Summer Festival Guide, Author at Summer Festival Guide

Snoop Dogg, The Wombats and Scissor Sisters for Lovebox 2011

November 18, 2018March 3, 2011 by Summer Festival Guide

Snoop Dogg will play Lovebox featuring Daz Dillinger and Kurupt (Tha Dogg Pound), RBX, The Lady of Rage, Joe Cool and special guest Warren G banging out hit after hit from the legendary Doggystyle album, this will be a festival appearance not to be missed. The Doggystyle album has hit quadruple platinum selling status and spawned several hit singles including ‘What’s My Name’ and ‘Gin & Juice’, featuring many guests from the Death Row Label. Lovebox will be reuniting the Death Row heavy weights on stage for what is set to be the festival collaboration of the entire 2011 season. The Dogg will be performing his critically acclaimed album once again with his cousins for one of the first times in years where Lovebox fans will be privy to the lazy drawl and rhythmically complex-lyric delivery which the seminal album is renowned for.

In addition to Snoop’s musical feast, Loveboxers can expect to see groundbreaking singer songwriter Katy B, fresh off the back of her tour with dubstep pioneers Chase & Status, Swedish dance sensation, Robyn, the wildly flamboyant Scissor Sisters, New York based indie four piece The Drums, mixing maestros 2 Many DJs, music and style icons Blondie, scouse rockers The Wombats, Sweden’s “Queen of Chic” Lykke Li,London rapper Example, electronic pop band Metronomy, young brits Fenech-Soler, ex Soft Cell front man Marc Almond, R&B star Kelis, and UK Beatbox Champion Beardyman.

Taking place on the intersection of London’s most fashionable boroughs, fans can expect to see the likes of Vogue, Grazia and Dazed trend spotting, with the city’s summer fashionistas bringing a touch of glamour to London’s hippest summer hangout. Taking place over three days each day will have a distinct musical identity.

Kicking off the weekend’s music programme and getting the party started will be Lovebox’s boisterous younger sibling, Bang The Box. Bang The Box will be showcasing a speaker-melting hybrid of cutting edge sounds, with a heavyduty underground feel. Featuring the first London Festival appearances from local hero’s Rinse FM who will be hosting an Arena showcasing the very best from the dubstep/grime scene over which they reign, and from France, those coolest of cool Parisian cats, Ed BANGER Records, will both be ensuring the party is fully in swing as Friday night gets off to a flyer…

Saturday will be a Music Safari encompassing an eclectic line-up, a strong party vibe and of course international mega stars, hipper than thou rockers and underground club collectives.

Closing the weekend with decadence and style, Sunday’s Out and Out Fierce programme will be a collection of the weird, wonderful, and fantastically fabulous; showing diversity, and being a true reflection of our wild, polychromatic, polysexual capital. A welcome return to the Pink summer diary, for the pioneering mirror ball massive, Hoxton fashion acuteness, ringleaders of queer culture, and in addition to the main stage heavy weights, Lovebox fans can once again expect to see a mixture of the fiercest all night parties, ballrooms, gay discos, cabarets, and bingo halls galore, mixing it with recycled couture. Showing the festival how it’s done will include drag queen du jour Jodie Harsh, the Queen of London’s drag scene, bringing her infamous Circus parties out of the warehouses and into the park, Jonny Woo,and dedicated to the industry of human happiness and one popular mixture of disco and drag; DJ collective Horse Meat Disco. Subversive artist/designer/stylist and Vogue favourite Dr Noki will bring a convincing level of fashion credibility to an eclectic array of entertainment.

In addition to this musical feast and the real beauty of Lovebox, is that you can quite easily escape from the main stage and still have an unforgettable, deafening, furtive and special experience. With hidden soundsystems, secret corners within the trees, random acts of weirdness, a Farmer’s Market to feed even the capital foodies wildest expectations, street artists, fringe cabaret, cirque, comedy, roaming performance, there will be surprises at every turn defining Lovebox as a true festival experience in the heart of London.

Elsewhere in the park, Gaymers Ciderwill return for their fourth year, hosting the Second Stage featuring a series of bands on an original stage setting like no other. The Drums will perform on the Gaymers Stage, alongside Robyn, Kelis, The Wombats, Example, Metronomy, Beardyman, Lykke Li and Dry The River.

The Relentless Energy Drink Stage also makes a welcome return to Lovebox, with high energy acts playing epic sets throughout the festival, brought to you by Ed BANGER and Hospitality. Ed Banger head honcho Busy P will be teaming up with graphic designer and illustrator, So Me to form Busy Pictionary. So Me will be creating live artwork on stage whilst Busy P spins the decks. Electro artist SebastiAn, French house music duo Cassius, DJ superteam Carte Blanche and underground electronic artist, Uffie are also confirmed to perform. This is set to be a monumental first ever festival appearance for Ed Banger.

Fresh from sell out shows all over the UK, Independent Drum & Bass label Hospital Records will be bringing Hospitality to the proceedings for their first ever London festival appearance, including DJ and producer, High Contrast, influential reggae DJ David Rodigan, live collaborative act London Elektricty (featuring Elsa Esmerelda), DJ, producer and musician Danny Byrd, new wave Drum & Bass producer Netsky,pioneers of jungle Drum & Bass Shy FX,Austrian Drum & Bass duo Camo + Krooked,hard-edged grunk composer Starkey, prolific Drum & Bass producer Logistics, highly respected producers, Nu:tone (featuring Natalie Williams), Drum & Bass DJs and producers Sigma and definitive label Wah Wah 45’s Soundsystem. Hosts include drum & bass, dubstep and hip hop MC‘s Wrec, Dynamite, Stamina, A.D. and SP:MC.

East London radio stationRinse FM’s dubstep/grime night, FWD Rinse, will be also be making their debut at LOVEBOX 2011 as arena hosts, returning to their home turf of Hackney and Tower Hamlets, where their widely acclaimed station first came to prominence. Artists confirmed for the FWD Rinse stage include dubstep producer and member of dubstep supergroup Magnetic Man, Skream, grime and dubstep producer Plastician, award-winning UK garage star Ms Dynamite, London-based grime music collective, Roll Deep, dupstep DJ Zinc and MC Tippa, electronic music artist, DJ, and owner of the Hyperdub record label, Kode9, garage DJ Roska with rising star of the UK garage scene Jamie George and emerging grime MC P Money.

Tom Findlay, Lovebox founder and one half of Groove Armada “Last year’s three day Lovebox was so damn good people said we couldn’t top it, but with this line up we will! Friday’s Bang the Box delivers bang for your buck – Ed Banger, Skream and The Wombats on a Friday night for only £28. Saturday, Snoop Dogg will turn Victoria Park into an East London block party playing seminal debut album Doggystyle, gin and juice available at the bar. I’ll be there as well with the launch of new GA project ‘Red Light’. Sunday is ‘Out and Out Fierce’ and if you were there last year you’ll know that’s no exaggeration. A full throttle dance off between 2 Many DJs, Scissor Sisters, Blondie, Robyn, and Kelis. Bring your party poppers. Lovebox is London’s only authentic festival. 15-17th July, 3 whole days of summer loving…in Hackney.”

The shaded bass-fest under the trees and the thumping euphoric enclosure from the larger festival is altogether the perfect atmosphere for a soundtrack ranging from carnival to old school. 65,000 beautiful people en-masse will be paying pilgrimage for what is ultimately an adult playground that brings out the inner child in everyone for three days a year. Rock n Roll Chaos, unifying themes, a hedonistic wonderland, and genuinely innovative spirit, Lovebox has something for everyone and is one of summer’s truly essential shindigs.

Ticket Details

Tickets are available from www.lovebox.net as well as from Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.co.uk) or by calling 08448472436.

Day tickets from £28.50, tickets on sale 9am Wednesday 2^nd March.

Sziget Festival 2011 Lineup announcement

November 18, 2018March 3, 2011 by Summer Festival Guide

Amongst the first names of the Pop-Rock Main Stage you get Pulp, coming back on stage after a long period of silence and already announcing that 2011 will see them playing only a few big festival gigs – including Sziget Festival, of course – in their classic line-up. Dizzee Rascal was chosen as the best male performer at last year’s BRIT Awards, and this time all Sziget-fans will have the chance to see why. Main Stage will also host Chicago-based melodic hardcore act Rise Against, Californian rockers Smash Mouth and folk-punk icons Flogging Molly. Interpol is currently on tour with their new album and without any doubt they are going to be one of the most awaited bands of this year’s Sziget Festival. The delicate, enchanting chamber-pop of The National has already fascinated the audience of the world’s most important festivals, and it was definitely not by accident that they received the album of the year prize from Q magazine. Sziget-fans were crazy about Gogol Bordello, so we are more than happy to announce that they will return this year, while Chemical Brothers also promise a spectacular new show for 2011.

The newest venue of Sziget Festival is called Europe Stage, aiming to present bands from various parts of the Old World. These bands are typically very popular in their own countries, often filling arenas and stadiums, but not yet achieved break through on an international level. Sziget Festival does its best to open up gates for bands like Triggerfinger, often referred to as the Flemish AC/DC, or the Belgian Queens of the Stone Age, promoting their new album All This Dancin’ Around. The Europe Stage also welcomes one of the most popular Italian alternative rock bands Verdena and make sure you get ready for Söhne Mannheims, German allstars formed of a dozen of outstanding musicians and covering a wide range of styles from r’n’b to reggae, rock, hiphop and pop.

World music fans get a five-day roundtrip of various genres and as usually, Sziget Festival’s World Music Main Stage will focus on the latest revelations and the biggest shots of the scene without geographical or stylistic limits. A fine example is AfroCubism, one of the greatest sensations of the past few months. We should also mention Cuba-based Eliades Ochoa and band, teaming up with Mali giants Kasse Mady Diabaté, Toumani Diabaté, Bassekou Kouyaté and Djelimady Tounkara to make an unforgettable show. The Argentine-Swiss-French combination of Gotan Project will once again present an undoubted skill in pushing the borders of tango, while the world music venue also offers a fine selection of Balkan music: Goran Bregovic will play beloved Romany anthems together with his remarkable Wedding And Funeral Band. A great news for fans of flamenco as well as hiphop is the gig of Barcelona-based Ojos de Brujo, playing at Sziget as an important station of their farewell tour. Rotfront from Berlin will try their best to be even more successful than they were last year… quite a challenge to say the least. And this is still just a prelude of happiness. France, a clear stronghold of folk- and world music will also have a firm representation with two beautiful bands. Old friends Les Hurlements d’Léo will create a special merge of the sensitivity of French chanson and ‘merciless’ punkrock, while Debout Sur Le Zinc will play the first Sziget show of their 12 years career, revealing their irresistible style of Celtic-Klezmer-tango-rock-gypsy-fusion.

The A38-WAN2 Stage has been offering a wide selection of trendy and cult bands year after year and this process goes on also in 2011. The venue will host Marina and the Diamonds, who is not only a fashion-dictator, but was also nominated for BRIT, BBC Sound and NME music awards, and has even received the prize of the best British/Irish band of the year at the MTV Europe Music Awards. Another great band playing on this stage will be Skunk Anansie, a band hard to label in terms of genre, playing an interesting merge of metal, reggae, electronics and post new-wave. And we should not forget about Hurts, flagship of contemporary British synthpop, awarded as best new band on the 2011 Shockwaves NME Awards.

The Party Arena is the place to be at nights if you are into dj’s and partyculture in general. But even more than that: before the sun goes down this is also an exciting live act scene. Some of the artists playing here will include The Bloody Beetroots Death Crew 77, one of the most talented players of the electronic scene and new rave allstars Hadouken! Fans will also get the chance of listening to Crystal Castles, aiming atan audience that is open to visualize unknown and fantastic levels of musical existence. Those who have already seen them play live are captured by their sound and charisma forever. So make sure you arrive early to fit in the tent.

Sziget Festival has also a lot to offer for the fans of harder styles. This year organizers will make sure that rockers can get out of their well known tent and enjoy some fresh air with the introduction of the Metal Main Stage. The venue will present rock and metal acts in an open-air scenery with two international and two domestic stars playing each day. For this stage the focus is not necessarily on following the latest trends, rather on highlighting brutal guitar-riffs and some of the legends of the scene. The two early names announced suggest that this venue will be one of the most popular stages of the festival this year. Who are they? According to some fresh news, one of the most important metal bands of all times, Judas Priest is going on tour for the last time ever and they will definitely visit Sziget to make sure fans get stiff necks after a crazy night of headbanging. Motörhead will also return to Hungary, playing a thundering, high-speed, friendly and evil gig like they always did throughout the thirty-five years of their career. If you have ever seen them before, you already know that they simply ignore the age factor, so their live shows are as crazy and wild as the ones you get from musicians half of their age. Co-headliners playing at the venue will include Finnish power-metal heroes Sonata Arctica, already crowned with four golden records and surely considered as one of the most striking bands of the scene.

Although this is just the beginning, only a fragment of all the star-performers to be announced later, it is already clear that music fans from all over the world will have a great time at Sziget Festival also this year.

Last but not least, another great piece of news: you can buy your Sziget Festival tickets in 2011 for the same price you did last year. Early bird weekly tickets (including camping) are available for 170 Euros till 30 April and if you are not the camper type you can buy a non-camping weekly for 140 Euros. The prices will go up 30 Euros each after the early bird period is over, so it does make sense to think ahead. Daily tickets will be available for 45 Euros.

Bestival Fancy Dress Theme announced

November 18, 2018March 3, 2011 by Summer Festival Guide

BESTIVAL COMES TO KOKO

PRESENTING THIS YEAR’S
BESTIVAL FANCY DRESS THEME

‘ROCK STARS, POP STARS AND DIVAS’

AND

PLUS

A VERY SPECIAL GUEST TO BE ANNOUNCED

With just over two weeks to go until March 19th when all good Bestival-ites descend upon Camden, to take over KOKO and party the night away at our exclusive annual London bash, we can reveal not only our sumptuous line-up of musical goodies but also our hotly debated Bestival Fancy Dress theme for 2011!

Rob da Bank says: ‘Dressing up and escapism has always been a big part of Bestival and our faithful crew are mega inventive to the point of eccentricity! This year’s theme of Rock Stars, Pop Stars and Divas should give everyone enough ideas to really let rip with some outrageous, weird and downright flamboyant outfits. There are no excuses! Having said that i hope everyone doesn’t take it too literally – I’d love to see some Frank Zappas, Captain Beefhearts, Skream and Bengas or a Karen Carpenter as much as the better known faces. This has got to be a great opportunity for some group action too! Personally it’s a toss-up between Dolly Parton and Prince… could make for an interesting outfit!’

That’s right it’s time to channel your inner Rock Star, Pop Star or for the more daring, to unleash your inner Diva. If you’ve ever fancied yourself as the late great Michael Jackson or think you can give Madonna a run for her money in a leotard or perhaps rocking Slash’s iconic top hat look has always appealed, now’s your chance as we launch our Rock Stars, Pop Stars And Divas theme. KOKO is the testing ground for the big one on the Isle of Wight, so we want to see a cornucopia of Kate Bush-a-likes, a deluge of David Bowies and a full-house of Freddie Mercurys rocking, popping but hopefully not stropping (hold it down you Divas!) at our no holds barred rave-up at KOKO and then again in September at Robin Hill Country Park when we’ll be going for the biggest fancy dress party world record again!

Along with all the dressing up shenanigans we’re exceptionally excited to announce that Bestival favouritesKitty Daisy & Lewis will be topping the bill at our exclusive London Shindig at KOKO on March 19th. With a new single on Sunday Best imminent (keep an eye out on Monday for more news on that) and the release of the much anticipated second album in the offing, the band will be playing a wealth of brand new self-penned material as well as all the old classics, including ‘Mean Son of a Gun’ and ‘Honolulu Rock-A-Roll-A’, in their first headline appearance in over a year! That’ll be worth the ticket price alone!

Other top turns playing at our one of one-off Besti-bash include The Cuban Brothers, our intrepid Havana trio who will orchestrate a giddying display of body popping and funk and, most probably, nudity to blow away the winter blues and get people very much focussed on a summer of fun. Joining them will be Eastbourne’s Yaaks who will portray the thoughts of Jean Jacques Rousseau through their six musical minds and the medium of pop music. From philosophy to rhymes from beyond the grave, well almost, asGhostpoet will be on hand to chill and inspire with his drifting tales of the morning after the night before. High octane folksters Skinny Lister will get things rocking with some foot stomping shanties and Mr B the Gentleman Rhymer will recite the hippest hop in the bestest Queen’s English.

Bestival main man Rob da Bank will don the ones and twos for one of his legendary party sets, as the visionary behind the beyond eclectic line-ups which have made Bestival so beloved over the past nine years, you can expect to be cutting rug all night long. Also hitting the decks will be the ever amazing Sombrero Sound System who will cross genres and generations to make it a truly special evening and Greg’s Greats who will be dropping the needle on a treasure trove of shellac grooves. Plus we have one more very special guest to be announced soon!

Sunrise Celebration 2011 Update

November 18, 2018March 3, 2011 by Summer Festival Guide

This year’s event sees the most diverse musical line-up yet throughout our 12 stages, and the launch of the new Sunrise Stage, featuring exciting new acts and some old faves, along with Circus acts and wild pyro-antics.

So far lineup includes:

The Beat, Johnny Flynn and The Sussex Wit, Orb Soundsystem, System 7, Shpongle – DJ set, Eat Static – DJ set, Far Too Loud, Banco De Gaia, The Soothsayers feat. ‘Fela’ Horns, The Travelling Band, and we have even more really exciting headliner announcements coming up soon…..

Speakers include Graham Hancock, Jonathan Cainer, Mark Boyle, Charlie Veitch, Charles Dowding and Tamsin Omond.

For 2011 the theme is ‘time-travellers’, with a steampunk feel to the carnival antics especially at the new, quirky and eccentric ‘Feast of Fools Victorian Emporium’, presented by Bloodstone, The Guild of Traditional Showmen, European Artists & Craftsfolk who travel the land performing in their handmade Victorian Market, ‘The Feast of Fools’ spectacular will be portraying ‘1000 Years of Albion …from the Kingdoms of Ancient Britain through the Empire of Victorian England…….to the Rocking & Rolling reality of the United Kingdom today!’

Also new this year is the Forest Garden Area and Deep Ecology Yurt, joining the usual all activating and inspiring program in the Village Green and Transition Tin Village.

All of this, as ever, powered on 100% renewable energy

Tickets £108 in advance/£125 on the gate (if they are available)

See www.sunrisecelebration.com

Sunrise Stage: The Beat, System 7, Johnny Flynn and The Sussex Wit, Juldeh Camara and Justin Adams, Soothsayers Feat. ‘Fela’ Horns, Sheelanagig, The Travelling Band, Seize The Day, Zubzub, Avalonian Free State Choir, MC Xander.

Chai Wallahs: Dizraeli and The Small Gods, The Boxettes, Joe Driscoll, Afrik Bawantu, Yes Sir Boss, Rackabeat & Bar-low, Zen Elephant, Resonators, Only Joe, Free Piece, Jono McCleery, Submotion Orchestra, Tin Roots, East Park Reggae Collective, Extra Curricular, The Peoples String Foundation, Backbeat Soundsytem, Siddy Bennet, Phillip Henry, Coco’s Lovers, The Whiskey Drifters, Mankala Mbuende Band, Leigh Coleman, The Asbo Disco, Skuff & Inja, DJ Moneyshot, DJ Parker.

Dance stage: Orb Soundsystem, Mirror System, Tristan, Laughing Buddha, Shpongle- DJ set, Eat Static- DJ set, Far Too Loud, Banco De Gaia, James Monro, Major Clanger, George Barker, Hedflux, Slackbaba, Tron, Manasseh, Ekanta, DJ Moon, Lucas, Liquid Ross, OOOD, Zub Zub- DJ set, Pieman, Gio, Trevor P, Wicki, Aliji, Jody Opuspocus, Sally, Razzek, Katie G, BRSS (Bridgewater Reggae Soundsystem).

Chill out stage: Entheogenic, Terra Nine, Northcore, Nova, Solar Quest, Nick Interchill, Chandrananda, Robin Triskele, Bez23, Steve Kundalini, Irish Faery, Red Earth, Ben Crystal, Fluid, Nigel Photon, Chillion, Toulliche.

Pussyfoot Cabaret Lounge: The Ones, The Mad Cows, DJ Poshratz, The Duckworths, DJ Si Goodgroove, The Blackstar Liners, Rae, Jump Mama

Ancient Futures: Hosted by ‘Portal For The Immortal’
“Everything from Entheogens & shamanic journeys to Visionary art & the history of LSD”
Speakers: David Luke (Psychoactives, psychic ability & the pineal gland),
Andy Letcher (Making Sense of Magic Mushrooms),
Luke Brown (A true visionary view of reality),
Andy Roberts (The History of LSD),
Benjamin Crystal (Amazonian Shamanism & the Treesource foundation),
Tony Wright (Left in the Dark),
Louis Standon (drug use & abuse in the western world),
Rita Hraiz.
Music: Live acoustic music to include: Ravi Ji, Adrian Freedman, Shimshai, The overtone Project, Jack Jennings, Green, Ifly, Rashid Sunny Winter, Allen Morgan.

Carnival of Life: Read My Hips dance space- “a diverse selection of global dance workshops and jams designed specifically to make you shake, stomp, wiggle and writhe with colour, rhythm and raw energy.”
Pan African dance, african drumming, Bollywood and Bhangra boogies, Tribal fusion bellydance,Ka-Zimba,hiphop, capoeira, middle eastern and gypsy steps,samba, columbian drumming and salsa…
Plus dance and drum jams.

Bloodstone’s Feast of Fools Emporium (presents): ‘1000 Years of Albion’, Edutainment about the Past for the Future. The Guild of Traditional Showmen ~ European Artists & Craftsfolk with a handmade Victorian Market.
‘With a reel and a rant and a right proper knees-up we bring to life the spirit of Merry England!’. Tricksters & Tattooists, Urchins & Candy Floss girls, tarts and tramps, Sweeney Todd’s pie shop, the Honeymoon Tavern, Folk Ceilidh, Vaudeville Musicians, Jazz Bands, the Shambolic Sideshow, Ravers & Ranters, Showtime each night- Flaming Dance& Beating Drum, Cockney Knees-up with Merrymakers Music Hall, Johnny Cage & the Voodoo Groove & the Hoochie Coochie Girls 54, white lies, wicked fibs & shaggy dog fables.
Music: MC Daniel Herlakin, Merrymakers Music Hall, Come into my Parlour, Johnny Cage & the Voodoo Groove, The Idler Book Shop, Chicken Shed Zeppelin, Pentacle Drummers

Universal Mysteries (Huw): Graham Hancock, Robert Bauval (author of ‘The Orion Mystery’), Lucy Wyatt (author of ‘Approaching Chaos’), Jonathon Cainer (Daily Mail astrologer), Hugh Newman (author of ‘Earth Grids’), Litmus (‘Freeman on the land’), Ashera Hart (‘Sonic Stuff’), Peter Knight (‘West Kennet Mysteries’), Shaun Kirwan.

Tin Village/Speakers Corner (AKA The Green Dome): inspiring talks and workshops during the day and cinema by night, all powered by V3 power, “find the inspiration to get active and rethink a positive future”
Tamsin Omond – Climate Rush (Activism)
Charlie Veitch – The Love Police – & The Kindness Offensive (Activism)
Mark Boyle- The Moneyless Man (Activism)
Bryce Gilroy-Scott – GSE at CAT (Green Innovations workshops)
Bridget Strawbridge – Its not easy being Green
Charles Dowding – Organic Gardener/Author
Paul Capel – “Cradle to Cradle inspired” -(Green Innovations workshops)
Mark Standeven – (Green Innovations workshops)

Kids Area: The same as last time but more… arts & crafts, skateboarding, climbing wall…

Motörhead and W.A.S.P to headline Bloodstock Open Air

November 18, 2018March 2, 2011 by Summer Festival Guide

Closing the weekend’s proceedings, the legendary MOTÖRHEAD step up to make sure that BLOODSTÖCK 2011 ends with a suitable bang. One of the most successful bands the British rock scene has ever produced, MOTÖRHEADhave sold over 42 million albums worldwide, received the prestigious Grammy Award and sent several singles smashing into the UK Top 40 charts in their 36 years. But what they do best, as we all know, is play Rock’n’Roll, and what better place to deliver the goods than at the end of the most metal weekend in the British calendar. There is much to celebrate, as iconic frontman LEMMY warns:

‘Bloodstock is celebrating 11 years, Motörhead 36 years – Boys and girls, come and see, we will rock your fu**in’ ass’. See you at Bloodstock!’

Possibly the biggest band to ever grace the grounds of CATTON HALL, MOTÖRHEAD’s headline set atBLOODSTÖCK 2011 will mark a standout moment in the festivals history, and with the promise of heavy hits like “Bomber”, “Overkill”, “Killed By Death” and “Ace Of Spades”, the loudest so far.

Multi-million selling metal legends W.A.S.P have the honours of winding down Friday’s festivities, at their only UK festival of 2011. Led by the infamous BLACKIE LAWLESS, W.A.S.P have been alarming the more conservative members of decent society for nearly three decades now. Like last year’s headliners Twisted Sister, W.A.S.P enjoyed the kind of notoriety that only a mob of politically active angry parents could provide, after being targeted by Tipper Gore’s PMRC who hurled ridiculous and misinformed accusations, apparently worried that heavy metal was going to ruin civilisation. 25 years later, the band can expect a much warmer reception at Catton Hall. With a catalogue of kick-ass classics such as “I Wanna Be Somebody”, “Wild Child” and “L.O.V.E Machine” to sing along to, W.A.S.P’s headline set at this year’s BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR is bound to be a summer festival highlight.BLACKIE LAWLESS comments:

“W.A.S.P. swarm down on England, August 2011 – bringing – bloodbath – bloodrock – BLOODSTOCK” !!!

As well as the two fantastic headliners, BLOODSTOCK can also reveal a further five acts to solidify a mightily impressive undercard. Returning to BLOODSTOCK, Swedish heavy metal masters HAMMERFALL make an exclusive appearance on the RONNIE JAMES DIO stage. These seasoned musicians have become one of the leading and most successful metal acts of our time, flying the flag for true metal at a time when nobody cared about classic metal and baggy jeans were all the rage. With the same like minded spirit as BLOODSTOCK, HAMMERFALL deserve credit for keeping the heavy metal genre alive despite what fashions and trends dictate. Throw your horns and bang your head as the Steel-hearted Swedes deliver metallic anthems such as “By Any Means Necessary”, “Templars Of Steel” “Hearts On Fire” and “Renegade” at their only UK festival appearance this summer.

Joining them on the RJD stage will be Finnish gothic metallers POISONBLACK. Fronted by Ville Laihiala, formerly of suicidal metalheads Sentenced, POISONBLACK spread sonic poison and infect the masses with highly addictive dark rock hymns. Intense yet catchy, their ability to rock hard while still keeping a sombre mood showcases just how unique a band they are, and with gloomy tunes such as “Rush”, “Bear The Cross” and “My Sun Shines Black” under their sleeve, POISONBLACK are bound to go down a storm at their BLOODSTOCK debut.

On the SOPHIE stage, additions come in the form of Blackened thrashers BYFROST, freaky prog-metallers DEADLY CIRCUS FIRE, and, from the ashes of legendary black metallers Venom, new project PRIMEVIL.

Tickets for the 2011 event are on sale now at www.bloodstock.uk.com

VersaEmerge, The Pretty Reckless and more added to Download 2011

June 9, 2020March 2, 2011 by Summer Festival Guide

New kids on the block VersaEmerge, tipped to be the next Paramore (whom they share a label with) will be making their Download Festival debut, hot off the heels from the Alternative Presstour in America where they share the bill with Black Veil Brides, who are also playing this year’s Download.

Gossip Girl and Hollywood actress Taylor Momsen will be

bringing her rock outfit The Pretty Reckless to Download, following a Top Ten album in the UK charts (for 2010’s Light Me Up). Multi million selling US rockers Puddle Of Mudd, will return to the UK for the first time since 2002 to play Download for the very first time in their 19 year career, which hasseen hit singles such as ‘Blurry’ and ‘She Hates Me’.

Roadrunner signings Times Of Grace, featuring Killswitch Engage guitarists Adam Dutkiewicz and Joel Stroetzel, and formerKillswitch vocalist Jesse Leach will perform, along with West Yorkshire heavy metal outfit Evile, who are now writing their third album following North American dates with the likes of Kreator, Overkill and Voivod.

Having already played the Download Festival, plus toured with metal legends such as Slipknot, Slayer and Megadeth, Suicide Silence are to hit Download once again to showcase the new material currently being written for their third full length album, with UK hardcorepunk rockers Your Demise also returning to the fray to raise hell with this year’s Download crowds.

Weekend tickets for Download (at 2010 prices) are on sale now from

http://www.downloadfestival.co.uk/2011/tickets/

Guest Area passes are once again available, allowing you unlimited access to the general guest area over the 3 days of the festival. Located only a short distance from the main stage fans can get away and relax with undercover facilities, toilet trailers, privatecash bars, dining options and “random occurrences” unseen in the general arena!

RIP Packages are also available.

Wireless Festival adds David Guetta, Bruno Mars and more!

November 18, 2018March 2, 2011 by Summer Festival Guide

Already boasting The Black Eyed Peas, Brit Award winners Plan B & Tinie Tempah, and Example, Friday July 1’s line-up has now got even better! Special guest David Guetta will take to the Hyde Park stage with his signature sound of quirky electro, house and dirty pop. He has joined forces with some of pop’s biggest names including Kelly Rowland, Akon, Flo Rida and headliners Black Eyed Peas to create the biggest chart smashes of the past two years. His fourth album ‘One Love’ has sold over 2.8 million copies, Guetta’s appearance is set to ignite the Hyde Park crowds. An extraordinary talent, Grammy Award winner Bruno Mars is currently taking the UK by storm. He co-wrote four UK number one singles in 2010 including his debut solo single ‘Just The Way You Are’ which became one of the biggest selling singles of last year. This year has seen him release another chart topping single ‘Grenade’ whilst his debut

album ‘Doo-Wops & Hooligans’ also went straight in at number one. Multi-talented musician Labrinth has experienced an extraordinary career trajectory. The producer, writer and guest vocalist behind Tinie Tempah’s massive hits, Pass Out and Frisky, and soon to be future hits for Professor Green, JLS and Devlin, he recentlyreleased his debut single ‘Let The Sunshine’, which hit number 3 on the UK Singles Chart. With LA-based quartet Far East Movement who have already hit number one on Billboards Hot 100, R & B goddess Yasmin and the new don of UK hip-hop Wretch 32 also confirmed for Friday’s line-up this is set to be a must see event!

Saturday 2 July is set to be a scorching day of sensational music. Since bursting onto the scene in 2002, The Streets, the sobriquet of Birmingham garage rapper Mike Skinner, has become one of the most respected lyrical maestros of modern rap with his sharp observations of modern life. His second studio album ‘A Grand Don’t Come For Free’, released in 2004, went straight to number one, spawning songs including ‘Fit But Don’t You Know It’ and the number one chart topper ‘Dry Your Eyes’. His next release two years later, ‘The Hardest Way To Make An Easy Living’, also headed straight to number one and sold three million copies across the UK. With the release of his fifth and final album as The Streets‘Computers and Blues’ earlier this year, this is set to be one of the last opportunities fans will get to see The Streets live on stage.Urban music’s breakout star Katy B ushered a new wave of R&B last year when she released her dub-step anthem ‘Katy On A Mission’. The single debuted at number five and topped the indie and dance charts. With her highly anticipated debut album ‘On A Mission’ set for release in April, the Peckham born and bred Katy is on course to be the most high-profile star to arise from dubstep. The enigmatic, Dagenham born Devlin set the bar for a new generation of Grime music in 2006 with his underground classic, Tales from the Crypt. In December 2009, he was named on the BBC’S Sounds of 2010 Longlist, cited as ‘one of the hottest names on the underground grime scene’. His debut album ‘bud, sweat & beers’ was released in November last year. Fusing rock and rave German dance punk duo Digitalism who have re-worked tracks for the likes of The White Stripes, The Klaxons and The Cure are another fantastic addition to Saturday’s sterling bill.

More electronic acts for Exit Festival

November 18, 2018March 1, 2011 by Summer Festival Guide

Exit’s Main Stage’s After 2am program kicks off with a big bang, with the hottest dubstep movement of the moment – Magnetic Man. Pushing boundaries and forcing dubstep to the mainstream, the trio features Skream, Benga and Artwork. Most recognisably their track ‘I Need Air’ featuring Angela Hunte topped charts worldwide, whilst their self titled debut album impressed even the dubstep purists. Magnetic Man live on Exit’s Main Stage – what more can we say, but BAMM!

Exit is also renowned for having the best electronic stage in the world – The Dance Arena – as stated by all who have been and performed, including heavyweights Guetta, Tengalia, Coxy, Eric Prydz, Angello & Ingross and Sasha. 2011’s Dance Arena announces another wave of names to the line up, bringing DJs that have not played Exit before. DJ Sneak makes his first ever appearance and will be bringing his box of trademark deep and disco filtered house grooves. Recognized as the disco filter innovator, his productions and musical style has maintained his status as one of the Top 100 DJs in the world. Dynamic in style – from furious banging Chicago tracks and Latin tribal beats, to disco filtered reworks of retro classics and melodic rhythms to suit your soul.

The Dance Arena also features creative visionary and electronic music icon Carl Craig who celebrates his twentieth year of Planet E, the Grammy-nominated composer, world-class DJ and ambassador of Detroit is sure to excite his fans playing in the fortress moat. Joining him will be Marco Carola, global ambassador of Italian techno and Minus mainstay, he is one of the driving forces behind techno’s permeation into the world’s dance scene. Groove ridden techno is on the cards with him alongside newcomer and Loco Dice’s protégé tINI, who’s Ibiza season last year was a raging success and who’s set to wow the Dance Arena alight with her unique set. Deeply. Percussively. Impulsively.

EXIT 2011 LINE UP SO FAR:
Arcade Fire, Pulp, Portishead, Underworld, Grinderman, Beirut, Hadouken!, Magnetic Man, Fedde Le Grand, Tiga, DJ Sneak, James Zabiela, Carl Craig, Marco Carola, Joris Voorn, Gramophonedzie, tINI

If that isn’t enough EXIT 2011 plays host to a variety of 400 performances on 20 stages connected by cobbled streets, ramparts and tunnels – a walk through the mystical fortress is like a trip through a magical wonderland. Music ranges from rock, dance, indie, Latino, reggae, electronica, chill out and regional music, so there is no better festival in the world that brings you so much value and so much variety! EXIT is still the coolest, most adventurous and best value for money festival experience in Europe for the discerning festival goer. Offering more entertainment, easier and cheaper travel options, stunning weather and an atmosphere unlike any other festival, ensure it’s on your list of things to do 2011!

Chase & Status, The Cribs and Blondie to headline Kendal Calling

November 18, 2018March 1, 2011 by Summer Festival Guide

Blondie is a band that needs almost no introduction. Headed up by one of the most stunning and talented musicians in pop music history, Debbie Harry, Blondie have 40 million worldwide record sales under their belt, 4 platinum selling albums, 5 UK Number 1s and countless awards and accolades.

Kendal Calling cant wait to hear their iconic sound echo across the stunning Lowther Deer Park. As famous for their music as for their stunning look, Blondie were icons of New Yorks celebrated new wave & punk scene. They defined an era and at the helm was one of THE most iconic frontwomen of all time; Debbie Harry.

She went from the pages of Punk magazine to being on the cover of just about every mainstream publication on the newsstands! Blondie are renowned for their eclectic mix of musical styles, incorporating elements of disco, pop, rap and reggae. Their hit single Rapture was one of the earliest rap influenced songs. With a back catalogue full of much-loved hits: Denis, Picture This, One Way or Another, Hanging on the Telephone, Heart of Glass, Sunday Girl, Atomic, Call Me to name a few. Blondie will deliver one hell of a show to the Kendal Calling fields! Their songs are still as influential today as they were first time around. With a new album planned for release later this year expect new material alongside much-loved hits.

The Cribs are one of the biggest cult bands in the UK and are our Saturday night headliners. Hailing from Wakefield, Yorkshire twin brothers Gary and Ryan Jarman and younger brother Ross Jarman are renowned for their combination of natural pop sensibility and love for rock n roll. Legendary ex-The Smiths and Modest Mouse guitarist Johnny Marr is now a fully fledged member of the band.

This internationally touring critically acclaimed band deliver their well written catchy songs including Hey Scenesters, Mens Needs and Our Bovine Public with unbelievable passion. This is guaranteed to be one hell of a live show! The Cribs are only playing a few shows this summer ahead of going into the studio to produce their 5th studio album, and this is their only small festival headline slot too!

True to our word of booking the best in dance music as well as world acclaimed bands, Kendal Calling HQ have confirmed one of the UKs finest electro producing duos Chase & Status as Friday night headliners. Things are going from strength to strength for these guys: 2009 saw their fanbase and notoriety rise where they were promoted to major label vertigo / Mercury Records and with this they smashed into the top 10 in the UK singles chart with End Credits featuring 2011 BRIT award winner for Best British Solo Male – Plan B.

Over the past year they have been ripping up countless festivals and earned themselves numerous award nominations. Their second studio album, No More Idols charted at number two in the UK charts and they can cite Jay Z, Snoop Dogg and Pharrell as fans; Friday night is going to be mega!

Also on board are festival circuit regulars - The Whip, having recently toured with Babyshambles and British Sea Power at NMEs Weekender in Cambersands, this Oldham trio will be showcasing tracks from their 2008 X Marks Destination Album.Including the singles “Trash” and “Divebomb” which were featured on the Kitsune Maison Compilations 3 and 4 respectively. The Whip have also recently been commissioned to do remixes for bands such as Editors, Hadouken! and The Courteeners track “Fallowfield Hillbilly”.

2007 Mercury Prize nominee, Young Knives are a three-pronged vocal attack with catchy guitars and drums. This threesome are as eccentric as they are prolific with top 40 hits including the infectious The Decision, Terra Firma, Weekends and Bleak Days and Turn Tail the future is looking very bright for this quirky trio.

Confirmed for the Dance Tent is Nero; first coming into widespread attention with their monstrous bass banger remix of The Streets Blinded by the Light. This super producing duo have been turning heads at Radio 1 and 1Xtra and finding favour with Zane Lowe, Annie Mac and Mistajam. With the recent release of the single Me and You, the future is looking bright for Nero and Kendal Calling can’t wait to provide a platform.

Middleman are a four-piece alternative band from Leeds who splice infectious song writing with driving guitar riffs, heavy beats, bass-lines and poetry-slammed vocals. Middleman are gaining notoriety rapidly and have been picked out as Ones to Watch by national radio stations such as BBC Radio 1, BBC 6 Music and XFM.

This first Headliner announcements are just a taster of what is still to come… the full Calling Out (new music) stage, Kaylied Tent (folk stage), Glow dance tent and five other stages line ups are still to be announced; Kendal Calling 2011 is already shaping up to be an epic weekend with some of the finest UK and international artists to be showcased on the festival circuit. However Kendal Calling isnt just about ambitious and cutting edge music; there are oodles of other activities and events going on throughout the weekend. Riding on the wave of the huge success of the Real Ale festival last year, Kendal Calling HQ are embarking on the tough task of sampling all the local ales to ensure that only the very best beverages are on offer for its return to this years festival! There is also the flamboyant and ludicrous Fancy Dress Saturday where all inhibitions and sanity are lost in a world of eccentricity, this years theme to be announced very soon…

Kendal Calling is an award-winning, innovative, independent festival based in the Lake District. It features pioneering contemporary music and art alongside traditional rural entertainment. Possibly the most fun you can have in the countryside, with fields full of activities and attractions for everyone from families to stag parties!

Come and join us for a weekend of festivity and escapism in the fresh country air.

The capacity is small and intimate so you wont be herded around like cattle or spend hours in queues at the bar. Feel the freedom of being able to move between the 8 performance stages in a matter of minutes and never miss an artist.

Kendal Calling is all about fun the old fashioned way, great times, great entertainment and great friends all in one place!

See you in the fields

LINE UP SO FAR: BLONDIE / CHASE & STATUS / THE CRIBS / ECHO & THE BUNNYMEN / BEARDYMAN / THE LEVELLERS / MR SCRUFF / THE YOUNG KNIVES / TIM BURGESS & MARK COLLINS FROM THE CHARLATANS ACOUSTIC SET / THE WHIP / MIDDLEMAN

Eminem and Arctic Monkeys to headline V Festival 2011

November 18, 2018March 1, 2011 by Summer Festival Guide

Taking place over the weekend of the 20th and 21st August, V Festival returns to Weston Park, Staffordshire and Hylands Park, Chelmsford with a massive lineup for 2011.

Headling Weston Park on Saturday will be Eminem, whilst Arctic Monkeys will headline at Hylands Park. Sunday will see both artists switch locations.

Other acts to be announced include:

Rihanna
Plan B
The Script
Dizzee Rascal
Pendulum
Kaiser Chiefs
Duran Duran
Manic Street Preachers
Primal Scream
Razor Light
Chase and Status
Tinie Tempah
Scouting for Girls
The Courteeners
Ellie Goulding
Jessie J
Bruno Mars
The Wombats
Mark Ronson
N-Dubz
Big Audio Dynamite
Glasvegas
Hurts
Katy B
KT Tunstall
Squeeze
The Saturdays
Example
Olly Murs
Cast
Kele
Ocean Colour Scene
You Me at Six
Imelda May
Eliza Doolittle
Fun Lovin Criminals
Bellowhead
Claire Maguire
Wiz Khalifa