Ten short – OK, really long – years ago, two Cork rapscallions watched Broken Social Scene play one of the most memorable sets of Electric Picnic. One of them, Toby Kaar, is now limbering up to play his own show in Body & Soul tomorrow night; the other, well, you're reading him.
So it was with a serious sense of nostalgia that we met once again, to march to the front at the Electric Arena and watch the Canadian supergroup once again. It wouldn't be the same though, would it?
Well no, it wasn't the same – but it was no less special. From the second Kevin Drew announced that it would be a rendition of classic tracks for the fans – in fact, from the second 'KC Accidental' and '5/4 Shoreline' blasted out as the finest opening one-two punch you could hope for – then it was fundamentally clear we were in for a treat.
A greatest hits outing, even with a debuting vocalist, was rapturously received by a crowd almost disbelieving that the collective was back, in the flesh. And while Brendan Canning led a chant for Robbie Keane – and later lost his glasses through over-exertion – the screaming, emotional 'Ibi Dreams Of Pavement' was a highlight not just of the set, or the night, but perhaps the festival.
The enthusiasm from the crowd mirrored that of the band; for an hour, at least, it was anthems for 18 (or maybe 17) year olds again.