Gig Review: Wireless Festival, 12th July - Justin Timberlake, Sub Focus, Frank Ocean & more ✭✭✭✭✭
Wireless Festival 2013
Friday 12th July
Friday was the first day of the three day festival, the sun was definitely shining and the festival was completely sold out. With an impressive line-up there was a lot to look forward to and a lot to choose from, Frank Ocean, Sub Focus, Rita Ora, Snoop Lion (formerly Snoop Dogg) and many more. This day was a great day to start off a great weekend.
Half way through his set, Miguel started to explain the meaning to “All I Want Is You” a sad story of a former relationship it made his performance a lot more emotional. Eventually it got too hot for Miguel in his leather jacket and he stripped down to his t-shirt, revealing his six pack to the female members of the audience – it certainly got a little bit hotter.
Day
1 – The afternoon at Wireless was all about the soft sounds of RnB with Miguel, John Legend and Trey Songz
on the main stage and Frank Ocean on the Pepsi Max Stage later on in the day. Miguel
was up first, hitting the stage in all black including a leather jacket. Singing a
bunch of his hits along to guitar solos and banging beats Miguel certainly got
the crowd going. His set included hits like "Adorn" and "How Many Drinks"
Half way through his set, Miguel started to explain the meaning to “All I Want Is You” a sad story of a former relationship it made his performance a lot more emotional. Eventually it got too hot for Miguel in his leather jacket and he stripped down to his t-shirt, revealing his six pack to the female members of the audience – it certainly got a little bit hotter.
We
listened to a little bit of John Legend
whose soulful voice made for a relaxing chilled out vibe, we then headed over to
the other side of the festival to the Pepsi Max Stage we caught the end Bingo Players and waited for Zane Lowe. Zane Lowe delivered a
massive set, so big in fact it felt like I was in Ibiza. Highs included Dizzee
Rascals, Old Dirty B*stard and House of Pain tracks. He got the crowd going
ready for Sub Focus.
Sub Focus (aka Nick Douwma) the penultimate act
on the Pepsi Max Stage, he had a very warmed up crowd who were ready to go crazy. There is a
huge circular LED construction stands behind and in front of the DJ podium, it
pulsates with the beat, The Iris, it is very impressive. With this production you get to listen to
DnB, dubstep, house and a lot of bass, it doesn't disappoint. Opening with the atmospheric
intro of “Let The Story Begin” and the Daft Punk sampling "Rock It", we were
treated to new mixes and live editing. With songs like "Falling Down VIP", Move and
his chart hits "Out The Blue", "Endorphins" and "Tidal Wave". The crowd were also
teased with some new tracks from his upcoming album. Great set. Super pumped
performance. The crowd were hyped and everyone was sweating, what more could
ask for?
Back
over at the main stage Trey Songz
was getting ready to hit the stage. Relaxing on the grass and listening to the
cool sounds of RnB from ‘Mr Steal Your Girl’, perfection. Trey worked the crowd
with his hits “Bottoms Up”, “I Invented Sex” “Can’t Help But Wait” and “Can’t
Be Friends” and some of his new material.
Frank Ocean was up next on the Pepsi
Max Stage, with a full crowd ready, waiting and spilling outside of the tent
just to catch a glimpse of this R&B superstar. He walked on to the stage in
his usual red and white bandana and started to sing. His all together
performance with a continual video of a yellow car driving through the desert
played its part in making this day extra special. With his soft tone and full
band you got to hear Frank Ocean the way he should be heard – live. Performing
songs “Sierra Leone”, “Pyramids”, “Super Rich Kids”, “Thinkin Bout You” and of course “Novacane”. One of my
favourite artists and it was great to hear him live one of my best acts of
the day.
So
with all the performances of the day done it was time to head back to the main
stage to watch the headline act. Justin
Timberlake belongs on a stage. The headline performance was definitely not
one to be missed, bringing his 15-piece big band, The Tennessee Kids. Filling the arena with the sounds of “Like I
Love You”, JT hits the stage, for an unbelievable show. This man is crazy
talented, singing, rapping, dancing, and playing the guitar and the piano he
can probably cook too. With new and old songs the whole audience were in for a
great time from “Cry Me a River”, “Señorita”, “Rock Your Body” to JT’s newer
stuff “Mirrors”, “Tunnel Vision” and “Take Back The Night” which was actually
released on the day. On the performance of “Suit & Tie” we had a treat with
Jay-Z coming out. The whole performance was great, the whole audience were
clearly really enjoying themselves, singing along to all the songs, old and
new. You couldn't have asked for a better way to end the night. One thing is
for sure it is great to have Justin Timberlake doing music again!
