The Wannadies - submitted by : Maria Lane

The Wannadies
Other Stage
17:00 Saturday 24th June 2000

Saturday, 5 o'clock, the sun is out, the sky a gorgeous shade of blue and a smattering of devoted fans have turned out at the Other stage to see the Wannadies. Competing with local rockers Reef on the Pyramid , the Swedish popstrels certainly have their work cut out.

The Wannadies make it look easy, juggling enormous energy, down-to-earth banter and perfect pop. The buzzing atmosphere is boosted when lead singer Par produces a selection of banners, including the 'obligatory U2 banner', having complained that the performance would not be complete without them. The big singles are mixed with old favourites and tracks from new album, 'Yeah'. The fans, sprinkled with glitter and plastic beads bounce like there's no tomorrow. Then comes the one everyone's been waiting for, and we all go crazy and sing about us and them and how we're destined to be together. And then they're gone. The result? The crowd is charmed. When the band played 'Big Fan', the message became clear: they want to be adored, and they
are. It's that simple, and everyone wanders off smiling....

review sent in by
Maria Lane