Nothing else celebrates the spirit of creating, performing and experiencing music as much as festivals. They have that uncanny ability to make you feel like youβre part of something larger than life, or being witness to some of the greatest performances of your time.
So how about we take a look at the iconic happenings at music festivals over the years? A history lesson, if you will. Hereβs The Sherpβs constructive list of the best and brightest moments, so far.
1.Β Jimi Hendrix burned his guitarΒ on-stageΒ βMonterey Pop Festival, June 18, 1967
Burning a guitar sounds a bit disrespectful, but believe it or not Jimi Hendrix burning his guitar at Monterey Pop was a moment that defined the festival. He got on, delivered one of the best performances possible on an electric guitar, knelt on stage and set it ablaze in what weβre assuming was purely for the effect it would have on the crowd. Β That flaming guitar may have been a consequence of too many ingested drugs or Β βin-the-momentβ ceremonial madness. Regardless, it is still remembered as the most important moment in the history of rock music.
2.Β Nirvanaβs Legendary Last appearance in the Uk β Reading Festival, 1992
Nirvanaβs headlining performance at Reading 1992, was one of the brightest moments in the festivalβs history, especially after rumours Β about how the band may cancel due to Cobainβs ill health. Instead Kurt Cobain (in good humor) was wheeled on stage wearing a hospital gown and a hilarious looking wig, after which he rose and played an incredible set. Β Sadly, this was their last performance in the UK.
3.Β Holographic Tupac – Coachella, 2012
Much to the crowdβs confusion, befuddlement and surprise Coachella 2012 was a platform to the greatest reunion in rap history β Dr Dre, Snoop Dogg & the legendary (and late) Tupac from beyond his grave. The introduction of a holographic version of their friend and collaborator Tupac Shakur was indeed awe-inspiring.
4.Β Jay Z’s mash-up of Wonderwall – Glastonbury, 2008
Much to Noel Gallagherβs chargrin, who deemed it unforgivable for a ‘rapper’ to be headlining Englandβs biggest music fest, Jay-Zβs 2008 headlining set was pretty fuckinβ incredible as it marked the assimilation of hip hop and rap to the festival. In pure Jay Z fashion, he began his performance with a mash-up of ‘Wonderwall’ & 99 problems as a cheeky fuck youΒ retortΒ to Noel. Pretty much the best reactionary festival moment, EVER!
5.Β Snow Patrolβs audienceΒ sing-alongΒ – Oxegen Festival 2009
This is just beautiful. A massive audience sing-along to βRunβ was probably the highlight of Snow Patrol’sΒ career. Watch how every single audience member sing their hearts out, while the vocalist looks back in awe.
6.Β DeadMau5’s EDM set – Lollapalooza, 2011
Although he wasnβt a small fish in the electonic music industry (he pretty much pioneered it) to have Deadmau5 headline Lollapalooza along with the likes of Eminem, Coldplay and the Foo Fighters was a really intuitive step for the festival. The festival has been known to be open to all genres of music, so this act of courage signaled at EDM as more than just a subculture. Lollapalooza recognized itβs greatness at the apt time.
7. Rage Against The Machine’s naked protest – 1993, Lollapalooza
Back in 93, when the censorship and ‘Parental Advisory’ stickers were forced on albums with explicit lyriis, RATM saw fit to protest the ridiculous censorship. Always a step ahead of their punk rock contemporaries, they stood butt-naked with black tape over their mouths and PMRC written across their chest. A silent βfuck youβ to the censorship board, if you will.
8. Bob Dylan’s Return – Isle Of Wight Festival, 1969
The short-lived, first and legendary Isle Of Wight festival lasted only 3 years, but was as important to 60’s counter-culture as Woodstock was. In fact, some considered the festival to be even more iconic than it’s american counterpart, particularly because Bob Dylan chose to attend Isle Of Wight after his scary motorcycle accident. The festival drew is thousands and thousands of Dylan’s UK fans, exactly 11 days after Woodstock closed.
(Image Courtesy: Laurie Asprey)
9. Bob Marley’s performance two days after he was shot – Smile Jamaica, 1976
A few days prior to a free festival organised by the Jamaican government, Bob Marley was shot inside his own home as part of a political conspiracy. That didn’t stop the amazing musician from taking to stage two days later and giving a performance of a lifetime. There is a reason why the Jamaican people and the world had so much love for this man. He was later asked why he did what he did and this is what he had to say, “The people who are trying to make this world worse arenβt taking a day off. How can I?
10. Flaming Lips’ strobe light/balloon show – SXSW, 2006
SXSW has always been a ground breaking festival of art and music, where bands and artistes take special care in making sure their shows are one-of-a-kind. Much like what the Flaming Lips did back in 2006, when they released giant colourful balls into the crowd + confetti and strobe lights. Amongst all the madness, they also officiated a fan’s marriage proposal on stage!
11.Β Daft Punkβs Pyramid – Lollapalooza (2007)
Ten years agoΒ Daft PunkΒ descended on the festival as mysterious masked robots, who had no credibility in the United States. Apart from a bit of buzz surrounding them regarding their performance at Coachella in 2006, these guys were literal nobodies. Until they dropped βRobot Rockβ at Lollapalooza 2007 β strobe lights, wacked-out costumes & a pyramid stage were all they needed to turn the mainstage into a real rave, the first of itβs kind at Lollapalooza.