The Real State - T in the Park 2009

What makes T in the Park the best festival in the whole of Europe? Is it because it is in Scotland, the land of the brave and free with far more daylight hours than the rest of the UK will ever be able to boast of in the summer? Is it because the more north you go, the more passionate the people get? Is it because there are so many stages dedicated to fostering, introducing and developing new music as well as big names from today and yesterday? Is it because people actually love walking miles and miles and carrying heavy bags, dragging wheelie bins and sledges piled high with drink, Irn Bru and inadequate camping gear, losing tents and pals, queuing up for a stinky rank chemical toilet, not eating, getting wet, getting sunburnt, being spoilt for choice? Having drunken conversations about the food in Denmark in the middle of a field because they have lost all sense of orientation? Or is it because it is just plain full of surprises? Personally, I think it’s because it epitomises Scotland’s attitude towards music and life and the passion it has for both. The Red Bull Futures stage is a good barometer of what people really like, away from the hype and trends of the moment. The T Break, old Pet Sounds, BBC Introducing, Slam etc. all make TITP the most important music festival in the UK because it is here that Scottish audiences, who refuse to have their minds dictated to by suits, fashionistas and big companies, show their awareness and appreciation of real music. You can sit down in a crowd, dance alone on the grass, spread rumours about Richard Gere, leap on a new friend’s back…all because of the music, the sun (or rain) and the fact that you are part of T in the Park 2009. Here are some of the gems you may have missed…Check out the Music Section for more reviews and news.

all photos - bar some of The Law - by Fraser Stephen (aka Flo) www.fraserstephen.com

THE SPECIALS