Hard Rock Calling 2008

United Kingdom | 01 July 2008

Better known for serving to, than serving up, some of the biggest names in music the American Diner giants prove they know how to party, they've even ordered some serious sunshine to get the largely American line-up underway. Prising the sun worshipping crowds from their backs, but not quite onto their feet, the recently reformed Steve Boyce Band work vehemently to connect with their slowly developing audience who appear curious and open to persuasion. Since disbanding in the early 80s, the Croydon band have lost their drummer but not their passion, charging across the stage like scalextric cars derailed, control free, care free and having a blast. Few are able to do more than echo the unfamiliar lyrics across the park, so a rendition of 'Wild Thing' is welcome, as is 'Transmitter,' the song that secured their opening slot.

The heat and energy intensify in unison as Robert Randolph & The Family band take us on an anthemic journey through rock, hoisting the crowd to their feet, dancing, stamping and chanting with a feast of sounds from wah wahs, steel pedals, boomer strings and cow bells to indulge in. Free spirited singer/songwriter Jason Mraz exhibits his penchant for foreign greetings, strolling around the stage and teasing the crowd with plucky ditties and opening bars. Despite working on new album 'We sing. We dance. We steal things' with Coldplay producer Martin Teref and James Blunt co-writer Sasha Starbek the songs are a million glorious miles away from this double dose of depressive bands. Mraz' is charming and relaxed, if not a little giddy and at times gleefully naughty. Slinging his guitar behind his back Mraz entertains us and himself with a dose of robotics and a game of 'when the song says', ensuring no member of the crowd leaves the park with any sense of dignity. Less inspiring is his generic crowd pleaser, Oasis's 'Don't look back in anger', the real vibe lays in his own words -  "you can turn off the sun but I'm still gonna shine" - thankfully there's no sign of the sun being switched off just yet. 

Whipping up excitement for John Mayer's imminent appearance, fans scrabble to the front singing and befriending one another. 'Gravity' and 'Waiting on the world to change' arouse attention from the unacquainted audience, although even the clambering fans are zombified as the set concludes. Sheryl Crow instantly lifts the atmosphere, claiming the stage dressed in white, a stunning contrast to her golden tan with hair blown back and sun shining off her sunnies.  Updating a waning fan base Sheryl confides: "Since I was last here I've been engaged. And unengaged. Got breast cancer. Got cured. Adopted a little boy", before abruptly resuming her American country pop hits. 'Have some fun' brings the smile back to our faces, followed by 90s hits 'Favourite Mistake' and 'Soak Up The Sun'. Sheryl's performance is intercepted with quirks, such as her jibe at Paris Hilton 'This song is about people who are famous but no-one really knows why...' a star performance to remember.

With underwhelming stage presence Headliner Eric Clapton shirks away from the crowd of adoring fans, immersing himself in a phenomenally intricate array of blues numbers. 'Hoochie Coochie Man' and 'Why Do You Have To Be So Sad?' distil loyal fans from general entertainment seekers as some lose interest while others crave a closer glimpse of the phenomenal guitarist, playing both electric and acoustic sets. Those who entertained more obscure tracks are rewarded with 'You Look Wonderful Tonight' and 'Layla', not to mention the re-appearance of past collaborators Sheryl Crow and Jack Mayers.

No stranger to Hyde Park Calling, day 2 sees the Mickey Free Electric Blues experience take to the stage in full turquoise native American glory. Complete with bandanna, earrings, Red Ostrich feather and the most elaborate customised guitar of the festival the three time Grammy nominee Gypsy Cowboy works the crowd with his honey coated deep south accent asking "Do I fit in, London?". Accentuating the throwback theme, The Bangles perform an array of old favourites including dance hit 'Walk Like an Egyption'. Susanna Hoffs, the sugary sweet voice of 'Manic Monday' and 'Eternal Flame', holds the crowd in captive silence. Recent 'Ride The Ride' completes their set.

With a new baby, Starsailor front man James Walsh can barely contain his excitement. His constant grin cripples the drama in 'Alcoholic', and makes 'Poor Misguided Fool' sound like a barrel of laughs. The quality of music is nonetheless untarnished and the light hearted spirit is well suited to the day, with their highlight performance 'Four to the Floor' each song closes with another, including Abba's 'Dancing Queen', Gorillas' 'Feel Good' and a Stranglers lilt.

KT Tunstall appears with her characteristic air of confidence and oxymoronic Scottish charm. Her understated crisp appearance allows her cheeky smile and dazzling guitar to steal the camera attention. She may be 31 years old, but proves she is not ready to grow up just yet by orchestrating the 'Hyde Park body bop' which may not become the world famous event KT  enthuses but it certainly brings the crowd together! A healthy mix of old hits 'Black Horse and Cherry Tree', and 'Suddenly I see' from Eye to the Telescope are infused with potential new chart stormers 'Hold on' and 'Saving my face' from Drastic Fantastic.

Weekend highlights The Police are received with mass applause and anticipation resonates through the densely packed crowd as the stage floods under blue lighting. A Gong is struck and a moment of icy silence melts from the eerie depths of Sting's low rumbling opening lines of 'Message In  A Bottle', without hesitation we are immersed into 'Walking On The Moon'. The Police have a lot of ground to cover in their last ever UK performance.  Renowned for his lack of sentiment, Sting cheerfully has the eager audience clapping in time to 'Don't Stand So Close To Me' and is equally enthusiastic belting out 'So Lonely'. The atmosphere darkens under the red lights of 'Roxanne' as drummer Stewart Copeland tinkers on a landscape of hi-hats and cymbals. The crowds unite in 'Every Little Thing She does Is Magic' and we are spoilt further as two encores exhaust the hits list, completing the weekend with 'Every Breath You Take'. The simplicity of 'De Doo Doo Doo' makes it the home-going choice to drown out vain attempts of local buskers, a sound that will echo around the underground system for weeks to come. Sought after collaborations were absent, a little disappointing from the Ambassadors of Rock, however outstanding performances all round in a celebration of Fenders, Yamahas and Harmos, Organs, Gongs, Square, shiny and named guitars (not to mention any, Eric).

by Anja Kimberley