Cypress Hill

21st Century Appearances: 2010 Main Stage

The Defining Reading Moment: A mid set medley of “I Want To Get High”/”Stoned Is The Way Of The Walk”/ “Hits From The Bong” which just seemed to really capture the crowd and the moment.

There aren’t many groups out there that do it quite like Cypress Hill. For over 20 years they have been a juggernaut of hip hop music winning fans the world over with their infectious mix of rock, rap and latino. Their huge crossover appeal sees them constantly grace the stages at rock festivals (including a headline slot at Reading in 1994) but 2010 saw a long over due return to the Reading and Leeds main stages.

The setting couldnt have been more perfect. A beautifully sunny afternoon and a crowd of people that were excited yet relaxed, maybe it was something in the air. What ever it was, Cypress Hill were feeling it too, as they delved into their career spanning set which ended with the highly appropriate ‘Rock Superstar’. The record which takes a swipe at artists who sacrifice their integrity to be famous and could easily be applied to numerous bands who grace the festival. There is no need to name names however, the Hill are too cool for that. They can just sit back, relax and feel safe in the knowledge that there will never be a band quite like Cypress Hill.  Lewis Lowe