It was nothing but amazing, I still can't believe I was really there. Rumours had been around for ages since Thom always avoided answering any Glasto questions while touring with AfP, and the late slot (8.30) also indicated that something big was on the way. Still when I showed up at The Park (my favorite part of entire Glastonbury anyway!) saw the keyboard, the piano, and then Graham (Jonny's roadie) my mind had trouble processing what my eyes clearly saw. I think 'Oh my God, it's them, it's really them...' was the most coherent I could come up with, ask my friend Katrin about details (^_^).
I managed to shove myself up front and to second row and then asked the two lads in front of me if I could perhaps squeeze in. They didn't mind (bless them forever!) and so I was standing in the middle of front row, at Glastonbury, waiting for Radiohead.
Holy fuck.
And just when I thought it could not get any better, Mr Michael Eavis himself entered the stage, grinning like a child who is about to receive a great present and made the announcement for them!
Next thing Thom appeared with a grin almost eclipsing that of Michael Eavis, a ridiculous headband, rolled-up jeans and chunky Vans (I think?). How much 80s can you get? Joboxers meet Mark Knopfler...
The crowd went crazy, Thom did his silly wave routine, stepped over to the piano and launched into The Eraser. More songs from his solo album followed, during a quiet moment between songs I was sorely tempted to yell 'Where is Jonny?' but then didn't have the guts.
Shortly after Jonny did indeed show up, wearing some sort of Shardik t-shirt that the guys from British Sea Power would surely have been envious of and a grin matching that of Thom and Michael. Not slouching head-down over to his music fort but a waving openly and happily into the audience, who excitedly cheered his name again and again.
After that, pure magic. Arpeggi (one of my favorite songs of all), Pyramid Song, Idioteque, Karma Police, Street Spirit. The crowd kept chanting 'For a minute I lost myself' over and over and when Jonny had trouble getting his instruments together (apparently Graham had not expected Street Spirit but another song), Thom launched into the refrain again, together with the crowd.
Obviously, the set was way to short and everything was over way too quickly :-(. But it was a wonderful thing to witness, a glorious feeling to have been there.
There were loads of photographers in the gap, but they had to leave after the third song, so none of them got a picture of Jonny :-P. I took a few pictures, my camera is not really good and as usual I was too busy enjoying the show but if anyone wants to see them, check my Glasto foto album.
Edit: here's a shot from the stage including yours truly sandwiched between the aforementioned two generous guys with black and blue t-shirts... (^_^)
Comments