Music Festivals 2012 - who's going?

[webberg]

The festival season is nearly upon us.

Who is going where and who are you looking forward to seeing?

For me, it's Reading on Saturday and Sunday.

Looking forward to Blood Red Shoes, The Black Keys, Band of Skulls.

The headliners on Sunday are Foo Fighters who I've never seen live and am a bit ambiguous about. Saturday is Kasabian who I've seen live twice and have to say were disappointing both times (sorry Gooner).

Lots of good bands there though and I'm pretty sure that the kids will disappear once we're in and we'll see only when they need more cash.

(Kids - our eldest will be 18 by then! Where did that time go!)

[AlanS]

Is this like iPod Bingo - festival line-ups, bands beginning with 'B'?

No music festivals for me this year (or, indeed, any year - never been to one). But enjoy Reading and let us know how you got on.

[webberg]

Alan, you've got some good festivals in Scotland.

T in the Park and Rockness probably the biggest ones with some good line ups this year.

Treat yourself and go along

[Gregor Andrews]

I've never really been in to going to festivals. I much prefer a nice small venue and seeing just one band.
A bit like tonight's concert - going to see a band called Tortoise at Sala Wah Wah in Valencia.

[webberg]

Bands in small venues is very good in its own way.

I'm off to see a good Scottish band in a couple of weeks at a 3,000 person gig. This is Biffy Clyro at a warm up gig before they go to Download (a mega festival).

We're also off to the Roundhouse in Camden to see The Hives in December.

Before then Grimes at XOYO and Feeder in Koko. Both quite small (few hundred perhaps).

But big festivals have a certain vibe and atmosphere as well. In particular, because I'm a hi-fi snob and have spent years (and many of your earth pounds and euros) putting a decent system together, I just love the big festival sound. That solid wall of music is just thrilling.

Small venues often struggle with that and a performer not quite at the top of their game perhaps exaggerates the issue.

Both have their place. the important thing is to keep going to hear the performers and keep music live.

[JonathanA]

Not one for festivals either I'm afraid. I do have tickets to see Coldplay at the end of the month though

[Gregor Andrews]

Before then Grimes at XOYO and Feeder in Koko. Both quite small (few hundred perhaps).

I recently discovered Grimes, quite like what I've heard so far.

[webberg]

I'm sorry Jonathan but I just don't get Coldplay.

Aside from the immense smugness of the lead singer who seems to be trying to out Bono, Bono, have they ever made a happy song?

Hopefully they're better live.