So, although the Scottish duo I refuse to name anymore got this music event off to a not-so-musical start, their performance lived up to everyone’s low expectations. Their legendary party classic managed to encourage a few people to join in vocally for the first couple of minutes. But it failed to inspire the kind of sing-along we have become used to at the end of a heavy night, with arms are draped over mates’ shoulders and the feelings of solidarity and brotherhood coursing through our veins as we raise our voices in unison. I have no doubt that the lack of inebriation had something to do with this.

A little later an artist of a completely different calibre took the stage. Hailing from Scotland, Paolo Nutini was a great choice to occupy the Saturday mid-afternoon slot. At just 20 years old his voice has a maturity and husky vibrance which can captivate the mood of slow ballads as well as more upbeat tunes. With most people now supping their 2^nd or 3^rd beer of the day his music had a real relaxing effect. Even though a few of his songs could depress if you listen to the lyrics, this didn’t seem to matter – people were just enjoying the melodies. And when the first few chords of New Shoes were struck, pockets of people all around the arena could be seen dancing some kind of thigh slapping Western jig, cowboy hats and all. While some might claim that Nutini has been forced into the mainstream by his music label, his current brand of music seemed to hit the spot as the sun began to shine on Hylands Park. He’s obviously talented as he can sing, and play, music from several different genres effectively. Here’s hoping that he is allowed to demonstrate his versatility and true talent in the future rather than being forced to write music that his bosses assume the fans want to hear.

The weekend spent at V was pretty intense. Not only did we have to stand up for 12 hours a day listening to bands, but we were also required to drink copious amounts of beer and consume numerous whopping ½ pound burgers with everything on. It’s a hard life. The point I’m trying to make here is that, although I’d love to write about all 20-something bands I saw, it will just take me too long to do. So I’ll just pick out a couple more that stood out.

Pete Doherty always seems to be in the news for the wrong, or right, depending on your point of view, reasons. Not a week goes by when he is not arrested for alleged drug abuse, possession of illegal pharmaceuticals, assault, theft or something along these lines. I don’t think it was anything to do with his offstage antics, but I had never really paid much attention to him musically, either when he was in The Libertines, or now he is the front man of Babyshambles. So when my mate suggested we go and have a listen I wasn’t too keen. But based on the fact that I had decided our complete itinerary so far, it seemed a little unfair to turn down his one request.

So it was that I found myself surrounded by trilby-wearing cockneys. As we awaited the arrival of the ‘shambles on stage I must admit my expectations were not particularly high. However, as soon as Doherty ambled out I realised I was going to enjoy their set. Bottles, glasses, cans and indeed anything that could contain liquid for more than a few seconds started raining down on him. Oh what joy to see someone who continually gives it out getting it back for once. All those taking part in the pelting seemed like avid fans of his so I couldn’t quite work out why they were intent on attacking him. Even more confusing was the fact that people were willing to waste their partially consumed beers. Maybe retaliation was what they were looking for. If that was what they wanted, then that’s what they got. Mid-set one beverage appeared to land on its mark. I half expected Doherty to throw it back or get in a strop and march off stage. But he didn’t. Instead he took revenge by …………….. throwing his guitar at the audience. From where I was stood I couldn’t see if it made contact with anyone, but I was pleased to note the ingenuity he had used when picking his weapon. I expected the instrument to be gone forever, carefully secreted down someone’s pants. So I was amazed when a security guy appeared from amidst the crowd carrying it like a prized possession. During the remainder of the set Doherty lashed his microphone stand and microphone into the crowd and, on at least one occasion, spat on those at the front. All in all it was a thoroughly enjoyable show and demonstrated to me the bond that can exist between a performer and his audience. And, I must say, the music wasn’t bad either.

Although The Killers, The Kooks, Kasabian and Jet were all awesome, the last band I want to talk about has a lot more history than all these put together. Exactly a week before the start of V this year, Tony Wilson passed away. In Manchester and the North West of England he is considered nothing less than a legend for his contribution to the music scene over the last thirty years. So much so that there is even talk of erecting a statue of him in the city centre. The band most closely, and inextricably, linked with him are, of course, the Happy Mondays. In their early days the Mondays were groundbreaking with their fusion of indie rock and house music testing waters that had not been entered previously. It was obviously effective. And the fact that they can still get people dancing to the same tunes 17 years after the release of Pills ‘n’ Thrills and Bellyaches is testament to the influence they have had for the last two decades.

Shaun Ryder still has the same distinctive voice that made him famous all those years ago. Looking at the man tells a different story though. He’s filled out substantially, seems perpetually tired and sat down while singing the majority of his songs. Paradoxically though, listening to Kinky Afro, Loose Fit and the unforgettable Step On, the energy he created with his voice was tangible and reminiscent of The Hacienda days. This was undoubtedly aided by the relentless enthusiasm and commitment shown by the Mondays iconic resident prancer, Bez. With Ryder less than a week away from turning 45 we can’t expect him to be in peak physical condition. But what we do want is someone who can inspire us to dance and sing along to his music. And he does a damn good job of that.

Other bands at V 2007 (in no particular order):

Jet, New Order, Rodrigo y Gabriela, The Coral, The Killers, The Kooks, Kasabian, Foo Fighters, Kanye West, Manic Street Preachers, Primal Scream, McFly, Seth Lakeman, Pink, James, The Editors, Basement Jaxx, Damien Rice, Mika, KT Tunstall, Ocean Colour Scene, The Fray, Sophie Ellis Bextor, The Goo Goo Dolls, James Morrison, The Cribs, The Fratellis

And as a tribute to Tony Wilson…..

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