We arrive in the green valley that is Pilton, Somerset by
Thursday afternoon, and don't pitch up until later.  The
inclement weather looks set to be with us all weekend but
it does little to dampen spirits (yes despite one Mr
McCulloch's comments).  We've arrive at our destination
but we don't really know where we are; mud is everywhere,
people in mud are everywhere.  So are tractors.

By Saturday we'd settled more, and had lots of cappuccino.
The main Pyramid stage is situated at the bottom of one large
downward sloping field, the neighbouring fields are for the
most part full with tents.  The rain holds off as we sit
through a good few bands awaiting Radiohead: woken up by
the Wannadies, then a frenetic Republica (hey watch the fly lady)
and a wildy energetic set by the Longpigs.  Things downshift
for the afternoon with (amongst others) a nice rendition
of From A Distance during the play of Nancy Griffiths and
The Blue Moon band.  After Ray Davies, we see a mud-fight
betwixt Cast and some bored dudes on the right side.  Dodgy
play a spirited set and Ocean Colour Scene sound out of tune.
Oh well.

It's nearing quarter to eleven, and as we wait for the band
to come out, the surge from the back right of the field is
nearing unbearable, but the pain slowly numbs and the rails
become a welcome barrier in that sardine-friendly way.

Ok computer, most of the lights go out and this cheesy
American kid's game show voice comes in on over the PA.
Irony about the weather it seems: "Remember the summer sun?
Remember when it made you hot?"  Feet ache to move in the
chunky mud as their entrance on the podium edges closer.

The crowd roar when the gents finally come on.  The opener Lucky
seems to be an unexpected choice at least amongst the eager
surrounding crowd.  In the parts of songs Colin he stomps
gently, and at times bounces, around the middle of the stage.
Jonny wears this slinky mustard long-sleeved top and flared
jeans.  Thom, his black hair now shorn to reveal his natural dark
blond/light brown shade, is clad in a sleek black shirt and thin
dark jeans.  Ah!  How his cheekbones doth look under the light as
he nods into My Iron Lung.

Airbag is splendid; acoustic is wonderful too, but live it really
shone.

Three songs in and Thom breaks his silence: "Hello.  How are you?"

Playing the guitar solo of Paranoid Android Thom talks for
a bit with an engineer about some technical problem and
woefully nodding his head returns to the mike just in time
to mouth "ambition makes you look pretty ugly, kicking
squealing Gucci little piggy".  Raucous cheer after that one.
"This one's called Creep" states Thom.  Jonny stands upright
his eyes stare intensely ahead, the endless shouts from the
crowd-front don't touch him as he prepares for that guitar
kerrunch he tears apart.

Colossal beaming fireworks light up the sky in the middle of
No Surprises.  That was special, and as we later found out not
a planned part of the set at all.  After this, when the band
huddle together, a few people call out songs they want to hear.
I shout out a suggestion and miraculously their next song
*is* Talk Show Host.  In closing the song, Thom looks
unsettled and motions hand across neck to Jonny and Phil to
cut the piece leaving out playing the new ending they've been
playing at Canadian shows (and the Evening Session).  There
have been a couple of hiccups with guitar tuning earlier and
speakers not performing and the three other guitar players
(Jonny looking most perplexed) quickly gather at the back
wondering after Thom.  However, soon enough, they return to
their places onstage.  Despite the technical gremlins, the set
smoothes as it progresses.

Occasionally Thom moves from the main podium of the stage
forward a couple of steps and stares into the darkness.  One
memorable image being when, at the end of The Bends (I think),
he steps forward onto one of the heavy chests by the stage,
and staring into the blackness lifts his guitar out in front
of him and lets the screechy bleeps slowly fade out.

Returning for an encore, Thom asks for the lights to be
turned on the punters "I couldn't see a soul for the fucking
show.  I wanna see them!" Jonny turns the two onstage floor-lights
the other way round and the audience applaud.  They rip through
a fantastic raw You, the stage lit up a bright glary red.
This song is absolutely amazing live.  Shifting down a couple of
gears they proceed onto The Tourist and then a most serene
High & Dry.  Thom's vocals echo around gracefully and carry
the set, which seemed near two hours, to a gliding finish.  Thom
takes the opportunity to talk about the spirit of the Glastonbury
and thanks the crowd for listening.  Feeling elated now, they
close with Street Spirit.

Worth all the effort.  Hearing praising snippets from the
exit poll of the audience, the satisfied crowd sidle slowly
from the stage.
emma