1989 Reading Festival Day Two

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The Reading Festival is an annual three-day music festival held in Reading, England. A buddy and I attended the 1989 festival, which was quite the adventure. We'd met a couple of girls upon our arrival, and spent the rest of the fest as a foursome. On day two, we awoke to a couple of Bobbie's thoroughly searching the tent and belongings of the people next to us. I've even got a picture of it. And, the Concord flew directly over us, which I thought was cool, having never seen it. Day two lineup, in order: Something Happens!, Bhundu Boys, Les Negresses Vertes, The Men They Couldn't Hang, Mary Coughlin, Green on Red, Billy Bragg, New Model Army, and The Pogues. We checked out a couple bands (Les Negresses Vertes sang entirely in French. Luckily, my French-fluent buddy could translate their funny lyrics for us. We headed into town to stock up on beer (Newcastle) and cider, after which the girls mixed the two together (really good. I highly recommend it.) We spent a couple hours at the tent getting loaded and hanging out. I was, however, determined to see New Model Army's set, so back to the concert grounds we went. I'd been wanting to see New Model Army for some time, but every chance, something came up (I had to wait another 15 years to see them again.) Their energetic set was everything I had hoped for and more. And The Pogues were worth it just to watch a drunken Shane MacGowan in action. One thing I noticed during my European concert-going is that the crowds seem more attentive and appreciative. I've been to too many Stateside shows, where the entire audience sits through the entire set, maybe standing for the hits. Or, worse, the whole audience talks the entire show. In Europe, the crowds just seemed more into the whole concert experience. While day two wasn't quite as exciting as day one, we still had a great time. And I got to see New Model Army! (The link is a video shot by someone in the crowd. A little shaky at times, but the sound is better than usual with these things.)