Surprise Glen Hansard Appearance is Picnic Highlight

Glen Hansard was a surprise visitor at the Electric Picnic this year. As it transpires, his unscheduled appearance proved to be one of the highlights of the festival – for those lucky enough to know where to be in advance. Luckily, Hot Press had been tipped off by Chatroom visitors The Lost Brothers earlier in the afternoon – and we were there to witness the action.
Hitting the Salty Dog stage, deep in the woods and away from the Main Stage, at 7.30pm on Sunday, Glen got his not-so-secret set underway. He was joined throughout by the excellent Booka Brass Band, ensuring that this was no normal solo show.
Kicking off with a heartfelt cover of recent birthday boy Van the Man's 'Into The Mystic’, Glen acknowledged his debt to the Belfast Cowboy.
His performance turned into a career-to-date celebration, mixing Frames’ classics – including a stunning version of ‘Revelate’ – with solo material: the beguiling new nugget 'Her Mercy’ was itself a revelation…
In fine voice throughout, Glan was also joined by the aforementioned Lost Brothers for an ethereal take on the old country blues song – most famously recorded by Bob Dylan – 'Corrina, Corrina’, on which he took over double bass duties.
His 'Love Don't Leave Me Waiting/Respect' medley induced a mass sing-a-long, which was highly emotional, as did a rousing version of 'The Auld Triangle'.
The set was one of those magic moments which make a festival. To have been on hand to catch it was more than a bit special...

Have a look at our photo gallery HERE.