Summer Festival Guide

Foo Fighters to headline NME Awards Big Gig 2011

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Thousands of Foo fans will enjoy a triumphant set, in what will be their first arena gig of 2011. As well as the classics, fans will be treated to previously unheard material from the band’s hotly anticipated new studio album.

Commenting on the Godlike Genius Award commemorated by the Foo Fighters’ headline slot on this amazing evening, Dave Grohl said: “I don’t think I’m godlike or a genius. It’s flattering. It’s a nice thing to be acknowledged for doing something you love to do… In truth I don’t consider it a body of work because I don’t consider it work.”

Joining Foo Fighters for this unique one-night-only event will be the greatest voice in American music today, Cee Lo Green. Having set the internet alight in 2010 with ‘F*** You’, one of the year’s most controversial and popular singles, and his critically lauded album ‘Lady Killer’, Cee Lo Green is sure to pull out all the stops for the NME Awards 2011 Big Gig.

Cee Lo commented: “I’m so excited man, any Cee Lo show is good, but Cee Lo and Foo Fighters, it’s going to be off the hook.”

With their third album ‘Infinite Arms’ gaining a wealth of end-of-year plaudits, including a Grammy nomination for Best Alternative Music Album, further support on the night will come from South Carolina’s Band of Horses, whose widescreen Americana and commanding standout main stage sets at the likes of Farm Aid, Austin City Limits and more have earned them a devoted and growing fanbase. Meanwhile Sub Pop alt. rock duo No Age will open the show with a dose of breakneck art-punk.

With the Foo Fighters’ as-yet-untitled seventh album recently completed the NME Awards 2011 Big Gig represents a gilt-edged opportunity to catch one of the world’s greatest rock bands embarking on their biggest year to date supported by some of the most exciting acts around.

Tickets for the NME Awards 2011 Big Gig go on sale exclusively from www.nme.com/tickets on Wednesday 19th January at 9am, before remaining tickets go on general sale on Friday 21st January at 9am. Ticket price is £40 (plus booking fee), which includes a free copy of a 100-page special NME Dave Grohl magazine worth £4.99.

The NME Awards Big Gig will be the culmination of a superb NME Awards 2011 season. From 3rd February, the Shockwaves NME Awards Tour 2011 hits the road, headlined by Crystal Castles, with support from Magnetic Man, Everything Everything and The Vaccines. Click here for full information.

Meanwhile the Shockwaves NME Awards Shows 2011 are poised to take over London nightlife throughout February. A raft of headline acts including Mystery Jets, Noah and the Whale, Edwyn Collins, White Lies, Frankie & The Heartstrings, Warpaint, Caribou and Carl Barat will take over iconic London venues to celebrate this year’s Awards. Click here for full information.

And the Shockwaves NME Awards 2011 will take place at the iconic O2 Academy Brixton on Wednesday February 23rd – gathering the best new bands, returning icons and the most influential legends to celebrate the most credible music awards in the world. Dave Grohl will be picking up his NME Godlike Genius Award and playing live with Foo Fighters at the event.

 

Tinie Tempah set to rock Isle of Wight Festival 2011

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Taking place between 10th – 12th June, the line up hosts headline performances from three of the world’s hottest acts: Kings of Leon, Foo Fighters and closing Sunday night, Kasabian.

With Tom Jones, The British Pink Floyd Show, Wild Beasts, The Vaccines and Semi Precious Weapons already lined up for the Big Top on Saturday, it’s certainly going to be a weekend to remember. Join us as we celebrate the 10th birthday in style.

The Isle of Wight Festival takes place 10th – 12th June at Seaclose Park, Newport, Isle of Wight.

 

Isle of Wight Festival 2011 now SOLD OUT

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Festival Promoter John Giddings says: “It’s fantastic to sell out five months in advance. The 10th anniversary is going to be a vintage year.”

This year the Isle of Wight Festival celebrates its 10th birthday. Joining the world-class headliners will be appearances from more top acts including Pulp, The Script, Manic Street Preachers, Pixie Lott, Tom Jones, Public Image Ltd, Beady Eye, Boy George, Plan B and many more, to make the first major music event of the summer the hottest weekend going.

The Isle of Wight Festival takes place 10th – 12th June at Seaclose Park, Newport, Isle of Wight

 

Motörhead, Mastodon and more added to Sonisphere 2011 lineup

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KNEBWORTH HOUSE has long played host to many rock heavyweights, so it is fitting that one of the most legendary and influential bands of all time make their entry in its guestbook. MOTÖRHEAD make their debut appearance at SÖNISPHERE UK this summer, giving fans their first chance to see songs from the recently released “The Wörld Is Yours” album in a festival setting. The embodiment of all that is Rock’n’Roll, despite playing what Lemmy describes as “raucous, arrogant, paranoid, speedfreak rock n roll”, MOTÖRHEAD are a household name the world over, with successes too numerous to count across their 35 year career.

MOTÖRHEAD are more than just a band – MOTÖRHEAD are a mindset, a belief, a way to live your life, and fitting governors for the society of tens of thousands that will dwell KNEBWORTH’S grounds in search of a loud, party weekend July 8th – 10th. With classics such as “Overkill”, “Bomber”, Born To Raise Hell” and “Ace Of Spades” providing the soundtrack, SONISPHERE is set for its loudest weekend yet.

MASTODON return to KNEBWORTH this summer, having played at the inaugural SONISPHERE back in 2009. Their progressive take on metal has seen them become one of the scene’s biggest names in recent years, with both critics and fans alike heaping high praise on their outstandingly skilled musicianship and songwriting skills. Such is their appeal their hard work has resulted in fans in the mainstream turning their heads, making MASTODON one of those rare metal bands that everyone seems to agree on, resulting in platinum records, Grammy awards nominations and high profile fans.

But on stage, plugged in and ready to rock out is where MASTODON truly shine. With majestic offerings like “March Of The Fire Ants”, “Blood And Thunder” and “Sleeping Giant”, MASTODON’s set at KNEBWORTH this summer will be one that all who witness will remember, and one you do not want to miss.

Festivals are always a great opportunity to catch up with old friends, and there’s no reason why the stage should be any different to the campsite in that respect. SONISPHERE is delighted to reveal the return of IN FLAMES to the UK, who will make their first appearance on these shores since 2009’s Taste Of Chaos tour. Breaking out of the 90s Swedish Death Metal scene, IN FLAMES have gone on to become one of the country’s biggest musical exports, selling millions of albums around the world, receiving numerous awards and achieving an impressive list of chart positions. Currently working on their next release, the band checked in to tell us:

“We have been in the studio since October recording our new album and we can’t wait to come out and play the new song live. The UK has always been very good to us and we love coming back so this is something we really look forward to” – In Flames

Making the long journey over from Down Under, Australia’s PARKWAY DRIVE pay their first visit to SONISPHERE, bringing with them an arsenal of mosh-inducing metalcore. Consistently delivering fierce and energetic live shows, PARKWAY DRIVE have earned a reputation for unforgettable performances, through hard work and heavy touring with the likes of Killswitch Engage, As I Lay Dying, Bleeding Through and many more. Hot off the back of a UK tour, the promise of PARKWAY DRIVE’s exclusive festival appearance at SONISPHERE is one that is bound to excite the fans as much as the band:

“Holy crap they’re actually letting us play this thing!!!” shouts vocalist Winston McCall. “Sonisphere 2011!!! I don’t think we can really describe how excited we are to play, and I think Jeff will probably die when Metallica play!”

With all three headliners already confirmed – METALLICA, SLAYER, MEGADETH & ANTHRAX, aka THE BIG 4 on Friday, BIFFY CLYRO Saturday and SLIPKNOT on Sunday – SONISPHERE KNEBWORTH is already offering the most impressive names so far for summer 2011. What will undoubtedly be an incredible weekend, SONISPHERE hits the UK on Friday July 8th 2010 – and, as anyone who has been to previous SONISPHERE festivals will know, Friday night is party night. 2011 will be no different, with this year’s theme being Superheroes. Last year saw some great Rocky Horror costumes, and with prizes on offer for the best dressed, don’t think donning your old speedos over your jeans will cut it – only truly heroic efforts will be rewarded!

SONISPHERE KNEBWORTH takes place 8th – 10th July 2011 at KNEBWORTH HOUSE. For tickets and more info go to www.sonispherefestivals.com 

Line Up So Far

THE BIG 4 – METALLICA, SLAYER, MEGADETH, ANTHRAX
BIFFY CLYRO
SLIPKNOT
IN FLAMES
MASTODON
MOTÖRHEAD
PARKWAY DRIVE

 

Bilbao BBK Live 2011 First Headliner announced

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The festival is running a promotion on the first 1,000 three day tickets, which are currently on sale on See, Ticketweb and Lastminute for just £75 including camping. Hurry, they are selling fast!

More acts will be announced very soon, so stay tuned to our website.
Bilbao BBK Live is a three day festival that takes place in the outskirts of Bilbao. The festival site, located on top of a hill and surrounded by mountains, offers breathtaking views over the city of Bilbao.

This fuzz free festival, with an uncomplicated layout and easy access from the city and the airport, has proven to be a huge success with national and international festival goers. The two main stages and the schedule, guarantees that acts never overlap, so you get everything you have paid for!

While in the festival, take the opportunity to visit the city, just 10 minutes bus ride from the festival site. Bilbao is a modern city famous for its architecture, museums and gastronomy, and it’s just a stone’s throw away from the beach.

More info:
Festival: Bilbao BBK Live (www.bilbaobbklive.com/2011)
Line up so far: Coldplay
Dates: July 7th-9th 2011
Where: Kobetamendi, 10 min bus ride from Bilbao city centre
Ticket Price: Three Day Pass incl. camping – £75 (limited offer) available on See Tickets, Ticketweb and Lastminute
Band schedule: TBC
Doors open: TBC
Doors close: TBC
To get there: Two low cost airlines operate direct flights from London to Bilbao. Check Easyjet (from Stansted) and Vueling (from Heathrow). Iberia also operates daily direct flights from Gatwick airport.
Ryanair operates daily flights to Santander, just an hour bus ride to Bilbao.
From Bilbao airport there are regular public buses to central Bilbao. Once in central Bilbao the festival provides shuttle buses to the site.
Age Restrictions: Under 18-s will have to be accompanied by an adult.
 

 

Thrash legends Exodus for RJD Stage at Bloodstock 2011

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Also added the Bloodstock 2011 lineup is The Rotted and October File who will be playing the Sophie Stage

In 2011, they are stronger than ever, frontman ROB DUKES a commanding presence on stage, giving the band their most aggressive sound to date. With classics such as “Bonded By Blod”, “Piranha”, “Parasite”, “The Toxic Waltz” and many more, we look forward to a lesson in Thash at Catton Hall this summer.

Over on the SOPHIE stage, additions come in the form of industrial metallers OCTOBER FILE, who make their BLOODSTOCK debut, and D-Beat deathsters THE ROTTED, who return after a triumphant set two years ago.

Last year, OCTOBER FILE were forced to pull the show at the last minute, and so plan to pull out all the stops this year. Says the band:

“Bloodstock 2011!! October File are really looking forward to making up for missing last years festival. Our singer injured himself and we had to pull out, and this year we intend to make up for it. Bloodstock is a must for any band and we are looking forward to hitting the stage!!”

THE ROTTED’s guitarist Tim Carley is looking forward to their return to Catton Hall

“We are really pleased to be bringing our own brand of nihilistic hate filled d-beat death metal back to Bloodstock in 2011. We played Bloodstock in 2009 on the old Sophie Lancaster stage and we had a blast! We will be hitting the new Sophie Lancaster stage on Saturday evening, and as this could be one of our few UK shows in 2011 we hope it will be something special. After the show you can catch us banging our heads to the mighty Immortal and Morbid Angel, buy us a beer, gin or cider and make this a wicked weekend of heavy fucking metal!!’”

With a host of exclusive performances already confirmed – including headliners IMMORTAL, plus MORBID ANGEL, THERION, AT THE GATES and many more, across three stages of music, plus comedy, fairground rides and a real ale bar, BOA 2011 is an essential date in the metal calendar. Tickets are on sale now at www.bloodstock.uk.com

 

Exit Festival 2011 First Acts announced

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Canadian art-rock outfit and festival favourites Arcade Fire, who will be bringing their exceptional live show to Exit’s Main Stage. With three critically acclaimed albums under their belt, the most recent ‘The Suburbs’ reaching #1 in seven territories including the USA, UK and Canada, they are as incredible live as they are enchanting, with multi-instrumentalist band members exchanging instruments throughout their performance. This is sure to be very unique and memorable performance set amongst the majestic walls of the Fortress.

Gearing up to take to the decks in the legendary Dance Arena for 2011 are; Canadian DJ and producer extraordinaire Tiga, head honcho of Turbo Recordings and a master behind the decks, get set to be wowed by his trademark injection of edgy electronic sounds and grooves. Also performing on the arena is Exit favourite – James Zabiela, who can forget his legendary 2006 closing set performance with an impromptu appearance from Goldie on the mic. Proving to be one of James’ best sets of his life to date and one of Exit’s also, he has assured us that he will be doing yet another set of the spectacular! Local hero Gramophonedzie, another one of Serbia’s finest exports (the first being electricity) had an international #1 dance hit with ‘Why Don’t You’ this summer and will throwing down some pure house tunes exhilarating his devoted fans. The Dance Arena is renowned for being the best on the planet – by DJs and public alike – and the experience of dancing with 20,000 people as the sun rises over the fortress walls is truly mind blowing! 2011 is set to be another year of unadulterated electronic music of the highest calibre and these names are a taster of what’s to come.

Along the pebbled streets of the Fortress, new-rave band Hadouken!, will take to the Fusion stage, thrilling their fans with a dynamic performance that they are notorious for. Smashing the charts and the stages they perform on, with similarities to The Prodigy, Hadouken! are set to prove their worth with ease and great might!

EXIT 2011 plays host to over 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!

2011 will also see pre & post EXIT events happening in the city of Novi Sad and Belgrade, so festival go-ers can spend longer in Serbia experiencing the warmth of the Serbian people whilst having fun and seeing new sights and cities. It’s an adventure and festival in one!

TICKETS:
EXIT & eTickets.to continue to deliver the best value festival ticket around, with pre event ticket redemption and fast entry through their own entrance.

EXIT also understands the financial situation is still difficult for many and students more-so than ever before and therefore are keeping the ticket prices as low as possible this year. The First Release tickets are still cheaper than any UK festival at only £89+b/f but there is a capped number of them. Once the first release are all sold out, from then on Second Release ticket price will rise to £105, so buy tickets early and save 15%! Still it’s a bargain and for sunshine, no mud and lots of wonderful experiences, it’s a golden ticket for summer 2011. EXIT ticks all the right boxes and is still the best value festival ticket around!

Early Bird Tickets – All early bird tickets at last year’s prices are now sold out!
First Release – 4 day festival ticket – £89 + b/f
Second Release – 4 day festival ticket – £105 + b/f
Camping ticket – £25 + b/f

Buy tickets from;
www.etickets.to/exit

EXIT TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION:
Getting to EXIT has never been easier, faster and cheaper! EXIT Trip is the Official Travel and accommodation for EXIT Festival with the lowest price guaranteed! Offering huge discounts on direct flights, accommodation and local transfers in one package, look no further than here www.exittrip.org

New year travel and accommodation offer:
Offer available until the Serbian New Year – 14th of January. Buy now and save!

Return direct flight + local transport + EXIT hostel accommodation* + New Year’s present
Only £299 pp (+ service charge)

*Hostel accommodation:

EXIT hostel Classic 5 nights

EXIT hostel Premium 4 nights
EXIT hostel Premium 1
EXIT hostel Premium 2
EXIT hostel Premium 3

Additional night in EXIT hostel Premium – £19.99 pp
Upgrade to EXIT hostel Superb – £3.99 pppn

Check availability at [email protected]

More acts announced for Bloodstock Open Air 2011

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Flying in from Finland, TAROT make their BLOODSTOCK debut on the RONNIE JAMES DIO stage. Fronted by Nightwish bassplayer Marco Hietala, the Finnish five piece come armed with 25 years of majestic metal material spanning eight studio albums. Perfectly capturing the spirit of the 80s, BLOODSTOCK is in for a treat as TAROT deliver a set of fist pumping metal with huge choruses.

The three latest additions for the SOPHIE stage come from both near and afar, with an international coalition representing the UK, Europe and South Amercia. Homegrown heroes POWERQUEST return to BLOODSTOCK for the second time, after going down a storm at the indoor fest of 2003. Currently gearing up to release new album “Blood Alliance”, the melodic power-metallers can expect a hearty, warm welcome back to CATTON HALL.

Also making a welcome return are Italian thrashers ARTHEMIS, who’s debut UK appearance was at 2009’s BLOODSTOCK Festival. Since then, the fearsome foursome have gone on to do a co-headlining tour of the UK, as well tours with the likes of Dragonfroce, Cradle Of Filth, Glenn Hughes and many others. Having taken their explosive thrash all over Europe, Japan and the unlikely location of Ibiza, ARTHEMIS return to Derbyshire to deliver a set of storming Al Fresco Thrash.

Last, but by no means least, Chilean metallers CRIMINAL make their BLOODSTOCK debut in 2011. Making their mark on the thriving South American Metal scene via shows with Kreator, Slayer and Sepultura, plus a nominiation for Best Rock Video at the MTV Latino Video Music Awards, CRIMINAL relocated to the UK to further spread their impact. The result was appearances at major European festivals such as Wacken and Summer Breeze, plus shows supporting the likes of Six Feet Under, Brujeria, Chimaira and Lamb Of God. Now they bring their unique blend of melodic death, hardcore and thrash metal for what will undoubtedly be a punishing set at BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR 2011.

With a host of exclusive performances already confirmed – including headliners IMMORTAL, plus MORBID ANGEL, THERION, AT THE GATES and many more, across three stages of music, plus comedy, fairground rides and a real ale bar, BOA 2011 is an essential date in the metal calendar. Tickets are on sale now at www.bloodstock.uk.com

BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR 2011 12th – 14th AUGUST 2011

BAND LINE UP SO FAR:
IMMORTAL :
RHAPSODY OF FIRE : TRIPTYKON : MORBID ANGEL : THERION : LAWNMOWER DETH
ANGELWITCH : CORONER : GRAVE DIGGER : AT THE GATES : TAROT : POWERQUEST : ARTHEMIS : CRIMINAL

Small Nations Festival Earlybird tickets

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Start planning your visit now to Wales’s ‘cŵlest’ festival held on farm every year in Cilycwm, Carmarthenshire.

Book before Christmas to get your early bird tickets (we have a limited number at 2010 prices) for a unique feast of world music.

Small Nations is held on farm near the pretty village of Cilycwm in the gentle rolling hills of Carmarthenshire… a beautiful and relaxed setting for the diverse range of music served up over three days in July.

Small Nations is celebrating its tenth birthday in 2011 and will be pulling out all the stops to make it one to remember. The first line-up announcements for the festival next year are likely to be announced sometime early in 2011, but as ever expect some fab-u-lous acts from small nations across the globe playing over the weekend.
Early Bird Weekend tickets are only £50, book online now www.smallnations.co.uk

 

Tinie Tempah and more announced for Evolution Festival 2011

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Not content with bringing you rock n’ roll legends Iggy and the Stooges and crossover pop star Plan B, Evolution festival is delighted to confirm Tinie Tempah will be performing.

The breakout star of 2010 Tinie Tempah has captivated music fans, celebrities and critics alike and will be performing his Number 1 chart hit ‘Pass Out’ as well as huge singles ‘Frisky’ and ‘Written In The Stars’ from him critically and commercially
acclaimed debut album ‘Disc-Overy’.

Evolution are thrilled to be bringing him to the North East.

Two Door Cinema Club have had a meteoric year also – their euphoric, instant, indie anthems have cultivated a huge live following and they are sure to give the Evolution crowd a real treat.

Leading the charge for North East talent, Detroit Social Club’s enormous grooves, terrace style chants, gnarled vocals and addictive take on rock ‘n roll has seen them compared to Kasabian – their raucous live gigs are the stuff of local legend.

Caribou were adjudged Rough Trade Album of the year and one listen to the stunning ‘Swim’ leaves no room for dispute.  Their live show is a treat for eyes and ears alike

Radio 1’s unstoppable Annie Mac and Fenech Soler complete the line up announcement.

Expect further artists to be announced in early 2011 as Evolution Festival continues to provide the greatest weekend of the year for music lovers of all persuasions.

Iggy and the Stooges and Plan B headline

More Bands for your Buck™, the ticket price remains the keenest and best value of any outdoor music event in the UK calendar making it the perfect Christmas present at £35 + bf for a Weekend ticket! For details of where to buy tickets visit www.evolutionfestival.co.uk

The biggest cultural event in the North East, Evolution attracts 33,000 people per day.

Ticket info: £35 +bf for the weekend / £25 + bf day ticket