Blur: Glastonbury - Pyramid Stage

Tuesday 30th June 2009

This is a Crackerjack review of Blur. Do you agree? Rate and review this event.

Crackerjack rating: 9 / 10.

They can deny it all they like, but the vast majority of bands reunite for the cash.

But there’s a different feeling altogether with the return of Blur. It’s all done with heartwarmingly honourable intentions.

There was a huge amount of affection from the crowd here. Each of the three headlining gigs at this year’s Pyramid Stage seemed like major events.

Blur began with their early take on English psychedelia, She’s So High and soon got the crowd going with a speeded up Girls and Boys.

Tracy Jacks was powered by military drumming and Graham Coxon’s distorted power chords.

They crashed through a souped-up There’s No Other Way and Jubilee was completely frantic.

Badhead came with an added brass section and fan-favourite Beetlebum was the first of many singalongs. It was an absolute peach. Trimm Trabb  builds to a ferocious climax with Coxon poleaxed on the floor. Luckily the guitarist was back on his feet for Coffee & TV.

Perhaps their greatest song, Tender, managed to be both reflective and anthemic at the same time.

It was the centrepiece of their set and when Albarn led the crowd it was a spine-tingling moment.

Surprisingly, though, they followed it with the notorious Country House – not their finest hour but the crowd bellowed along anyhow.

For Sunday Sunday Albarn got the crowd frantically jogging on the spot and they upped the ante when Phil Daniels came on for Park Life. The place went absolutely mental.

You just knew somehow they would store Song 2 up for the encore. When it kicked off I’m sure you could guess the reaction.

Blur are back with a bang. I for one, and just about 100,000 fans here, welcome them with very open arms. Woo and indeed hoo!
 
STEVE HARNELL

This is a Crackerjack review of Blur. Do you agree? Rate and review this event.