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It’s being shown on MTV tonight at 11pm

Whilst it’s a shitty practise and not one I agree with, I’m seeing it as a great opportunity to support up and coming and ‘smaller’ acts that need the revenue that touring brings. There are some superb acts and artists out there that need the exposure and realistically that’s most likely to happen with people turning up to watch them play. There is absolutely no justification to pay £100+ to watch anyone play for 90 mins and if people are happy to pay that, it’s only going to get worse, more expensive and make it even harder for new bands and artists coming through.

Couldn't agree more. Victorious is pretty niche in terms of what it offers (mixed lineup and a decent sized kids area for young families) - the festival was packed and is growing year on year so I don't see why they would want to change it. Really hope not anyway as like you, if the type of acts changed into something similar to Reading then I would stop going. I'd like to think that with it being on at the same time, that the demographic that Victorious is aiming for will be different. I'm waiting for the initial line-up drop before buying tickets though for next year!

Yeah exactly that. Everytime I've seen them Brett has that 'edgy' performing style. 30+ years of performing and still putting on a great show like that - I'd much rather see a frontman actually have some presence than go through the motions of being there. They were my highlight too - haven't seen them for a few years and they didn't disappoint. Would have confused the people that were only there for Fender though!

I think a lot of those are realistic. Wonder whether they would change their approach and book international acts for the bigger slots? Arcade Fire maybe? Got a feeling Two Door Cinema Club might be high up as well, and hoping Pulp are nailed on for next year as well.

Good to read peoples comments and agree with most of them. We went on Saturday and Sunday and didn’t really encounter any negativity on either day. Always found Victorious to be one of the friendliest “bigger” festivals around with a decent mix of music to keep everyone happy. I think in hindsight the organisers will admit that they messed up on a couple of the set placings on the Sunday and it definitely felt busier than any of the previous years I’ve gone, but I didn’t ever feel like it was getting dangerous (I left the Castle stage after Little Man Tate but saw how busy it was after that). Particular highlights for me were Suede, Sports Team, The Wombats, Declan McKenna, Embrace and The Reytons. Thought the headliners were a bit weak this year (kids loved Sam Fender but I don’t get the hype personally), interesting to see who gets booked next year-we’ll definitely be there!

Come and enjoy a festival of music...for 2 hours a day. I live 20 minutes from Southend, I should have known better. There will be more people on Southend pier than at any of these "major festivals"...

Does anyone know about potential tube strikes next weekend? Looks like Victoria and Central line are both reduced services which is going to cause carnage after the festival (and for anyone trying to get towards Liverpool Street like me 🫣)

I'm absolutely gutted I'm not there. Made slightly easier that none of my group managed to get tickets for this year, but there's still no where else on this planet I'd rather be right now! Will still watch as much of it as possible - its great that after the uncertainty of the past few years that its actually here again - looking forward to seeing peoples photos and reading about their experiences. Just hope the ticket gods smile down on us unfortunate ones next year!

Its a grower for sure. Liked it when I first heard it - absolutely love it now I've given it a few spins. The tracks flow into eachother superbly. For me, the last 2 albums have been more miss than hit - and whilst they are never getting back to the near perfection of the first 3, its nice to listen to an Arcade Fire album that you want to listen to all the way through. Rabbit Hole could be one of the best things they have ever done...

Great month for new music. Tough to pick a top 3 but have gone for: 1. Fontaines DC - Skinty Fia 2. Spiritualized - Everything Was Beautiful (surprise of the year so far for me - any other month would have got top spot) 3. Crows - Beware Believers

Saw Foals and Shame last night At Olympia. Excellent night - Foals really have a superb back catalogue to choose from now. New songs all went down well but the run of tracks at the end was superb and a real reminder how good they are!

1. Placebo 2. Feeder 3. The Mysterines

Sadly, I agree with all of this. They were more than just band mates, I think the void left by Taylor would be too difficult to replace - he's been an integral part of the band for 25 years. I could see Dave eventually moving into more of a producer type role - he co-wrote Liam Gallaghers new track so it wouldn't surprise me to see him doing work behind the scenes with other artists.

This really hit home. Been numb all day. Seen the Foos many times over the years, the one thing that’s always been at the forefront of their shows is the need to put on a show for the fans. Taylor was a massive part of that. Just absolutely gutted. And for anyone using this thread to spout off about their anti vax conspiracies - shut the fuck up (really can’t emphasise that last part enough). RIP Taylor

Superb return from one of the best bands around

The interesting clash (and I agree with your stage splits btw) is Snow Patrol vs Fontaines. It'll be interesting to see whether the family demographic justifies having Snow Patrol in there as main stage headliners. I don't feel it does personally. It feels as though this lineup has taken the festival back a few steps - last years lineup was miles better than what they've put out today (although some of that was down to late replacements for acts having to pull out). I feel like this was an opportunity to give an act like Fontaines the chance to headline the main stage, in the same way that they did for Wolf Alice last year. They'll have just released their new album, are prolific, very current and I think the crowds they'll pull will reflect that. Some of the bookings made this year are so uninspiring - its one of the blandest lineups I've seen.

They're gonna need a bigger tent...

I'm not fussed about the "type" of festival it is - if you are getting Snow Patrol as headliners in 2022 then you are struggling for acts...

If that leak is true then its very dependent on day splits as to whether I attend (there's no chance I'll be booking a full weekend with that poster). Seen most of the acts before that I'd want to see but that looks like a poster for the latter V Festival years. Disappointing.

Good month of new releases, plenty to pick from: 1. Frank Turner - FTHC (by a long way) 2. Black Country, New Road - Ants From Up There 3. Gang Of Youths - Angel In Realtime

1. The Sherlocks - World I Understand 2. Jamie Webster - Moments 3. Spector - Now Or Whenever

It was immense. Probably the loudest gig I've been to in 20+ years! Setlist pretty much spot on - they've got a serious back catalogue to fall back on now. Have to be considered for a big slot on the farm (JP or Other headliner?)

Really strong month of new releases. Hard to pick a top 3! 1. Biffy Clyro - The myth of the happily ever after 2. Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes - Sticky 3. Sam Fender - Seventeen going under

All about Parquet Courts tomorrow (with a side order of Biffy and Don Broco) These next few weeks are stacked with new releases for me - makes a nice change from the usual pre Christmas drop off!