Photo Credit: David Scott
LET’S paint a little festival picture. T in the Park always pulls an outstanding line-up for its remarkable fans, Rockness is best pals with Nessie the Lochness Monster and Fat Boy Slim, Glastonbury is some-what middle class with a crowd that rarely bounce. Wickerman, sold-out for the first time ever, took place this weekend. It’s the festival where families share special moments as they come together as one. And as Primal Scream took to the stage for their headline slot on Friday, it all came together wonderfully.
Primal Scream are the epitome of rock ‘n’ roll. Ten albums on, the band continue to tour and blow up stages all over the world. There’s not many rock ‘n’ roll bands that can compete, but then again, there’s not many rock ‘n’ roll bands with a frontman like Bobby Gillespie. And tonight he is on fire. With the crowd as equally as hyped-up on day one of the festival.
There was something extra special about this 90 minute set, it could have a lot to do with their recent Glastonbury performance. Although his suit was bright, the performance was lacking that energy that ensures The Scream sell-out time and time again. Personally I believe it had a lot to do with the crowd’s reaction to new tracks- as Gillespie received limited feedback from the crowd it became uncomfortable to see the frontman lose his umpth. In contrast, the crowd shared countless moments with Gillespie during the first ever sold-out Wickerman, as he lost himself in his music prowling around the stage in legendary fashion.
And moments they were, an outstanding rendition of title track from their new album 2013 opened the set perfectly. Swastika Eyes proved its ability to stand the test of time causing the crowd to emerce themselves in a frantic frollic amongst friends.
The intimate, family-heavy crowd are endearing to watch and unique to be part of; young Scream fans have become forty-something in the blink of eye and their kids are wearing 1990 tour t-shirts as a new generation immerse themselves in Gillespie and co. That’s special and that’s what makes this Scream performance a standout amongst many others this year.
Country Girl, Rocks, and Get Loaded were all absolutely outstanding- Barrie Cadogan and Simone Bulter really coming into their own on-stage. As they played around with their guitars in-time with the tracks, they became as mezmerising to watch as the man himself Gillespie.
Come Together closed the set, in a moment that became a highlight of the weekend. Sometimes music really takes over, and as the lyrics bellowed through the crowd “come together as one”, single fingers were held in the air and strangers hugged as they sang and danced along to one of The Scream’s most iconic hits.
This really was a moment as the clock struck midnight and welcomed in a new day, new friends were made and the smiles on the faces of the festival fans were blinding.
