The BBC’s Electric Proms are only one of the massive live music showcases taking place across Britain
ITC has never disguised its industry roots, though. As for the Electric Proms, just how did the BBC persuade so many outstanding artists (yes, the Automatic are appearing), many with new records to promote, to take part in an unproven event, promising only massive nationwide media coverage? Acts include The Who, the Fratellis, Will Young and Damon Albarn’s latest project, the Good, the Bad and the Queen, a name that is witty at first but less funny each time you hear it. There are few real surprises, though.
The programme isn’t so different from an average week in the capital, if perhaps a bit worse: why is Kasabian with a 50-strong orchestra a good idea? All three bashes are impressively organised however, and undeniable bargains. Many Prom tickets go for a fiver. In Manchester you might see the next big thing gratis. Coldplay remain the best-known graduates, but talent has always been uncovered — last year it was, ahem, Orson.
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