2011 sees some of the most forward-thinking clubbing brands make their debut appearance at the festival including Hospitality, Metropolis, Wax:On, Above & Beyond Presents Group Therapy, Toolroom Knights and Union as well as seeing the return of the almighty Godskitchen, FWD Rinse, Carl Cox The Revolution and Bedrock arenas. Expect the freshest new sounds, new production and special effects.
This summer’s festival also a sees a completely new site layout with unseen areas, attractions and plenty of surprises in store, the fans who will descend on Shakespeare’s country over the weekend can expect a new improved GlobalGathering this year, as the festival enters its second decade, with a line-up to match.
Zane Lowe leads the charge this year as Music Director for the ‘Rocks’ brand. The godfather of new music has championed the Ibiza Rocks movement since its beginning in 2005 and is part of the family, dedicated to pushing boundaries in live music in Ibiza, Mallorca and beyond.
It seems only fitting that Zane will join The Vaccines at both Mallorca and Ibiza Rocks - the band he declared had ‘the hottest record in the world’ when he heard their demo ‘If You Wanna’ last summer. The London lads release that very single and their debut album ‘What Did You Expect From The Vaccines’ today (14 March). It is sure to be everything music fans expect and more when they hear it performed live at Mallorca and Ibiza Rocks. A seminal music moment inevitably ensues.
Zane Lowe, Music Director, ‘Rocks’ Brand said: “I DJ-ed at the first ever Ibiza Rocks event and have been a supporter ever since, so it’s great to make it official. It’s exciting, ambitious and totally in tune. The energy is inexplicable and it’s drawn me back year on year. Playing the opening of Mallorca Rocks last year was one of my best gigs to date and I’m delighted to be asked to be a bigger part of the events and the programming this year. Business as usual then. See you in the summer.”
Indie outfit The Wombats are returning for their first Ibiza Rocks live gig since 2008 and their Mallorca Rocks debut show. They will be supported by hotly tipped Slough boys Brother and it’s safe to say that both bands pack as much in performance pedigree as they do in attitude. Nowhere else are thundering live performances and scorching hot summer nights so perfectly placed than at Mallorca and Ibiza Rocks.
The Wombats said: “Last time we played Ibiza Rocks we had an amazing time. At that time, the gig was held by a racetrack. We had a guy dressed up as a wolf on stage and we rode around the race track in a horse and chariot before the gig! Pretty special memories. We can’t wait to play in both islands this year, double the fun! See you there.”
An appearance from the legend that is Fatboy Slim will go down in history as he makes his Mallorca Rocks debut before bounding over to the Ibiza Rocks Hotel courtyard to wow the crowds in this famous space for the very first time. He’s played Ibiza Rocks Bar before, but now it’s time for Fatboy Slim to premiere poolside! Totally Enormous EXTINCT Dinosaurs will be out in full force to support Fatboy Slim. Whether the fans are front row in the 2000 capacity open-air venue or watching with their friends from their bedroom balcony with a bird’s eye view of the stage, the unrivalled atmosphere at Ibiza Rocks and Mallorca Rocks truly unites the crowd.
Norman Cook said:“Everybody say, HOTEL, MOTEL, HOLIDAY INN…….It’s been a while since I last played Ibiza Rocks. Some say too long. Anyway hang on to your minibars and make ready the trouser press I’m checking in!”
Hailing from Herfordshire, dance punk trio Friendly Fires are set to light up the stage this summer at Mallorca and Ibiza Rocks. Fans might quite literally see them ‘Jump in the Pool’ in true rock star fashion. Mercury Prize nominated band Friendly Fires playing an open air stage next to a giant lagoon style pool – now there’s a match made in musical heaven.
Team ‘Rocks’ may now be a market leading brand internationally and top of the hit list of gigs that global bands and artists want to play, but the promoters always stay true to booking a bill that includes the very best of British and to giving a European platform to the hottest breakthrough talent around.
Since supporting Chase and Status at Ibiza Rocks last year, Tinie Tempah has broken records and boundaries in British music with hit single ‘Pass Out’ being the smash hit of 2010 and securing him the British Single and British Breakthrough at the recent BRIT Awards. He has worked with the likes of Swedish House Mafia and Ellie Goulding and will undoubtedly pass out all the hits and pull out all the stops for his headline shows at Mallorca Rocks and Ibiza Rocks.
Dirty grime and pounding dance beats merge into one when Dizzee Rascal unleashes his distinct sound to the masses and there’s no audience more in demand of Dizzee’s sound than the ‘Rocks’ crowd. Barely doing any other live dates in summer 2011, but back for the love of it and by phenomenal public demand, Dizzee is sure to raise the bar yet again when he bounds onto the Balearic Islands to deliver two more wild nights of unmissable music.
Two of the most exciting producers to hail from the UK, bonafide festival headliners Chase and Status, played an electrifying set in Ibiza last year and return in 2011 to share the bill with Labrinth, a young London musician sticking two fingers up in the face of generic pop music to deliver a new wave of British cool to the sun licked shores of Mallorca and Ibiza. Labrinth produced smash hit ‘Pass Out’ for Tinie Tempah and he’s ready to show the Balearics that he’s got plenty more where that came from.
‘Rocks’ welcomes back Example, supported by superstar producer Sub Focus who collaborated with phenomenal success on huge dance floor filler ‘Kickstarts’ in 2010 and will join forces again in the Balearics this summer. Another ‘Example’ of a breakthrough artist that Ibiza Rocks bet on is back in a headline slot. Example will also be performing material from his new album due out in the summer who he has worked on with Skream, Nero and Chase & Status. Prepare for euphoric choruses and deafening cheers from the ‘Rocks’ crowds in the courtyards, on the hotel balconies and beyond.
Example said:“I first experienced Ibiza Rocks as a punter many years ago before I was doing my own gigs when Faithless were headlining and The Kooks were an unknown support. Two years ago I had the pleasure of supporting Dizzee at Ibiza Rocks. Last year it was Calvin Harris. Now this year I’m headlining Ibiza and Mallorca Rocks it’s going to be overwhelming. The atmosphere is like nothing else I’ve experienced anywhere else in the world”
Scottish rockers Biffy Clyro are quite literally the best live act on the planet right now – they picked up an NME Award last month that said so. Prior to this, they had already won over the Ibiza Rocks crowd when they played the opening party last year, which culminated in the bare-chested and tight jean clad trio considering it so much of a career highlight that they finished their phenomenal set by diving headfirst into the Ibiza Rocks Hotel pool in celebration. Biffy Clyro may be Rock Gods that now grace the very biggest stages, playing to tens of thousands of people a time, but team ‘Rocks’ are proud to have lured these boys back to blast their big sound to a more intimate crowd in the Balearics this summer. It didn’t take much persuasion!
The pioneers of the Balearics live music scene will welcome the pioneers of British dubstep Magnetic Man to work the crowd into a frenzy and make the hotel grounds throb with heavy basslines well into the night. Magnetic Man (Skream, Benga and Artwork) were undoubtedly the biggest draw of the recent NME Awards Tour and they will show why when they thoroughly mix things up at Mallorca and Ibiza Rocks. With the shimmering vocals of dubstep’s first lady Katy B as support, this is set to be one pulsatingly hot gig that cannot be missed.
BRIT and NME Award winners, world class global bands, best breakthrough talent, music icons and legends – ‘Rocks’ has them all. Last year saw The Specials headline Ibiza Rocks which became one of the most talked about and successful gigs of the summer. This year, Suggs and co will take to the stage in Mallorca and Ibiza as multimillion selling and multiple award winning band Madness bring their riotous sound of British ska to the fresh faced Balearic crowd.
Madness said:“Madness in Ibiza? Nothing new there then!”
Madness are the penultimate act to play this summer and some VERY special guests will be announced soon and will bring the 2011 season to a stunning close – Mallorca Rocks on 20th September and Ibiza Rocks on 21st September. The closing party guests and many more acts will be announced in the coming weeks
Andy McKay, CEO, ‘Rocks’ Brand said:“It’s phenomenal to be in a position to present such a strong lineup. The bands love Ibiza Rocks and each one goes away desperate to come back. It’s an unrivalled gig experience for bands and fans alike and to have these massive festival headline acts wanting to play in our more intimate, unique space is testament to that. We started Mallorca Rocks with five gigs last summer and the sheer magic of those shows has meant we’re now mirroring the Ibiza line up with seventeen weeks of gigs right through summer. It’s a pretty special experience.”
Mallorca Rocks and Ibiza Rocks are proud to have British Male BRIT Award winner Plan B kick start the seriously hot seventeen week long series of gigs at Mallorca Rocks and Ibiza Rocks this summer (Tues 31/5 and Wed 01/06 respectively)
Plan B said: “This is going to be fun. I’ve never been to Ibiza before. I better start working out what I’m going to wear now, it’s going to be hard to make speedo’s work with my suit jacket.”
Information, tickets and holidays available at www.ibizarocks.com (Gig Tickets priced £30 plus booking fee)
*Special Opening Party Midweek Break*
Monday 30 May for 4 nights at Ibiza Rocks Hotel for only £86
Monday 30 May for 4 nights at Mallorca Rocks Hotel for only £74
Offer includes 4 night’s accommodation in standard rooms including a guaranteed gig ticket for Plan B. Flights booked separately at www.monarch.co.uk from only £46.99 one way.
**IBIZA AND MALLORCA ROCKS THE SOUND OF A NEW GENERATION**
One of the most exhilarating bands of the moment, Chase and Status are confirmed to headline the Saturday with their adrenaline fueled mix of dubstep, grime and drum n’ bass. Expect to hear all the hits including Pieces, End Credits, Heavy and Take Me Away. These boys know how to put on a show so except an enthusiastic and rapturous audience to descend on the South West.
The poet laureate of geezer rap, Mike Skinner has announced he is officially retiring The Streets this year and We The People are thrilled to have secured one of his farewell shows for the Sunday headline slot. His unique take on club culture, garage and dub marked Mike out as the spokesperson for a generation and he has vowed to send the Streets out with a bang, performing all the tracks that established him over a decade as the UK’s geezer rap prizefighter. With a knowing, brazen swagger The Streets will be bowing out in style making this a must-not-miss show.
With a 10,000 capacity each day in one of the cities most iconic locations and three music arenas, We The People brings a contemporary music festival direct to the people of the South West. Expect many more artists to be announced imminently.
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 Meto 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 Idolscharted 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 Tailthe 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