Primal Scream put on a powerful, emotionally charged show at South Facing Festival on August 5, 2023. The band had been facing online backlash in the weeks leading up to the show, but they used the opportunity to turn the negativity into a positive force

A night of classic alt-rock

The band was supported by fellow Scots The Jesus and Mary Chain, who blasted away the storm clouds with feedback-drenched alt-pop. As dusk fell, Primal Scream took to the stage and kicked off with perennial party-starter Movin’ On Up.

Jim Reid of The Jesus and Mary Chain performs at South Facing Festival CREDIT: Burak Cingi/Redferns

The setlist featured a mix of old and new material, including the soulful 1994 deep cut Big Jet Plane and the samba-inflected It’s Alright, It’s Okay. Primal Scream were in top form, with Bobby Gillespie delivering his vocals with passion and energy. The band’s musicianship was also top-notch, and they sounded tight and cohesive.

Crowd goes wild

The crowd was really into it, and they sang along to all the songs. The overall atmosphere was electric, and it was clear that everyone was having a great time. This was a triumphant performance from Primal Scream, and it was a reminder of why they are one of the most important bands in British music.” At one point during the show, Gillespie addressed the online backlash, saying, “We’ve been through a lot in the past few weeks, but we’re not going to let it get us down. We’re here to play music, and that’s what we’re going to do.”

The band then launched into a blistering rendition of Loaded, which brought the crowd to its feet. The show ended with a triumphant performance of Rocks, which served as a reminder of why Primal Scream are one of the most important bands in British music.

Primal Scream’s performance at South Facing Festival was a reminder of why they are one of the most important bands in British music. They are a band that is not afraid to speak their mind, and they are a band that is not afraid to face adversity. They are a band that will not be silenced.