Striking a balance or big headliners?

[Cornelius_Fudge]

I've been looking at the clashfinder for last years line up and I must admit there's not a whole lot that interested me on the Saturday and Sunday. I was thinking, do you think the introduction of the Roliing Stones stole the limelight/money from the Eavii booking a more balanced line up? There were obviously still some gems here and there, but for me personally, comparing with previous years there wasn't as much strength in depth.

Would you rather have the huge, huge mega stars appearing as the headliners or have a much better all around line up?

I'd definitely go for the all round line up, even though I would love to see the likes of Prince/Fleetwood Mac/Rolling Stones.

Saying that, perhaps last year just wasn't my cup of tea. I've been to festivals before and it's been like looking at my own personal line up whereas last year it was, apart from TRS, just kinda "meh".

[FloorFiller]

i get what you mean about last year. there were enough acts to keep me entertained throughout the weekend, but as a whole i don't think it was a great lineup.

i'd much prefer an all round better lineup. it's always nice when there's that huge act to look forward to and there's a buzz all weekend about them playing, but a smaller headliner can put on an equal or better show at the end of the day

this year, so far, seems to be shaping up much better for my personal taste. in the list of TBC / C / SR there are already far too many acts i want to see. looks like it's gonna be clash central

[russycarps]

For me, last year had a lot more bands I was interested in than many previous years. I had 4 "must see" bands, and a fair few "would like to sees". I dont think the stones stole the limelight.

I think it's just personal preference. One mans shit line up is another mans ecstacy.

Portishead, nick cave and rolling stones put on 3 of my favourite ever glastonbury gigs. What are the chances of that happening all in one year??

[A Guy Called Matt]

Strength in depth would be ideal - as long as you like the bands!!

As a general rule I really am not that bothered as I know at pretty much every festival I go to that there will be music I will like and lack of big names I will hear things I might not normally hear.

All that said, book the Who for Saturday will make me not care about what else is happening anywhere else on that day!!

[Riggins]

When I first saw the line up I was a bit disappointed with it - mostly because my favorites weren't there, The National, The Gaslight Anthem and a couple more and I wasn't really bothered with the headliners but I think I saw a lot of good bands overall. I think on the whole festival line ups seem to be a lot weaker these days, the only truly good one I've seen this summer is Green Man. But as RC says, it's all about taste isn't it.

[Guest]

Going by the rumours I think it'll pretty hefty clashes for me this year too. There wasn't masses on last year that I watched, but having loads of band crammed in back to back at a festival can give me gig fatigue and I find myself less bothered about the bands I'm watching towards the end. A lot of the time last year was spent by me eating and getting drunk in The Park and the Greenfields and I loved it, I did put on quite a bit of weight though...

[Lubic]

Yeah its all personal preference really. Taking the special guests into consideration, 2011 was a great lineup for me - looks even better now as there are a few bands I like now that I didnt know at the time. Last year looks a bit sparse on paper, for me.

Going back to the original question, having headliners that I can really look forward to is most important to me... not necessarily the megasize acts though.

[nickharley]

I would always prefer a balanced line up as opposed to three strong Pyramid headliners. I don't want to have to feel forced to go to the Pyramid every night. Would much rather be able to mosey around a lot more and then see one big headliner.

Edited March 11, 2014 by nickharley

[Cornelius_Fudge]

this year, so far, seems to be shaping up much better for my personal taste. in the list of TBC / C / SR there are already far too many acts i want to see. looks like it's gonna be clash central

[Cornelius_Fudge]

I think on the whole festival line ups seem to be a lot weaker these days, the only truly good one I've seen this summer is Green Man. But as RC says, it's all about taste isn't it.

[sheffieldlady]

Last year, even though it might have lacked acts I had to see, was brilliant. I spent my time wondering around slowly, seeing things that I never usually spend much time doing. Plus, I discovered the naughty corner during the day and it has some pretty amazing food!

I think this year seems more busy in terms of who I want to see so far - but will likely make a decision once there. As I always miss something I wanted to see because I got distracted seeing someone else.

But, I think because a lot of bands have played every festival, most line-ups do seem weaker. But I think Glasto has enough going off to make it worthwhile!

I did meet someone last year who had been 4 times and was excited about Mumfords. I was amazed - but, I really can't stand Mumfords and this guy LOVED them!!!!!

[jeffie]

I really can't stand Mumfords and this guy LOVED them!!!!!

[russycarps]

Plus, I discovered the naughty corner during the day and it has some pretty amazing food!

[toppo]

Strength in depth is great till you have 2 must sees clashing only to hear the one you chose not to see smashed it......

[The_Amazing_Oblong]

I have seen bands that I like on record and been utterly let down with their live performance and on the flip side I have seen bands that I have thought were 'meh' and been blown away. Timing, the performance, energy, interaction, mood, weather, crowd - all for me have a part to play in a good or bad gig.

I have seen the same band twice playing the same set through a summer and enjoyed one gig and not really enjoyed the other. I try not to get too hung up on who it is playing and take the gig for what it is in that time. So yeah, sometimes the lineup doesn't totally suit my preferred tastes but those bands are high up the bill for a reason.

I'm not and never have been a huge Stones fan. It's not that I don't like them I'm just not a fan. Thoroughly enjoyed their gig from start to finish though..

I'm sure I would have enjoyed Mumfords too even though they aren't my 'thang', I opted for Sub Focus though and had a great time watching my 3 sons freaking out

Edit - Brings to mind a txt convo I had with my son as we got split up at the end of the Sub Focus gig.

Me - Hello son where are you ?

Son - Hi Dad, we are under a 30ft mechanical spider that is belching out flames listening to Skrillex who is playing in it's head.

Me - You on drugs son ?

Edited March 11, 2014 by The_Amazing_Oblong