Jimmy Cliff cut off at Rise Festival

United Kingdom | 14 July 2008

Jimmy Cliff was left performing in silence as his headline set ran over the curfew at this year's Rise Festival.

The reggae star was in the middle of performing a rootsy-version of 'Rivers Of Babylon' when the sound was cut at around 8.35pm. The band continued to perform the track, despite no sound and jeers from the crowd, before leaving the stage.

Earlier on in the set Cliff had spoken about the war in Iraq saying: "We're the people of the world and we don't like it – we don't want another Vietnam," before the group launched into 'Vietnam'.

He had also performed 'The Harder They Come', 'You Can Get It If You Really Want' and a cover of Cat Steven's 'Wild World' during his set, which was shortened set due to other acts overrunning.

CSS performed a rather lacklustre set, which included 'Music Is My Hot Hot Sex' and 'Let's Make Love And Listen To Death From Above' with lead singer Lovefoxxx adorned in an all in one and a leopard-skin cape.

Dub Pistols proved popular in the afternoon sunshine as they invited Terry Hall and rapper Rodney P onstage to perform hits like 'Cyclone' and a version of The Specials' 'Gangsters'.

Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings drew a large crowd for a soulful set on the Rise Stage, while rising RnB star Tawiah played hits from her EP 'In Jodi's Bedroom' during a very energetic set on the Underground London stage.

Two times UK beatbox champion Beardyman also performed between acts by spitting hits like Amy Winehouse's 'Rehab', The White Stripes 'Seven Nation Army' and a impersonation of Ken Livingstone saying: "They'll reject you like they rejected me Boris."

London Mayor Boris Johnston dampened the anti-racism message at this year's event, but it remained as multi-cultural as ever with an African Village stage, Underground London stage and a dance stage that showcased different types of dance including Flamenco, African and belly dancing.