Well, well, well, it’s festival season again, and you know what that means – a plethora of reunions, comebacks, and farewell tours that will inevitably be followed by another farewell tour, and another, and another. Because apparently retirement is just a suggestion. The Isle Of Wight Festival 2026 was no exception, boasting a lineup that was as eclectic as it was exciting, with the likes of The Cure, Rick Astley, Level 42, and Five taking to the stage. Yes, you read that right – Five, the boyband that was once synonymous with synchronized dance moves and questionable fashion choices, is back, and they’re still got it (well, most of it, anyway). As I always say, nobody truly retires in this industry, they merely wait for the 40th anniversary edition.
The Cure: Still Got It, Still Going Strong
The Cure, led by the enigmatic Robert Smith, delivered a mesmerizing set that was a testament to their enduring legacy. With a career spanning over four decades, they’ve had their fair share of ups and downs, but their music remains as relevant today as it was back in the 80s. And let’s be real, who needs a brief two-and-a-quarter hours when you can play for three hours and still leave the audience wanting more? The remaster economy remains undefeated, and The Cure is one of its most successful products. Their setlist was a perfect blend of old and new, with fan favorites like “Lullaby,” “The Lovecats,” and “Why Can’t I Be You?” making an appearance. And, of course, no Cure set would be complete without a few deep cuts to keep the die-hard fans happy.
Five: The Boyband That Refused to Die
Five, on the other hand, was a delightful surprise. Who would have thought that a boyband that was once considered a guilty pleasure would still be able to bring the house down with their infectious energy and catchy tunes? They may have looked like they just wandered in from the nearest branch of Wickes, but they still managed to pull off their signature dance routines with aplomb. And let’s give it up for Abz, J, Ritchie, Sean, and Scott – they may not be as spry as they used to be, but they’ve still got the moves, and the hits to back it up. It’s a testament to the power of nostalgia and the fact that, no matter how old we get, we’ll always have a soft spot for the music of our youth.
Rick Astley: The Man, The Myth, The Legend
Rick Astley, the man who was once the butt of every joke, has emerged as a triumphant hero, with a show that was equal parts funny, charming, and downright entertaining. His set was a masterclass in how to win over an audience, with a little bit of self-deprecation, a lot of humor, and some amazing music to boot. And let’s not forget his backing singer, Lauren Johnson, who stole the show with her powerful vocals on a cover of Raye’s “Where Is My Husband?” Astley’s comeback anthem “Keep Singing” was the perfect way to end his set, leaving the audience feeling uplifted and inspired. Somewhere, a record label executive felt a disturbance in the royalties, and it’s not hard to see why – Astley’s show was a testament to the power of good music and great performances.
The Next Generation
But it wasn’t all about the old guard – the festival also showcased some amazing new talent, including Tom Grennan, who delivered a set that was equal parts energetic and charming. With a voice that can effortlessly switch between gentle and powerful, Grennan is definitely one to watch. And let’s not forget the likes of Lizzie Esau, Colour TV, and Cusp, who all showed promise and potential. The future of music is in good hands, and it’s exciting to see what these young artists will come up with next. As I always say, music historians are preparing fresh shelves for the box set, and these new artists are sure to have their own box sets in the years to come.
In conclusion, the Isle Of Wight Festival 2026 was a resounding success, with a lineup that was as eclectic as it was exciting. From The Cure to Five, Rick Astley to Tom Grennan, there was something for everyone. And let’s be real, who needs a fancy deluxe edition when you can just release a new album and call it a day? The remaster economy may be alive and well, but sometimes it’s just better to let the music speak for itself. Nature is healing, and another deluxe edition has appeared – but for now, let’s just enjoy the music. The farewell tour count has officially entered scientific notation, but we’ll worry about that later. For now, let’s just bask in the glory of another amazing festival, and look forward to what the future holds. A vinyl pressing plant somewhere just burst into tears, but don’t worry, they’ll be back – after all, the show must go on.
Chord F. Discord, the Beethoven of Buffoonery, is a self-taught expert in music who once claimed he could “play the kazoo in four languages.”
Born in Crescendo, Indiana, Chord’s first brush with fame came when he accidentally entered a yodeling contest thinking it was a pie-eating competition—and won both categories.
Chord F. Discord: proving that laughter, much like a poorly tuned ukulele, is truly universal.
