Celebrating its ten year anniversary, the ever growing festival known as SlamDunk has released the first wave of bands. With only a month from the holidays it seems Slamdunk knows what we all want for Christmas.
Topping the bill is Brendon Urie's Las Vagas rock band PANIC! AT THE DISCO. After absolutely smashing the main stage slot at England's infamous Reading and Leeds festival earlier this year, it seems they are set and ready to take SlamDunk by storm with relentlessly releasing new material and their new album 'Death Of A Bachelor' on the horizon. It's no wonder they've hit the top spot for celebrating a decade of SlamDunk!
Joining Panic! in the first wave of bands is one of Orange County's finest metalcore bands, OF MICE & MEN. After not long completing their full circle earlier in 2015 it seems the five piece can't get enough of the UK. Their appearance at next year's SlamDunk leaves us anticipating some new material.
A band with little need for introduction joining the lineup is Pop Punk classic New found glory.
Not only known for the heroic beards, most probably sharing a stage with New Found is another one of Pop Punk's finest, Four Year Strong. After releasing their self titled album in June, it seems they have some fresh material the UK is ever excited to hear!
Every Time I Die – after completing their UK tour in October it seems like the boys from Dallas can't get enough of the English soil and are once again heading back in May. Also joining the lineup from across the pond, Memphis may fire, Issues and last but certainly not least, Dan Lambton's five piece Real Friends. As you can imagine here at Summer Festival Guide we are completely stoked for next summer with these incredible bands hitting the lineup so early on, it's a wonder what SlamDunk have in store for us.
Tickets are now on sale from slamdunkmusic.com. Don’t miss out with a further forty bands to be announced across seven stages keep posted for another amazing announcement to come over the next few months.
The dates and venues for SlamDunk 2016 are as follows:
May 28 Leeds City Centre 29 Birmingham The NEC 30 Hertfordshire Hatfield Forum
After the sensational EMMURE pulled out due to illness it left us dissapointed and with an empty stage slot… Metalcore fans will be pleased to know that BURY TOMORROW have just joined the line up for this year's SlamDunk Festival!
After last year's incredible headline performance it's no wonder why we're so excited to have these guys join once again an incredible line up on the Monster Energy Stage. Front man Dani Bates states “It was a pleasure to headline last year. We can’t wait to bring the pain in a fast paced set. Circle pits galore.”
Also joining the line up this year are the winners of KERRANG!'s Fresh Blood competition – TRASH BOAT, after a month of voting in competition with nine other bands the pop punk five piece from southern Hertfordshire have come out on top and are more than excited to take SlamDunk's Fresh Blood stage by storm.
In a statement to KERRANG the band said..“We’re genuinely stunned to find out we won the slot to open the Fresh Blood stage and play the mighty Slam Dunk this year!” the band say. “Thanks to all of you beautiful people who took the time out of your days to give a shit about us, come holla at ya boyz so we can give you all big sloppy kisses!”
With the festival's lineup now complete, the South location selling out and the Northern locations near full capacity you better get your tickets quick before you miss out on arguably one of the best underground music festivals of twenty fifteen.
Stage splits for this year’s SlamDunk Festival have just be revealed, it’s time to see who you can see at May bank holiday’s one day travelling festival. In just under three weeks’ time you’ll be catching the likes of YOU ME AT SIX take the main stage by storm, it seems the highly anticipated ARCHITECTS will be headlining the Monster energy stage. Impericon holding out with hardcore bands and Desperados supporting the pop punk kids. Be sure to check out KERRANG’S Fresh Blood stage to show your support for upcoming new bands. Stage times are soon to be announced.
See full poster below.
New to the area? Festival maps are now online, please view them below. All the stages are within walking distance.
TWO MORE BANDS ARE TO BE ANNOUNCED NEXT WEEK!
The winner of the KERRANG! Fresh Blood competition, as well as some very special guests on the Monster Energy stage. With the south location selling out and Leeds and Wolverhampton near full capacity you better grab your tickets quick.
Festival season is on the horizon and getting ready to kick start it all is SlamDunk Festival taking place May's Bank Holiday weekend. The ever expanding festival is now set to take place over three central, easy to reach locations across the UK in Leeds, Wolverhampton, Hatfield.
With previous years showing the likes of All Time Low and The All American Rejects its no wonder why this one day wonder is not to be missed.
Just announcing their final editions to this year’s festival, joining the line-up are;
Architects, Finch, We Are The Ocean, Set It Off, Cartel, As It Is, ROAM, Moose Blood, Stick To Your Guns, Deez Nuts, Dead Harts, Being As An Ocean, Baby Godzilla, SHVPES, Rob Lynch, Aaron West and The Roaring Twenties, This Wild Life, Fort Hope, Only Rivals, Wind In Sails, Survay Says! and Seaway.
And not only that, you can Catch Dani & Davyd from Bury Tomorrow (DJ set), Tek-One, The Algorithm, Teru from Crossfaith (DJ set), Mellisa Clarke and Total Uprawr resident DJ's at this year's Uprawr DJ Stage"
With an incredibly diverse line up this year, tickets are going fast with the southern location almost sold out. It's a bargain, and if you've not got the money for a big festival then this is by far the next best thing!
Check out our top ten list of who to see at Slam Dunk Festival 2015!
1) Neck Deep
Pop punk's finest new addition, this band from Wrexham, Wales formed in 2012 are taking the UK by storm. After the release of their debut album 'Wishful Thinking' the band soared to success, winning Kerrang's 'Best British Newcomer' in 2014. Having just finished touring the UK with the likes of All Time Low, taking on huge arenas, Neck Deep will be sure to have the confidence to smash SlamDunk's more intimate stages. Neck Deep's sing along anthems, and heartfelt acoustic set list guarantee one of the best crowd interactions of the whole festival. With a new album already recorded and produced by A Day To Remember's Jeremy McKinnon and Reading and Leeds main stage on the horizon these boys have earned their way to our Top Ten band to see at SlamDunk 2015.
2) Pvris
With little need for introduction Lynn Gunn's hugely hyped pop rock band PVRIS are ready to take the UK as their own. With VANS Warped Tour just around the corner amongst non stop tour dates it's no wonder that this hardworking three piece have earned our top two.
After nearly a year after signing with Rise/Velocity Records, and the release of their debut album White Noise last November, this monochrome trio from Lowell, Massachusetts have already created a strong fan-base in England. Lynn Gunn's iconic female presence has taken our second place after the nomination for three of the upcoming Alternative Press awards, set for July. Why not come along and see what all the fuss is about, if it takes your fancy then be sure to cast your votes on Alternative Press's website.
3) Architects
With the single Black Blood and the album Daybreaker , it was clear this band has a message they wanted to express to the world. They have proven to do things their own way and recorded their latest album within the comfort of their own home. The sixth album titled 'Lost Together Lost Forever' was released last March and these boys are still touring strong with that material.
Not only have they got an extravagant back catalogue filled with extremely diverse tracks, the band have good morals, all of the members are vegan, and are completely against animal cruelty. Not only can this be heard through Sam Carter's bark, the frontman lives up to his bite and is currently the Sea Shepherd UK ambassador. This organisation helps prevent whaling and is something the band is extremely passionate about. If you're interested in being part of this cause then be sure to head over to their merch table as some of the proceeds are forwarded to these charities. Not only known to be an amazing studio band it's guaranteed you're going to get the same performance and passion in their set. It's precisely this reason why this band deserves to be so high up on our top ten bands to see at SlamDunk 2015.
4) While She Sleeps
After relentless touring, the band announced a set of cancelled shows, with frontman Lawrence announcing he had to undergo throat surgery due to excessive strain from his passionate and heavy vocals. With concern and controversy over whether or not the band would even return after his operation they came back as promised, dedicated and only with a more aggressive extravagant Sleeps' sound we all know and love, they have truly never sounded better. After just releasing their latest album 'Brainwashed' this March it's very clear this band have a strong message that's not to be missed.
With comments still being shared of the five piece's performance on Download's main stage last summer being the highlight of the bands career this has catapulted the metal-core band known as 'Sleeps' onto our top ten.
5) Gallows
A band still under much controversy after the departure of Frank Carter, Alexisonfire's Wade Mcneal is still persisting with an onslaught of new music. The band are currently touring Europe with material from Desolation Sounds as well as original tracks from the days of Frank. The stress and pressure the Punk band from Watford have endured hasn't made them buckle it's made them thrive and very angry, be sure to check this hardcore band if you want to see some passion.
6) Being As An Ocean
A highly religious melodic hardcore band from California releasing their debut album 'Dear G-d' with Invogue Records in 2012. The divergent frontman Joel Quartuccio accompanies his vicious screams with his bands melodic choruses and thrashing breakdowns. With sing-alongs and amazing crowd intimacy, this band will have you hooked from the first verse in their set.
7) Deez Nuts
Known as complete party animals Deez Nuts are a low tuned bass heavy four piece post hardcore band formed in Australia. After front man JJ Peters parted with his old band ' I Killed The Prom Queen' he left us questioning what he would do next. Deez Nuts rolled onto the stages with an aggressive thrashy sound accompanied by rapped lyrics. This band stay true to themselves and are in the business for all the right reasons, fun, fans and nothing more. It's certain this band don't mess around and will demand stage dives and high fives.
8) Zebrahead
Orange country California seems to just spit out amazing bands. This late 90's act are proving that pop punk's still not dead, with their ever expanding fan base these five punk rock guys are still bashing out albums. This band are renowned for their rap metal style, a modern twist of punk rock with a hint of Rage Against The Machine, it's a fact their shows are supposed to tear the roof off. They were nominated for a Grammy for their cover of Metallicas ' Enter Sandman', who knows you may even be lucky enough to hear it at SlamDunk.
9) Millencolin
Swedish skate-rock sensation have been signed with Epitaph Records since 1996 and have just released their first album in over seven years, titled 'True Brew'. If you don't know what they sound like then maybe this will jog your memory, if you were a skater kid you'll definitely know their track 'NO CIGAR' which featured on 'Tony Hawks Pro Skater 2', yeah that's right that was them! Now you know go check them out, they're definitely experienced enough to rock SlamDunk's intimate stages.
10) Don Broco
Formed in England in 2008, this band are fairly new onto the scene, however their non stop touring attitude has earned them a fairly stable fan-base. Don Broco can be summed up as punchy intro's followed by aggressive power chords with awesome clean vocals and a disco drum beat overlaid. This combination creates an amazing kick which a crowd can really sink their teeth into. These boys are planning to release a new album in Autumn this year, you'll most likely hear new tracks live.
If you're standing around with no one on your must see list then why not check out some of the bands listed above
Announced in this mornings issue of Kerrang! Magazine, Slam Dunk have added even more names to their festival taking place this summer. With additional bands being Don Broco, While She Sleeps, PVRIS and more!
Just when we thought all the artists and guests had been annouced Slam Dunk knock out other surprise with Sean Smith from The Blackout who will be making an appearance as a guest DJ and the main stage compere!
Slam Dunk have also announced their annual T-shirt design competition. Basically, you could be in the running of designing the official shirt that will be sold across this year’s festivals! Not only will you get your design idea produced, but the winner will also bag 4 tickets to the festival of their choice! So why not give it a try get your creative juices flowing and get designing! More details can be found on the poster below:
So Slam Dunk Festival kicks off in a couple of weeks starting at Leeds university then onto Hertfordshire and Wolverhampton but who should you check out while your there, Well……………..
This year’s headliner is The All American Rejects and Slam Dunk will be their only UK performances of 2014, No doubt they will be playing hits from their four albums, including ‘Dirty Little Secret’, ‘Gives You Hell’, ‘Swing Swing’ ‘ Move Along’ and more. So while they’re across the pond make sure you get yourself to the main stage to check out the Alt Rockers.
For the first time the Aussie boys in, I Killed The Prom Queen will be tearing up the stage at Slam Dunk Festival. A few months back they released new album " Beloved " which is full of heavy hitting tracks as you would expect and there is a good chance they will be playing " Thirty One & Sevens ", To The Wolves" and not forgetting older tracks like " Memento Vivere", " Sharks In Your Mouth " for all you metalcore fans out there. Plus IKTPQ have said that “ we will be seeing more of them in 2014 “.
Plus this year will see the return of Jason Butler (Letlive). Whose live shows are always full of energy and surprises. Jason Butler, The singer of Letlive made a surprise visit to Slam Dunk in 2013 by performing with Pierce The Veil, and he must of had such a good time, he's bringing his own band back. These are defiantly worth checking out with such energy and interaction with the fans it’s one band not to be missed.
Also it will also see the return of the Southampton boys, Bury Tomorrow, whose brand new album RUNES will be release on the day of Slam Dunk Midlands. That in mind will the boys play any new material to there anticipating fans. Already fans have heard their first released track “ Man On Fire “ off the new album but will they give us any more new material? Only way to find out is by making sure you check this band out on the day.
Finally last but no means less, We Are The In Crowd are set to be one of the favorites of the weekend with Taylor Jardine recently taking over @SlamDunkMusic twitter account! To answer all of your questions, to go back and see what was asked search #SDF14! On twitter.
The dates for Slam Dunk are listed below, and tickets are still available HERE
Slam Dunk Festival, the UK’s favourite and biggest independent touring festival is back for a 9th year. The 7 stage event kicks off at Leeds University followed by The Forum, Hertfordshire then finally tearing it up on the last date at Wolverhampton Civic Hall on Monday 26th May.
The festival uses a combination of indoor and outdoor stages to create a totally unique festival experience with a variety of performances across The Main Stage, Acoustic Stage, Dance Stage and many more.
Headlining the main stage this year is none other then The All American Rejects. No Doubt they will be playing all the classics including ‘Dirty Little Secret’, ‘Gives You Hell’, ‘Swing Swing’ and many more. Recently Goldfinger who were also performing along side The All American Rejects have had to announce there withdrawal from the festival due to one of the members has had to have some routine minor surgery and the recovery process has taken a little longer than expected. Meanwhile It was recently announced that another pop punk heavy weight is joining the line up in the shape of The Ataris!.
Total Uprawr will host this year’s dance stage. Headlined by one of the biggest party DJs in the UK DJ Yoda. Plus Tek-One will return to promote his new album, Sleep Equals Myth.
The line-up has been announced but there will be LOADS more to come and as usual, a few surprises.
The All American Rejects
Canterbury Letlive Bury Tomorrow The Devil Wears Prada
I Killed The Prom Queen
We Are The In Crowd We The Kings Kids In Glass Houses Zebrahead
Tek-One
Are just FEW artists to name
For a full list of ticket outlets for all events, please go to www.slamdunkmusic.com
Tickets are priced at £35 & £39 with Afterparty across all sites. Tickets for Slam Dunk Festival will be onsale Friday 14th February
