ROCKSTAR ENERGY PRESENTS... LEEDS FESTIVAL 2024 - FRIDAY // BRAMHAM PARK, LEEDS
ROCKSTAR ENERGY PRESENTS… Leeds Festival 2024 got off to a chaotic and frankly dismal start, thanks to the arrival of Storm Lilith.
★★★☆☆ (3/5)
LIAM GALLAGHER HEADLINING DAY ONE OF ROCKSTAR ENERGY PRESENTS… LEEDS FESTIVAL’ 24
PHOTOCREDIT: CALUM BUCHAN
As the storm swept through Bramham Park, it left many campers battling to keep their tents intact. With our very own editors tent being destroyed by the weather. Scenes of festival-goers including ourselves, sitting or lying on top of their tents etc and bed to stop them from blowing away, were as common as the up to 60mph gusts of wind and rain battered the site. With several stages closed, and uncertainty hanging over the festival, it was a tense and bleak morning. The delay in opening the arena—finally announced at 15:10—added to the frustration, with fans anxiously waiting to see if the weekend's events would go ahead at all with staff having no more updates than the app on our phones..
Despite the above, the unbelievably upbeat and helpful attitude of the volunteers that passed our tent was phenomenal. They all had positive attitudes in the face of diversity and the potential of a cancelled weekend.
When the arena finally opened, Nottingham-based rapper Bru-C was the first to take the main stage. Despite the gloomy start to the day, he brought a burst of energy that helped lift the spirits of the drenched and windswept crowd. His fast-paced, bass-heavy set was exactly what the audience needed to shake off the storm's remnants. Bru-C’s interaction with the crowd was on point, his charisma making it clear why he’s quickly rising in the UK rap scene. Tracks like “You & I” and “Streetside” went down a treat, as the rapper worked tirelessly to set the tone for the rest of the festival.
BRU-C KICKS OFF DAY ONE OF ROCKSTAR ENERGY PRESENTS… LEEDS FESTIVAL 2024 ON MAIN STAGE
PHOTOCREDIT: ALEX PIPER
Next up was Pendulum, who are nothing short of electronic music legends. Their signature drum and bass sound, infused with rock elements, reverberated through the festival grounds, giving the audience a much-needed jolt of adrenaline. Tracks like “Propane Nightmares” and “Watercolour” had the crowd surging, with Pendulum proving they haven’t lost their edge. Despite the earlier storm, their set was a reminder of why Leeds Festival has earned its reputation as a must-attend event for live music fans.
PENDULUM ON THE MAIN STAGE ON DAY ONE OF ROCKSTAR ENERGY PRESENTS… LEEDS FESTIVAL’ 24
PHOTOCREDIT: SAM MCHAHON
Unfortunately, not every act managed to rise above the day’s challenges. 21 Savage was scheduled to follow Pendulum, but the Atlanta-based rapper’s performance left much to be desired. He arrived late to the stage, and when he did finally appear, he only delivered about 10 minutes of his allotted 40-minute set. Instead of a dynamic live show, fans were treated to what felt like a Spotify playlist of his biggest hits. With minimal interaction and energy, many in the crowd were left feeling disappointed, especially after such a long wait for the arena to open.
21 SAVAGE ON THE MAIN STAGE ON DAY ONE OF ROCKSTAR ENERGY PRESENTS… LEEDS FESTIVAL’ 24
PHOTOCREDIT: GEORGINA HURDSFIELD
While the main stage saw its ups and downs, the smaller stages also provided some standout moments. Over at the Festival Republic Stage, acts like Kingfishr, Mackenzy Mackay, Only the Poets, and The Japanese House kept the music alive despite the weather. These acts might not have the same name recognition as the main stage performers, but they each brought something unique to the festival, proving that Leeds is about more than just big-name headliners.
The BBC Introducing Stage also had its share of highlights, with Alessi Rose, Prido, and Venus Grrrls showcasing emerging talent. These performances offered a glimpse into the future of music, with each act bringing their own style and energy to the festival. Despite the reduced line up, the passion and creativity on display were undeniable.
KINGFISHR PERFORMING ON FESTIVAL REPUBLIC STAGE ON DAY ONE OF ROCKSTAR ENERGY PRESENTS… LEEDS FESTIVAL 2024 - PHOTOCREDIT: GEORGINA HURDSFIELD
As the evening drew in, Catfish and the Bottlemen took the stage at sunset, drawing the biggest crowd of the day. Their performance was a high point, offering the kind of cathartic, anthemic rock that the festival’s known for. Tracks like “Kathleen” and “7” had the audience singing along in unison, creating one of those special moments that Leeds is famous for. The band’s tight performance and Van McCann’s raw vocals were perfectly suited to the twilight atmosphere, making it a set to remember despite the day’s earlier setbacks.
CATFISH & THE BOTTLEMEN HEADLINING DAY ONE OF ROCKSTAR ENERGY PRESENTS…
LEEDS FESTIVAL 2024 - PHOTOCREDIT: CALUM BUCHAN
Closing out the main stage was none other than Liam Gallagher. The former Oasis frontman lived up to his legendary status, delivering a set filled with both solo hits and Oasis classics. The crowd, many of whom had clearly braved the storm just to see him, were not disappointed. Songs like “Whatever” had the entire audience belting out the lyrics, bringing a powerful end to a challenging day. Gallagher’s performance was a masterclass in rock ‘n’ roll, his voice as iconic as ever, cementing his place as a true festival headliner.
LIAM GALLAGHER HEADLINING DAY ONE OF ROCKSTAR ENERGY PRESENTS… LEEDS FESTIVAL’ 24
PHOTOCREDIT: CALUM BUCHAN
For those eager to experience the new Chevron Stage, day one was a major let down. The stage remained closed all day due to safety concerns, with headliner Skrillex’s set being cancelled. However, there was a silver lining for his fans, as it was announced that he would perform on Saturday instead. While the rescheduling offers some hope, it was a significant disappointment for those who had planned their day around his performance.
As day one came to a close, the mood among festival-goers was mixed. While there were some bright spots, the day’s disruptions cast a shadow over the festival with our own Editor urgently having to find alternative accommodation. With the early announcement that the BBC Radio 1 Tent and Aux Stages would be closed for the remainder of the weekend, the outlook for day two isn’t exactly promising. Fans are left hoping that the festival can recover from its shaky start and deliver the experience they’ve come to expect from Leeds.
In summary, day one of Leeds Festival 2024 was a rollercoaster, with moments of brilliance overshadowed by weather-related chaos. Here’s hoping that day two brings clearer skies and smoother sailing and acts that we were thoroughly looking forward to on the cancelled stages, being rescheduled on to the open ones.