Does a headliner have to play last?

[Untz]

Did it look like the field was bigger?  I'd imagine they could create a bigger arena in that area, but it would involve quite a bit of rejigging, maybe moving the stage quite a bit so that the arena eats up some of Oxlyers.

I have terrible spacial skills, so this may be totally impractical - what does everyone think? 

I thought it looked smaller, but that might be just because the stage was humongous. Part of Oxlyers would have to go and you'd have to move the path at the back. It's possible I guess, but it would be awkward.

I would also complain about the change for ages and how it's rubbish. 

[tevaburger]

as someone mentioned earlier, Roger Waters on before Rod Stewart and his ego in 2002. Waters had a full 2-hour slot (with full surround sound, even) longer than Rod's and was the act that ME was talking up most in the build-up

[stuartbert two hats]

I think the examples of attempting to have a "headliner" playing the sub slot instead of last proves the point that it can't really be done.

When people talk about The xx or Rod playing, they generally refer to their headline slots.  

If the village of Pilton was bulldozed and all noise restrictions lifted, then maybe there could be acts on the main stages after the headliners, but not until then.  I don't think a Glastonbury performance that starts in daylight will ever be considered a headliner.

[jackarmy]

Last year it looked like they'd 'landscaped' the field to have at least some type of slope to it. Don't know if it was to help the drainage, because when it rains, it goes nowhere there, or it gave better views of the stage...?

Yeah, they definitely landscaped the field differently last year. Lots of wood chippings.

Thought the sound was also noticeably louder too.

[sprigpod]

I still consider Rodger Waters was the true headliner in 2002 when he subbed Rod Stewart

[maelzoid]

I seem to remember Rock Werchter having acts after the Headliner, but they didn't have the headliner playing any earlier, rather the last acts were playing until past 1 in the morning. They were also dance acts - Moby and the Chems, I think, which makes good sense. Can't see it happening it Glasto though due to noise and licensing.

[incident]

I've seen it before - Witnness in (I think) 2001 - Stereophonics officially headlined and were definitely the name at the top of the posters, but Faithless were the last band on.

Not certain why it was done like that, but it worked pretty well.

[CaledonianGonzo]

Yeah, they definitely landscaped the field differently last year. Lots of wood chippings.

There were more wood chippings everywhere this year as a mud preventative 

[gerardfenton18]

There were more wood chippings everywhere this year as a mud preventative 

It amazes me the amount of lorries diggers etc spreading the wood chippings each morning around the main stages before the masses descend on them again. It gives you a feel for the amount of planning goes into every aspect of the festival

[russycarps]

ME was under the impression he had booked Pink Floyd.... 

he booked the talent of the band, so he was sort of right.

(syd excluded)

 

[tevaburger]

ME was under the impression he had booked Pink Floyd.... 

I'm pretty sure now that Rod S was first one on the phone to correct him on that...

[mrtourette]

For the last couple of years the Sunday headliners have been resolutely overshadowed by the Legends slot. 

The Kasabians might have played last, but Dolly was the star attraction.

She wasn't billed as the headliner though.

[Deano77]

It's an interesting idea. I don't see Adele playing the last slot of the night. I prefer something more uplifting than depressing songs about love. 

[theDandy]

Coachella had the Black Keys as headliners but Swedish House Mafia were on after them. I think Rockwerchter and Bonaroo do this also? More electronic acts on after the main acts? I might be wrong...

[mrtourette]

It's become increasingly common.

[dentalplan]

It's an interesting idea. I don't see Adele playing the last slot of the night. I prefer something more uplifting than depressing songs about love. 

So you don't see something happening because you'd prefer something else. You will fit in well on eFestivals.

Coachella had the Black Keys as headliners but Swedish House Mafia were on after them. I think Rockwerchter and Bonaroo do this also? More electronic acts on after the main acts? I might be wrong...

Yeah you're right but that's a no-go at Glasto because of the sound curfew, so they have major dance acts on the other stages as an alternative.

[GlastoSimon]

I think these days the idea of a proper size headliner playing another slot wouldn't work unless the whole bill, the whole site even, was adapted to accommodate it. Look at the size of Dolly and Lionel Richie's crowds for example - not a lot else on for the 'radio-friendly' demographic makes that act a must-see. That's why the crowds are so huge, and I think a truly huge headline act with no competition would be near dangerous.

I think some acts can be seen as unofficial headliners, legend slot often sees that happen. But for an official headliner, I think the competition is needed.  

[home to you]

Open'er always have a 'cool down' act after the main stage headliners. It was nice to have the option of continuing your night in an upbeat manner with the usual silent discos/DJ sets or keeping it chilled with some food/drink at the main stage.
Arctics into Nick Cave on one day and  QOTSA into The National another day was bliss.

[willutalk]

It happens at Wacken too!!! All hail the metal. 

I don't think headliners work in the light, no matter their scope of music. I'm not too sure that Mendip Counsil would sanction any license for extended later loud music on the Pyramid though. As good as it seems.

 

That said I'm yet to witness it in practice, considering I'm likely to be going to a festival that does it (Wacken hopefully and/or Werchter), I'll be able to witness its capabilities. Very excited as usually my energy levels are through the roof prior to headliners! And I'm always wanting more!!!!

 

Plus also I find after a long days worth of music it's easy to get pretty nakered for the headliner. If they're half way/three quarters way through, you have a few to warm up then BAM and then a couple to 'calm' down.

[sprigpod]

Does anyone else remember back in the day after the headliner there was this Pyro/Circus act on the pyramid stage? seem to remember a car going up the side or something to that effect.

[CaledonianGonzo]

She wasn't billed as the headliner though.

Indeed.  Must have been bitter gall and wormwood for Boris and Jimbob to have their bubble burst by a woman of pensionable age playing the Benny Hill theme on a tiny saxophone. 

[A Guy Called Matt]

Larmer Tree has had Headliners who played before the last slot. Last year the billed headliner played at around 6pm on the Saturday with 2 or 3 acts playing afterwards.

[mrtourette]

Indeed.  Must have been bitter gall and wormwood for Boris and Jimbob to have their bubble burst by a woman of pensionable age playing the Benny Hill theme on a tiny saxophone. 

I very much doubt it.

[mozzy]

Does anyone else remember back in the day after the headliner there was this Pyro/Circus act on the pyramid stage? seem to remember a car going up the side or something to that effect.

Archaos! They were fantastic, chainsaw juggling & motorbikes riding to the top of the pyramid! 

[LondonTom]

Did it look like the field was bigger?  I'd imagine they could create a bigger arena in that area, but it would involve quite a bit of rejigging, maybe moving the stage quite a bit so that the arena eats up some of Oxlyers.

I have terrible spacial skills, so this may be totally impractical - what does everyone think? 

Unless they could move the stage back a bit, they'd have to consider pretty much up to the Railway track the "arena" wouldn't they ? So they would have to get rid of the markets/camping? I am guessing the capacity for it, is up to the metal track way right now? (I guess they could move it, in theory ignoring sound clashes so it faces the Glade more to? As the field looks longer that way, but that would be some serious rejigging of the pathways!)

Indeed.  Must have been bitter gall and wormwood for Boris and Jimbob to have their bubble burst by a woman of pensionable age playing the Benny Hill theme on a tiny saxophone. 

I guess they were just as bemused as anyone else at the popularity of a novelty act from the 70s. (That said, there wasn't alot else on at the time if I remember rightly).

 

I wouldn't be against the idea, for the right acts but I don't think it works as well if the headliner starts while in daylight, which with licensing they would have to.

I don't really see Adele as any less dreary a prospect than Mumford & Sons, Beyonce (she has quite few of those more slower songs about Love doesn't she?) or Coldplay?

 

Edited October 15, 2015 by LondonTom