Oxegen 2009: The O2 Stage Preview
Posted on 6th Jul 09 by Jonathan Keane | 
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Drop-d brings you a preview of the runners and riders for the O2 Stage at Oxegen this weekend. More previews of all stages, and a suggested timetable compiled by the D-dogs will appear throughout the week. We hope you’ve practiced pitching your tent! FRIDAY: The second stage, known as the O2 stage, line-up for Friday [...]
Drop-d brings you a preview of the runners and riders for the O2 Stage at Oxegen this weekend. More previews of all stages, and a suggested timetable compiled by the D-dogs will appear throughout the week. We hope you’ve practiced pitching your tent!
FRIDAY:
The second stage, known as the O2 stage, line-up for Friday this year is largely satisfying, merging some fine young talent with more seasoned live veterans.
The Answer
Now, here’s a band making strides. Fresh off a mammoth US and European tour supporting a little ol’ band called AC/DC the County Down natives return to Punchestown with more vigour then ever. Expect catchy classic rock tunes soaked in ambition, especially great tunes like Demon Eyes from latest effort Everyday Demons.
Therapy?
Alt rock veterans Therapy? return to undoubtedly storm Oxegen with great numbers like Turn, Screamager and Teethgrinder to name a few. Get yourself up nice and close for these guys, you’ll be glad you did.
Duke Special
One of the brightest stars to emerge from Ireland of late, Duke Special has certainly been on a roll. The Belfast man has proved his worth on the live stage, uniting crowds with his impassioned alternative folk. Sweet Sweet Kisses is a guarantee!
The sun is shining (hopefully) and you’ve got a belly full of beer, dodgy kebabs and God knows what else.
Fun Lovin’ Criminals
The ever-eclectic Fun Lovin’ Criminals will further the good times on the O2 stage on Friday. If the more poppy leanings on the main stage at this time (The Script & Lilly Allen) don’t row your boat then maybe FLC will be right up your alley.
Pendulum
Electro rockers Pendulum continue to prove their crossover appeal and having already played Download this year, the British/Australians now make the trek to Punchestown. Still touring on the back of last year’s critically acclaimed In Silico, expect fan faves Propane Nightmares and Showdown to set the place ablaze!
Keane
Certainly a marmite band to divide opinions. If you’re a Keane fan then I don’t have to tell you why you should go. If for some reason you’re unfamiliar with them and curious then go check ‘em out. If you hate them then all you have to do is not see them, it really is that simple! But of course nearly everyone will be at the main stage at this time for Blur.
SATURDAY:
The line up for the O2 stage continues on Saturday with premier names. Nick Cave and The Mars Volta anyone???
The Gaslight Anthem
These guys have been having a good year. Critically acclaimed The ’59 Sound catapulted them into the spotlight and they’ve stayed there. Also, they supported their fellow New Jersey man, The Boss, Bruce Springsteen, on his recent tours. So, one thing is for sure; as far as live shows go they’ve been battle-hardened, making this a set worth checking out.
The Game
Picture this: it’s Saturday afternoon. The sun is shining (hopefully) and you’ve got a belly full of beer, dodgy kebabs and god knows what else. What’s the next best thing for you? Why, blabbing out your own lyrics to The Game’s banal hip hop of course and making a eejit of yourself in the process.
Eagles Of Death Metal
The perfect festival band? Perhaps. One thing is certain, Eagles Of Death Metal will usher in some much needed laughs and silliness, which is never a bad thing, even if musically they’re quite bland…”I want you so hard, I want so good“…oh you’ll be singing one way or another.
Maximo Park
Maximo Park return to Oxegen again to deliver their crowd-pleasing indie to the O2 Stage. It would be fair to say that we’re looking at another band to divide opinion. However, latest album Quicken The Heart was released in May to mostly positive responses, so perhaps the show will hold a few surprises.
The Mars Volta
Unfortunately I’ve never seen these guys live so cannot attest to the claims of ‘greatest live act ever’. Maybe it’s an exaggeration but if The Mars Volta are half as good live as they are on record - Deloused In The Comatorium…The Bedlam In Goliath…Octahedron…This year’s punters are in for a helluva treat! .
Doves
Again, it depends on what you’re in to. Hot off the release of Kingdom Of Rust, Doves will be bringing their brand of indie rock to the O2 Stage on Saturday night much to your glee/dismay.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
If Kings Of Leon don’t tickle your fancy then head over to the second stage to catch a headlining set from the moustached master Nick Cave. Last year’s Dig Lazarus Dig was phenomenal and one thing’s certain: the man’s still got it.
SUNDAY:
The last day sees a mixed bag of acts, capped off with a set from the incredible Jane’s Addiction and headliners Nine Inch Nails.
The Horrors
First band on the second stage is an unenviable chore for some, especially on the last day. But The Horrors may just be up to the task. This year’s Primary Colours received excellent press and fan reviews and I’m sure both will retain high expectations for this show.
You Me At Six
A tenner for whoever smacks the front man on the head with a bottle…I jest, I jest! However it’s difficult to see emo/pop-punk banalities You Me At Six garnering any sort of attention this Sunday.
Starsailor
Is it just me or are there a lot of average bands here? I don’t mean that as an insult but personally Starsailor do nothing for me so I’m struggling to tell you why their set is worth seeing. If you dig ‘em, see ‘em.
Sunday afternoon will see the drunken masses gathered together in tuneless rapture.
White Lies
This year Oxegen is packed full of young and new bands who’ve caught the eyes and ears – White Lies are no different. Debut album To Lose My Life…entered the UK charts at #1 and their positioning on this year’s bill is further proof of their growing profile.
Katy Perry
Katy Perry may well be one of the highlights for you! Well, you’ll at least think it was. Plenty of people proclaim a disdain for her, myself included, but just you wait. Sunday afternoon will see the drunken masses gathered together in tuneless rapture of I Kissed A Girl.
The Ting Tings
This will be interesting to see in one sense. As well as the people bopping and singing along there might be people vomiting to the sound of The Ting Tings and regretting the cheap booze they brought and overpriced burgers they had. To be honest there’s nothing to The Ting Tings worth saying here, so if you like them then more power to you.
Jane’s Addiction
The reunion era continues with one of the most influential band to come from the alt-rock surge of the 90’s. This show has some odd potential. If all goes remotely to plan, the band will fire out staples like Been Caught Stealing, Jane Says, Stop! and Mountain Song (I could go on) and then the performance will be a contender for best of the weekend. Or…the infamous egos of the band will clash and their set will be as interesting as a cheese sandwich without cheese. Here’s hoping for the former!
Nine Inch Nails
Not by any stretch of the imagination is this man a NIN fan, let’s just get that straight. But real fans are in for a treat. One of the most influential musicians of recent times, Trent Reznor will likely blow away those willing to enjoy it.
Stay with Drop-d this week for more previews and run-downs. Stage times and site information can be found at forum.oxegen.ie
Tags: doves, duke special, eagles of death metal, fun lovin criminals, jane's addiction, katy perry, keane, maximo park, nick cave, nick cave and the bad seeds, nine inch nails, O2 stage, oxegen, pendulum, starsailor, the answer, the game, the gaslight anthem, the horrors, the mars volta, the ting tings, therapy?, white lies, you me at six
For what it’s worth I’d advise check out the last three Therapy? records also, though they usually play the old favorites also. Potatoe junkie if you’re lucky!!! :O)
Man, I’m *almost* tempted by The Mars Volta. Almost.
Think I’m gonna head down on Sat to try and catch Pet Shop Boys for the umpteent time. So near and yet so far soooo many times – must be the excitement that gets to me!
Mumford and Sons!