.
Then finally as we wait, and wait, we wonder if Guns n’Roses will play at all tonight. Following Readings’ disastrous set we’re surprised when the band appear onstage a mere 30 minutes late. ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ is joined by huge cheers- yet half an hour later the majority of the audience has disappeared. Axl remains tight lipped as long winded guitar solos and pyrotechnics take over the performance. Then as expected there’s a tirade against the festival organisers, the police and the curfew by the warped lead singer before ‘Paradise City’ brings the set to a predictable close.
And that was Leeds Festival. Full of gossip, rumours, unforgettable performances and bizarre antics. Now all that awaits us is a warm bed and a cup of tea.
Words by Ruth Offord
See more of Clash’s coverage from the Reading/Leeds festival 2010 HERE.
