A good crowd can make a great song legendary.
Electric Picnic 2015 is just a day away and the buzz is building nicely.
There have been some fantastic EP performances over the years and we’re about to do it all over again.
Before we get to it, here are 5 other times that the atmosphere at a big gig was simply electric.
The Swamp Song/Acquiesce – Oasis – Maine Road (1996)
This was during the height of Britpop and Oasis were at the peak of their prowess. They really were leading a new movement, both musically and culturally.
Just listen to the madness when Noel first greets the fans on the mic, followed by Liam’s eventual introduction.
https://youtu.be/PW_g-ZjX3Eo
Only a few months later Oasis were playing to 250,000 people over two nights in Knebworth.
That’s the attendance of more than five Electric Picnics, to put it into perspective. Still, it’s tough to beat this gig from Manchester City’s old stadium.
No One Knows – Queens of the Stone Age – Reading (2005)
It would be absolutely amazing to have QOTSA headline Electric Picnic, because when on form they’re up there with the best.
Just have a listen to this incredible performance by the lads at the Reading Festival.
The mesmerising extended guitar solo that Josh goes on shortly into the second verse is a treat for both the eyes and ears.
What starts off as a psychedelic digression slowly builds to a thundering crescendo, to which the crowd react perfectly.
Tender – Blur – Glastonbury (2009)
One huge band we can look forward to singing along with this weekend is Blur.
If it’s anything like the band’s comeback gig at Glastonbury, we’ll be a happy bunch.
It’s all about the audience, this one.
Just when you think the song is over, the crowd bring it back to life in a fantastic sing-song.
Best of You – Foo Fighters – Wembley (2008)
The new Wembley wasn’t long open when Foo Fighters took it by storm.
This was Dave Grohl in top form and Dave Grohl in top form is always worth watching.
His tears at the end emphasise just how much this meant to the front man.
It might be wishful thinking to have Foo Fighters play Electric Picnic someday, but jayzus, it would be brilliant.
When The Sun Goes Down – The Arctic Monkeys – Glastonbury (2007)
We have fond memories of the mid-2000s when The Arctic Monkeys came out of nowhere and grabbed a sleepy music scene by the balls
In 2013, The Arctic Monkeys played Electric Picnic and once again proved just how good they are.
For anyone who doubts the potential impact that a crowd can have on a performance, just listen to when they, in unison, sing the opening lines to this modern-day classic.
We have a weekend of a similar craic ahead of us. If the weather can stay grand, we’ll take care of the rest.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
