A Celtic band from the UK, Iona was a little bit of a different twist from the traditional rock band at Cornerstone, but their lively, complex shows became something of a legend at the festival and they were not to be missed. The band draws from influences such as Irish bands like Clannad, but also British progressive rock as well. Here’s a clip from Cornerstone 1996 of the band playing “Today.”
The band has not played at Cornerstone for many, many years. I was hoping to see them at Cornerstone 2001, but travel issues prevented them for making it to the festival and the 77’s filled in on their main stage slot instead. This year, however, Iona will be returning for a main stage performance at Cornerstone 2010 and I’m really looking forward to the show as I’ve never seen them in concert before.
Iona has just never worked for me, at all. I bought an album (their first, I think) because a lot of people I knew seemed to like it, and it just didn’t do it for me. This video is the same way. I’m sure it’s fine and interesting, but it doesn’t resonate with me in any way. I’ll try to give them a shot at the fest this year, but my expectations are low and if there’s anything else on, I’m liable to wander off.