The Cure's impeccable sets fails to keep the crowds at Leeds Festival

After a wet night the morning dew made getting up that little bit more uncomfortable. The idea of sleeping in stopped in its tracks by the soundchecks echoing from the arena. Finding the hotdogs nearby are tasty, breakfast is served. Future Of The Left warm the morning up with their aggressive post-modern punk. Over on the main stage Cancer Bats take a more hardcore turn and get the crowd jumping about. Reminding me of Pantera they make a stand to keep the metallers happy. Coheed & Cambria keep the feeling going and the sweat starts to pour out of the crowd.

The Hives are the first band of the day to overfill the NME tent and all the video screens outside have people dancing by them. 'Hate To Say I Told You So' and 'Main Offender' are the tunes rattled out near the end in quick succession. Something gave me the impression it wouldn't be half as good watching the always hyped Crystal Castles. For lack of a better idea, hanging around till The Blackout started made some sense. Suddenly the inspiration to join the queues for the toilets took over rather than join the many people that found the outside fence an acceptable place to pee.

Looking around the food stall with a little more determination, the lack of anything with vegetables (except onions…) was impressive. In fact, if you can't grill or fry it there doesn't seem to be a place for it. Bombay Bicycle Club, and Paramore keep entertaining as the game turns to naming as many ginger musicians, rock and pop stars and wondering when QOTSA will next come to town.

The Cure gather another massive headline crowd and start the set of with 'Open' and 'High'. The gloom is evident and the slow pace doesn't entertain the youthful energy of most of the audience. Even after 5 or 6 songs the thinning crowd disperses back to the other stages with many heading for Foster the People. Everything sounds good, every synth chirp and guitar hook works in its minimal beauty. As 'Pictures of You', 'The Walk' and 'Friday I'm in Love' the need for some life back takes over. Veterans Punks, Social Distortion, gain a fair audience away from the general flow towards the campsite. Mike Ness' respect for the British punk history was unmistakable. The roots rock styling and LA cool hasn't diminished but the energy around the performance was lacking. Thinking to head out before the crowds leave, the Cure come back for their encore. Not to do anything by halves, they carry on for another 7 songs including 'Lovecats' and 'Boys Don't Cry'.

Leaving the arena its obvious where people have gone. Getting the chance for an early start, the queue for the Silent Disco snakes on for ages and the Relentless stage has a good crowd. With Doorly hosting the night, the party tunes keep the dancing going till the morning.

Latest Updates