Everyone I know who has been to Slane has vowed they would never go back. While they have enjoyed the selection of acts and headliners (and I know people who went to see Oasis in 2009, Kings of Leon in 2011 and Eminem, just a couple of days ago), they have found the atmosphere, crowds and lenghts of time getting to and from, to be nothing more than a hassle. The question is is twofold in this case: why is Slane such a mess? and is it worth a return trip?
Eminem, this past Saturday.
Why Slane Is Such A Mess
- Slane is not exactly the most developed area in Ireland and its peripherality is not used to hoards of even cows, let alone tens of thousands of drunken Irish-folk. A small town in the land of Meath, the roads aren't exactly designed for mass influx and come gig-time, there is always the need for a massive operation which requires hundreds of guards (750 this past Saturday) as well as a number of buses. Which brings us onto-
- Traffic. The buses have to wait awhile because of those who choose to drive in and because of the locals. Let's not forget that there are businesses also setting up stands across the field and so, people are coming in throughout the whole day. When I went there in 2009, it took a bit of time to get in but that was no concern compared to how long it took getting out, when everyone decides to leave at once. I ended up getting home in the early hours of dawn, having waited hours on a bus in Slane before eventually getting to Dublin and back on to Bray. This problem seems to be the same cause for complaint, four years on. Let's face it- the guards are never exactly the most helpful in traffic control situations and better preparation is needed for getting people out!
- The walk is over an hour from getting the bus there because you are not brought directly to the castle. I don't mind a walk, myself, when it's clear sailing but moving centimetre by centimetre along with 80,000 others, out of the grounds and along the town is enough to drive anyone insane.
- The buses- people who have gone to Oxegen will be able to understand this. You decide to get a bus from town because you know traffic will be bad but Dublin Bus and other such companies, being the stingy lot they are, decide to charge you a good 20-30 quid for the return journey. The fact we have chosen to get a bus means we are trying to save money but hell to the people, they don't seem to care. And on the way back, they just let anyone on the buses anyways without checking the tickets!
- Security- there were still 50 odd arrests this year but they seem to have made Slane a safer place to go following the disastorous blood-party of last year's Swedish House Mafia gig. 750 guards were on duty to check for alcohol, drugs and weapons. Now, this problem comes down to the people more than anything but something, you won't feel safe. There are many dangerous looking people out there and that in turn leads to the queus that build as everyone is checked. Not the biggest problem, in my opinion, but it hardly makes the experience more satisying.
Dublin Bus- the arrogance of them never fails to amaze me.
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And Now, Is It Worth It- Would You Go Back?
No
You might feel, if you were there Saturday, that Eminem's 90 minute performance hardly cut it for the lenght of time you stood there, waiting on him. You might feel that there are other gigs which are just as (if not more) enjoyable, which you would rather go to. After all, Slane heralds in a fresh wave of complaints every time it occurs and you can see why- it was a unique experience but hardly, the most legendary of gigs too. Indeed, it might have been fun just the once but hassle wise, you may feel the O2 will satisfy your future urgings for pop, rap and rock n' roll. It's not exactly cheap, either.
Yes
What I remember from when I went to see Oasis in 2009 was both the long lines of people milling out afterwards and the legendary wave of people falling down with the opening chords of "Rock n' Roll Star." Some might remember their experiences differently and feel that the gig completely overshadowed whatever the rest of the experience was. If I could go back in time, myself, and tell 2008 me what was in store, I still think I would have gone. But for another act that wasn't one of my favourites, I wouldn't bother.
Indeed, few people can say they've seen Eminem perform before and this will be a lasting memory for them. As for the Kings of Leon back in 2011, well, they play the circuit all the time, so I wouldn't have been too worried if I was one of their fans and missed out on a ticket. You ultimately need to decide whether the act is worth seeing to determine whether you're up for the struggle and after all, the organisers may eventually see sense and make it a whole lot easier some day. Maybe.
What is your opinion? Were you at Slane this year and did you find the experience a positive one, overall? Please comment below.
