The Prodigy have closed this years’ Electric Picnic with an explosive, abrasive show at Stradbally that proved exactly why they’re still one of the most exciting bands in the world. Bringing to an end three days of music and more on Sunday night (2nd September 2018), the Essex band’s appearance came on the third day of the event.
Photo: Darren McLoughlin.
By Eamon O'Neill.
The Prodigy have closed this years’ Electric Picnic with an explosive, abrasive show at Stradbally that proved exactly why they’re still one of the most exciting bands in the world. Bringing to an end three days of music and more on Sunday night (2nd September 2018), the Essex band’s appearance came on the third day of the event.
Taking place in Co.Laois from 31st August – 2nd September and attended by 55,000 revellers, Electric Picnic is Ireland’s largest music and arts festival.
The Prodigy’s headline set was just one of a number of highlights from across the weekend. Kicking off on Friday (31st August 2018) with sets from the emotive Walking On Cars, the striking Chvrches and hip-hop superstar Kendrick Lamar, there was something for everyone at the fifteenth outing of the event.
While Saturday (2st September 2018) saw meeting of minds between R&B and Gospel legend Mavis Staples and man of the hour Hozier, attendees were also treated to a variety of musical styles, as well as comedy, spoken word, sideshows and more, across the vast arena.
On the main stage, Northern Indie stars Gomez found themselves preaching to the converted on day two, as they kicked off their early afternoon set. “How many of you have not seen Gomez before?”, enquired front man Ian Ball, to a deafening silence, before going on to celebrate 20 years of Mercury Prize winning album ‘Bring It On’.
The Prodigy have closed this years’ Electric Picnic with an explosive, abrasive show at Stradbally that proved exactly why they’re still one of the most exciting bands in the world. Bringing to an end three days of music and more on Sunday night (2nd September 2018), the Essex band’s appearance came on the third day of the event.
Taking place in Co.Laois from 31st August – 2nd September and attended by 55,000 revellers, Electric Picnic is Ireland’s largest music and arts festival.
The Prodigy’s headline set was just one of a number of highlights from across the weekend. Kicking off on Friday (31st August 2018) with sets from the emotive Walking On Cars, the striking Chvrches and hip-hop superstar Kendrick Lamar, there was something for everyone at the fifteenth outing of the event.
While Saturday (2st September 2018) saw meeting of minds between R&B and Gospel legend Mavis Staples and man of the hour Hozier, attendees were also treated to a variety of musical styles, as well as comedy, spoken word, sideshows and more, across the vast arena.
On the main stage, Northern Indie stars Gomez found themselves preaching to the converted on day two, as they kicked off their early afternoon set. “How many of you have not seen Gomez before?”, enquired front man Ian Ball, to a deafening silence, before going on to celebrate 20 years of Mercury Prize winning album ‘Bring It On’.
Dua Lipan. Photo: Darren McLoughlin.
In contrast, contemporary acts like Dua Lipan and Gavin James drew a younger audience, before hip-hop sensations N.E.R.D brought the entire crowd together with their high-energy Saturday night set. Bringing the night to an end meanwhile, the brooding Massive Attack showed just why they’re so revered, with a politically-charged set that mixed on-screen sloganeering with hypnotic beats and soulful vocals.
Stepping back in time, the Throwback stage, which has proved increasingly popular in recent years, offered home grown sets from reformed girl group B*Witched, and three-time Eurovision winner Johnny Logan. “It’s great to be back home”, offered B*Witched’s Edele Lynch of the rousing reception they received.
Stepping back in time, the Throwback stage, which has proved increasingly popular in recent years, offered home grown sets from reformed girl group B*Witched, and three-time Eurovision winner Johnny Logan. “It’s great to be back home”, offered B*Witched’s Edele Lynch of the rousing reception they received.
B*Witched. Photo: Darren McLoughlin.
Elsewhere, celebrating two decades of their mega-selling ‘Version 2.0’ album, post-grunge act Garbage returned for their first gig in Ireland since its release. Said singer Shirley Manson; “The last time we were invited to play in Ireland was twenty years ago, and we’re so indebted to Electric Picnic for inviting us here today”. Racing through a rapid-fire set that included the hits ‘Push It’ and the breakthrough single ‘Vow’, the band’s Sunday evening set pushed the envelope.
As the final day drew to a close, it was left to Electric Picnic favourites George Ezra and Picture This to conclude events on the man stage before Jilted Generation upstarts The Prodigy’s headline set. Leading from the back, Liam Howlett’s mob delivered their biggest tracks early, with an exhilarating ‘Breathe’ kicking off their explosive performance. With front men Keith Flint and Maxim Reality – who seemed believe that he was in Dublin, despite being over an hour away from the capital – commanding from the lip of the stage, it was a captivating way to bring the Stradbally fete to an end.
Electric Picnic is set to return in 2019, with an increased capacity. Adding another 2,500 tickets, director Melvin Benn has promised subtle changes when the event returns. Tickets for next year go on sale Friday 7th September at 9am, from the E.P. site.
Like this story? Like us on FaceBook and follow us on Twitter for regular updates & more of the same.
Check our gallery from Electric Picnic 2018 below. Click on the image to view. All photos by Darren McLoughlin.
As the final day drew to a close, it was left to Electric Picnic favourites George Ezra and Picture This to conclude events on the man stage before Jilted Generation upstarts The Prodigy’s headline set. Leading from the back, Liam Howlett’s mob delivered their biggest tracks early, with an exhilarating ‘Breathe’ kicking off their explosive performance. With front men Keith Flint and Maxim Reality – who seemed believe that he was in Dublin, despite being over an hour away from the capital – commanding from the lip of the stage, it was a captivating way to bring the Stradbally fete to an end.
Electric Picnic is set to return in 2019, with an increased capacity. Adding another 2,500 tickets, director Melvin Benn has promised subtle changes when the event returns. Tickets for next year go on sale Friday 7th September at 9am, from the E.P. site.
Like this story? Like us on FaceBook and follow us on Twitter for regular updates & more of the same.
Check our gallery from Electric Picnic 2018 below. Click on the image to view. All photos by Darren McLoughlin.
