Reasons why Metallica could both fail and triumph at Glastonbury

Yes, like everyone has said, Metallica at Glastonbury is an odd one. It completely goes against everything that makes Glastonbury what it is, but Mr Eavis decided it was about time to make a change and I have no doubts that it will be a show to see.

Metallica. A band that have been labeled as Thrash Metal, Heavy Metal and Hard Rock. A type of music that is highly overlooked and often rarely represented at Glastonbury festival. Popular as it may be, the genre has never seemed to brake into the mainstream mix of pop and rock. Metal stands on its own, with UK festivals such as Download and Sonisphere bringing up the rear, rubber stamping Hard Rock and Heavy Metal as one of the most popular types of music in Britain. Over the past 5 decades, Glastonbury has showcased the best of musical talent from all across the globe; with the likes of Bowie and T-Rex headlining the festival in the 70's; New Order, Van Morrison, The Smiths and The Cure in the 80's; the 90's saw Oasis and Pulp headline; Muse, The White Stripes and Arctic Monkeys in the 00's and Beyonce and The Rolling Stones in recent years. This year has a very mixed pallet, with Canadian rockers, Arcade Fire, popular Brits Kasabian, and obviously the controversial booking of Metallica, one of the most famed heavy rock bands of all time, topping the bill. Metallica's headline slot is seen as a bit strange by some. Arctic Monkey's Alex Turner stated that Metallica at Glastonbury 'doesn't add up', (courtesy of NME) and after the Monkey's headline slot last year, he has a point. He's right, it doesn't add up, but the organisers are ready to take this bold move that could possibly change shape of Glastonbury forever.

While Kasabian will play a set where fans can sing along to hit tracks, Metallica's set will be completely different. They are a band for 8 minute solo displays of shredding guitars and dive-bombs. Pyrotechnics are also another pivotal part of their regular set. Tracks such as 'One', 'Enter Sandman' and 'Nothing Else Matters' are going to be a few of the little songs that fans can sing along to. This is why this booking is so different. The art of the guitar and a massive heavy metal band will be the at the forefront of Metallica's set, which promises to be a spectacle for the fan of the guitar.

On the terms of music, Metallica have 9 albums, from a range of 1983's 'Kill 'em all', to the infamous 1991 Black album (self-titled, 'Metallica') right to the most recent studio release, 2008's 'Death Magnetic', to fall back on. There is no doubt that Metallica have the music to be headlining a festival of this stature. '86 album 'Master of Puppets' is a fan favorite, one of which they have played in full at Download in '06. The Black album has also been played in full at Download in 2012. 1984's 'Ride The Lightning' holds singles such as 'Creeping Death' and '96 album 'Load' included singles 'Until it Sleeps' and 'Bleeding Me'. Compilations with Lou Reed on the 2011 LP, 'Lulu' and also a sound track to the Documentary 'Through The Never' which was released in 2013, help to highlight the band as one of the most influential rock bands in history. So without a doubt, Lars, James and co. have the back-catalog to be headlining Glastonbury and a band of this magnitude should surely fit in perfectly on one of the biggest festival stages in the world.

But is a back-catalog the length of a 100m sprint track going to be enough to prove all the critics wrong? In 2008, Metallica headlined another massive UK festival, Reading and Leeds. It was a set of flamboyant pyrotechnics, a great range of tracks stretching across the bands 2 decades of music, but not much else. Enthusiasm seemed low in NME's review of their set, simply listing their set-list and further explained how 'huge' the pyrotechnic show was. This is a less than tantalizing review to people going to Glastonbury this year. In contrast to that, 2011 saw one of the most spectacular line-ups, that rock has ever seen, come to Sonisphere festival. The festival organisers brought together The Big 4, Metallica, Anthrax, Megadeth and Slayer. Together, each of these bands brought legendary sets to the UK crowd. To the average metal fan, this was possibly the best thing they could see at one time. A review from MySweetShadow shows the fascination of this show and how on their own, Metallica delivered on a ear-bending gut-wrenching set that is surely going to do well gracing the Pyramid stage at Glastonbury. Download '06 was hailed by fans as one of Metallica's greatest sets on a UK festival stage. Here they played 'Master of Puppets' in full, leading fans to reminisce on times of aggressive, hard, fast playing thrash metal. 2012 at Download saw the infamous Black album played in full to the Donington crowds. This signaled the progression of the band, playing some of their most famed tracks, whilst also mixing in some tracks of latest album, 'Death Magnetic' making a statement that they are now a mainstream metal band, much to the displeasure of some fans.

All this gives a very blurred vision of what Metallica could actually produce. They have the substance, they can sure put on a show, but can this really become one of the best decisions Glastonbury organisers have ever made? Glastonbury will be a completely different setting for Metallica fans, as they have never been given a chance to prove themselves on such a stage. A Glastonbury headline slot is possibly the highest spot that any band can have, which a band of this magnitude full deserves. Could Metal finally take it's place as one of the most popular genres of music in the UK?


Personally, I think Metallica are a band that completely deserve this slot. They have spent many, many years establishing themselves all around the world and are now one of the most influential rock bands of all time. It is about time that metal bands are given a chance to prove themselves on this sort of stage.

The Stone Roses splitting up is not the end of the world

Rumours of The Stone Roses splitting up have circulated the internet, which is a rumour I do not see as the worst thing to ever happen in the music industry.

The nostalgia has well and truly worn off over the whole revival of the 'Madchester' scene, which was popular in the late 80's, early 90's. Bands such as James, Happy Mondays and the Stone Roses were at the forefront of what became an era known for drug taking, using a maraca as an actual musical instrument and the Haçienda. But the revival was never ever going to take hold like it did 20-or-so years ago.

Summer 2012 was a mental time around Manchester. Three Heaton Park gigs created a buzz, a massive wave of reminiscence that caused 40-year-olds to dust off their signature bucket hats and drink multiple cans of redstripe as it was an easy way to get drunk and probably the only way to get through the songs that they didn't know. Although it was a great time to be in Manchester, it wore off quite quickly. Ian Brown and co were snapped up for multiple disappointing festival headline slots, which weren't televised in any way at all, just so fans could be stripped of ever penny they had to see them.

In all this, were they really all that successful in the first place? As it goes, they had one moderate album, their debut self-titled album, that included the likes of 'Fools Gold' (91' re-release), 'I Am The Resurrection'  and 'Waterfall' . It created some Manchester classics that will never be forgotten but what else was there after that? Re-releases and b-sides on numerous compilation albums and one little track off follow-up album 'Second Coming'  named 'Ten Storey Love Song' . A disappointing career leads to a dissapointing back-catalogue and how can that create the legendary comeback shows they were hoping for?

After everything, rumours of new material started to circulate social media networks. 

Luckily they were inconclusive. Hopefully they realised that their music was never that great and that new music was only going to shatter their fragile musical status.

Their revival created a whole new fan base, as people like me, were brought up on this music during their early years. Our 20-year-old parents shined their wisdom on us, which could have only been a good thing. When that infamous press conference took place, parents piped up and so did their kids. Now we have a minority of our generation that beleives in good music and the importance of keeping the British Music scene alive. One of the few things to come out Madchester 2.0.

All in all, what else can they do? It was never going to last, so they might aswell milk it for all the money they can while they have the chance. Pretty much their aim anyway.

Only time will tell wether they split up, lets just hope they do.

// Album review // You Me At Six - Cavalier Youth //

As one of my favorite band growing up, You Me At Six have gradually grown up to be a more easy accessible, easy listenable and easy going band. Starting off with such a concentrated fan base, they have now branched out to be one of the most popular UK bands among younger crowds.

I have to admit,when Josh, Dan, Max, Matt and Chris reveal that new material is soon to be released, the little fan-girl comes out in me, bringing me back to days of straightened hair that covered my eyes, black hoodies and ball-stranglingly tight skinny jeans. But these days you don't have to be so stereotypical to enjoy You Me At Six. Each album has brought a more grown up, experienced and well polished band, that now tour the world, conquer stages and deliver their electrifying live set to their massive fan base. This time around they even took a UK no.1 album, so here it is... Cavalier Youth.

Opening track, 'Too Young To Feel This Old' seems to be the perfect way to start the album. A screeching guitar solo, distorted rhythm and the lyrics 'We're not young any more', highlighting a more mature, well rounded You Me At Six. Although that's changed,  Josh's angelic voice never seems to have broken, still portraying their signature punk-pop twist.

'Lived a lie'  reveals old traits. Quirky lyrics, catchy guitar lines and an infectious drum beat. 

Track 3 starts with an almost hypnotic piano riff, then Josh then comes in with Patrick Stump esque vocals, evolving into a very Fall Out Boy inspired song that kicks you in the face with a high octane chorus belting 'Fresh Start Fever' at the top of his lungs. A signature drum dominated breakdown, echoing back up vocals and Josh's grimy, gritty vocals will help this to be a great crowd pleaser over their next few months of touring around the world. 

'Forgive and forget' is track four on Cavalier Youth. New styles of massive kick drums and fills dominate this track, sending chills down your spine. Not a typical YMAS track, but the flanger guitar effects give the song an atmospheric feel. 

All I hear in track 5, 'Room To Breathe', is a young Guns track. Josh and co. will have been heavily involved with these lads on the gig circuit over the last few years, so taking inspiration with ever present one note reverbed guitar lines is an inevitable thing. It also reminds me of 'Tiger and sharks' of debut album 'Take Off Your Colours', in its punching choruses and gut-wrenching vocals, showing that they have not lost touch with what they have always been.

In 'Win Some, Loose Some', You Me At Six expose the heavy tint that they have never seemed to loose. Punk-pop-rock perfection of the 21st century. 

I can't help but think of Kings Of Leon with the opening riff to 'Cold Night', but then YMAS' smacks you in the face with an anything but subtle chorus, yet again.

'Hope For The Best' is a dose for fans of the first and second albums, but with a more refined palate of what creates a good, strong pop-punk track.

A great distorted guitar progression acts as the body for track 9, 'Love Me Like You Used To'. Additions of technical bass riffs, screeching guitar solos, very much a staple technique of this album, but the strange addition of a techno guitar effect gives a synth layer that just isn't needed throughout verse 2.

'Be Who You Are' is stripped down, almost 2min track, showing that studio production is not always needed. Warm, inviting fingerpicked guitar draws you into a happy, magical interlude that sets you up for the more upbeat concluding tracks of the album.

'Carpe Diem' - 'Seize the day' for translation acts as a catalyst message, suggesting you should go grab the day by ankles and do the best you can. Uplifting guitar melodies create a warm feel that invites you in.

'Wild ones'. Not quite wild, but subtle in it's enchanting way. A mixture of acoustic guitars, a few electrics, vocals and a drum kit merge to create a signature rock ballad, relating to 'Fireworks' 'When We Were Younger' and 'Always Attract' that cap off the end of each album in their own perfect way. 

All in all, another great album from You Me At Six. Reaching No.1 has been the building blocks for such a fantastic week for them, after announcing big summer shows at Reading and Leeds Festival this week.

I think it's hard for a band to keep hold of their fan base through numerous albums and periods of change in the music industry, but You Me At Six have not only held on to their original fans, but grown to be bigger and better every time they come back around. I wouldn't usually admit it, but I am a fan of these lads and I have grown up with them. It's great to see a band grow and progress, becoming better and better every time.  

// This week //

A BIG week for music in my eyes... The return of You Me At Six with their No.1 album 'Cavalier Youth'. Bombay are back with their latest release 'So Long, See You Tomorrow'. Parklife Weekender's line-up announcement. A massive part of for pretty much any young Mancunian (who doesn't care about their exams, so pretty much everyone). It is right in the middle of exam period, nevertheless it manages to pull many of people to Heaton Park at the premature start of summer. and with this years line-up it is a no-brainer. Also major summer festivals such as Bestival, Isle of White festival and Reading and Leeds festivals have announced the next installment in their line-ups.

Find out who's playing on ThoughTheRetrospect over the next few days and my reaction to the latest releases.

And my best venue in Manchester poll is still up so get voting!

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// What is the best venue in Manchester? //

Manchester has a vast variety of music venues, ranging from large commercial arenas, to the small, up-close-and-personal bars and cafes, which gives the city such a thriving music scene. This gives many opportunities to see the worlds largest bands and also do some digging to uncover some future stars.

So I have compiled a list of the best venues in Manchester to settle for sure what is the greatest venue.

They are they for you to pick and choose your favorite, more than one if you wish. The poll closes in a month, then a focus report will be done on the winner!

Get voting via the home page, located in the right hand sidebar and let me know your thoughts.