Oxegen 2013.

[nigel-harps1954]

Holy f**k. What in utter feck happened to make this the ultimate DJ fest?

[tetsujin1979]

probably that the lineups are other festivals are more rock/indie based. Oxegen is going to be a complete train wreck this year. Even with a reduced capacity I can't see it selling out, and the event itself is going to be a repeat of Swedish House Mafia at the Phoenix Park last year

[BonnieShels]

It was slowly going this way over the years with the relegation of bands like Arcade Fire and The National to other stages to accommodate the headliners of which the fans of who would have no interest in bands like The National.

It's not even on my horizon at all.

[nigel-harps1954]

I'd like to see Snoop Dogg for the sheer craic. Apart from that, I haven't the slightest bit of interest in anyone.

[BonnieShels]

I'd like to see Snoop Dogg for the sheer craic. Apart from that, I haven't the slightest bit of interest in anyone.

I haven't the slightest notion as to who half of them are. Long may that continue.

[Lionel Ritchie]

Anything I say should be prefaced by an acknowledgment that I just don't like festivals and wouldn't be going if they'd my top 20 favourite bands on the bill. I just think it's a rotten way to experience live music.

That said I don't think I'm being remotely snobbish, superior or alarmist in pointing out that Oxegen is lining up to be an absolute Ned-fest and those responsible for it will be damn lucky if they get through it without a fatality. I hope I'm wrong.

[Charlie Darwin]

It was slowly going this way over the years with the relegation of bands like Arcade Fire and The National to other stages to accommodate the headliners of which the fans of who would have no interest in bands like The National.

It's not even on my horizon at all.
The National were so disgusted with the last booking that they sacked MCD.

Oxegen has been going this way for a few years while the Witness crowd has gradually moved over towards EP. Longitude snappling up some of the bigger indie acts and the late confirmation has sort of pushed Oxegen this way and it's probably too late for a rebrand. I imagine next year it will be rebranded as Heineken something or other.

[Jofspring]

Went to Witnness in 2002 at the age of 14. It was really laid back and people were just going for some music and a good time. I didn't go back until Oxegen 2006, and while the lineup was decent it had turned into a messy knacker fest and it was clear it was getting worse by the year. I have heard absolute horror stories about the ones that followed. I have been totally put off going to festivals in Ireland because of the stories you hear from them. I went to Rockwave in Greece in 07 and while it was a smaller scale than most Irish festivals it was very laid back and easy going. A world apart from Oxegen. Heading to Rock Im Park this year as I have heard great things about it. The line up isn't amazing but its supposed to be run brilliantly and very enjoyable all round.

The line up this year suggests Oxegen should have been totally renamed to at least avoid the backlash it got from festival goers.

[Charlie Darwin]

The line up this year suggests Oxegen should have been totally renamed to at least avoid the backlash it got from festival goers.
The brand was on its way out anyway so it doesn't really matter that it's had a backlash. People have short memories and whatever it gets rebranded as will be basically a new festival.

[nigel-harps1954]

I wouldn't tar all the Irish festivals with the same brush.

Try Body and Soul festival. It's a branch of Electric Picnic that run their own festival in Westmeath every year. Limited to 5,000 people.
Absolutely outstanding festival with the best atmosphere I've ever witnessed. Also some cracking bands. This year, Nick Cave and the bad seeds and PIL are headlining.

[Neish]

Ever since the name change from Witness to Oxegen and the move to Punchestown Oxegen had been moving this way. Went there 5 years in a row 2001-2005 loved the first 3 years. In 2004 I started to see the scum element sneaking in in 2005 it was awful got started twice for no reason what so ever also my mates tent got robbed, then slashed up and some scumbag took a sh*t in it. After that year I said I'd never go back unless I won a ticket but don't even think I would go again even if I did win a ticket.

In 2006 I was at EP & Sziget in Budapest(Best festival ever) In 2010 I was in Bilbao BBk(excellent also). Considering Body & Soul this year and maybe the Picnic if I have enough money.

In one way I sad to see what Oxegen has become but in another I'm glad as it will take away most of the scum element from other festivals, I may want to go to