Thursday 14/06/07 Day 1 @ Wireless, Hyde Park, London

Hyde Park’s Wireless Festival opened its gates overlooked and overshadowed by menacing clouds and the threat of rain. But despite a somewhat soulless atmosphere, the prospect of bad weather didn’t succeed in dampening the spirits of those determined to have a good day out come rain or shine. And with a full day of live music on the cards things could only get better.

Unfortunately salvation would not come from post punk old timers The Only Ones. Looking like he’d rather still be squatting in the 1980’s, Peter Perret’s newly reformed group stumble through a rather dreary and boring drone of a set that highlights Perret’s uncanny vocal similarity to that of Joe Pasquale. It’s actually doubtful that many people even know who they are, until ‘Another Girl, Another Planet’ is blasted out with effortless perfection and they’re suddenly recognised as that band from the Vodafone advert. All is forgiven but probably best forgotten.

Meanwhile on the XFM stage, The Bees are playing a storming set to a huge and appreciative crowd. ‘Who Knows What The Question Is’ and ‘Listening Man’ taken from the forthcoming new album ‘Octopus’ go down well and hold the audiences interest before the irresistible ‘Chicken Payback’ induces a mass sing-along / dance-off. Concluding with the infectious instrumental ‘The Russian’ it’s a well deserved hat’s off to The Bees. Over in the Tuborg Tent and eager to promote their recently released debut album, Ghosts are playing a predictably tight piano rock set and showcasing some of their best tracks including ‘Stay The Night’ and the albums title track ‘The World Is Outside’.

Dressed in pinstripe trousers, a corset and sipping from a large bottle of Jagermeister, Perry Farrell leads his new band Satellite Party onto the main stage. Sadly it’s an uninspiring performance from the former Jane’s Addiction front-man. The highlight being the classic ‘Been Caught Stealing’ and of course the two young women who felt compelled to show off their assets on the big screen. “It’s been a pleasure partying with you” slurs Farrell. Thanks Perry…