We drove to Maidstone on Sunday morning to check into our Travelodge hotel (Maidstone Central), and having checked in around mid-day, we set off for Hop Farm. We set ourselves in a similar position as Friday, just a little further over, as on Friday we could hear background noise from the other stage, during quieter moments on the main stage.
We arrived to catch the end of Aloe Blac on stage (first band of the day), an American soul singer who seemed quite good and got a reasonable crowd reaction.
Next up was Eliza Doolittle, an English singer/songwriter. She was OK, just not really my scene or that exciting really.
By mid-afternoon, Imelda May, Irish vocalist, Rockabilly- style band hit the stage. I had recently given their latest album "Mayhem" a listen and was suitabley impressed, quite looking forward to the performance today. I was not disappointed, and enjoyed most of the hour long set, and was able to recognise most of the tracks. A good, lively, performance, and went down well with the crowd.
Larry Graham and Graham Central Station went on next. Larry Graham, formerly of Sly & The Family Stone, and backing band, Graham Central Station. The set was a sort of bass heavy, funk fusion. Musically it was OK, but overall did not really float my boat.
By early evening, it was time for Tinie Tempah`s performance.
Again, it did nothing for me, not really a fan of rap, and the performance seemed a little lacklustre, whether a fan or not. Went for a walk. Not impressed!
Anyhow, by now, it was nearly time for the main event- PRINCE!
After a long delay Prince's band wandered on stage late, and a very loud cheer went up from the 30,000 plus crowd. The band then began to "tune up" for the next few minutes, teasing the crowd with everyone awaiting the "Purple Ones" appearance.
After several minutes of this and then a gradual build up of tuning instruments, turning into a teasing, bass heavy, introduction.... Prince appeared on stage to a massive, huge, cheer and loud applause.
I am not (and never have been) a Prince fan myself, but this build up, and then the strong bass line, and the obvious high quality of even this intro for the first number was leading me to believe this was going to be something very special indeed.
The vocals, the music, the attitude, the talent of this legendary musical icon did not disappoint, it surpassed everything I was told beforehand of what was to be expected. Simply awesome.
Susan (my other half, and Prince fan), looking very pleased with the performance. Fourth time now she's seen him live and it took her a long time to convince me he was worth seeing.
The favourite hits were all present from 1999, Raspberry Beret, Nothing Compares 2 U, Let's Go Crazy.... and many more in this 2 hour plus perfomance.
We did leave a little early, at the end of the first encore (there were 3 encores!!) anticipating chaos in the car park, but we left happy in the knowledge that what we had witnessed was probably one of the best festival performances in the UK this year.
If you ever get the chance to see Prince - even if you would not consider yourself a big fan - do it, you will not be disappointed.
Prince Hop Farm Set List
1) We live to get funky/Rave un2 the joy fantastic
2) Lets go crazy, delirious, Lets go Crazy (Reprise)
3) 1999
4) Little Red corvette
5) Nothing Compares 2 U
6) Take me with U
7) Raspberry Beret
8) Cream
9) Don`t stop till you get enough (M.Jackson Cover)
10) Lets work
11) U got the look
12) Make U feel my love (Bob Dylan cover)
13) Purple Rain
Encore 1
14) Kiss
15) Controversy
16) Play that funky music (wild cherry cover)
Encore 2
17) Everyday people (Wild cherry cover with Larry Graham)
18) Come together (Beatles cover with Larry Graham)
19) I want to take you higher (With Larry Graham - Sly & Family Stone cover)
Encore 3
20) If I was your girlfriend
21) Dance (Disco Heat) (Sylvester cover)
22) Baby I`m a Star
Our Gig Score:
Aloe Blac 6/10
Eliza Doolittle 5/10
Imelda May 7/10
Larry Graham 5/10
Tinie Tempah 4/10
PRINCE 10/10
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