We're in a suitably 'spectacular' mood in advance of this year's Bestival. There can't be many small islands around the world that have such an impressive rock 'n' roll heritage (that includes you, Australia) - the roll call of quality musicians who've landed on its shores beggars belief. The IoW started hosting festivals in '68 and three glorious years saw the likes of Marc Bolan, Bob Dylan, John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix, George Harrison and Jim Morrison all welcomed. Strangely, after such auspicious beginnings, the festivals fizzled out and it wouldn't be for another 32 years until the stars descended again. In the meantime, the island had to make do with a few years of musical glory in the form of one of its ex-milkman Mark King and his band, Level 42. Anyway, '02 welcomed back rock royalty in the form of er...Hundred Reasons and The Coral. Hmm, well Robert Plant was there and Ash put on a great show, at least! Anyway, the following years saw the star factor rise and Neil Young, Mick Jagger, Iggy, Lou Reed, etc. all made appearances. Bestival itself has been a part of the island's musical life since '04 - and bands seem to love coming back; Hot Chip, for instance, have made no less than 4 appearances. This year's line-up is a cracker - from the chilly Teutonic tunes of Kraftwerk, the electro-beats of MGMT to era-defining tunes from classy Bristolians Massive Attack, the big acts are really out in force. Further down the enormous line-up, there's masses to choose from - BUT...our hot tip has got to be DJ Derek. Who? Well, this bespectacled, 67 year old ex-accountant who MCs in Jamaican patois (despite never having visited the island) has been a much-loved and credible part of the Bristolian music scene for years. If he's good enough for a Massive Attack after-show party, he's definitely worth a listen; don't miss him.
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