I think that's a bit unfair...
10cc I admit are basically a tribute band now (albeit a very good one) that only Graham Gouldman remains, but all the other bands that I feel you are having a pop at (Fairport / Nik Kershaw) were all performing new material, and Alice Cooper is all about the theatricality and spectacle of the stage show.
Anyway, the verdict for Thursday:
Fairport Convention opened the show with a short acoustic set as they have done for a few years now, playing a few favourites old and new, including the Cropredy anthem 'Festival Bell' about the bell that the Cropredy villagers had made in honour of the band.
Fake Thackray was next, and I knew what to expect from him, as he had opened for Fairport on their winter tour in January. As the name suggests, he is a Jake Thackray tribute act, an excellent guitarist and very enthusiastic in his love of the great man. I liked him, but it did make me wish I could see the genuine article as his deep voice and deadpan delivery were greatly missed.
Romeo's Daughter were next. Not my thing at all I'm afraid, sort of generic 70s/80s pop. We nipped out for a stroll round the village when these were on.
Edward II followed, and I wasn't sure about them. Great live performers, playing a sort of folk-reggae.
Thursday ended with the mighty Alice Cooper. What can you say, a true showman, he arrived in a shower of sparks, and over the next hour and a half was at various points beheaded, electrocuted, turned into a giant frankenstein's monster, throwing fake money and diamonds into the crowd. He played a great set full of classics, although he missed out 'Elected' which was a surprise. Oh yes and he did have the snake too!
I'll do Friday another day if anyone's interested