Showing that the older rockers still have what it takes to pull a crowd (not to mention put on a show), Iggy and the Stooges and Robert Plant and The Sensational Space Shifters played a string of their greatest hits – alongside some newer material – as they fought for the sold out Bluesfest crowd’s attention as they closed out the festival’s two biggest stages on the festival’s third night; now in its 24th year.
Robert Plant wowed fans overflowing the Mojo tent, showing that his vocal chords haven’t missed a beat after all these years. Songs such as “Heartbreaker”, “Going to California”, “Spoonful” and “Whole Lotta Love” all made the cut, pleasing Led Zeppelin fans – some of whom had been waiting in their spot all day to see the legend perform. Iggy, meanwhile, gave us a taste of his new Stooges record Ready To Die, along with classic tracks like “No Fun” and “I Wanna Be Your Dog”. Shirts optional.
Preceding Robert Plant on the mainstage, The Blind Boys of Alabama welcomed special guest Charlie Musselwhite onto the stage to perform the Tom Waits classic “On The Wire”, while one of its members got up close and personal with the crowd. Earlier in the day Canada’s bearded troubadour Ben Caplan welcomed The Beards onto the stage to perform an alternate version of his track “I Got Me a Woman” entitled “I Got Me a Beard”, to a huge response from the crowd.
Locals King Cannons, Saskwatch, Thelma Plum and Skipping Girl Vinegar were among the most talked about acts of the day, while bands like Beasts of Bourbon and Status Quo showed that they’re still favourites of Bluefest attendees, both drawing huge crowds. And let’s not forget Wilco or the Dropkick Murphys, either, alongside other legends like Taj Mahal and Ruthie Foster, all of whom kept crowds running between stages throughout the day. And having previously opened the main stage on Thursday, the crowds were out in force for songstress Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, who we’re told were a big seller in the CD store on site today.
The festival continues until Monday with names like Paul Simon, The Lumineers, Zac Brown Band, The Cat Empire, Roger Hodgson of Supertramp, a return appearance from Manu Chao La Ventura and much, much, much, much more. Is this the best Bluesfest ever? We’ll keep you posted…
Photos by Johnny Au. Full gallery and review up soon!
