Live Review

Lovebox – Victoria Park, London

• 21st Jul 2010

Temperatures sky rocketed at the Rizla Arena as DJ Jazzie B approached the decks. Playing a perfect blend of old and new tracks, he got the crowd moving and the dust rising from the ground. By the time Grandmaster Flash appeared the vibe was at boiling point as excitement bubbled over. International superstar, legend, innovator, there is nothing pretentious about Grandmaster Flash and he proved his worth, playing an exhilarating set.

Mark Ronson had an unquestionable air of cool and a charming stage presence, unfortunately his performance did not match. Playing for the first time in the UK with his new band, the Business International, it may have been nerves but his vocals were weaker than my grandmother’s biceps and she has no arms! The band’s first single ‘Bang, Bang, Bang’, with Spank Rock rapping and busting moves, got the crowd going, but the only place they were going after that was to another stage. Many left in disgust, while others amused themselves chatting with friends or seeing how many people can balance on one man’s shoulders (to my knowledge three was the record). Those who stuck around were rewarded when Ronson invited some old friends out on stage. Duran Duran performed the new album’s title track ‘Record Collection’. Kaiser Chiefs drummer Nick Hodgson joined the list of big name guests as they played a rousing rendition of ‘Planet Earth’.

Empire of the Sun brought the theatrics to Victoria Park. Luke Steele strutted his stuff in a variety of different elaborate headpieces and technicolour dreamcoats. Dancers added to the drama, also kitted out in crazy costumes, while the lighting and smoke enhanced the mystical atmosphere. But, of course, the music was the main attraction. The visual extravagance was more than matched by the sound. These two Aussie boys performed a magical set, providing the highlight of my festival. From hits such as ‘We Are The People’, to lesser know tracks, each one sounded as polished and enchanting as the next. Finishing with ‘Walking on a Dream’ the crowd were ecstatic, reveling in the spectacle. Before Luke Steele collapsed on stage, James Brown style, then rose from the dead to take a bow.

Over on the main stage Roxy Music entertained an older crowd, playing a variety of hits from their back catalogue. Bryan Ferry oozed charisma, though didn’t interact with the audience at length. Sound problems dulled the impact, as technicians struggled with audio levels. Hits such as ‘Love is the Drug’ and ‘Let’s Stick Together’ proved welcome nostalgic favourites. But for me it was a case of reliving former glory, rather than creating magical new memories, as Empire of the Sun had done earlier in the night.