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Robbie at Slane

Derek Dunne
Col. Eanna, Ballyroan

"I find the sunshine beckons me
To open up the gate
And dream and dream..."

Eighty thousand people have dreamt of the gates of Slane Castle welcoming them to the greatest show of the summer. Finally, on 28th August that fantasy became a reality; a dream come true for fans and performers alike.

I'm not sure who was happier; Robbie Williams or the legions of fans who had come to see him. One thing is for certain: everyone came away exhilarated.

After the initial rush, an easygoing atmosphere descended on the castle grounds, as people found themselves a spot to enjoy the day's festivities. 'Madcap' isn't the word for some of the hats on show during the day, as the masses got into the spirit of things.

First up was the only Irish act Simon Carmody, followed closely by the extremely happy 'Happy Mondays', the lead singer's preferred weapon being a pair of maracas. These led into 'Gomez' and 'Placebo', both of which have built up a sizeable fan base throughout the British Isles.

The change in atmosphere was almost tangible as the first of the headline acts, 'Stereophonics' came on at about six o'clock. At this stage people started vying for vantage points for the highlight of the evening. The countdown had begun. Some were so desperate for a good view that 'Human Pyramids' began to spring up among the crowd, but most of these were extremely short lived. Stereophonics really played to the crowd, as Slane turned into somewhat of an enormous sing-along for the following two hours. With such anthems as 'Just Looking' and 'Pick A Part That's New', as well as the classic 'The Bartender and the Thief', Stereophonics had the crowd going wild and itching for more as they left the stage shortly after 8 o'clock. Not surprisingly, they are already tipped to headline the venue next year.

If the previous acts were electrifying, then Robbie Williams caused a meltdown as he burst on stage. He knew what the crowd was looking for and that's exactly what he gave them, kicking off with a real crowd starter 'Let Me Entertain You'. Even the sun was overshadowed by the ex-Take That star as the sky above Slane dimmed to make way for the spectacular light show that accompanied the music. Although the entire show was televised, that didn't stop this performer pulling some 'cheeky' stunts. He bared his buttocks not only to the unshockable teenagers present, but also the easily shocked couch potatoes watching at home.

It's one thing to watch eighty thousand people waving lighters around to the tune of 'Angels', it's quite another to be one of them. Not only did Williams play his own material both old and new, fast and slow, but he also did some great cover versions such as 'It's Not Unusual', 'Wonderwall' and 'Song Two'. He even stopped half way through 'Should I Stay or Should I Go' as there was not enough "bouncing" in the VIP section. Rumour has it that U2, who watched from backstage, were going to join Robbie on stage as he sang their hit 'One', but he was doing such a good job of it that they decided to leave him to it.

As the night reached a climax, he was firing on all cylinders for a rendition of Millennium, with a Laser light show overhead. And it isn't Robbie's style to leave quietly- as he ran off stage, the Star Wars theme was pumped out of the giant speakers as the night sky erupted with a dazzling fireworks display. (And I still have a creak in my neck to prove it!).
For a gig that has been going since the early 80's, this year's spectacle has to take top spot.
In my opinion, Slane has now established itself as a major priority on anyone's concert calendar, and I for one will be at the top of the queue next year.
After all "Life's too short to be afraid".

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