THE DANDYS "I WANNA BE LIKE YOU"

The Dandys - The Reading Festival - Melody Maker Stage - Sunday 30th August 1998 - 12.45pm


It was a lovely day again ! we were not long up, got organised and headed for the Bacardi tent to get liquid refreshments for the Dandys performance…. Second on the bill, The Dandys sauntered on stage… "alright, um, this is a bit early for us", (your not joking !) "this is Lowlife" announced Andy. This went down really well. "Its Easy" informed Andy.. again this other new one is impressive.

The first riffs to "Dirty Weekend" was welcomed with loud cheers ! the crowd perked up. I glanced around me and noticed loads of people joining in and singing along, excellent !.

Next up "English Country Garden" the crowd picked up even more. (Ben used his blonde telecaster for this one, whereas most of the time he used the red Les Paul.) Now just about everyone I could see were singing along, then I looked over my shoulder and the tent was completely rammed !!! chock-a-block ! – I guess the word is spreading ..…

"Tomorrow People" was next, brilliant, I love that solo Ben does, and those futuristic sounding synths ! Magic ! "Karoke" announced Andy. Me and Jen just looked at each other, "yes !" we exclaimed, having only heard this song for the first time at the Club 100 gig on Thursday night. It’s brilliant !, this disco replenished track is guaranteed to get everyone moving ! we were just happily dancing about to it ! (they weren’t really laughing at us were they ? Jen ??)

Then "You Make Me Wanna Scream" was greeted with loads of cheers again ! most people were just grooving and singing along. Amongst the crowds it was obvious that most people were indeed fans, mind you there was a lot that were just curious and had wandered in to see what all the fuss was about…. Everyone just walked out the tent looking utterly bewildered but satisfied...

Considering the other festival disasters, outwith their control, this sure made up for it ! It was brilliant exposure for the Dandys !!

The word is spreading and the word is The Dandys !


Written by Genine and side-kick Jen

PHOTOS SOON ! Please bare with me !

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