That guy in Oasis is very tired
Noel Gallagher has a problem. Actually, he’s just scared. That’s how it sounds, anyway. How else can you explain his completely unaware comments regarding Jay-Z headlining one night of this year’s Glastonbury festival in England? Teetering between class-based snobbery and just plain dumb, the poor guy sounded positively nostalgic for 1775. It’s unfortunate, really.
Having just witnessed a positively inspiring performance from Jay-Z at the Hollywood Bowl with Mary J. Blige, I’d think that anyone would enjoy a show so inclusive, engaging and fun.
The widest possible socio-economic swath of L.A. imaginable jammed the Bowl to see it too, and I’m sure to a head not one would say they got less than their money’s worth of slam-bang, capital E Entertainment. Both artists come armed with so many hits and the ability to raise their game even higher on a stage. Oasis, not known for their knockout abilities in concert, could learn much from a master like Jigga man.
Thankfully, Glastonbury organizers like my new hero Emily Eavis have a more modern outlook, promising to deliver Jay-Z along with other ’08 headliners the Verve and Kings of Leon.
“(Jay-Z) has not only become one of the world's greatest hip-hop stars, he is also an artist who has an amazing live act. In truth, we felt honored to have him on board, and believe that he is absolutely the right act for our festival,” she told UK paper The Independent. “Back in 1984, there were similar criticisms made when The Smiths were named as the headline act. Hippies just wanted acts that had played before.” Have that, Noel.
Somewhere, Damon Albarn is quietly having a cup of tea and reveling in a wealth of good ideas...
See Jigga and Mary J. light up the Verizon Wireless tonight. Mary J. fans can get up close and personal with their hero (and Jada Pinkett-Smith!) at the Carol’s Daughter in Culver City next week.
—Scott T. Sterling