As a festival I think it really matured this year. I've read a few reviews that critised the dance led lineup but I think it seemed to keep the crowd good last year, there was certainly a jolly ned free atmosphere and quite a lot of families and older revellers mixing with the hard core ravers.
Ok so the Rockness 2008 lineup's going to have go a long way to beat the holy trinity of last year. I think we can live without the Manics next year as the rather small crowd at the main stage and the near bursting point of the tent proved when Daft Punk took to the stage. In fact it was probably this miscalculation on the promoters front that prooved the only blip in a great festival.It's pretty difficult to have a stab at the Rockness 2008 lineup but I think that Calvin Harris has to be there. As far as the big guns go it will be a bit difficult. I'd certainly like to see one of the big three return again this year, with probably Groove Armada the most likely to turn up as they seem to love any excuse to come up to Scotland. I wouldn't rule out a return by Fat Boy Slim and I reckon that would probably bolster up what will be a critical year for the festival.
As a couple of outsiders i'd maybe go for the predictable Prodigy (it's the first band everyone seems to be touting for the Rockness 2008 lineup) but I really don't think their later material stands up well enough and what was once one of the finest sounds in the business now seems a bit too harsh and heavy to grace the shores of Loch Ness. My second outsider is Air, who I think would make a good addition to the Rockness lineup for 2008.
Finally I reckon LCD soundsystem would provide a great balance if their talents could be secured. I'd certainly be quite interested to see what other people's thoughts on the Rockness 2008 lineup would be??
