The Hold Steady keep V Festival rocking

The Hold Steady kept the V Festival rocking in Chelmsford this afternoon (August 16), playing on the 4Music Stage.

The band played a set including songs from their recent album 'Stay Positive' in the beaming sun, as revellers enjoyed an afternoon of sunny weather despite fears of rain forming earlier in the week.

Keyboardest Franz Nicolay was in typically jumpy form for the set, leaping about as the band played opener 'Constructive Summer'.

He played the accordian during 'Lord, I'm Discouraged' later in the show, while guitarist Tad Kubler earned an ovation from the crowd for his solo on a double-necked guitar.

Nicolay then swigged red wine from the bottle as his band began playing recent LP title track 'Stay Positive', repeatedly slapping his head and knee and making peace signs as he played.

The Minneapolis band ended their set with 'Slapped Actress', ending the song by singing the chorus a capella.

"We're The Hold Steady, stay positive," declared frontman Craig Finn before the band headed offstage.

The Hold Steady played:

'Constructive Summer'
'Chips Ahoy'
'Your Little Hoodrat Friend'
'Sequestered In Memphis'
'Lord, I'm Discouraged'
'Stay Positive'
'Slapped Actress'

Keep checking NME.COM for the latest news, pictures, videos and blogs live from both V Festival Chelmsford and V Festival Staffordshire all weekend.