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5 Must See Acts At Isle of Wight Festival 2013
Thursday 13th June 2013 | James
Festival season in Britain finally gets under way this weekend! Whilst all the metal-heads take to Donnington Park for Download Festival, the Isle of Wight hosts a mix of pop, indie and rock which will kick the summer off in style. If you are lucky enough to have bagged a ticket to the event, read through our inside guide on the top five acts you would be very foolish to miss:
The Stone Roses
Where? Main Stage
When? Friday
Having played triumphant sets in the capital at Finsbury Park just last weekend, The Stone Roses show that they are in a rich vein of form following their 2012 reunion. The band have been touring for about a year now, but they are in no way lethargic. With Shane Meadows' documentary about the band's comeback Made of Stone being released last week, right now is all about The Stone Roses. You will find them headlining the main stage on Friday night.
Key track: 'I Am The Resurrection'
Blondie
Where? BT Infinity Big Pop
When? Sunday
Yes, that is right. Pop legend Debbie Harry (aka Blondie) will grace Isle of Wight festival and deliver a set full of absolute classics. From 'Heart of Glass' to 'Call Me', Blondie was the archetypal American pop star and her legacy has stood the test of time. What better way to round off your weekend than listening to one of the finest female vocalists in popular music?
Key track: 'Hanging On The Telephone'
Palma Violets
Where? Main Stage
When? Friday
Signing to Rough Trade Records at the behest of Geoff Travis (also responsible for The Smiths and The Strokes rise to fame), Lambeth quartet Palma Violets are being talked about in the same breath as quintessential British bands of the past like The Clash and The Libertines. Combining a raucous sound with urgent energy, the band's live sets are frantic. The band used to play packed shows at their studio in Lambeth, 180, which is also the title of their debut record which was released in February.
Key track: 'Best of Friends'
Jake Bugg
Where? Main Stage
When? Friday
Nottingham's finest talent Jake Bugg may have only been eighteen when his eponymous debut record was released in October but that did not stop it reaching the zenith of the UK Album Chart. He has already toured with Noel Gallagher and supported The Stone Roses and the future is bright for this young upstart. His lyricism blends social commentary with resolute hopefulness, causing many to consider him as the natural heir to Alex Turner and Mike Skinner's throne. A superb guitar player and still only in his teens, this is your chance to see Britain's next worldwide rock star at the very beginning of his career.
Key track: 'Trouble Town'
The Maccabees
Where? Main Stage
When? Saturday
The young upstarts won over teenage fans with the release of their delightful debut album Colour It In whilst 2009 follow up Wall of Arms showed a growth in musicianship which lifted themes and imagery from Arcade Fire. It was with their 2012 masterpiece Given to the Wild that The Maccabees really became of age, though. An exceptional record which delved into the realm of bildungsroman, Given to the Wild ended the year with a Mercury Prize nomination and on the top of many critics' best of the year lists. Having started writing their fourth record already, the band may air new songs at Isle of Wight. Do not miss it.
Key track: 'Feel to Follow'
By James Rodger @jamesdrodger
