Eminem smashes headline slot at T In The Park

The rap superstar headlines Saturday night at T In The Park

Gavin McInally - 11 July 2010

The re-formed straight edge hip-hop legend does everything he can to put the crowd off by repeated chants of “Come on Edin-burg!” to a Kinross crowd who know how to pronounce the Scottish capital, and the knowledge that they are nowhere near it.

Also, the fact that it doesn't seem to matter whether he's got the mic in hand or not as the backing track continues his vocals, is gratingly annoying.

However, with a stunning opening combo of 'Won't Back Down' and '3am' through the medley of 'My Name Is', 'The Real Slim Shady' and 'Without Me' to the closing 'Lose Yourself', Eminem could be wearing an England t-shirt and still be hailed as a god among men. An absolutely stunning live performance which proves The Killers and Kings Of Leon shouldn't be on redial for the T bosses.

Before the mighty Slim Shady, Paolo Nutini and Stereophonics treat the Main Stage to impressive performances.

The Paisley crooner could claim headline status with a crowd that dwarfs even Muse's attendance last night. Paolo soulfully works up the crowd with old favourites 'Jenny Don't Be Hasty' and MGMT cover 'Time To Pretend' before the most relaxing version of 'Last Request' massages the Scots into Stereophonics.

The Welsh trio don't mess about with their stage time, ripping into a greatest hits set with 'Bartender and the Thief', 'A Thousand Trees' and 'More Life Than a Tramp's Vest' orchestrating a free-for-all party before anyone can catch a breath.

With his now legendary green spiky hair, Keith Flint and his Prodigy mates smash into their NME/Radio One headline set like the proverbial bull in a china shop...which was just as well after keeping us waiting twenty minutes.

In the Saturday night T in the Park battle of the egos, Flint was never going to steal Main Stage rival Marshall Mathers' crown.

But despite a poor crowd presence for the now ageless ravers, they bounced around the stage like they had each just given themselves a shots in joints of WD40.

'Breathe' is outstanding with Flint screaming at his salivating audience, asking them “Where the fuck are my Scottish people?”.

'Poison', 'Diesel Power' and the anthemic 'Firestarter' threaten to overshadow Eminem (and D12) with 'Invaders Must Die' keeping us on our toes.

Earlier Shed Seven prove Britpop might be long gone but it's not forgotten... Indie classics such as 'Going for Gold', 'Getting Better' and a cover of the Stone Roses' 'Waterfall' are well received in the downpour.

But the biggest cheer comes for classic 'Chasing Rainbows'; a bit ironic to be honest as they aren't far with this tragic weather.

And with most of T making their way to the Main Stage waiting for The Proclaimers to be relevant again The Black Keys go about their business in front of a limited and disappointing crowd.

That doesn't stop the duo – yes there is just the two of them – mashing up stage with their helping of Blues-rock.

On another day the Ohio-boys would have went down a storm. But in the pissing rain their Blues leaves us feeling a bit.....well...blue. Brownie points for effort though with 'Breaks' being the creme-de-la-creme.

Selkirk's finest sons Frightened Rabbit prove to be the hit of the day in the King Tut's Tent with a rousing show, bashing through 'My Backwards Walk', 'Old Old Fashioned' and closer 'Keep Yourself Warm' with the proclamation that it's their “best day ever!” .

Kate Nash might have fallen from grace in recent times but even in the more comfortable surroundings of the King Tut's Tent, the cockney diva is a pleasure to watch with her easy on the ears tunes and lively spirit. 'Foundations' is an obvious highlight but it's the charge off the stage and jumping on her keyboard which prove memorable.

After cheeky English rap scamp Chipmunk addresses Kinross as “Glasgow” it's down to dreadlocked singer/songwriter Newton Faulkner to brighten up T in the Park during the afternoon's drizzle.

The self proclaiming “sexy ginger man”, rattles through an enticing set including his renown cover of Massive Attack's 'Teardrop' and his own – albeit acoustic - version of 'Dream Catch Me'.

A rendition of Blackstreet's 'No Diggity' also goes down a storm before an excellent 'Bohemian Rhapsody' closes proceedings.

Tomorrow fans can look forward to sets from Kasabian, Jay-Z and Biffy Clyro at T In The Park 2010. 

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