And the first prize for most shambolic but possibly also most entertaining, music event of the year goes to: The Eclipse Music Festival in Waterville, Co. Kerry!
Yes indeed, while the main entertainment was supposed to be provided by Kmla, John Martyn, The Frames, Mary Janes and a plethora of other musicians, what actually stole the limelight was the spirit of confusion and chaos that rampaged beyond control, like a Lord Of Mischief, from the beginning to the end of the day.
At 11 am, just as the eclipse was nearing its climax, it was raining torrentially, and as the day-trippers to Waterville joined their hearts and minds with all those across Ireland trying to cope with the anti-climax of a wash-out once-in-a-lifetime astronomical event, the outdoor stage in the grounds of the Waterville Lake Hotel began a slow descent into the soggy ground. To the sound of a rather grim bongo session, a snap decision was made to abandon ship and move the festival inside the hotel, where confused and drowned-looking gig-goers were already congregating, buffeted by the winds of rumour, counter-rumour and confabulation.
Meanwhile, upstairs, the ilite were being entertained in the VIP lounge, where I arrived at the tail-end of a champagne breakfast. The event was to raise money for a musicians retreat at the nearby Cill Rialaig Artists Sanctuary, so the breakfast was steep at #35, though most people there seemed to be musicians or liggers like myself. I made haste towards the remaining champagne and sat back to admire the stunning Kerry views of lake, sea and mountain.
Then, to everyone s delight, Donovan got up and sang a few songs about birds and trees, while artist Mick Mulcahy began a wild, sexually-charged cavort around the tables, giving intimations of the mass depravity towards which the festival now turned.
A string of singer-songwriters including the excellent Mal Blackie played for the champagne drinkers, but downstairs there was disgruntlement because things were so slow kicking off. No-one seemed to know what was supposed to be happening, including the musicians.
By evening the rain, at least, had eased up, allowing people to entertain themselves by rolling round naked outside. One particularly exhibitionist couple were urged on by rapturous applause from the balcony.
In one of the rooms of the huge hotel (which is closed most of the year, prompting comparisons with the film, The Shining) Victoria, Shane MacGowan s partner, ran a spiritual channelling session. Sitting in a circle, about twelve of us sent energy out to various things, including the organisers, to try to help them make some money. Meanwhile, downstairs, a doomsaying astronomer gave an eclipse slide-show dedicated to how blind we d all be if we d looked at the eclipse. Bit late for that!
The main bulk of the music eventually got going, hours late. Ex-singer with The Stranglers, Hugh Cornwell, seemed to be in a slight nark, but Kmla cheered everyone up and then The Frames played a blinder (well worth checking them out just now). The audience were either too pissed or too exhausted from waiting all day to give the quiet needed to really appreciate John Martyn, but by now everyone was enjoying themselves anyway.
The mad day closed with some fireworks over the lake. These would ve been impressive if it hadn t been for the gale-force wind, which blew them to the ground before they could really get off it.
All this may sound like a tale of woe, but because of the goodwill and spirit of the organisers and their worthy cause, the Waterville Music Festival was a success in terms of laughs and entertainment, warts an all. Let s hope it s the first of many! n