KEITH CARMAN / FOR METRO CANADA 

It seemed impossible, especially given the billing.

How the hell did Virgin Festival 09 expect to surpass a first day showcasing talent such as The Pixies, Ben Harper, Paolo Nutini and more with the likes of N.E.R.D., Our Lady Peace, Pet Shop Boys and Nine Inch Nails? Well, N.E.R.D. and NIN maybe, but the others?

Apparently that same wonder ran through the artists as a far more engaging day unravelled as compared to a rather sedate precursor. Everything seemed amplified and far more enthusiastic from the gimmick-laden atmosphere of Datarock with their matching tracksuits to Mutemen and their trio-on-one-kit drum solo.

Still, the highlights came strong and fast; seemed to be unending as N.E.R.D. literally pulled the party to the stage, grabbing audience members and hauling them up. Then again, what does one expect from a band with songs such as “Lapdance?” 

Hell, even Our Lady Peace were inspired to intensify their typical rock as front man Raine Maida grabbed his wireless microphone and circumnavigated the Amphitheatre awning, provoking audience members to sing along. That was a surprise.

Thank genre heroes Pet Shop Boys for finally delivering the one important element missing from the entire event though: an astonishing multi-media extravaganza including everything from video and dancers to iconic '80s imagery and delightful shoulder pads. It was kitsch revival done right: professionally and with tongue planted firmly in cheek. Unsurprising  that they were the only act to garner an encore, a rousing rendition of “West End Boys.”

Nine Inch Nails? Well, if you missed 'em, too bad and to say they were anything less than stellar would be a “Terrible Lie.” According to spearhead Trent Reznor, this is the last time they'll probably tour which is probably why he started smashing everything in sight almost immediately. To tell you they were great when blasting out their aggressive overload of electronic rage is like rubbing salt in the wound. But since you weren't there, it was self-inflicted anyway.

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