The writers behind the vfestival.info website put together a wish-list of bands they'd most like to see at V2004...

REM - Despite their success, Michael Stipe and co have remained painfully modest and unaffected and continiue to produce brilliant tunes with a sharp, political message.

Morrissey - Legendary former front-man of The Smiths. Angst-ridden, witty lyrics and maudlin tunes make Morrissey a pop figure whose originality is unmatched by any of his contemporaries.

New Order - Formed from the great Joy Division. Peter Hook's resonant bass lines and the vocal brilliance of Bernard Sumner have combined to produce great electronic hits like "Blue Monday", "True Faith" and "World In Motion."

The Manic Street Preachers - One of the UK's greatest ever bands with hits including "Design For Life", "Motorcycle Emptyness" "Everything Must Go" and "Australia". Need I say more?

Air- French retro/electronic/space- pop artists, heavily influenced by the late, great Serge Gainsbourg of "Je t'aime" fame. Two fantastic albums - "Moon Safari" and "Virgin Suicides."

The Coral - Young, up-and-coming indie band who sing simple but catchy tunes with a sea shanty sound.

Kosheen - Know how to captivate an audience with their drum 'n bass up-tempo tracks.

By Roger Brown

Published Tuesday January 13, 2003