WE WAIT for it all year, we build it up in our heads, we insist it'll never be as good as we think it will be… and then it arrives, completely slaps and we can only look forward to doing it again next year.
Festival season is a total joy for music fans and 2022 was utterly impressive.
The industry is definitely experiencing a tough time with some events unable to get themselves back off the canvas following the Covid ten-punch combo, but some at least are getting by.
And it's not just Glasgow and Edinburgh that are drawing in the audiences, as Falkirk, Stirling, Bute, Inverness, Livingston and others have shown.
The Weekender was out and about this past summer trying to soak up as much of the Scottish calendar as possible and we have put together a handful of top festival moments from 2022.
Dictator at Live in Livi
Dictator performing at Live in Livi. Picture by Iain Smith/The Weekender
Now, here is an event that more people really ought to know about. An incredible line-up of artists assembled and in a chilled-out environment – what's not to like?
On June 25, The Howden Park Centre in Livingston hosted Live in Livi, a full day of impressive live performances, across two stages, in what is a hidden gem of a venue, and all while raising the profile of the Trash Panda mental health charity.
The evening produced a handful of great sets, in all honesty, but Dictator were a showcase unto themselves. As is often the case, if the band are having a great time, the audience are too.
There was such a positivity in the air. The four-piece, playing before a bit of a local crowd, were on form. Their set felt effortless and gave a huge lift to all those who came out. And, having caught Dictator a few months later, it is clear it was not a one-off.
All in all, Live in Livi was a perfect way to kick start any festival season and worth looking out for again next time around.
The Joy Hotel at Doune the Rabbit Hole
The Joy Hotel at Doune the Rabbit Hole. Picture by Iain Smith/The Weekender
Doune the Rabbit came back from the pandemic aftermath this summer and brought families and music lovers back together once again.
And if there were a prize for band of the weekend, it would almost certainly have gone the way of The Joy Hotel.
In some ways, they are the musician's band, with gorgeous instrumentation and interesting arrangements, but they are also a real pleasure in watching them perform. They are tight and polished, but know when to cut loose and let the energy take over
As a seven-piece they certainly fill the stage, and their sound could fill a stadium. They bossed their main stage set at Doune the Rabbit Hole and if there is ever an opportunity to catch them in action, it is not one to waste.
The Vegan Leather at Doune the Rabbit Hole
The Vegan Leather were a highlight of Doune the Rabbit Hole. Picture by Iain Smith/The Weekender
Another one from Doune and it's hardly surprising. The Vegan Leather are a live band.
They are likely to be one of the highlights on most festival line-ups and the reason is that sheer on-stage delight they exude with every note.
They are full of surprises: they don't sound like they look, and don't perform how they sound. The Vegan Leather are just here to unnerve and entertain in equal measure.
At Doune they stayed true to that mantra and delivered a mesmerising set, laden with cheer, energy and a lead singer entering the crowd and finishing the set on his back, looking up with a big ol' smile on his face.
The Rain Experiment at Bute Fest
The Rain Experiment were among the stand outs at Bute Fest. Picture by Iain Smith/The Weekender
Ahhhh, Bute Fest. What a weekend. It's not just that it was three days in late July, it's not just that it was in the most beautiful setting, and it's not just that the line-up was one of the strongest on the festival calendar… it's all these things and more.
The island loves this festival. They wait all year and support it all the way. Not many artists come through to Bute, so when they all do, the locals are on it.
There were dozens of outstanding performances in 2022, but one of them was undoubtedly The Rain Experiment. They were late billed on the main stage and rightly so – they knew what they were doing.
A small batch of incredible original tracks were supplemented by just the right selection of covers to keep the crowd on song. Well worth keeping an eye out for the Glasgow-based four-piece in the future.
Dovv at Bute Fest
Dovv performing at Bute Fest. Picture by Iain Smith/The Weekender
Some people are born to do it. Dovv's frontman David Stevens is a ready-made entertainer.
His appeal is not at all singular, he can connect with anybody and everybody. A crowd filled with a mix of ages, backgrounds and musical tastes is, seemingly, not a problem. Stevens is at ease on stage – no doubt coming from years of gigs – and his warm demeanour is as natural as it is comforting.
Dovv is the type of band that fit just about any festival billing. They packed out the second stage at Bute and brought the whole place together. The band waltzed their way through a crowd-friendly set, laden with humour.
What more could you really ask for on a Sunday afternoon in the height of the summer?
Idlewild at Connect
Idlewild drew a huge crowd at Conect Festival. Picture by Iain Smith/The Weekender
This one was easy. Idlewild closing out the second stage at Connect by performing A Remote Part in sequence. No way this was going to fall flat. A definite highlight of the weekend.
The album itself, no doubt, holds a special place in the heart of so many music fans. It was, of course, the height of Idlewild itself. An occasion for many to relive parts of their youth, but not only that. It felt a bit like an homage to a time when albums mattered, before the commercial crush and re-shaping of the industry.
False Friends at Party at the Palace
False Friends were on form at Party at the Palace. Picture by Iain Smith/The Weekender
It is possible to think a band is going to catch you by surprise and then they do it anyway.
False Friends were one of those names on the Party at the Palace line-up that were instantly a dark horse for top act of the weekend. Vindication arrived midway through the second song.
The five-piece are bright and tidy on stage – a genuinely ideal festival band. They steered their way through a set built for the summer sunshine and gave a lift to all those around the second stage.
Not one to be missed if the opportunity calls.
Echo Machine at Party at the Palace
Echo Machine at Party at the Palace. Picture by Iain Smith/The Weekender
Another second stage gem, this Dundee five-piece are more than worthy of their inclusion here.
Party at the Palace organisers knew exactly what they were doing they booked Echo Machine for 2022 – this could very easily be one of those 'saw them before they were big' moments.
The scene can often be over saturated with bands a little too similar to each other, so it is always a delight when something new and original shines in the rough.
Echo Machine just bring something a little bit different and will capture a good few minds along the way. Indeed, their exploits are currently on show across Europe at the moment as they support Placebo on their arena tour.
Dead Pony at Vibration
Dead Pony at Vibration. Picture by Iain Smith/The Weekender
WOW. Just wow. Dead Pony at Vibration. Wow…
Within a few moments, it was pretty clear this was going to be a fiery display. Anna Shields is a phenomenal frontwoman and the band are finally picking up the traction they deserve.
Few bands even venture into riffs these days and of those who do very few bring the dynamism exemplified by guitarist Blair Crichton.
Always a delight to see them on festival billings and, in most cases, they appear to be highlights on just about every occasion.
Gerry Son & the Smokin' Gun at Vibration
The mighty Gerry Son & The Smokin Gun performing at Vibration Festival. Picture by Iain Smith/The Weekender
A complete surprise package. Putting the fun back into the fundamental principles of performing live – get the audience involved.
Few who wandered over to the second stage at Vibration will have known about Gerry Son & the Smokin' Gun beforehand, but those who were captured by the energy of the set will not soon forget them.
Indeed, the swelling of the crowd throughout their set is a fair barometer of the band's live appeal. They attract, retain and thrill.
Very much a party-band vibe, Gerry Son & the Smokin' Gun are well worth a night out.
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