La Fée At Reading Festival 2000 Featuring The Black Eyed Peas

The La Fée Bus (#RM255) at Reading Festival

Reading Festival in 2000 was officially sponsored by Bacardi, which held the sole rights to advertise alcohol on site. As a result, no other spirits brands were permitted. La Fée, however, found a way to be present through a clever twist. The La Fée Absinthe Bus also served as the tour bus for Black Box Recorder. With John Moore, both a band member and then La Fée director, Sarah Nixey, who modelled for the brand’s distinctive eye motif, and Luke Haines in the line-up, the Routemaster was granted entry to the festival.

Once inside the grounds, the striking green double-decker quickly became much more than a transport vehicle. Parked beside Hank Williams III’s giant Winnebago, it evolved into a lively backstage retreat. Between sets, George Rowley, Black Box Recorder and a rotating mix of musicians gathered on the top deck lounge to enjoy La Fée cocktails and take in the unique atmosphere.

During the weekend the Black Eyed Peas passed by, intrigued by La Fée and the unusual Routemaster. They called up to George and asked if they could come aboard and try our inspiring elixir. For the next half hour they lit up, relaxed with a glass or two of La Fée, and even recorded lyrics into a pocket device, leaving behind words inspired by the green fairy.

The La Fée Absinthe Bus ultimately stood as both an inventive workaround and a symbol of the brand’s unconventional spirit, a rolling stage where music, creativity and absinthe’s mystique came together.