ADF > Glastonbury 24.June 2000

Pyramid Stage 13.00

1.00PM on the Pyramid Stage is a slot usually populated by MOR nonsense – Brand New Heavies up next – or unappreciated soul legends, but toady Asian Dub Foundation have been recruited to fire up the sleepy masses. It's a refreshing start to the day.

The band file on stage and warm up with the instrumental 'Committed To Life', then head for 'Real Great Britain'. But it's not until the caustic electric riff of 'Naxalite' sears across the fields and the sun comes out that the band really ease into their set, hypodermically injecting their famed live energy into the crowd.

From then on in, it's unrelenting drum and bass, dub breakdowns and Indian guitar scales that ready an amazingly packed main stage for another day. For 'Charge' ADF are joined by an 'apprentice' from their community music project who beams appreciation from the stage. "Nuff respect to see so many people here for the first time at Glastonbury," he enthuses.

The band send tributes to their fellow musicians playing the festival, reserving a special dedication for French hip hop newcomers Sian Supa Crew and likeminded sonic agitators Primal Scream, who Chandrasonic seems to think are playing on Sunday. Maybe a surprise appearance is on the cards.

James Poletti,DotMusic