I think Interpol are going to be high up on lots of Fests if not headlining. Not my favorite band - but much like the Strokes I think they are being hyped as "another band that kicked off and defined the sound of the early 2000's indie scene, went under the wire for a while but always remained "important" (sub-headlined at Coachella 2007) and are now BACK to their old form"
To be very vague I see a big headliner (but not Radiohead, Daft Punk, Arcade Fire...) like a Pearl Jam who on their own could possibly sell out the gorge, and that being it for "big" headliners. That day would have decent sized established acts to round out tix.
The next day would be someone like an Interpol (cheaper) who people will by that time accept as a headliner or buy into being told they should be headliners "they were the kings of the new sound man!", but there will also be 2 other huge modern bands (Like Pavement and LCD) who will sell out tix
Last day I am banking on a more steady type of band who has dedicated fans, but prob would never sell out the gorge on their own, for now my guess would be Wilco (also a little cheaper), the rest of the mainstage will be littered with the "new hot acts", ie - next years' MGMT and Passion Pit. Again a for sure sell out tix wise I would bet.
The difference between a Band like The Strokes and Interpol, is that The Strokes are essentially a pop band, while Interpol who are no doubt accessible, definitely fall into the "Alternative" section (this is not to be lumped in with whatever the definition of Alternative rock is). Interpol may have their fans, and they are certainly listenable, but their style of music doesn't really cross any boundaries that make it particularly interesting to the type of crowd that goes to see a band like say The Strokes or Pearl Jam or whatever. It's good music, but it's not really inviting to an audience that hasn't heard them before. In my opinion they just don't make good headliners. Compare them to this year; My Morning Jacket have an expansive sound that infuses rock, psych, country, etc. And their songs are easy to sing along to, even if you've never heard them before (My friend hadn't heard anything by them, save for what we listened to on the drive in and she was belting out "I'm Ammmaaaaazzzzzzedddddd!!!!!" during the show). Massive Attack are a seminal favourite with a renowned light show, and have the appeal as being an act that doesn't come to North America often. Ween are also a old favourite, and their music has a similar effect on the audience as MMJ (although I didn't see them so I can't really comment). If you want to throw Pavement in their they have the whole reunion/final tour thing going for them and are undoubtedly one of the most influential Indie Rock bands ever, despite what you think of their music. Interpol don't really have a hook. Are they even really renowned for putting on a great live show?
I don't know know how you could say Sasquatch could get Pearl Jam and not Arcade Fire (unless i'm misinterpreting what you said). Are PJ even touring next year? There were people last year who scoffed at the idea of Arcade Fire headlining Sasquatch. Those people may have been (probably/definitely are) idiots, but It kind of put in perspective how (not) big Arcade Fire really were/are. I'd think they'd be perfect for the second tier Headliner.
I love Wilco, and would love to see a Headliner set from them, but I think they too are not fit to be a Sasquatch Headliner. Not because they aren't "Big" enough, but because they seem to always be around. Hell I saw them for free during the Olympics. Frankly, they probably need to go on Hiatus for a few years so that they're reunion is super special. I don't wan't them to Headline Sasquatch because I know I can probably see them again within a year for like $40.
Re: Ha, ha! But seriously, Sasquatch! 2011. « Reply #152 on Jul 28, 2010, 6:31pm »
I say PJ over Arcade Fire because I believe (AF) will be in way too big of a demand for headlining spots next year for Sasquatch to nab. PJ actually do fests all the time (recently) without doing a tour as well, which means if not them a band of similar status who isn't on tour works as they avoid the whole "not being able to do the PNW in a certain time frame of the fest"
To me the Strokes fall in the same boat as Arcade Fire ( and Radiohead and Daft Punk) all would be amazing, but I don't see it happening at Sasquatch, due to high demand and fests that can offer bigger bucks and even get exclusivity.
Something to keep in mind as well is that neither Headliners last year have ever (MA I am only speaking about in recent years) Headlined a major Fest. I think less expensive headliners made for a very solid and well rounded lineup and to why it sold out better than ever. Definitely not the greatest FAN'S approach to putting on a fest, but good in a buisness sense
Re: Ha, ha! But seriously, Sasquatch! 2011. « Reply #154 on Jul 28, 2010, 7:39pm »
^^^
Yes. 22 000 sweating people with a laughable amout of lazers, smoke, glow sticks and strobes - dancing on the hill watching the sun come up would certainly trump a lot of headliners!
---------------------------------------- Wilco Broken Bells or The Shins The Black Keys Chromeo Yeasayer --------------------------------------
Other than Broken Social Scene, White Stripes, and Phoenix, I'd get behind all of those choices.
I know it's a bit early to be reading into tour schedules, but I'm not sure anyone mentioned that Interpol is playing 312 shows in the next half year, yet skipping the NW entirely.
As a headliner, hopefully no, but if their new album hits Kings of Leon popularity, unfortunately yes.
Re: Ha, ha! But seriously, Sasquatch! 2011. « Reply #158 on Jul 29, 2010, 4:28am »
It's funny you say Sasquatch not getting big headliners then suggest the White Stripes who would trump anything mentioned so far (In the same league as Radiohead and Daft Punk imo). They are a pipe dream at best. I bet Jack White is still working on Dead Weather stuff next Year.
I think Arcade Fire is a good possibility because they have a history with Sasquatch, and would appease the Canadian crowd. If offered similar money, I wouldn't be surprised if they chose Sas over Coachella.
The Decemberists are only playing 3 NA shows this year. They would be a much bigger deal to headline than Interpol or Wilco.
Phoenix played every fest ever this year... with the exception of Sasquatch. I doubt they tour into next spring, but if they do I could see them being there.
Definitely could see Wolf Parade. Definitely could see The Shins (Maybe even as the weak headliner). The Black Keys would only be there as a sub-headliner, but would be amazing. Good Call on Gaslight too. I also think Death Cab is a forgone conclusion.
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Re: Ha, ha! But seriously, Sasquatch! 2011. « Reply #162 on Jul 29, 2010, 2:14pm »
ok a couple things: 1. sasquatch isn't getting pearl jam, it just isn't happening. Unless adam Snacks marries into vedders family and he does it as a favor, they cost way too much money 2. the new interpol album is pretty decent but it's not going to push them into headliner territory. Some great songs but nothing is particularly catchy. On top of that, they dropped from a major label to a large indie one, thats not the easiest way to make a huge jump in popularity. They subheadlined a couple years ago, expect that again if they play 3. I think you guys are overselling this exclusivity. It mainly applies to groups that are only playing 1 or 2 shows this summer and are aging legends. McCartney, Springsteen, etc. I wouldn't exclude the arcade fire just because coachella is going to pay more for them and so we won't get them. They are touring through the winter so it's not like scoring them is going to be nearly as big of a deal as it was for lolla this year.
if I had to bet on headliners right now: arcade fire, strokes, Phoenix I know there is no way we get all three of those but I wouldn't be surprised if we get two out of three. More likely there will be a veteran group thrown in there, I would die happy if we got neil young
The Decemberists are only playing 3 NA shows this year. They would be a much bigger deal to headline than Interpol or Wilco.
That's because the thought of the Decemberists headlining a Sasquatch-sized festival is mind-wrinkling.
Why? They've got a huge dedicated fanbase, known for putting on great (and long) live shows, and their musical style and performances can evoke the grandeur. I'm not really a fan, but if theres one band ready to make the jump Its them. They're basically the folk MMJ. I'd be waaaay more surprised if Interpol was headlining than they were.