Graeme Thomson

In praise of the Festival Song – the four-minute wonder that can sustain a career for decades

At Connect Festival Primal Scream and Franz Ferdinand illustrated the strategic importance of the Festival Song

Bobby Gillespie was a curious focal point, exuded the aura of a dishevelled yet courtly ringleader: Primal Scream at Connect Festival 2023. Image: James Edmond / Shutterstock 
issue 23 September 2023
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  • Connect Festival; Paolo Nutini

    Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh

As the sun sets on another too-long summer festival season, let us take a moment to reflect on the Festival Song.

This is the one tune by a band that even the most reluctant festival attendee will know. It is the song producers stick on the TV highlights package for bored insomniacs surfing the red button.

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