Common People Southampton has just about every bit of genre going as the diverse yet quality line up wowed thousands of fans over the two days last weekend. (27 – 28 May).
The Diamond Age opened up the Common Stage on Saturday and they put the crowd in a good vibe as they showed elements of indie and punk that really created a awesome and festival atmosphere in the sun. Kassassin Street was another band that was looking to put some alternative into the main stage and they certainly done that with singles such as To Be Young being performed. As the Uncommon Stage was beginning to get to get lively, I managed to catch Tom Odell perform on the main and the singer songwriter really surprised me with his style and performance in general. Tom played the likes of Wrong Crowd from his latest titled release as well his classic Another Love which really got the crowd alive.
I also managed to catch a bit of Loyle Carner who is certainly an up and coming artist in today’s music industry. His rapping was superb and really got everyone on their feet with his hit track The Isle of Arran. A more experienced festival goer would be Beans on Toast who once again performed songs from current affairs such as the upcoming general election to just festivals in general. However whether you disagree or agree with his views, you can’t deny that he has a catchy voice and plays the acoustic guitar really well.
Black Honey headlined the Uncommon Stage and the female fronted band really engaged with their crowd. Lead singer Izzy Baxter put on an incredible show and provided some really powerful vocals. Despite I only managed to catch a bit of the band’s set, it was worth it and certainly was one of my highlights of weekend. Pete Tong then headlined the Common Stage with his Ibiza Classics that was performed by The Heritage Orchestra conducted by James Buckley. They performed Fat Boy Slim’s Right Here, Right Now and also got a number of original singers to join them up on stage including Jamie Principle which was amazing to see.
The Sunday had a slightly more alternative feel to it in my opinion with Eastleigh band The Novatones one of the first bands to play on the Common Stage. With loud songs such as Be Yourself and Tell Me, it was no wonder why were asked to play on the main stage however you could argue they may have benefited playing a little later during the day. Another band that wowed the main stage was Signals lead singer Ellie Price using both her piano and powerful vocals to entertain the Southampton crowd. The Dead Freights were a real highlight at The Uncommon Stage over the afternoon among New Forest band Natives. Having just finished a tour with Busted and a headline tour as well as playing at Teddy Rocks Festival, Natives were on form and once again lead singer Jim Thomas knew how to put on show as the band played the likes of Chasing Lions that just stuck in your mind for the rest of the day.
Amy McDonald, Groove Armada DJ and of course Sunday’s headliner Sean Paul all put on one hell of a show to make Common People that more special this year. And despite Sean Paul exactly coming under the genre I am into, the singer performed the likes of Temperature which went down with fans really well and I have to say I really enjoyed his set.
There was a really good family and friendly atmosphere to this year’s festival and I think Common People will only get bigger and bigger with the years to come.