Review of concert from 2002-08-17: Chelmsford, England; Hylands Park, V2002 Festival - with Imposters
V2002, 2002-08-17
- Simon Leek

 

V2002 Saturday

Review by Simon Leek

It was V for Very hot on Saturday in Hylands Park. The weather gods were
obviously in penitent mood after soaking V2001 with an unseasonal two-day
deluge and were determined to make up for it in style.

And the 30-degree temperatures brought a host of stars out to bask in the
Chelmsford sun. This reviewer is sure he saw Russell Crowe - yes, that
Russell Crowe, of Gladiator fame - slumming it in the queues of traffic
lining up to get into Hylands Park.

Once inside there were VIPs galore wandering through the press area during
the course of the day, including Big Brother evictees PJ and Spencer.

There was even Liv Tyler, surrounded by a posse of photographers -
apparently she's good friends with Supergrass and had come along for the
day to watch.

The music didn't disappoint either, and the crowds, already in a
ridiculously good mood thanks to the blazing sun, responded with an
enthusiasm rarely seen even at V festivals.

The Bluetones were among the those making an early appearance. Lead singer
Mark Morriss quipped: 'I'm not used to singing at least until Countdown has
finished!'.

Nonetheless new numbers like Liquid Lips and their earlier single this
year, Freeze-dried Pop, sounded fresh and clean, but predictably the best
reception was reserved for old favourites from Learning To Fly. No sign of
Slight Return, though.

Elvis Costello followed the Bluetones on the V Stage, accompanied by The
Imposters. The music world's most famous surviving Elvis is a dependable
performer, and the throng in in front of the stage lapped up the artful
lyrics as Costello ran through his set. And yes, Oliver's Army was here to
stay, again.

<snip>

Fantastic stuff, and a fitting end to a wonderful day.