Billed as being the best of this year's live acts, Noise and Confusion had set itself up to be the festival of the year. Rumours of the line up had been rife since tickets went on sale back in July with bands like Kasabian, Kaiser Chiefs, The Killers and The Futureheads being touted as possible line up contenders along with the already confirmed Oasis, Foo Fighters, Razorlight and The Coral. When by late November no further announcements had been made and tickets still had not been dispatched, panic did begin to set in, not surprisingly considering Oasis' track record with gigs. But the faithful believers were rewarded on Saturday when the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff earned its place alongside Reading and Leeds as a true festival contender.
Opening act Yeti got the day off to a steady start surprising much of the crowd with the quality of their tracks. For those who had taken the rumour mill as gospel, the abominable snowman had seemed a more appealing sight when the let down of additional big names set in. On the day though, it was the more musically equipped variety of Yeti that won over the pessimists. Nic Armstrong and The Thieves followed and although their set added the first dose of rock to the day, their claim that it was great to be back and playing in England didn't exactly go down well with the Cardiff crowd. It wasn't until The Subways that a freezing Millennium Stadium finally began to warm up. With a lead singer that almost breaks his neck jumping across the speaker stacks and a bassist who seems to lack the capability to stand still even for a second, The Subways simply scream energy. The vigour levels evaporated however by the time The Coral made their entrance. Their upbeat, feel good numbers appear to be better suited to the summer festival circuit rather then the one day winter version. Although they did incite the first sing along of the day, they failed to warm up a crowd who were rapidly turning to icicles. Then again, their performance did have the added hindrance of having a certain Noel Gallagher watching from the wings. The vision of a Gallagher brother watching your entire performance, singing along to every song and clapping enthusiastically must have some impact on your nerves.
Razorlight aren't exactly a band that you associate with hardcore moshing but when Johnny Borrel fans get together the safest thing to do is head for the hills, especially when he removes his shirt to bare his pigeon breasted chest. It doesn't do your ego much good when stereotypical indie girls who are so thin that a light breeze could probably blow them over manage to knock you side ways and even lift your feet off the floor. The aptly named 'Light Brigade' attack like a pack proving that it's always the small ones you have to watch! Razorlight proved why next year they will be headlining festivals. Sure, it may have taken an eternity to set up their cosy front room stage, not forgetting the pot plants, but when 63,000 people sing along to 'Somewhere Else', it all seems worth it.
Outrageously billed as a support act, Foo Fighters stole the entire day. From the quiet tranquillity of 'Everlong' to the rock fuelled screaming of 'In Your Honour', the Foos educated a mainly Oasis crowd in the art of rock greatness. The end result was that Oasis were greeted by an audience who had been rocked to within an inch of their lives and were suffering for the pleasure. Going by Oasis' performance, the same could have been said about them. Mixing classic tracks with newer offerings from 'Don't Believe The Truth', Oasis did just enough to revive the crowd but failed to top the Foos. Liam's customary arrogant stare may have been on view for all but its full effect was lost when glimpses of consideration were expressed through his concern for the fans at the front, although it's reassuring to know he does really care for those who seem to worship him. Oasis on the whole were understated, they didn't seem up for a gig of this size and by the time they were coming on for the encore, many had vacated the stadium in the hope of avoiding the crush. As headliners, Oasis merely allowed the Foos to sneak in and claim the show and the last festival of 2005. Hell, they probably could have conquered Cardiff as well if they wanted.