british summer time

Taylor Swift to headline British Summer Time Hyde Park 2015

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Global superstar and seven-time Grammy Award winner Taylor Swift is the first headliner announced for Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park 2015. The most talked about artist in the world, Taylor will take to the Great Oak Stage in London’s iconic Hyde Park on Saturday 27 June. Tickets are on general sale 9am on Monday 10 November.

‘1989’ is Taylor’s fifth studio album, inspired by the bold sounds of the 80’s, which debuted at no. 1 in the UK’s official album charts and across 95 countries worldwide on iTunes. Taylor’s infectious first single, ‘Shake It Off’, peaked at No.1 in the UK on iTunes, spending three consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the radio airplay charts, ten consecutive weeks in the top 10 of the official singles chart and is nearing platinum certification.

Taylor Swift, is the essential pop star headlining the essential event of 2015. Her critically acclaimed sell out 2014 RED tour saw her play five sold out shows at London’s The O2. With career record sales in excess of 30 million albums and almost 80 million song downloads, she is the only female artist in music history (and just the fourth artist ever) to twice have an album (2010's Speak Now and 2012's RED) hit the 1 million plus first-week sales figure in the US. Taylor's album ‘RED’, released two years ago on Big Machine Records/Virgin EMI, has sold more than 6 million copies worldwide to date, including over half a million copies in the UK where it debuted at No. 1 on the official album charts, and more than 1.2 million copies in the U.S. in its first week (where it scored the highest first-week sales debut of any album in over a decade).

 

As the London date on her global tour, Taylor joins an illustrious group of headliners who have made Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park the best music experience of the summer. With a stellar line up of exciting artists to be announced soon as part of the event, Taylor’s show on Saturday 27 June is set to be an unmissable day out!

Jim King, Senior Vice President Live Events, says: 

"It is an absolute honour for AEG to announce Taylor Swift as our first headliner for 2015. As one of the World's biggest artists and one who never fails to deliver incredible live experiences for her fans, Taylor Swift performing on Hyde Park's Great Oak Stage will be a highlight of 2015 and we couldn't be more excited to welcome her back to London.”

Liz Mullins Director of Events at The Royal Parks, said: 

“Since it began in 2013 Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park has become a firm favourite in the events calendar, bringing a diverse range of entertainment and the world’s biggest artists to this iconic park. From The Rolling Stones to Black Sabbath, Lionel Richie to Tom Jones, comedy nights and family days there has been something for everyone. We are looking forward to working with our partners AEG Live to once again bring this truly unique event to Hyde Park.”

Libertines at British Summer time Hyde Park Review

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"The good ship Albion strays off course"

The Libertines at Hyde Park started started as it ended, in chaos. By 3PM, the stitching on the red jackets was already unravelling. The Theatre venue for support acts was full, bursting to capacity, their was no chance for many wolf Alice fans to get a look in and further disruption as both Graham Coxen and Swim Deep sets had to be cancelled. 

The shambolic aura of the libertines seemed to take over the whole event. Which on the previous day for Black Sabbath, ran with military precision, matched with a mature audience there to have a good time and enjoy the heavier side of music.

On the Saturday it was not to be, with bars running out of beers by 6PM, male temperaments were being pushed to their limit having to order £7.50 Cocktails; These were quickly expelled, as any flat upright surface was met with lines of lads urinating up them.

The Mid afternoon set from Spiritualized, an odd choice for such an indie focused bill, wasn't enough of a distraction as time passed and more alcohol was consumed. A cheery Pogues did lighten the mood, although it still got rowdy enough for their set to be cut short due to crowd pushing.

The stage at 9pm was lit up with flickering montages of old photos and clips from the Libertines glory days, this set anticipation even higher amongst the restless audience.

Finally the Libertines were on stage, Pete and Carl sharing microphones all grudges forgotten breaking into 'Vertigo.' It only took the second song 'boys in the band', for the music to be halted due to crushing at the front. Doherty and drummer Gary Powell had to calm the audience down with a odd rendition of 'fill me Up buttercup'. This stop and start seemed to drain the momentum from the group, and the rhythm section probably suffered the most. I couldn't help but feel sorry for them. They were and have always been the bands the safety net during live gigs and John Hassel's ashen face said it all.

With the shaky start out the way, the rest of the set continued in typical Libertines fashion. Appearing pub drunk and sloppy may go down well in small clubs, but even with the bounty of sing along songs the band have, they seemed to lose grip over such a large audience (even if everyone did know all the words). 

For the adoring fans at the barrier, who would gladly suffer being saved from the crowd by security just to be closer to their heroes, it was most likely a great night and one they won't forget. For others it was a memorable let down, with a greying Doherty now telling his audience to behave themselves when they climbed up the on the lighting platforms, his days of debauchery long forgotten. It is a blessing that with two more gigs announced for Alexander Palace, this wasn't the final voyage for the Libertines.

Tim Minchin to headline British Summer Time Hyde Park

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Minchin takes to the 'Great Oak Stage' following his headlining stint as Judas Iscariot in the sell out arena tour of Jesus Christ Superstar and off the back of the huge Broadway and West End success of his multi award winning musical Matilda – which scooped a record breaking 7 Olivier Awards. Going back to his day job of stand up musical comedy, this will be his first time performing in the historic Royal Park.

Having released six CDs, three DVDs and performed sell-out international live shows, Tim Minchin has also become a fixture on TV and radio in his native Australia, here in the UK and even guest starring in the US drama Californication. His legions of fans from comedy, drama and musicals will have the opportunity to see him perform his full show live on 10th July in Hyde Park.

Tim will be performing on the main stage, so bring along your picnic blankets and chairs and claim your spot on the grass in London’s Hyde Park. If you’d rather though, there will also be unreserved seating in the Grandstand area for an evening of the best outdoor comedy entertainment offered anywhere in London.

Joining Tim will be the cream of UK comedy talent:

Milton Jones is the king of the one-liners, a regular on BBC Radio 4 and TV’s Mock The Week where his quick fire humour gives audiences several laughs a minute. This summer he's in between national tours with some classics and plenty of brand new one-liners. Clever and stupid. No, mainly stupid. "No-one can touch Jones when he hits his stride"  The Guardian. "He's fast, absurd and very funny" Radio Times

Newly crowned ‘Queen Of Comedy’ at the British Comedy Awards 2014, ventriloquist extraordinaire Nina Conti will be unpacking her suitcase of friends as she brings her puppet sidekicks to Hyde Park. White-haired Scottish Granny, the cynical monkey, Monk and of course the hilarious face-mask that lets Nina interact with terrified members of the audience!

Since playing Jonathan Creek in the late 90’s, Alan Davies has become a star of both television and screen, an actor and comedian whose laconic style is as at home in comedy clubs as on TV panel shows. A regular team captain on BBC2’s QI, playing Stephen Fry’s loveable sidekick, catch him perform this one-off show, before he heads out on a UK tour later this year.

Gina Yashere is the outspoken Londoner who the Guardian has called “one of the best comics in the world” and the first Briton to appear on the Def Comedy Jam in the US. Gina won both 'Best International Comedian' and 'Best Comedy DVD' at the Black Comedy Awards in 2014. 

Holding the whole show together is one of the most popular British comedians ever.  Jasper Carrott is famous the world over for his hilarious observational comedy, one man TV shows and global tours, not to mention his chart success with the spoof hit ‘Funky Moped’. He has received the Lifetime Achievement accolade from the British Comedy Awards and this is a rare chance to see him live in action.

Arcade Fire to headline British Summer Time Hyde Park 2014

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As one of the best live acts in the world, the million-selling Grammy-winning Arcade Fire’s latest album Reflektor topped the charts in the UK and North America and reached #1 in the iTunes charts in 40 countries.

Arcade Fire are renowned for creating an immersive live experience with the help of their audience. Costume and formal attire is optional and encouraged at every show. The carnival atmosphere is heightened by Haitian percussionists and a string section, while special guest appearances along the Reflektor tour have included Debbie Harry and Beck – and filming of new video ‘We Exist’ saw Spiderman Andrew Garfield join the band onstage at the Coachella Festival in California.

Joining Arcade Fire at Hyde Park will be Wild Beasts and Future Islands

Fresh from releasing their critically acclaimed Top 10 album ‘Present Tense’ Wild Beasts will be hitting the Hyde Park stage this July. Shortly after this, the band will be off to play shows in the USA, Canada and Australia, so be sure to catch their melodic rock anthems on home soil this summer 

Synthpop heroes Future Islands were born to grace the stage at Hyde Park. Forming in 2006 in Baltimore, USA, they rose to prominence in March this year with a landmark performance on The Late Show with David Letterman with their seminal track ‘Seasons (Waiting On You)’. London’s Hyde Park is set to fall in love with the breakthrough success of 2014!

Headliners already announced for Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park are Black Sabbath leading a huge day of rock 4th July, The Libertines on July 5th, McBusted on 6th July, Neil Young 12th July and Tom Jones on 13th July. 

Barclaycard presale tickets available from 9am Monday 19th May: http://www.barclaycardunwind.com

BST/AEG presale: 9am Wednesday 21st May

GENERAL ON-SALE: 9am Friday 23rd May

 

Graham Coxon will perform at British Summer Time Hyde Park

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Graham Coxon is widely regarded as one the greatest musicians of his generation. As the lead guitarist in Blur, he helped define the Britpop era.  As a solo artist, he’s released eight studio albums since his debut ‘The Sky is Too High’ 16 years ago, including the hugely successful ‘Happiness In Magazines’. More recently Graham released his most critically acclaimed album to date, ‘A+E’, in 2012, and has been touring the world with Blur.  This July, Graham Coxon takes to the stage at London’s Hyde Park, for what will surely be the highlight of the afternoon.

Forming at the turn of the century, The Libertines have become one of the most influential and important bands of their generation. Leading the charge with Pete Doherty and Carl Barat as song writing partners, their on stage chemistry and intense live performances have enthralled fans and critics alike since their debut album ‘Up The Bracket’ in 2002. Following this with their second LP in 2004, ‘The Libertines’ shot straight to #1, catapulting them into the mainstream. Disbanding soon after that release, they went their separate ways for six years, cementing their almost mythical status.

At Hyde Park in the glow of an Albion summer, The Libertines will play their largest ever headline show at Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park on 5th July, with further Best of British support from: The Pogues, Spiritualized, Maximo Park, Wolf Alice, Swim Deep, The Enemy, Reverend and The Makers, I Am Kloot, The View, Darlia, The Rifles, Cuckoolander, Brownbear, Raglans, The Twang, Slaves, The Jacques,Franko Fraize and Lois & The Love…..

Headliners already announced for Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park are Black Sabbath leading a huge day of rock 4th July,McBusted on 6th July, Neil Young 12th July and Tom Jones on 13th July. And there is still lots more to be announced…

The Libertines to reunite at British Summer Time Hyde Park

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We are extatic to inform you that the infamous Libertines will reform at this years British Summer Time Hyde Park.  Pete, Carl, John and Gary make a long awaited return to the stage, playing their first full live shows since 2010.  Joined by the cream of UK talent, this is the Best of British Summer Time.

Forming at the turn of the century, The Libertines have become one of the most influential and important bands of their generation. Leading the charge with Pete Doherty and Carl Barat as song writing partners, their on stage chemistry and intense live performances have enthralled fans and critics alike since their debut album ‘Up The Bracket’ in 2002. Following this with their second LP in 2004, ‘The Libertines’ shot straight to #1, catapulting them into the mainstream. Disbanding soon after that release, they went their separate ways for six years, cementing their almost mythical status.

Preceding them on The Great Oak Stage, The Pogues are London’s Irish punk folk heroes.  Formed in the heart of the English capital in Kings Cross, they mixed punk sensibility with traditional Irish instruments and poetic, often funny lyrics scoring seminal hits ‘Dirty Old Town’ and the alternative Christmas fable ‘Fairytale of New York.’  With frontman Shane MacGowan rejoining with his bandmates in 2001, their influence on the likes of The Libertines is writ large.

Spiritualized are one of the most enigmatic British bands of the past 20 years, formed after the breakup of frontman Jason Pierce's groundbreaking former group Spacemen 3.  With minimalist music building into hypnotic, orchestrated masterpieces, Hyde Park will enjoy a rare chance to bathe in their waves of sound in an outdoor setting.

Signing to renowned electronic dance label Warp Records in 2004, Maximo Park have been producing exciting indie guitar music for the past decade and show no signs of slowing down. Fronted by enigmatic Paul Smith, they’re blazed a trail with their debut ‘A Certain Trigger’ which was nominated for a Mercury Prize in 2005. Now signed to V2 Records, Maximo Park will be showcasing their latest album ‘Too Much Information,’ released in February.

The next generation of British talent is well represented on the bill. Voted NME’s Best New Band, 2014 has been an incredible year for London’s Wolf Alice. Joining us at Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park, this lovechild of folk and grunge are leading the way for an indie revival in British music.

And Birmingham-based Swim Deep have welcomed ‘shoe gaze’ back to British pop music. Another championed by the NME on this year’s Awards Tour, dates at Brixton Academy especially established them as welcome leaders for a new decade of guitar bands.

At Hyde Park in the glow of an Albion summer, The Libertines will play their largest ever headline show at Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park on 5th July, with further Best of British support from: The Enemy,Reverend and The Makers, I Am Kloot, The View, Darlia, The Rifles, Cuckoolander, Brownbear, Raglans, The Twang…..

Black Sabbath will rock British Summer Time Hyde Park 2014

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The legendary Ozzy Osbourne and his band mates Geezer Butler and Tony Iommi will be headlining the same stage that fellow rock legends The Rolling Stones presided over for two historic gigs last year. 

Not content with just playing the park, British Summer Time becomes Black Sabbath Time! Announcing their show with an impressive takeover of the Royal Park, the band will blaze onto the Great Oak Stage in Hyde Park for their first ever performance at the venue later this year.

Hailing from Birmingham in the late '60s, Black Sabbath are the undisputed founders of British heavy rock. They have always undoubtedly been one of the best live bands in the world. In 2013, the band returned in the most triumphant style with a global number one album, sell out tours and a prestigious Classic Rock Living Legends award. From their first visit to London to record their debut album to selling out the O2 last year, the band have one ambition left, to melt the faces off the Hyde Park crowd.

As Ozzy says: "The first time I came to London I didn't have a pot to piss in and I spent the advance I got for the first album on a new pair of shoes and some Brut aftershave. Returning almost 50 years on, we are doing a bit better for ourselves so I may even splash out on some new aftershave before taking to the stage at Hyde Park, the most beautiful park in London that has opened its gates to so many legends in the past. We are beyond honoured to be allowed to put on a show and hope that the Royals will enjoy it!"

Support for the show will come from Soundgarden and special guests Faith No More.

Emerging from the alternative scene of Seattle in the early 90’s,Soundgarden are widely regarded as one of the originators of grunge, alongside Nirvana and Pearl Jam. They have since gone on to sell 22 Million records worldwide and received 2 Grammy Awards, for ‘Spoonman’ and ‘Black Hole Sun’, both taken from their album ‘Superunknown’. Following their split in 1997, they reformed in 2010 and they released their last album ‘King Animal’in 2012 to critical acclaim. Get ready to welcome Soundgarden back to the stage at London’s Hyde Park!

Faith No More have earned a huge cult following since releasing their debut album ‘We Care A Lot’ in 1985. Instrumental in the alternative metal genre, Metallica, Nirvana and Guns ‘N’ Roses have all cited them as influencing their sound. A fearsome reputation as a live act, they have released five albums, winning 3 Grammy Awards, and 5 MTV Awards, until they dissolved the band in 1998. In 2009, following an eleven year hiatus, Faith No More reformed, touring Europe and USA, playing their own dates, alongside numerous festivals, reminding fans and critics alike what an amazing live act they are. It’s time to bring Faith No More back to London, to storm the stage at BST Hyde Park.

Other artists to entertain throughout the afternoon include: Motorhead,Soulfly, Wolfmother Gallows, Hell, Kobra and the Lotus, Bo Ningen, Rise To Remain and Broken Hands… to name a few.

Black Sabbath headline 4th July and join the already announced Neil Youngand McBusted nights (12th and 6th July respectively). Other artists to be announced…

Line Up on July 4th: 

Great Oak Stage
Black Sabbath
Soundgarden
Faith No More
Motorhead
Soulfly

The Barclaycard Theatre
Wolfmother
Hell
Kobra and The Lotus
Broken Hands
The Bots

Village Hall
Gallows
Bo Ningen
The Gravel Tones
Hang The Bastard
A Plastic Rose

Summer Stage
Rise To Remain
Blitz Kids
The Struts
The First

Midlake & Bruno Major added to British Summer Time Hyde Park lineup

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Since releasing their critically acclaimed album ‘Antiphone’ last November, Midlake have supported The Flaming Lips, Pearl Jam, and headlined their own US & European tours. Currently on a sold out UK tour, culminating at Shepherds Bush Empire this evening (26thFeb), they take to the Barclaycard Unwind Theatre this July for what will be one of the highlights of the day. 
 
Despite being a relative newcomer, Bruno Major has already supported London Grammar, Sam Smith, Nick Mulvey, played with The Rolling Stones at Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park last year. Having recently released a live EP of his work, he’s currently recording his debut album, which he’ll be showcasing on the Village Hall stage in Hyde Park this July. 

British Summer Time announce McBusted & Neil Young

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The 2014 summer season in London's Hyde Park will see the return of the 10 day concert series British Summer Time this July.  This years headliners include McBusted, Backstreet Boys, Neil Young and Crazy Horse.

Joining headliner Neil Young and Crazy Horse and special guests The National are; Half Moon Run, Lucy Rose, Ethan Johns, Tom Odell, Caitlin Rose, Phosphorescent, Flyte and a special guest to be announced AS SECOND STAGE HEADLINER soon.  

The Vamps, Lawson, FIVE, Neon Jungle are joining the UK’s #1 pop supergroup, McBusted and US pop sensations Backstreet Boys.

Also set to perform are The Webb Sisters, Jack Savoretti, To Kill A King and Hero Fisher.

Considered one of the greatest songwriters ever, Neil Young – who will headline the event on Saturday 12th July – has been one of the most influential artists of the rock age, both as a solo artist and part of the legendary Buffalo Springfield and not to mention Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young.  Twice inducted in to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, his music ranges from the beautiful acoustic country of 'Heart of Gold' to the marauding rock of 'Down By The River.'  This Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park gig will be doubly anticipated as Young and his band Crazy Horse had to cancel some of their UK dates this year due to an injury to guitarist Frank Poncho Sampedro.

Always remaining relevant, Young recently published his acclaimed autobiography ‘Waging Heavy Peace’ and continues to be heavily involved in environmental issues – championing electric cars, alternative fuels as well as farmers’ rights with his annual Farm Aid concert.

He releases new album, ‘Live At The Cellar Door’ on December 11th, a collection of intimate gigs he played at Washington D.C.’s Cellar Door Club in 1970, just after he released the classic album ‘After The Goldrush.’ In January, Young plays two shows at New York’s prestigious Carnegie Hall.

McBusted caused hysteria selling out tickets in a heartbeat for their 2014 dates at The O2 Arena.  McBusted is the coming together of two of the UK's biggest acts – Busted and McFly, who throughout their career have combined their winning, infectious pop and rock songs with their irresistible personalities and humour. Between them, they have an arsenal of hits to unleash, including Busted's 'Year 3000' and 'What I Go To School For' combined with McFly's 'Shine A `Light' and 'All About You'.  McBusted’s gig at Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park in 2014 will be the 10th anniversary of Busted's last ever gig in Hyde Park and the perfect setting for a pop super summit!

The Backstreet Boys are one of the biggest selling boyband in the history of pop, rising to power in the mid 1990s and selling a staggering 130 million records around the world. They have enjoyed a career renaissance after reforming in 2012 and releasing a new album this year, whilst they will be touring the UK in March and April 2014.  With the back up of mega hits like 'I Want It that Way', 'Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)' and  'Everybody' (Backstreet's Back), your summer of pop is in truly safe hands.

The Rolling Stones add second Hyde Park date

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It has been announced today that The Rolling Stones will be giving UK fans ‘One More Shot’ to see them live in concert this summer, with the news that Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts and Ronnie Wood are to play a second London Hyde Park concert on Saturday 13 July as part ofBarclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park.

The Rolling Stones’ first Hyde Park show on Saturday 6 July sold out within minutes of going on sale last week. Both concerts are part of the band’s “50 and Counting” tour – for dates and information go to www.rollingstones.com.

Tickets for the Stones in Hyde Park on 13 July go on sale 9am Friday 12 April from www.bst-hydepark.com. Barclaycard Unwind customers will be able to purchase tickets fromwww.barclaycardunwind.com from 9am Wednesday 10 April. Support for the 13 July concert comes from Jake Bugg, Tom Odell and The 1975.

The Rolling Stones

Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park is a totally unique and world class event for London, giving music fans throughout the capital the chance to see many of their favourite headlining and supporting music artists play over back to back weekends in ticketed events.

Each live music-packed weekend will be linked by a midweek programme of diverse entertainment, accessible for all to enjoy. From Monday to Thursday, the entire Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park site, save for the main stage, will give visitors the chance to get involved with smaller, more intimate events offering film, music, literature, sport and a specific family day that will expand the Barclaycard British Summer Time Hyde Park experience to genuinely appeal to the whole family.