T in the Park 2009 - Sunday: Part II

Blog by Thomas Meek | 12 Jul 2009

After sadly missing out on Regina Spektor, it was a choice between vagabond poets The Streets, London hipster (but still really quite good) duo The Big Pink, and the all grown-up with an adult name, Peter Doherty, to make up for it.

Peter was the persuader this time, this being my chance to complete The Libertines at T in the Park set after seeing the band, minus Mr. Doherty, perform in 2004. Blimey – that was 5 years ago!

And to his credit, he lived up to his attempts to grow up, being both on time and seemingly coherent. He was even buoyed enough to attempt the first few lines of 'Flower of Scotland' before giving up for his own work.

It was the expected set of Babyshambles/solo numbers, including a sublime 'For Lovers', enjoyed during a moment in the sun, with the King Tut's tent proving too much of a sauna, and full of dangerously pointy straw hats at aimed right at eye level.

It was The Libertines' classics that caused the biggest fervour of course, with 'Music When the Lights Go Out' being the sweet, solo ditty that it's by far best suited too.

And as 'Time For Heroes' closed the set, I checked my watch and saw it was time for Elbow. Feel free to laugh.

Though it's a joy to see a band I've adored for close to ten years finally get their huge break and be playing high on the bill of one of the UK's biggest festivals, it's a shame that the impact of Seldom Seen Kid has overshadowed their other brilliant works, with songs from their past rarely getting a look in at a festival gig.

They were still their usual spectacular selves though, Guy Garvey continues to re-affirm his place as music's nicest man. He joked and bantered, suggesting after the first song the rest of their set would be Michael Jackson covers.

Sadly/thankfully (depending on you imagine that would have gone), it wasn't, and the likes of 'Grounds For Divorce' transferred fantastically to the big stage. Though I did sadly have to leave before the anthemic 'One Day Like This'.

It was for a very good reason though. That being TV on the Radio at King Tut's, who promised to be the most frenetic and ethereal performers of the day.

They were too. I can't go in depth as I was too busy dancing to take notes. Rest assured though, they were mighty, even if they chose not to play 'Dancing Choose'. 'Wolf Like Me' and 'DLZ' went some way to making up for it though.

Next? Blur of course.