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

The Police - One of my biggest regrets is not seeing the favourite band of my childhood, The Police, play live. It would be nice to fulfil both my and Stewart Copeland's dream and reunite this uneasy trio...And we might even get a punch-up at the end!

Beastie Boys - If only to wake this trio up by forcing them to do Vfestival after nearly a 6 year silence. Their brand of tongue-in-cheek rhyme-for-the-sake-of-it hip hop would no doubt keep many V-goers dancing with smiles on their faces throughout their set.

James Taylor Quartet - Perhaps better suited to a dance tent than a main stage, JTQ would be guaranteed to get you up and boogying with their driving blend of acid jazz and 60's Hammond organ grooves. 'Starsky and Hutch' never sounded so good.

Senser - One of the ultimate festival bands of the 90s. This band were the UK equivalent of Rage Against the Machine, but more hip hop than rap metal. 'Stacked Up' is one of the greatest and most underrated cross-over albums of all time. They've reformed after a 10 year hiatus and their 3rd album is due any minute. A 'must-see' if funky hard-hitting rap with a social conscience is your thing.

Living Colour - Another 90's rock act that has reformed in the last year or so. They're back to full strength, if their latest album 'Colleid0scope' is anything to go by, and ready to wow any festival crowd with their soulful eclectic brand of hard rock.

Ozzy Osbourne - If we could get Ozzy back from the menders in time for 'V' then I'm sure he'd go down a storm, if his 'Live at the Budokan' DVD is anything to go by. He's backed by one of the best metal bands in existence, and far more entertaining on stage than in his documentary.

Metallica - While not a big fan of Metallica, I'd wait for them just before they started their set, and then try and collar their new bassist Robert Trujillo, to plead with him to re-join the Ozzy Osbourne band who'd be patiently waiting on the next stage!

By Tony Wicks

Published Monday January 12, 2003