90's Fest

The 90s are when I became a big music fan. Actually, let's take a step back. I enjoyed listening to 80s music and probably watched more MTV than I was allowed during that decade. However, it was the 90s when I started going to concerts (not including Neil Diamond in the early 80s and Debbie Gibson in the late 80s). When I started buying cassettes (thanks BMG for the 10 tapes for a penny or dollar deal!). It was in college in the 90s when I discovered new bands and musicians from friends, people playing music in their residence halls rooms, and college radio. So I was excited when my Facebook feed showed me information about 90's Fest. Seemed perfect for me. And then I looked at the lineup.

90's Fest, scheduled in July in Sheffield (Go Wednesday! WAWAW!) is apparently the largest 90s music festival in the UK featuring over 100 artists. And based on the list of artists, not many had much of an impact in the United States. UB40 is the notable exception having several monster hits such as "Red Red Wine," "Here I Come (Come and Take Me)," and (I Can't Help) Falling In Love With You." UB40 may also be the only act at the festival with more than one American hit. I mean, look at the performers. How many can you name?

Let's go through some of the other artists. I'm a big fan of 2 Unlimited's Get Ready for This, which features lines "Get ready for this, Mind your own biz" and "Feelin' kind of better, Put on a sweater." 

I really need to use the phrase "mind your own biz" more. Anyway, I think that was their only big song in America.  Same goes with Vengaboys. Of course, we all know "We Like To Party! (The Vengabus)" from the Six Flags commercials.

I went to England in the summer of 2000 and wrote about the songs from my time there including by Five and Sonique. Love "It Feels So Good" by Sonique! Other than that, I have no idea who these people are. Is Darren Styles related to Harry Styles? I'm guessing Fergie isn't the Fergie from Black Eyed Peas. If it is, good on the festival for having one American from the 2000s at the event. I hope that Lange is a tribute band for the late Pittsburgh Penguins' announcer Mike Lange.

Charlie B might be related to Cardi B or Mel B. Actually, why are Mel B and the other Spice Girls not playing at this festival? That would be a huge headliner! In the meantime, it's nice to see that there is a group dedicated to steak sauce in A1. I also think the Tidyboys make the litter that I use for my cat!

Look, I understand that this is probably a 90s festival for UK and European artists, and Oasis, Radiohead, Spice Girls, and Blur are probably too big to attend. Still, how about Bush or Garbage? Why not The Verve, Jesus Jones, EMF, PJ Harvey, Dido, David Gray, Republica, Soul II Soul, Sneaker Pimps, and/or The Corrs? I'm missing dozens of others too.

That's it. I'm going to create my own UK 90s festival!