Ain’t no better Cure for the summertime blues

Goth legends The Cure were one highlight of Electric Picnic 2012.

You’d think that. at 53, frontman Robert Smith is far too old to back-comb his hair and wear eyeliner, but part of his charm is that he does so anyway.

Smith led The Cure through a three-hour set that included many of their greatest hits, including The Love Cats, Boys Don’t Cry, and Friday I’m In Love — and a great deal more besides.

This summer, The Cure were joined by guitarist Reeves Gabrels, best known as David Bowie’s sideman in the 1990s. Gabrels’ contribution has lent a greater muscularity and edge to The Cure’s sound.

Another veteran performer who impressed festival-goers was Patti Smith. Already past pension age, Smith took no prisoners in her set on the Crawdaddy Stage. Even Bono was present and Smith’s performance of Because the Night surely left him as spellbound as it did the humble masses.

Electric Picnic’s music programme included dozens of acts, new and old. Irish acts were well represented, with veterans such as Gavin Friday, In Tua Nua, and Something Happens re-entering the fray, and newer artists such as Mick Flannery and Ham Sandwich making waves as well.

There were some decidedly eccentric acts among them, including the 12-piece Kormac’s Big Band, who got the crowd dancing on Friday evening, and the small army of musicians that comprise the Trinity Orchestra, who performed a new arrangement of Pink Floyd’s classic, Dark Side of the Moon.

There were also literary readings and discussions, included David McWilliams’ Leviathan political cabaret and a conversation between broadcaster Joe Duffy and author John Banville.

Yesterday was the only day for which punters could secure a one-day pass and numbers swelled visibly as the day progressed, many no doubt enticed by the sunshine. Jamaican legends Max Romeo and Lee Scratch Perry duly obliged.

After some showers early on Friday, the Electric Picnic was blessed with fine weather for the rest of the weekend. Most present will remember this year’s event as one of the most pleasurable there has been in years, with a stellar line-up and an atmosphere so laid back it seemed a damn shame to pack up and leave.

Last night’s bill included Elbow, The Killers and Hot Chip, Oscar-winner Glen Hansard and the group of Congolese street musicians known as Staff Benda Bilili.