Radio 1 Big Weekend Headliners - Touching tributes and Sam’s faulty Fender
Radio 1’s Big Weekend is one that rarely disappoints; the event, that is available to watch either in person or streamed through the BBC themselves, has in recent years provided viewers with the company of artists such as Ed Sheeran, Harry Styles and Charli XCX.
This year the Big Weekend has been hosted in Liverpool, with Sam Fender, Tom Grennan and Mumford & Sons headlining among other headliners and surprise acts.
Here, Music News Blitz’s Charlie Gardner provides a rundown on some of the memorable moments from each day this time around.
Friday headliner - Tom Grennan
Known for classics like Found What I’ve Been Looking For, or maybe even the frustratingly memorable Gillette song from the TV adverts, Tom Grennan performed a rendition of Amy Winehouse classic Valerie, while also sharing the stage with some notable individuals.
YouTuber and influencer KSI took the stage as the crowd cheered to join in the party, just after Spice Girls star Mel C joined Grennan, where the two donned Liverpool and Everton shirts numbered nine and seven, paying tribute to the lives lost in the Hillsborough disaster - a touching message to the Liverpool crowd.
Saturday’s headliner - Sam Fender
Sam Fender provided a unique talking point after the North-East singer’s performance was hindered by some gremlins in the electronics.
Fender found his fame as the indie artist from North Shields whose music is known for its political commentary and working-class culture.
While headlining on the Saturday, the Newcastle United fan could be seen getting visibly frustrated at the mishap, particularly during his closing performance of Hypersonic missiles.
Saturday also saw a surprise set by British icon Ed Sheeran, who took to the New Music Stage (not even the main one!) as the crowd erupted.
While the event had received criticism for its lack of star power this year, this surprise is one that could only go in the Big Weekend’s favour.
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Sunday round-up
Sunday was taken by storm as breakout artist Lola Young continued her unavoidable success with another huge crowd gathering to see her perform.
Meanwhile New Music Stage was again taken by storm as indie-band Hard Life (formerly Easy Life) asked where the OG fans were, before performing their song featured in FIFA 22, Skeletons.
Meanwhile the Main Stage gremlins struck again as Lola Young’s set now faced technical difficulties, although these problems were quickly fixed.
Singer Jorja Smith also took to the Main Stage and found issues also but again these proved no problem, nor did the absence of rapper AJ Tracey who had been expected to be joining her on stage.
Ultimately, the star-studded weekend of surprises culminated with an equally flashy and enjoyable appearance from folk legends Mumford & Sons, playing songs from their latest album - and with no technical difficulties at that!
The final song came with a message of hope, all while lighting up the skies with a fantastic firework show - a fitting end to a fantastic weekend.
