Westonbirt
Its Sunday July 30th and the weather isn’t sure if it wants to pour down
with rain or tease out the bbq’s. One thing is for sure, Massive Attack in a
wood is definitely a force you’d consider capable of banging the force of
nature to rights. After involving myself in many a sweaty gig in Barflys and
university main halls this was a breath of fresh air (literally). Access in
and out of the grounds was painless and entry into the actual arena was a
doddle. So much so that a friend of mine wasn’t even asked to produce his
ticket. The rare opportunity to take your own drinks into such a breath
taking wood and prepare take on the gritty beats of Bristol’s finest on a
Sunday evening was more than just a rare one.
Looking around the crowd at the amount of fold up chairs, tartan blankets
and cooler bags suggested that this was an audience free of annoying little
herberts who are more interested in robbing your fags and kicking over your
pint. To be fair I didn't really pay much attention to the first act but I
did think the lady vocalist was a little too “RnB” for my liking. The follow
up act I believe called The Flies (although I maybe wrong) rung bells of
Spiritualized laced with quite a haunting mouth organ. A band worth seeing
in a smaller venue I'm sure. The highlight of the support, Terry Callier’s set
started with a bang but unfortunately didn't get very far as he was escorted
off the stage after collapsing. 3D assured everyone he was fine later in
they’re set but the break in proceedings did Massive Attack no harm at all.
The Bristol trio took to the stage accompanied by two drummers and a back
drop of small lights keeping the main attraction very much in the shadows
for the duration of they’re set. It wasn't long before we were reminded of
the magnificent PA massive attack always seem to perform with. Bass lines
that you could see uprooting the oldest Oaks in the area accompanied by
guest vocals from the likes of Liz Frazer formally of the Cocteau Twins, the
reggae tones of Horace Andy and the unmistakeable Shara Nelson made this a
very special performance indeed. The set was made up of tunes beautifully
put together from the start of the movement including Karmacoma, One Love,
Safe from Harm and Angel. The enchanting tones of Tear Drop and new years
eve favourite Unfinished Sympathy were definite highlights. Hats off to the
Massive Attack for picking such a great venue to act as a backdrop to some
of the most influential tunes of the last decade.
This is the first time I've attended a show in Westonbirt and I strongly
suggest we all keep our eyes peeled for future events. Definitely not your
average Sunday that's for sure.
by Neil
