Across one year and 13 gatherings, this book sees German-based Englishman Hammond setting out in search of the “perfect” festival. Along the way he experiences it all: the baking heat of the Coachella desert, downpours at Roskilde, overt commercialism on the Isle Of Wight, corporate festivalising in all its glory at Glasters. Each new festival is approached with wide-eyed optimism and enthusiasm, interspersed with wryly-observed personal anecdotes and asides, while the search is complemented by interviews with organisers and observations from regular festival goers.
In writing something that, despite its presmise, is less music book and more travelogue, Hammond does at times take an “everything but the kitchen sink” approach and it’s fair to say that the minutiae of the author’s life become slightly less of a joy and more of an intrusion as the narrative unfolds. That said, he manages to get under the skin of the festivals he visits, delineating their idiosyncrasies and highlighting their selling points and downsides along the way, combining that with a vivid impression of the various backdrops (Spanish beaches, Danish museums). A highly enjoyable travel book, successfully masquerading as a festival goer’s guide.
