A bit of football and a bit of Crowded House
There seem to be two ways of dealing with an England match during your set, you either ignore it like Elvis Costello did, or you embrace it, the Crowded House model. Either way, it must be slightly depressing knowing that at least half the crowd are facing in your direction, but are looking at a video wall with the World Cup on it, not your performance.
Neil Finn was quick to acknowledge the obvious divided loyalties amongst the Hard Rock Calling audience, quipping; “We’re aware that there are a lot of rather tense people out there … this is unprecedented territory for us, so what do we do … well I guess all we can do is sing.”
Every time England came close big cheers went up, and Finn looked up with a knowing smile, but ever the professional was not put off his performance.
Although New Zealand born Finn stopped short of mentioning the score in the game (he didn’t need to) he said, “There’s nothing else left to do …” before breaking into a shockingly well timed rendition of Don’t Dream It’s Over just ten minutes or so after the final whistle had blown. It is over unfortunately, but it’s nice to to know that there is still some hope in Hyde Park this afternoon.
What's he watching?
The House were the perfect band to pick up spirits at the festival, which will see Paul McCartney take to the stage in just a few hours. Their unique blend of Summery, anthemic and at times mournful hits are ingrained into the head of anyone over the age of 25 who’s ever owned a radio, and their were more smiles than frowns once the band had hammered out Weather With You accompanied by a Mexican wave. They finished with the new theme tune for the England football team, the Talking Head’s song, Road to Nowhere.
Crosby, Stills and Nash have just taken to the stage and look relieved that the game didn’t go to extra time and penalties, because otherwise they’d be playing to a field full of zombies too …
Apparently Paul McCartney has been watching the game at home and will be arriving on site soon, let’s see what he has to say about the 4-1 defeat later …
