Torrential rain, a brief burst of glorious sunshine, storm warnings, controversial rappers, indie rock, and pop perfection; Electric Picnic 2022, day 2 certainly had it all. Taking place at Stradbally, Co. Laois, from 2nd - 4th September, Electric Picnic is Ireland's largest music and arts festival.
Kneecap at Electric Picnic 2022. Photo: Darren McLoughlin.
Day two at the 70,000-capacity event followed from Friday's opening, which saw its return after a three-year absence.
Kicking off with a bang, controversial West Belfast hip hop outfit Kneecap drew a huge crowd to the Rankin's Wood stage. Clutching a bottle of Buckfast tonic wine and adorned with an Irish tricolour balaclava, DJ Próvaí in particular made quite the entrance, with the band's material proving no less arresting.
Upholding their shady credentials, rapper Mo Chara warned; "the person beside you could be a friend, or could be an undercover Gard. Look at his shoes; if they're shit, he's a friend, if they're not, he's a Gard."
Proving a huge hit with the EP crowd, the packed tent of dedicated fans sang along to every word during their set.
Kicking off with a bang, controversial West Belfast hip hop outfit Kneecap drew a huge crowd to the Rankin's Wood stage. Clutching a bottle of Buckfast tonic wine and adorned with an Irish tricolour balaclava, DJ Próvaí in particular made quite the entrance, with the band's material proving no less arresting.
Upholding their shady credentials, rapper Mo Chara warned; "the person beside you could be a friend, or could be an undercover Gard. Look at his shoes; if they're shit, he's a friend, if they're not, he's a Gard."
Proving a huge hit with the EP crowd, the packed tent of dedicated fans sang along to every word during their set.
Anne-Marie at Electric Picnic 2022. Photo: Darren McLoughlin.
Over on the main stage, and following hours of drenching, the weather finally broke as pop sensation Anne-Marie took to the stage. "The sun is out!", declared the clearly elated singer; "I'm so happy the rain has stopped. Are we ready to go crazy today?!"
Going on to debut brand new song 'I'm A Psychopath', as well as revealing that her sophomore release, 2021's 'Therapy' has just gone gold for sales of over 100,000 units, it was clearly the R&B sensation's day.
Going on to debut brand new song 'I'm A Psychopath', as well as revealing that her sophomore release, 2021's 'Therapy' has just gone gold for sales of over 100,000 units, it was clearly the R&B sensation's day.
Picture This at Electric Picnic 2022. Photo: Darren McLoughlin.
Undoubtedly the band of the day for many, Picture This were greeted like returning heroes. Drawing a huge crowd, the lads proved particularly popular with younger festival goers who sang along passionately to every word of their trio of opening tracks which included emotive opener 'Things Are Different', and uplifting anthem 'You & I'.
Despite being a perfect pop act, drummer Jimmy Rainsford gave a nod to his rock and roll credentials with a Metallica logo emblazoned across his bass drum skin.
Greeting the crowd and Soaking up the adulation, singer Ryan Hennessy said; "Electric Picnic, we're fucking home, baby!" Very much a local band, he continued; "We grew up thirteen minutes from this stage. This is home to us; geographically, spiritually."
Acknowledging the rapturous response they were receiving, he continued; "you lot have been amazing, only three songs in!"
Despite being a perfect pop act, drummer Jimmy Rainsford gave a nod to his rock and roll credentials with a Metallica logo emblazoned across his bass drum skin.
Greeting the crowd and Soaking up the adulation, singer Ryan Hennessy said; "Electric Picnic, we're fucking home, baby!" Very much a local band, he continued; "We grew up thirteen minutes from this stage. This is home to us; geographically, spiritually."
Acknowledging the rapturous response they were receiving, he continued; "you lot have been amazing, only three songs in!"
Wolf Alice at Electric Picnic 2022. Photo: Darren McLoughlin.
Following on from Pixies raucous set on Friday night, the Electric Arena cemented its reputation as the place to be for alt-rock fans, with a rousing set from Wolf Alice. Led by singer and guitarist Ellie Roswell, the post-grunge act proved one of the most exciting of the day.
With angsty anthems, heavy guitar riffs, and distorted bass, their short evening set was the perfect antidote to the cleaner sounds over on the main stage.
With angsty anthems, heavy guitar riffs, and distorted bass, their short evening set was the perfect antidote to the cleaner sounds over on the main stage.
Tame Impala at Electric Picnic 2022. Photo: Darren McLoughlin.
Closing out the second day, neo-psychedelic Australians Tame Impala brought with them hypnotic, trippy sounds, as well as lava lamp-like visuals. The brainchild of multi-instrumentalist Kevin Parker, their propulsive sound provided the perfect Saturday night soundtrack for the weary weather beaten Picnickers who had endured and come out victorious on the other side.
Electric Picnic 2022 continues on Sunday (4th September) with Northern Ireland heroes Snow Patrol, and Sheffield sensations Arctic Monkeys closing out the event.
Electric Picnic 2022 continues on Sunday (4th September) with Northern Ireland heroes Snow Patrol, and Sheffield sensations Arctic Monkeys closing out the event.
