Were you there?
The Electric Picnic line-up will be announced this afternoon and whoever ends up gracing the Stradbally stage in 2016 has a lot to live up to given some of the amazing performances crowds have been treated to over the years.
It’s almost impossible to distill all the craic, memories and highlights from thousands of brilliant acts but here are seven performances that those who were there (and many who weren’t) enjoy reminding everyone that they attended.
2ManyDj’s – 2004
Ghent’s finest have always held a sway over Irish audiences as Soulwax/2ManyDj’s frequently sell-out whenever they play these shores. The love affair between them and Irish crowds really stepped up a notch after their memorable performance at the festival’s debut, which, coincidentally, had glorious weather.
It’s easy to see why they’ve such a dedicated following; the guys have an eclectic knowledge of music that’s second to none – effortlessly switching between countless genres/tracks/samples – and the production values in their shows are insane.
They’ve been invited back which is music to the ears of Irish music fans.
Clip via – levoredbeard
Arcade Fire – 2005
A performance that has since achieved mythical status because everyone knows someone that will tell you that ‘they were there’ when the Canadian rockers announced themselves to Irish audiences by blowing the roof off the tent.
Their stunning debut ‘Funeral’ was just about to go stratospheric but for those dedicated fans and curious revellers, this performance has taken on an iconic status.
I’m told that it’s one of the finest sets in Electric Picnic’s existence, which speaks for itself.
Clip via – Dr.Stu!
2007 – The Beastie Boys
That year’s festival really should be called ‘Electric Picnic hits the decks’ because the array of electro, dance and DJ acts on that billing was absolutely stunning.
The Chemical Brothers, LCD Soundsystem, Hot Chip and Simian Mobile Disco took their place alonsgide some other cracking acts (The Stooges, Bjork and Primal Scream) but people were only talking about one band at the end.
The words legendary and iconic are thrown around far too often when describing certain acts but it’s perfectly apt for The Beastie Boys. Ad-Rock, MCA and Mike D were always trendsetters and this performance set the Picnic on fire.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIQTZk8aGFw
Clip via – davidwflynn’s channel
2008 – My Bloody Valentine
Much like a child counting down the days until Christmas or Liverpool fans waiting for a title, fans of post-punk/shoegazing/dream pop (whatever way you want to describe them) act My Bloody Valentine were itching to see them live.
Reclusive genius Kevin Shields had teased, hinted and suggested at a live gig for years and this performance was everything that fans could expect. It was 17 years since the release of their seminal album ‘Loveless’ and fans of the band, both old and new, absolutely lost their minds during their set.
Here’s what they sounded like from the mixing desk.
Clip via chad fontana
2009 – Chic
There are very few people that I would call ‘music royalty’ but Chic guitarist and uber producer Nile Rogers most certainly is one.
Even discounting Chic’s incredible tunes, he’s worked with Diana Ross, Sister Sledge, David Bowie, Madonna, Kylie, Daft Punk and, most recently, Disclosure, in what’s an incredibly impressive catalogue of music.
2009 was Chic’s debut in Ireland and we instantly fell for them, bass-line, hook and sinker. It’s easy to see why; they’re the epitome of a ‘feel good’ band.
Clip via – jimbreak
2012 – Sigur Ros
Music of a very different nature to anything else on this list but it’s testament to the eclectic music tastes and diversity on the Electric Picnic line-up that they’re allocated a perfect evening slot.
Yes, the Icelandic post-rock outfit are widely heralded as being ‘hipster darlings’ but there’s a reason why. It’s because they’re bloody brilliant and their music is unlike anything else around.
On a damp Friday in Laois, their set managed to lift everyone in attendance. Not an easy thing to do.
2013 – David Byrne & St Vincent
Sometimes you wander into a performance at a festival and you’re completely unaware that you’re about to be bowled over by what’s about to follow.
Like most music fans, I think David Byrne is nothing short of a God because the leader of Talking Heads has made some timeless albums while influencing more bands than I could even name. I knew St Vincent from her time with the Polyphonic Spree and a few tracks from her album, ‘Strange Mercy’, but I didn’t know what to expect.
What followed was a show that people still talk about. Their outstanding performance just washed over everyone in attendance and it really didn’t matter if you were a casual or a die-hard fan, this was just good music.
Here’s hoping that 2016 will have some incredible performances just like these ones.
Clip via – TheWonderheads
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