The Wireless event (still loathe to call it a festival…!) has attracted some big names over the past few years, even coaxing some back together and out of hiding. Two of their biggest draws have been the reformed Britpop behemoths Blur in 2009 and just this last weekend, Pulp continued their comeback with a blistering show.

Can they continue to pull in these big comebacks every few years? Will the nostalgia for the era of Britpop and beyond continue for much longer? Certainly Wireless has consistently succeeded in pulling the most varied line-up together this side of Glastonbury, stranding their days into broadly pop, dance and rock groupings. The mix of acts and the superb location make the event an attractive proposition to the more casual gig-goer, and the undercard often plays host to acts that’ll entice the more picky. It is the event’s penchant for huge comebacks or exclusives that keeps pulling me back though.

So who is still out there, spitting venomous snippets at each other via the media? What are the chances that money (and of course, the joy of performing together again…) can heal the wounds – and would they be able to draw the kind of crowds that Blur and Pulp have enjoyed?

The Stone Roses

The seemingly obvious next choice, with the red-tops consistently regurgitating the same story at the start of every festival silly season, is The Stone Roses. The animosity of old seemed to soften a little in April this year, with all concerned attending the funeral of bassist Mani’s mother and apparently not tearing chunks out of each other. As quickly as the rumour grew, Mani swiftly put it down – “Please fuck off and leave it alone. It isn’t true and isn’t happening” was what he had to say on the matter. There’s no doubt they’d pull the crowd, but whether it would attract the acclaim that has surrounded the other comebacks is up for debate – Ian Brown’s live voice is notoriously hit and miss.

Likelihood: 7/10

Oasis

Barely in the ground two years and with regular sniping from both Gallaghers, you’d have thought this one dead in the water. However, with no sign of Noel’s solo record and the turgid debut from Beady Eye, the lure of getting back together may gather pace. Again, it would be an almost guaranteed sell-out ticket wise– but you’d imagine that a Manchester date would be first on the cards.  Maybe not next year, but this is an inevitability I reckon.

Likelihood (2012: 2/10, future: 9/10)

The Smiths

The big one? Can you imagine the hordes of gladioli brandishing fans descending on any live date should the Mancunian legends get it together? Relations cool and warm along with the seasons, the latest shots in one of the longest firefights came from drummer Mike Joyce over Mozza’s performance of Smiths classics at Glastonbury – claiming Morrissey was merely the lyricist and singer, and not ‘in the band’. Marr and Morrissey seem more cordial these days, and both have mooted a reunion in the past. Money doesn’t seem to be the problem, at least not for those two. Whether Joyce and Rourke get anywhere near it… well, that’s another matter. I’m feeling optimistic about this one…

Likelihood: 6/10

If I could choose any Britpop or earlier reunion, I’d have to go for Elastica. I know, they’d be a very odd choice to headline an event like Wireless. But to see them together again, and to finally get to see them live – yes please.

Is there anyone I’ve missed? Are you longing for The Longpigs? Searching for Sleeper? Who would you like to see get back together and hit the comeback trail, whether at Wireless or elsewhere?

Photo by Tim Welbourn

So, you’re off to one of the biggest festivals in the world; revered and loved by all whom attend? You lucky soul! I’ve picked five acts that you shouldn’t miss and hopefully demonstrating some of the variety that Glasto is famed for. The headliners are Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen and Blur for the main stage, with great bands throughout the bill.

The Soft Pack

Where: John Peel Stage When: Sunday, 4:55 – 5:45pm Why: Feral racket making of the highest order, California’s The Soft Pack (formerly The Muslims) are a fantastic live prospect. Fast, loose and exciting the band will bring garage to Glastonbury. Expect tunes from their recent Extinction EP.

Listen: Call It A Day Watch:Extinction

Rokia Traoré

Where: Jazz World Stage When: Saturday, 3:45 – 4:45pm Why: Malian superstar Rokia Traoré has a voice that could melt Glastonbury Tor. Rich and vibrant, her band play with such sheer joy that despite the language barrier you’ll find yourself captivated and understanding exactly what is going on.

Listen: Aimer Watch: Tounka

Bon Iver

Where: Park Stage / Other Stage When: Saturday, 10:45pm-12:15am / Sunday, 8:00-9:00pmWhy:I guess little explanation is required for this pick. Justin Vernon’s act has been one of the critical smashes of the last eighteen months or so and For Emma, Forever Ago still sounds as good as the hype that surrounded it. The opportunity to catch him out in The Park should be a big draw.

Listen: Blood Bank Watch: Skinny Love

Florence And The Machine

Where: John Peel Stage When: Saturday, 8:00-9:00pm Why:An opportunity to catch Florence Welch before she goes stratospheric. Lungs, her debut album, is just around the corner and is likely to be in the mould of her output so far; fresh, intelligent and delivered with a killer voice. Watch out for her cover of You’ve Got The Love – it’s a barnstormer.

Listen: Dog Days Are Over Watch: You’ve Got The Love

Speech Debelle

Where: Pussy Parlure When: Friday, time TBC Why: Rap? At Glastonbury? Speech Debelle is an incredible talent balancing fresh-yet-old-school beats with thought provoking lyrical flourishes. Coming straight outta London, catch Speech and her incredibly personal tunes will burrow their way into your heart and mind.

Listen: Buddy Love Watch: The Key

Enjoy – and if you haven’t checked out who is playing in full yet, the whole line up is here.

Photo: CmdrGravy, Glastonbury 2007

There’s little under ten hours to go until the gates open at Glastonbury. For the first time in over fifteen years the festival hasn’t sold out in advance. Michael Eavis claims it is due to the dreadful weather of the last couple of years, but most would put it down to a lacklustre headline and main stage lineup. As always though, the undercard is where most of the highlights are to be found. Here are my ten picks for the festival, with some tracks to whet your appetite…

1. Edwyn Collins, Friday – Park Stage (A Girl Like You)

2. Massive Attack, Saturday – Other Stage (False Flags)

3. Black Mountain, Sunday – Other Stage (Wucan)

4. Holy Fuck, Saturday – John Peel Stage (Milk Shake)

5. Elle S’Appelle, Thursday – Left Field (Little Flame)

6. Six. By Seven, Saturday – Glade (IOU Love)

7. Lykke Li, Saturday – Park Stage (Breaking It Up)

8. Martha Wainwright, Saturday – Pyramid Stage (So Many Friends)

9. Hercules & Love Affair, Friday – East Stage (Blind)

10. My Morning Jacket, Sunday – Park Stage (Look At You)

Photo: Gilberts

Massive Attack today announced the line up for this year’s South Bank based Meltdown Festival. The Bristol trip-hop legends curate the festival running between 14 and 22 June. The festival each year give’s the chance for an established act to take over the entire South Bank site, totalling arond 21 acres, and present an arts festival taking in a range of media; music, art, film and performance. Previous curators in the festival’s 15 year history have included David Bowie, Morrissey, Elvis Costello, Lee “Scratch” Perry and Nick Cave.

Massive Attack have unveiled a line up that digs into their influences as well as promoting contemporaries. The highlights for me are two performances from the group themselves, on the opening and closing nights of the festival. Elsewhere, a double header of Gang of Four and Tom Tom Club is mouthwatering, as are sets by relative newcomers Elbow and Tunng. It is a diverse listing, featuring many genres that impact on Massive Attack’s work: punk, disco, cinematic soundtrack, reggae, hip hop and indie. Perhaps surprisingly, there are none of the rumoured performances from collaborators Liz Fraser’s Cocteau Twins, nor Tricky. Other vocalists such as Terry Callier and the incomparable Horace Andy appear on the bill, and will presumably line up with the curators for their shows.

The full line up (musically) is as follows:

14th June – Massive Attack / Gong

15th June – Yellow Magic Orchestra / Reggae Acoustic Songbook ft Horace Andy

16th June – Elbow & Fleet Foxes

17th June – Vangelis Blade Runner Soundtrack performed by Heritage Orchestra

18th June – Stiff Little Fingers / The Shortwave Set & Martina Topley Bird

19th June – Grace Jones / Future Sound Of Hip Hop ft Dalek & Cool Kids

20th June – Gang of Four & Tom Tom Club / Terry Callier & Aloe Blacc

21st June – Tunng & Leila

22nd June – Massive Attack / Saxon Sound System

South Bank’s Meltdown Page

Massive Attack – Teardrop

Tunng – Bricks

Gang of Four – I Love A Man In Uniform (Yeah Yeah Yeahs Remix)