Estelle brings English Boy on stage at V Festival

As V Festival gets off to a flyer

17 August 2008

The bemused onlooker was hesitant to respond to the soulful singer at first, but eventually climbed up for a slow jam with the rising star.

Following the ecstatically received 'Free' and '1980', Estelle ended her set with a triumphant rendition of ‘American Boy’. The extended version was back with an 8-piece backing band but sadly no showing from guest collaborator Kanye West.

She proved to be one of the highlights of the opening afternoon. Elsewhere, Alanis Morissette garnered a mixed response from a huge crowd gathered at the V Stage, which this year has switched positions with the second stage, now known as the 4Music Stage. While many fans screamed along to her well known hits while, others slept in the afternoon sun.

‘Ironic’ was inevitably the standout moment but the clenched fist defiance from the ‘90s sensation came over across a little like cheesy nostalgia, and arguably the huge mane she carries on her head was more impressive.

Beforehand, The Futureheads were the first band to get the crowd on their feet and dancing on the V Stage, a back to back run through of ‘Skip To The End’, ‘Beginning Of The Twist’ and ‘Hounds Of Love’ proving the highlight.

Over on the 4Music Stage, Shed Seven played half of opener ‘Going For Gold’ without the speaker system working. But the bemused crowd sung along anyway, warming up their lungs for a greatest hits set from the reformed Britpoppers.

Much newer to playing festivals were Road To V winner Matt Trakker, who admitted: “This is only our fourth ever gig together."

V Festival continues throughout the day and tomorrow.

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