MEMORIES OF GLASTONBURY

Current mood: LONGING
Category: LONGING Music

It's that time of year again - the time when i pretend I'm happy not to be wallowing in the mud in a forgotten haze in a field in Somerset surrounded by more drugged up freaks than is possible anywhere else on the planet..

Yes boss, I love Glastonbury.

For my sins, I've not been since 2000, but Glastonbury stalks you. Each of the years since 2000, I've tried to ignore it and convince myself I'm right to be at home. I convince myself I don't want to be there anyway - that it doesn't matter....
But sooner or later it finds it's way into my thoughts and I find myself pining to be wandering and looking and spinning away...

I've been five times in total, all between 1993 and 2000. I jumped the fence each and everytime. I've never felt bad about that, in fact it was always part of the challenge. The rush once you're over and IN is fantastic!! You look up and find 4 days of complete and open hedonism ahead, with some of the greatest music acts as company, and you land and run and RUN!!!!

The first time I had no idea about anything. I'd been brought up in the type of vacuum that denied me knowledge of such things. I turned up with no money and divided my time between working on a 'roads protest stall' and wandering around stone cold sober with no idea as to how to enjoy myself...

I didn't see many bands. I remember Porno For Pyros with topless dancers, The Black Crowes, Wynton Marsallis and the Glastonbury Town band on the last day - that's it. I also remember the weather was proper hot and sunny...

I missed the next years, instead opting for Reading.

Reading is and was shit - it's a completely different atmosphere and a much more cynical attempt at making money. I saw plenty of music, but don't remember too much of it other than a very average Hank Rollins, and Ice Cube turning the whole thing around...

I then did Glastafairyland 4 further times in the mid to late nineties and it's impossible to separate them. Some were very wet and some OK. I saw a blinding set by Femi Kuti, the worst Spiritualized gig I've ever seen. A fantastic version of Pumpkin by Tricky, The Aphex Twin and his big teddies...I sold a shit load of hash and always came back loaded with peoples rejects and leftovers....

I've not been for 7 years for no other reason than it's become close to impossible to jump the fence and i really can't be fucked with spending 9 hours on the phone with my photo ID ready to buy an oh-so precious ticket...

It's only a festival - there are plenty of other ways to have fun...

But I love it. And one thing I've never liked, is the people who go for a few years then don't want to anymore and like to bad mouth about it having 'SOLD OUT!!'

So, yesterday or the day before, I decided I'm going next time. Next year or in two years if that's what it is. The return is long overdue...

Of course, I have no intention of paying and I guess my blag will have to be a little more clever than simply turning up and jumping. I think VIP access all areas is what I need. I want to see another and the other side..

Meanwhile Farmer Eavis joins my heroes list and I wish I was there....

Currently listening : Sparkle By Aretha Franklin Release date: By 03 July, 2006

11:34 - 6 Comments - 8 Kudos - Add Comment - Edit - Remove

	Eugene Machine	I miss it too!!! Robin Posted by Eugene Machine on Sunday, June 24, 2007 at 01:19 [Remove] [Reply to this]

	MOG	I was aiming to go this year but looking at the pictures of the Mud I'm Kinda glad I didn't get tickets. I've been when The weathers good (95)) and it was great. I've been twice (97 98) when It's been really muddy and I really didn't enjoy it although I tried. In 99 just went up on a sunday eve walked straight in watched Cornelius and Mogwai who where both mindblowing then went back home. Nice! Posted by MOG on Sunday, June 24, 2007 at 08:17 [Remove] [Reply to this]

	Paul GIOVANNI 3RD a.k.a The Pop Pope	Yeah, I almost added I only wanted to go again if it was sunny... That said, I've always had a whale of a time in the mud - you just think 'FUCK THIS!' and become even more determined to get plastered and block it out.... I reckon the answer here is to move the festival to August or July. I know the purists will warble on about the Summer Solstice etc, but i think we can forget Galstos hippy side. What's more people will respect nature a hell of a lot more if they have a sunny glastonbury... Of course August doesn't guarantee sun, but the odds would surely be better... Oh, and can I propose that the photo ID passes of those who leave before say 6pm Sunday are confiscated and those people are given a lifetime ban?? It pisses me to read about people who turn up, see it's raining and go home. I mean are you surprised it's fucking raining??? Posted by Paul GIOVANNI 3RD a.k.a The Pop Pope on Sunday, June 24, 2007 at 08:34 [Remove] [Reply to this]

	Elizabeth	i've never been. in 2005, my ex-boyfriend went and i had to go to a wedding in the middle of nowhere in gloucester. i felt like i could hear the music and i resented my friend so much getting married on that day. but the boy existed on pills, coke, vodka and no sleep for four days, and knowing my monstrous nature i probably would have lost the plot after a few hours and spent the whole experience in blackout. oh, i do have a good book on memories of glastonbury. and i want to come with you next time. Posted by Elizabeth on Sunday, June 24, 2007 at 20:23 [Remove] [Reply to this]

	they came from the stars, i saw them	if the stars are still functioning this time next year, we'll be playing on a much bigger stage and have a proper guestie, so you can copter in wi' us if you like x p.s. it's a bit subdued. all the freaks have left and there's precious little spontaneity like pre 500 mile security zone days...having said that, it's still fucking great. Posted by they came from the stars, i saw them on Tuesday, June 26, 2007 at 19:00 [Remove] [Reply to this]

Paul GIOVANNI 3RD a.k.a The Pop Pope

Yes excellent idea. Get me on that list!!! If nothing else it will guarantee the return of one freak... Posted by Paul GIOVANNI 3RD a.k.a The Pop Pope on Tuesday, June 26, 2007 at 19:11 [Remove] [Reply to this]