V Festival 2014 – Music Lovers at Virgin Media V Festival

This year’s V Festival boasted a whole host of big name artists, where we were all left truly spoilt for choice. There were a flurry of big name past and present acts, spanning many genres and eras – and although the festival had no real identity, there was something for everyone.

Day one down at Chelmsford was full of promise and lived up to expectations despite Manic Street Preachers pulling out and a number of clashes.

Kaiser Chiefs put on one heck of a show, demonstrating why they’ve stayed in the game so long and show no signs of leaving it any time soon. Frontman Ricky Wilson played up to the camera non-stop and entertained by jumping onto amps and drummer Vijay’s kit mid performance. Playing classics ‘Everyday I Love You Less and Les’s and ‘Oh My God’ early on, Kaisers set the tone by riling up the arena.

Throughout their set, Ricky ran up and down the entire length of the main stage, raucously stomping around and even grabbing an unsuspecting staff member from backstage. The gig was insanely topped off by an extended ‘Oh My God‘ and ‘Ruby‘ both of which needed no introduction, as the crowd were rapturous in their delivery.

Despite a technical hitch and slight nerves of lead singer Dan Smith creeping through, Bastille were a delight in delivering a high energy set filled with energy, passion and a bit of dodgy dancing. The thumping beats of ‘Things we Lost in the Fire‘ and ‘These Streets‘ shook the ground, while Smith’s anthemic voice pulled the crowd back in when attention waned in places.

Crowd-pleasers ‘Flaws‘ and ‘Of The Night‘ had Dan urging the crowd to join him for the “easiest move in the world”, the Pogo, as he bounded about the stage. The introduction of band To Kill a King to sing their famously distinctive chant of ‘Pompeii‘ closed the set brilliantly.

Janelle Monae mesmerised with an out of this world performance to a half packed Arena Stage, which was a criminal shame. Highlights came via ‘Electric Lady‘, ‘QUEEN‘ and ‘Tightrope‘, with the powerful singer hitting flawlessly eye-wateringly high notes. Showing off killer dance moves, a lot of thrusts and a spot of twerking, Janelle lapped up the spotlight and delivered a provocative performance which was fun but incredible in equal measure.

Staying true to his busking roots, Ed Sheeran wowed with just a guitar, raw passion and his distinctive voice throwing his all into a stripped down but fantastic set. The crowd erupted into a mass sing-a-long to the majority of his set but ‘A-Team‘, ‘Lego House‘ and ‘Sing‘ came out on top. With a good mix of stuff from both albums and a brilliant extended version of ‘You Need Me I Don’t Need You’ complete with rapping skill, Ed impressed effortlessly.

Hotly-anticipated headliner Justin Timberlake stole the show, putting on a dazzling slick production that showcased his iconic dance moves and unique sense of humour, even finding the time to pose for a selfie with a fan.

Justin effortlessly fired through catchy classics, which got the best reaction via hits ‘Rock Your Body‘, ‘Like I Love You‘ and issued a fun male/female split in the crowd for ‘Senorita’s breakdown. An intense performance of ‘Cry Me A River‘ and a stripped down powerful rendition of its sequel ‘What Goes Around‘ had the crowd swaying in the palm of his hand. Fans were treated to not only his newer material like ‘Suit and Tie‘ and T’ake Back The Night’ but also a fab cover of Michael Jackson’s ‘Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground)‘. Although there was no encore, Justin left the crowd feeling more than satisfied.

The second day of V was filled with plenty of throwback and feel good vibes despite the weather being a bit crap.

M People brought energy and a dose of nostalgia, kicking off day two at V with their hit ‘One Night in Heaven‘. Heather Small looked wonderful accompanied by the full band for their first festival performance in years. A surprisingly diverse crowd of all ages screamed out the lyrics to hits ‘Hero’, ‘How Can I Love You More‘ and ‘Ain’t Love a Surprise‘, which was complete by a stunning saxophone solo. Heather commanded the crowd to jump along joking even her and the rain which soaked her heels couldn’t stop her. The band dazzled despite the crisp weather and turned the arena into a 90s rave leaving you wanting to dig out your greatest hits cassette.

A goosebump inducing Sam Smith performed on the wrong stage, which was evident by the unbelievably packed MTV arena which reached all the way from the stage front to the food vendor stalls. Kicking off with a rendition of ‘Together‘ with surprise guest Nile Rodgers on guitar the precedent was high. Soulfully singing a beautiful ballad-full-to-the-brim set the artist delivered hits from his album including ‘Money on My Mind’ and ‘Stay With Me’. The crowd was treated to huge songs via a slowed down version of ‘Latch‘ and ‘La La La‘.

Chic and Nile Rogers brought the funk to V with an incredible medley of songs from the disco legend. Accompanied by stunning vocals by Kimberley Davis, there were some serious shapes being thrown on the ground throughout the lengthy set. As well as mega classics ‘I’m Coming Out‘, ‘Upside Down‘ and ‘She’s The Greatest Dancer‘, ahighlight was friends and family backstage who stormed the stage for ‘We Are Family‘, ‘Le Freak‘, and a new take on the Daft Punk smash hit ‘Get Lucky‘. If there’s one thing the set showed, it’s that Nile very much still has indescribable and unfaltering talent that’s spanned decades.

Rudimental were in their element exuding crazy energy and getting festival goers raving to a tracks from their album. Despite a distinct lack of guest vocals they still threw a nonstop party with people manically jumping to ‘Waiting All Night‘, ‘Not Giving In‘ and ‘Feel the Love‘.

A bizarrely bonkers and inexplicable performance by Lily Allen brought on a bunch of puzzled expressions and reams of loo roll thrown in stage direction. Giant baby bottles lined the stage and Lily donned a silver leather catsuit which gave way to a wardrobe malfunction. Belting out almost solely new material like ‘It’s Hard Out Here‘, there was far too much going on to take in. A bit of a rebellious streak shone through with her having an onstage fag break as she wasn’t allowed to take one and scantily clad dancers. Her old stuff went down a lot better than her recent with ‘Smile‘, ’22’, ‘The Fear’ and ‘Not Fair‘ getting the best reaction after which she couldn’t resist Snapchatting the moment.

The Killers reigned supreme, drawing the festival to a magnificent close with the crowd giving the arguably one of the best receptions of the weekend. Playing all their biggest hits, the word-perfect chants of the audience caused a euphoric atmosphere that was sure to be felt and heard beyond Hylands Park.

Kicking off with classic ‘Somebody Told Me‘, Brandon Flowers crashed around with a pink glittery suit jacket taking it all in his stride with charisma and ease not phased by the huge crowd. Highlight were hearing the cries of iconic line: "I’ve got soul but I’m not a soldier" of ‘All These Things That I’ve Done‘ and fans were also treated to a unique Killers’ rework of Iggy Azalea’s summer smash ‘Fancy‘, as well as a cover of Van Morrison’s Brown Eyed Girl.

Ending with ‘Mr Brightside‘ and ‘When You Were Young‘, the band had Essex dazed from start to finish with a touch of glamorous indie rock and roll.

The Killers @ V Festival 2014 by designerzcentral