V Festival 2014 Review – Chelmsford

This years V Festival saw 120,000 revelers over the twin site event who were in luck for some supreme delights. In its 19th year there was a whole host of different acts on offer for festivalgoers. From disco to indie to dance to good old-fashioned Rock n Roll. there was certainly something for everyone.

Dublin band Kodaline kicked off Saturday at V Festival Chelmsford with summer sing-alongs.  Setting the tone for the day with uplifting songs the crowd were in full verse by the time they belted out their well known hit ‘High Hopes’.

It’s been a long time since one man and his piano sparked such an engaged crowd as Tom Odell managed. Even though the onlookers did not seem old enough to have experienced such angst ridden relationships; Odell had them jumping along to ‘Another Love’, whilst the blues hipster passionately pounded the keys.

With all the classics, Kaiser Chiefs reminded the crowd why they were all there., to have a bloody good time. Ricky Wilson put in a performance to answer all the critics, running up and down the stage more times than anyone could count, he was back in full form, even surprising the backstage crew when he went slightly too far. Ricky’s passion could not be mistaken; he puts everything into the performance. Evidently someone is prompting him that this is to sell records as between the mosh pit inducing hits he enlightens the audience that they are the Kaiser Chiefs and that the new album ‘ Education, Education, Education and War‘ is out now. Clearly agitated from the sound of Bastille’s drums in his ear, Ricky mischievously jokes with the stagehands before lifting everyone with the ‘Angry Mob’ and ‘Oh My God’.

Meanwhile there was no mistaking the summer vibes of the Wailers on the MTV Stage, how can you resist singing along to tunes such as ‘Jammin’, ‘ One Love’, ‘Could You Be Loved’. Everyone left beaming from side to side.

Back on main stage was the penultimate act before what everyone had been waiting for.  Ed Sheeran, one man and his guitar, brought the vibe to serve as the perfect warm up act for JT.

The stage was set, the crowd were pumping, the most anticipated set of V was ready to kick off. JT certainly brought sexy back  looking suave as ever in Tom Ford suit and backed by The Tennessee Kids, could be mistaken as arrogant but no he actually looked overwhelmed at ‘how far back you all go’. Hit after hit,  in a perfectly polished fashion that you would expect from this superstar, the night was Timberlake’s.

Even festivalgoers who would not admit to being Timberlake fans were swept into it, everyone singing every song. The acoustic rendition of What Goes Around (Comes Back Around) was a highlight of the night.  Justin served what appears to now be the theme of this weekends V Festival taking a selfie with a fan.  He wowed the fans at every moment, didn’t put a step wrong and was pitch perfect. The crowd obligingly taking their part in Senorita, finishing the night with ‘SexyBack’ and ‘Mirrors’ everyone wanted to leave with you, Justin.

Sunday started with threatening skies, you couldn’t blame fans for hiding in the comedy tent. Newton Faulkner brought out the sunshine and the crowds on the gloomy Sunday. Followed by San Francisco band Train, with hits ‘Hey Soul Sister’, ‘Marry Me’, ‘If Its Love’ they even managed to get Bananaman crowd surfing.  Pat Monahan gets the award of the weekend for the most selfies taken, it would appear that everyone in the front row has a piece of photo memorabilia.

Closing the set with ‘Drops of Jupiter’ the crowd was well and truly warmed up for the party that was about to ensue Nile Rodgers and Chic.

The most lovable performance of the weekend goes to veterans Nile Rodgers and Chic. Who knew how many hits Nile Rodgers had written. He is a true legend, inspiring character, telling the crowd how he battled cancer by going out and living life. Using music the way it was intended, uplifting everyones spirits and bringing the funk to V. It was true carnival atmosphere. Too many hits to believe one man wrote them all; ‘I Want Your Love’, ‘I’m Coming Out’, ‘Like A Virgin’, ‘Lets Dance’, ‘Get Lucky’, the list is endless. No one was standing still, jiving along, doing the salsa as the legend requested. Fifty lucky punters were brought on stage for the last song and all the rules were broken. Nile Rodgers left everyone exhilarated wanting more.

Rizzle Kicks brought the largest crowd to the MTV stage, all ages, connected for ‘The Lost Generation’. Two hip-hop boys who genuinely looked like they were having a blast in the middle of this corporate festival. What a sight to see 15,000 people ‘Doing the Hump’.

Lily Allen looking svelte as ever bounded onto stage in a silver leather catsuit. Lily baffled a large number of the crowd with a stage full of milk bottles, as if people needed to be reminded she is now a mother. Allen did feel the need to quash rumours of a split with her husband, and passionately sang ‘As Long As I Got You’.  This performance felt like it was a big ‘Fuck You’ to all the critics along the way, comparing her song ‘LDN’ to a William Blake poem, this was lost on the festivalgoers.

Paolo Nutini followed in Allen’s footsteps intriguing the audience by appearing in a different world. Whilst slurring when speaking, "feeling a little bit drink" he was mysteriously in tune when singing. With hits ‘Jenny Don’t Be Hasty’ and ‘New Shoes’ providing the perfect warm up for The Killers.

Embrace vs The Killers. The clash of the weekend. Embrace were back after an 8 year break from the festival. Whilst having one of the worst clashes of the weekend, with The Killers, the McNamara brothers attracted a 300 strong crowd . With festival favorites ‘Come Back To What You Know’ and  'One Big Family’ Embrace have certainly hit the ground running on this comeback. Fans lucky enough to have got tickets to their now infamous Secret Festival are in for a treat. Danny was very proud of his "little brother Rich" encouraging everyone to dance, with Danny himself joining the fans in an out of character dance along.

Meanwhilst completing the all American headline, Brandon Flowers of The Killers stormed onto stage in a glittery purple suit. Ever crowd pleasing, ‘Somebody Told Me’ was the first of a multitude of triumphant songs. After a few beats  everyone was set for 90 minutes of singing, word for word, all the tunes.  The classics from Hot Fuss, pulled the most promising reaction, with a handful of covers driving the audience to a new level of excitement. Jimmy Carr, comedian, introduced the band for a well received encore. The Killers closed the festival with ‘Mr Brightside’ and the obligatory fireworks.

V Festival certainly had something for everyone this year, VIP bar, posh toilets, celebrity packed Louder Lounge, hammocks, comedy, funfair, skydivers and of course a plethora of music acts. As the sun goes down on another year, the organizers set the bar high for next years 20th anniversary.

Biffy Clyro, Calvin Harris, Pharrell Williams & many more added to T in the Park 2014 lineup

Homegrown heroes Biffy Clyro and Calvin Harris will close the Main Stage at the festival for the very first time, becoming the first Scottish acts to do so in 13 years with what will be their biggest ever shows on home soil. Biffy Clyro’s 10th Balado outing will see them become the artist which has played the festival the most times. Man of the moment Pharrell Williams is sure to be another highlight, and DF Concerts have also today announced a further array of top acts which will join previously announced Arctic Monkeys and Paolo Nutini as well Biffy Clyro, Calvin Harris andPharrell Williams on the T in the Park 2014 bill:
 
FRIDAY 11TH JULY: Biffy Clyro, Ed Sheeran, Ellie Goulding, Bastille, Pixies, Steve Angello, Alesso, Haim, You Me At Six, Manic Street Preachers, Chvrches, Maximo Park, The Rifles, Len Faki, Pan-Pot.
 
SATURDAY 12TH JULY: Calvin Harris, Paolo Nutini, Pharrell Williams, Elbow, Rudimental, Ben Howard, James, Bombay Bicycle Club, Twin Atlantic, The 1975, John Newman, Embrace, Katy B, Nina Nesbitt, The Stranglers, Dave Clarke, Carl Craig, Metronomy, Clean Bandit, We Are Scientists, Ella Eyre, George Ezra, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Magda.
 
SUNDAY 13TH JULY: Arctic Monkeys, Jake Bugg, Disclosure, Example, Imagine Dragons, Tinie Tempah, Franz Ferdinand, Kaiser Chiefs, London Grammar, Tame Impala, Kodaline, Above & Beyond, Sam Smith, Passenger, Sven Vath, Newton Faulkner, Chance The Rapper, Slam, The Twilight Sad, Inspiral Carpets, Julio Bashmore, Levon Vincent, George Fitzgeraldand many, many more acts to be announced (line-up subject to change).
 
There will be more music than ever before, with Friday extending to a full day of performancesfor the first time ever from 12pm, and on the Saturday night the party continues right through to 1am, plus camping tickets and Saturday and Sunday day tickets will be available at 2013 prices. With a full day of performances on Friday, the day ticket will be priced as per the other day tickets.
 
Biffy Clyro are T in the Park fan favourites, and they cite their very first performance on the T Break Stage back in 1999 as a defining factor in the band being signed. An incredible 2013 saw the band named Best British Band at the NME Awards and debut at no. 1 with their Opposites album (which achieved the best reviews of the band’s career). They headline the T in the Park Main Stage for the first time this July in what will be their 10th appearance at the festival, and as the fields of Balado ring out once again with the sound of “Mon the Biff!”, it’ll surely be a special moment for band and fans alike.
 
Biffy Clyro guitarist and singer Simon Neil said: “It’s so great to be playing this year. We’ve seen so many amazing bands at T in the Park over the years. Genuinely T in the Park has shaped our lives in more ways than just our experiences of performing there. We wouldn’t be here, doing this now, if it wasn’t for playing T in the Park. To headline it finally is amazing – it just feels poetic to be headlining on our 10th time. It’s going to be the night of our lives, hopefully it’ll be the night of your life and we can’t wait.”
 
Global Superstar Calvin Harris will be one of the highlights for T in the Parkers. A Grammy award-winning, multi-talented DJ, songwriter, performer and producer, Calvin’s no. 1 album 18 Months has to date sold over 750,000 copies in the UK alone, along with over 35 million singles worldwide. 18 Months also made chart history by scoring the most Top 10 singles from one album, with 9 UK top 10 singles including Nothing feat. Florence Welch and the massive We Found Love feat. Rihanna. Last year he became the first DJ to win a prestigious Ivor Novello award and will close T in the Park’s Main Stage for the first time this summer.
 

Calvin Harris said: “I’m very excited that I’m going to be headlining and closing T in the Park’s Main Stage. Last year was incredible, so I can’t wait to be back this year. It’s going to be amazing – I’ll see you all there!”

Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter/producer and man of the moment Pharrell Williams is one of the most successful and prolific artists to emerge during the last decade, as part of the The Neptunes, N.E.R.D., and as a collaborator and solo star in his own right. He featured on the two biggest selling singles of 2013 – Robin Thicke’s Blurred Lines (producer, co-songwriter and featured artist), and Daft Punk’s Get Lucky which he co-wrote and fronted. This year looks set to be just as successful, with Pharrell picking up the Producer of the Year Award at the 2014 Grammys, and his hotly anticipated new album G I R L – which features the no. 1 smash hit Happy – due out next month.
 
Ed Sheeran is one of the most in-demand singer-songwriters to emerge from the UK music scene in recent years. With an Ivor Novello and Grammy nomination under his belt, he’s sure to inspire mass sing-alongs with his anthemic tunes.
 
Nominated for the Best British Male at this year’s Brit Awards after receiving a Mercury Music Prize nomination his debut self-titled album in 2013, Jake Bugg’s ever-broadening musical palette saw him produce an outstanding follow-up to his debut with Shangri-La. He’s a welcome edition to the T in the Park bill this summer.
 
2014 has started with a bang for Ellie Goulding. Her million-selling album Halcyon Days reached no.1 in the UK’s Official Albums Chart. Selling out her 2014 UK arena tour and with total sales now topping over three million albums and fifteen million singles, Ellie Goulding’s star is set to soar at Balado as she joins the T in the Park line-up this July.
 
Elbow return to Balado, headlining the BBC Radio 1 Stage. After winning the prestigious Mercury Music Prize in 2008 with the glorious, triple–platinum selling The Seldom Seen Kid, they picked up the BRIT Award for Best British Group the following year along with 2 Ivor Novello Songwriting Awards. In 2012, the band composed the theme to the BBC's coverage of the London 2012 Olympics, before playing to a global audience of 750 million at the closing ceremony. Their hotly anticipated sixth studio album The Take Off and Landing of Everything is released on March 10th.
 
In the last 12 months, Disclosure have been nominated for four Brit Awards in 2014, sold-out venues across the world and received critical-acclaim with their debut album Settle. In their return to Balado this summer, they are sure to bring the party vibe to T in the Park 2014.
 
Bursting out of London’s underground music scene early last year, Rudimental are a pioneering melting-pot collective who rocketed to fame when their single Feel the Love topped the UK singles chart in 2012. At the start of 2013 they returned to the number 1 spot with Waiting All Night ­– which last week won Best British Single at the BRITs – swiftly following up with a number 1 debut album.
 
The band said: “We had a wicked time playing at T in the Park last year so we are really excited to have been asked back again. The crowd up there really know how to have a good time! We can’t wait to get back up there for an even bigger Rudimental party this year.”
 
Fresh from winning British Breakthrough Act at the BRIT Awards 2014 and the following the success of their number one platinum selling debut album Bad BloodBastille will return to T in the Park this summer with a plethora of great songs that are both absorbing and genre-defining.
 
Since his last T in the Park appearance in 2012, Ben Howard has scooped two BRIT Awards, for British Breakthrough Act and British Male. His debut album Every Kingdom was a top five hit going platinum in the UK, and he’s sure to be a big hit on his return to T in the Park.
 
Pixies made a triumphant return in 2004 following an eleven-year hiatus, wowing fans and critics at live shows around the world. Last year, the group released their first new song in over a decade –Bagboy – on their website to the delight of their fans, with the release racking up than one million downloads/streams in the space of a month.
 
Pixies’ Joey Santiago said: “We played T in the Park back in 2004, the year of our reunion, and as I recall, it was a great show, especially for the band.  So here it is, ten years later, and we’re just as excited to be part of the 2014 line-up and look forward to playing some of our brand new songs as well as the classics for our Scottish fans.”
 
A pioneer of the Stockholm underground turned icon of the global EDM scene, Steve Angello returns to T in the Park to close the Radio 1 Stage on the Friday night. From the billboard charts to the club floor, he is firmly at the top of his game having taken the reigns at famous stages across the globe and boasting annual residencies for Ibiza’s most prestigious night spots, and recently joined BBC Radio 1’s impressive Residency line-up.
 
Since forming in Manchester in 1982, James's enduring creativity and musical legacy has made them one of the most influential British indie bands.  During their music career now spanning over 30 years, they have released 12 studio albums and sold 13 million albums worldwide. James’ biggest hits includeSit Down, She’s A Star, Laid and Getting Away With It (All Messed Up), with an impressive 20 Top 40 singles in the UK under their belt. Having spent most of 2013 in the studio with Max Dingel (The Killers, Muse), the band's new album La Petite Mort is set to be released via BMG/Cooking Vinyl’ after 2ndJune.
 
Jim Glennie, bassist, James said:"It's a real privilege to be playing this year’s T in the Park. It is a festival that we've a long and memory packed history. The Scottish people have always been wonderful to James and it will be a true pleasure to be back amongst friends. Yours, Jim from James.”
 
Tinie Tempah’s multi-platinum selling debut album Disc-Overy took the world by storm, before its hotly anticipated follow-up Demonstration was released last November featuring an A-list of collaborators including Dizzee Rascal, Paloma Faith, Emeli Sandé and Naughty Boy. A glittering array of prestigious awards – including multiple MOBOs, BRITs, Urban Music Awards, a UK Festival Award and the Ivor Novello for Best Contemporary Song for debut single Pass Out – are a testament to his major critical acclaim as well as his huge popularity as one of the freshest hip-hop stars around right now.
 
Now a regular at some of the world’s largest festivals and collaborating with producers such as Sebastian Ingrosso, Calvin Harris on and OneRepublic, Alesso has had successive Beatport chart toppers with debut single Nillionaire and to the dark and energized Raise Your Head. He topped the UK singles chart with his collaboration with Calvin Harris, Under Control, and scored chart success once again on his Grammy nominated remix of OneRepublic’s If I Lose Myself. Having already spun against a backdrop of different skylines on various stages across the world, the producer/DJ is destined for greatness and set to make his T in the Park debut this summer when he takes to the decks on the Radio 1 Stage before Steve Angello, for a Friday night dance extravaganza.
 
Glasgow art-pop four-piece Franz Ferdinand were catapulted to global stardom with the release of their classic, era-encapsulating self-titled debut album in 2004. The band returned with a new albumRight Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action last summer, with critics hailing the band’s trademark lyrical detail, heavyweight hooks, and uncanny ability to marry artistic sensibility with pop punch.
Glasgow’s alt-rock powerhouse Twin Atlantic – whose celebrated full-length debut Free went silver in the UK – return to T in the Park to cement their incendiary live reputation.
Sam McTrusty, vocals and guitar, said:“T in the Park has become a massive part of our band’s history and we are so proud to be able to say we are playing again this year. We have been working on new music that we will be unveiling this year and it will be a massive relief to be playing new songs this time around. Our 6th year playing at the renowned festival is shaping up to our best one yet. See you in the fields!”
 
You Me At Six released their long awaited fourth album Cavalier Youth at the end of January. With three gold albums, a sold out Wembley show, countless tours and festivals, this year is theirs for the taking and they can rightfully claim their position as one of the biggest rock bands in the UK. 
 
You Me At Six's lead singer, Josh Franceschi said: "Playing in Scotland is always exciting for us as they have some of the best crowds we have seen anywhere in the world, I know a lot of other bands feel the same. We are so pumped to play the main stage this year and can't wait to show off the new songs on Cavalier Youth.”
 
Tame Impala’s second album Lonerism won international plaudits for its simplistic beauty and boundless creativity, hailed as album of the year by NME and Rolling Stone in their native Australia in 2012. After embarking on a phenomenal sold out world tour at the end of 2012, the band are back on the live circuit and set to return to T in the Park this July.
 
Manchester quartet The 1975’s eponymous debut album topped the UK Album Charts last September when it entered at no.1. Their infectious anthems where alt.rock explosions meet electro-pop grooves are the perfect summer festival soundtrack, and are sure to inspire mass sing-alongs when they make their T in the Park return.
 
Matty Healy, The 1975: “T in the Park was a crazy show last year and we're really looking forward to returning this summer, we love Scottish crowds!”
 
London Grammar are one of the biggest breakthrough acts of 2013. In the past 12 months, they’ve had their first BRIT nomination for Best Breakthrough Act, and seen their highly acclaimed debut albumIf You Wait named Album Of The Year by iTunes and hailed amongst the best albums of 2013 by BBC 6 Music, Sunday Times, Line Of Best Fit and Clash, to name a few.
 
In 2012, a year before his first solo material had even seen the light of day, John Newman scored a no. 1 single, and had written and sung on two of the biggest dance hits to storm the UK charts in years: Rudimental’s massive number one Feel The Love and the powerfully anthemic follow up Not Giving In. Last year, he released his first solo material, topping the charts with debut solo single Love Me Again and album Tribute.
 
Sam Smith came to the fore featuring on fellow T in the Park act Disclosure’s breakout hit Latchand went on to work with Naughty Boy on the MOBO-winning, no.1 hit single La La La. His own debut single Money On My Mind topped the UK singles chart on Sunday, and with his debut album due in the Spring, plus having been named the BRITs Critics Choice and topping the coveted BBC Sound of 2014 Poll, it’s shaping up to be a big year for the singer-songwriter. 
 
Half Scottish, half Swedish singer-songwriter Nina Nesbitt released her debut album, Peroxide, last week, with the record entering the UK charts on Sunday at no. 11. Destined for big things this year, she was named 'Singer/Songwriter New Artist of the Year' by iTunes at the tail-end of 2012.
 
Nina Nesbitt said: "This will be the first year I play T with an album out. Last year was an amazing experience on the King Tut's stage and I'm so excited to come and play among so many other great artists back in my home country! It'll be a great way to celebrate going to no. 1 in Scotland!"
 
Clean Bandit’s culture clash of bass, beats and soaring strings evokes memories of classic Massive Attack. When they released their first single Mozart’s House on their own label it caught the attention of DJs Nick Grimshaw, Annie Mac, Rob Da Bank, Huw Stephens, John Kennedy, Eddie Temple Morris and Fearne Cotton, before they hit the top spot with Rather Be feat. Jess Glynne. They make their hotly anticipated T in the Park debut this summer.
 
Grace Chatto (cello), Clean Bandit said: “We haven't actually ever played a festival in Scotland, but we have done a headline show in Glasgow and supported Disclosure and Basement Jaxx in Edinburgh. The Scottish audiences are always up for a good time which makes the shows so fun for us. We've heard great things about T in the Park, and to be playing on such a big stage like the Radio 1 stage is huge! We can’t wait!”
 
Scottish indie rockers The Twilight Sad also join the bill. James Graham, Twilight Sad, singer, said: "We're delighted & excited to be part of the line-up at T in the Park this year. T was the first festival I ever attended and we, The Twilight Sad, all went together even before we became a band. Therefore it's a festival that means a lot to us. The T in the Park crowd is one of the best crowds in the world and we can't wait to play for them.”
 
An impressive line-up of electronic artists will take to the decks in the Slam Tent, including Sven Vath, Dave Clarke, Carl Craig, Magda, Len Faki, Pan-Pot, Slam, Julio Bashmore, George Fitzgerald and Levon Vincent, with more to be announced.

Carl Craig, Ricardo Villalobos + more for Super Bock Super Rock Festival

 

The 19th edition of the Super Bock Super Rock (SBSR) festival takes place from the 18th-20th July in Meco, a coastal resort just outside of Lisbon, Portugal. Together with headliners Arctic Monkeys, The Killers and Queens of the Stone Age; Azealia Banks, Johnny Marr, Kaiser Chiefs, Chk Chk Chk and Owen Pallett are amongst the acts set to be performing at the Portuguese festival this July.

Arctic Monkeys

Relatively unknown to UK audiences, Super Bock Super Rock is one of the longest running festivals in Europe. Previous editions of the festival have included music giants The Strokes, Arcade Fire, Muse, New Order, Pixies and Metallica to name just few.

The festival takes place by some of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal, just a mere 20 minutes train ride from Lisbon city centre. With easy access from the airport, Super Bock Super Rock offers an enviable setting and strong line-up at an amazing price tag of £77 + booking fee for a 3 day ticket including 4 camping nights (17th to 20th incl); tickets are available on See Tickets.

An amazing line-up, affordable ticket prices, good weather, beach setting, easy access and the opportunity to make a beach holiday or city break out of the festival experience, make Super Bock Super Rock one of the strongest contenders of the European festival circuit.

Ibiza Rocks & Mallorca Rocks 2012 Line up Revealed

NEW ORDER PLAY FIRST EVER LIVE GIG IN IBIZA 
  
KASABIAN HEADLINE IBIZA ROCKS 7th BIRTHDAY
& MALLORCA ROCKS 2nd BIRTHDAY PARTIES
 
PLUS BLOC PARTY, TINIE TEMPAH, EXAMPLE, KAISER CHIEFS
CHASE & STATUS, PROFESSOR GREEN, MAVERICK SABRE
LABRINTH, DJ FRESH PRESENTS FRESH/LIVE & AZEALIA BANKS
 
Ed SheeranSince previously announcing Ed Sheeran for the Mallorca Rocks and Ibiza Rocks opening parties, he’s won two BRITs (British Breakthrough Act and British Solo Male) and his star keeps shining brighter as anticipation builds further for the moment he plays Mallorca Rocks and Ibiza Rocks opening parties in June (5th & 6th).
 
Next up is a stunning show, featuring two of the most exciting and critically acclaimed male solo stars to come out of the UK – singer songwriter Maverick Sabre and producer-turned-pop-star Labrinth.  Since supporting Tinie Tempah at Rocks last year, Maverick Sabre’s success has soared with debut album Lonely Are The Brave going gold and reaching No.2.  It’s been an equally good year for Labrinth since supporting Chase & Status last year then smashing the singles chart with No.2 hit Earthquake.  Ibiza Rocks has consistently nurtured new talent and provided a platform for breaking artists to play the biggest bill in the Balearics. In June, fans will see two of last year’s strongest support artists deservedly step up to headline slot status in June. 
 
In 2005 Ibiza Rocks captured the Kaiser Chiefs for one of the first ever Ibiza Rocks gigs, just before their debut album Employment exploded. They returned for a phenomenal, intimate beachfront gig at Bar M in 2007.  Six million album sales later and with a worldwide reputation as a mind-blowing live act that wow festival audiences the world over, Kaiser Chiefs are back in a BIG way with new album The Future Is Medieval – their fourth Top 10 album in six years.  They make a welcome return to Ibiza Rocks, where they’ve gone with the brand from the back room of the club, to the intimate beach bar to the famous stage at the ‘Rocks’ Hotels.
 
Peanut, Kaiser Chiefs said:We’ve done Ibiza Rocks a couple of times before, and it’s great because everyone’s on holiday. We did it back in 2005 and Ricky jumped into the crowd. When you’re in Ibiza, it seems like more of a relaxing time compared to other gigs.”
 
KasabianKasabian are certainly on fire right now, with their fourth studio album Velociraptor taking the group to stratospheric new levels and winning the accolade of ‘Best Band’ at this years’ NME Awards.  Kasabian first played Ibiza Rocks in 2006 (Bar M) and returned for a two night residency in 2007. Kasabian are an incendiary live act who consistently tops the polls of fans’ favourite festival headliners. Now the Leicester lads make their hugely anticipated return to head up the two biggest parties in the Balearics – in celebration of Mallorca Rocks 2nd birthday and Ibiza Rocks 7th birthday in July.
 
Professor Green is one of the hottest talents in the UK music scene right now. The acclaimed rapper’s second album At Your Inconvenience spawned the massive No.1 hit Read All About It. With an MTV Europe Music Award, a MOBO and an NME Award under his belt, Professor Green makes a triumphant return for these Spanish exclusive shows, following his phenomenal headline debut in 2011. DJ Fresh presents FRESH/LIVE joins him on the bill and as the man behind two of the biggest tracks of the past year, No.1 hit singles Louder and Hot Right Now, he certainly is the hot on the block right now and will be equally so in the Balearics.
 
Hailed by many as the most exciting producers in the UK today, Chase & Status are the biggest crossover act to come out of the underground in years. Their last two ‘Rocks’ shows have been total roadblocks when these boys brought their live show to town in 2010 and 2011.  Having sold in excess of 500K albums, they return to the Balearics as bonifide superstars for standout shows in Mallorca and Ibiza in July.
 
Chase & Status said: “Can't wait to bring our live show over to the White Isle gain this summer. We love Ibiza and are looking forward to playing Ibiza and Mallorca Rocks again this year.”
 
Tinie Tempah is one of Britain’s biggest stars. Since debut album Disc-Overy hit No. 1, preceded by hit No.1 singles Pass Out and Written in the Stars, the sensational solo star has become one of the most award-winning, best-selling performers of recent times.  With Kylie Minogue dancing to his set on the balcony and the fans going nuts all round him last year, Tinie Tempah’s gig was the talk of the town as he teased the ‘Rocks’ crowd to ecstatic proportions. Due to mass public demand, he’ll be doing it again in August. 
 
ExampleThis is an amazing time for Example. Third album Playing in the Shadows debuted at No.1 and delivered two No.1 singles, Changed the Way You Kissed Me and Stay Awake.  Infact, Stay Awake produced by Nero is about waking up at Ibiza Rocks and seeing hundreds of kids still going from the night before. Example strutted his stuff as a support act in 2009 and 2010 before absolutely killing it during his own headline shows at ‘Rocks’ in 2011. 
 
Bloc Party are back and are set to make their ‘Rocks’ debut as part of their hugely anticipated return to the live scene.  Ibiza Rocks was born out of a concept to create a night for dance kids who wanted to rock and rock kids who wanted to dance.  The East London art rockers, fronted by Kele Okereke, are the very essence of that.  This gig has been a long time coming for team ‘Rocks’  and it’s a huge honour to be bringing one of the bands that influenced the brand, Bloc Party, to the Balearics for the very first time.
 
The newly reformed New Order are back together and will make their massive debut at Mallorca Rocks and Ibiza Rocks in September. One of the most highly influential and critically acclaimed bands of the 1980’s, New Order were the pioneering force behind electronic music, largely responsible for the opening the world famous Hacienda Club in Manchester in 1982 and for 1983 hit Blue Monday, the best-selling 12 inch single of all time.  Their 5th album Technique (1989) was partly recorded in Ibiza and perfectly encapsulates Balearic beats and acid house influences into their electro/rock sound.  They have influenced generations of hit making musicians the world over and are one of the most in demand on the festival circuit this summer.  It will be a proud moment when they take centre stage for these unmissable sets under the Balaeric stars in September.
New Order

 

V Festival 2011 Stage breakdown + Hanson added to lineup

The latest addition comes as V Festival reveals which artists will be performing on which stage throughout the weekend. Festivalgoers can now start planning their movements on site; the hardest part will be deciding who to see!

Eminem

VIRGIN MEDIA STAGE   
Saturday 20th August, Hylands Park, Chelmsford Sunday 21st August, Weston Park, Staffordshire   Sunday 21st August, Hylands Park. Chelmsford Saturday 20th August, Weston Park, Staffordshire   
Arctic Monkeys, Plan B, Kaiser Chiefs, Lost Prophets, Bruno Mars, KT Tunstall, Ziggy Marley, Fun Lovin Criminals, Eminem, Rihanna, The Script, Manic Street Preachers, Scouting For Girls, Ellie Goulding, Squeeze, Imelda May

4 MUSIC STAGE   
Saturday 20th August Hylands Park, Chelmsford Sunday 21st August, Weston Park, Staffordshire   Sunday 21st August, Hylands Park. Chelmsford Saturday 20th August, Weston Park, Staffordshire   
Dizzee Rascal, Razorlight, Tinie Tempah, Jessie J, Example, Olly Murs, Cast Kids In Glass Houses, Aloe Blacc, Big Country, Kassidy, Primal Scream, (Screamadelica), Pendulum, The Courteeners, The Wombat, N-Dubz, Good Charlotte, You Me At Six, Ocean Colour Scene, Noisettes, D12, The Knux  

BIG BLUE TENT   
Saturday 20th August, Hylands Park, Chelmsford Sunday 21st August, Weston Park, Staffordshire   Sunday 21st August, Hylands Park. Chelmsford Saturday 20th August, Weston Park, Staffordshire   
Chase and Status, Glasvegas, Katy B, Professor Green, Wiz Khalifa, Chipmunk, Kele, Labrinth, Clare Maguire, Wretch 32, Twenty Twenty,  Duran Duran, Mark Ronson & The Business Intl, Big Audio Dynamite, Hurts, The Saturdays, Eliza Doolittle, The Wanted, Dionne Bromfield, Chiddy Bang, Hanson, Slaughter House  

UNDERCOVER FROM VIRGIN MEDIA   
Saturday 20th August, Hylands Park Chelmsford Sunday 21st August, Weston Park, Staffordshire   Sunday 21st August, Hylands Park. ChelmsfordSaturday 20th August. Weston Park, Staffordshire   
Goldie Lookin Chain, Gomez, Morcheeba, The Airborne, Toxic Event, Chromeo, Yasmin, Special Guest Frankmusic, Beardyman, Maverick, Sabre, Alex Winston, Parade, Alice Gold, Jaguar Skills, I Am Kloot, Stornoway, Bellowhead, The Pierces, Fenech-Soler, Special Guest Mummers Kitty, Daisy & Lewis, Fitz and the Tantrums, Morning Parade, Emma’s Imagination, Wolfgang

Festivalgoers kicking themselves for not getting tickets can still take advantage of V Style, a new luxurious range of stylish accommodation available on site at Hylands Park, Chelmsford. Sleep in decadent surroundings by choosing between a lux pad, pop up hotel room, yurt or perhaps even a gypsy caravan to rest your tired festival head at the end of each night. V Style packages include* weekend passes and all your accommodation needs taken care of including a warm shower and premium toilets. You’ll never go back to basic camping again!

Eminem, Kaiser Chiefs, Jimmy Eat World and more for Tennant’s Vital

EminemTennent’s Vital is excited to announce that Kaiser ChiefsJimmy Eat WorldOdd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All (OFWGKTA) and D12 will be joining Eminem at Ward Park, Bangor on 24th August 2011.
 

Kaiser Chiefs return to Tennent’s Vital, having headlined the festival back in 2006. They shot to prominence in 2005 with indie anthems such as ‘I Predict A Riot’‘Everyday I Love You Less and Less’ and ‘Oh My God’.  Their debut album‘Employment’ was one of the best-selling LPs of that year. The follow-up ‘Yours Truly Angry Mob’ yielded their 1st no.1 single, ‘Ruby’Kaiser Chiefs hotly anticipated fourth album is due for release later this year.

Since their formation in 1994, Jimmy Eat World have enjoyed chart success and have toured with Foo Fighters, Weezer and Green Day. Their latest album, ‘Invented’ was released in 2010 and contains the signature big hooks and melodies for which they are famous. Fans of the band’s older hits like “The Middle,” “Sweetness,” and “Pain” will find lots to grab onto.

Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All (OFWGKTA) have gone from underground sensations to the hottest new act in the USA!  Led by Tyler The Creator, they’ve unleashed some of the most technically impressive, hopelessly addictive rap music in quite some time.  Their instinctive combination of beat and verse makes OFWGKTA a must-see.

Long-time Eminem collaborators D12 create surreal universes of wild times and unruly rhymes. They sold four million copies worldwide of their debut ‘Devil’s Night’ and had a No.2 hit with Purple Hills.  Their bombastic sophomore effort, ‘D-12 World’ went straight to No.1 in the UK album charts.

Tickets go on general sale this Friday 3rd June at 9AM sharp.  
Tickets are priced at £49.50 incl booking fee and are strictly limited to 8 per person/transaction.  Strictly Over 16s event.

Tickets can be secured via our official ticket partner www.ticketmaster.ie

Kaiser Chiefs & James to rock Hard Rock Calling

Black Cards and Vintage Trouble are also confirmed to perform, joining headliner Bon Jovi on Saturday 25 June for what promises to be an incredible weekend of live music.
 
kaiser chiefsReturning in fine form, pop-rockers the KaiserChiefs are ready to get the crowds at Hyde Park jumping to hits including I Predict A RiotEveryday I Love You Less And LessOh My God and Ruby,as well as showcasing brand new material from their forthcoming album. The Leeds quintet amassed over three million sales worldwide enjoying international chart success and five UK Top Ten smash hit singles.  Also joining the Friday 24 June line-up are Manchester’s own James. The nineties heroes return with their unforgettable hits LaidSit Down and Say Something plus many more.
 
Saturday 25 June additions include Pete Wentz’s new band Black Cards with their first appearance on the UK festival scene, as well as American soul-rockers Vintage Trouble, who gave an incredible performance earlier this year on Later With Jools Holland gaining the band critical-acclaim in the UK.
 
Now in its sixth consecutive year, Hard Rock Calling has fully established itself as one of the UK’s premier outdoor music events. Produced by Live Nation and presented by Hard Rock International, Hard Rock Calling is a unique and historic musical event with a main stage, second stage and many surprises in store for fans of all ages. In addition to headline appearances from The Killers on Friday 24 June and Bon Jovi on Saturday 25 June, living legendRod Stewart will headline Sunday 26 June with rock ‘n’ roll queen Stevie Nicks as special guest. The festival will also include a variety of attractions to be announced at a later date.
 
Tickets are on sale now and are available at www.hardrockcalling.co.uk.
 
 
Tickets On Sale Now – Book Now To Avoid Disappointment
Friday tickets – £49.50 + booking fee
(The Killers to headline Friday 24 June)
 
Saturday tickets – £59 + booking fee
(Bon Jovi to headline Saturday 25 June)


Sunday tickets – £55 + booking fee
(Rod Stewart to headline Sunday 26 June)
 
Buy online at www.hardrockcalling.co.uk   
 
 
To buy VIP Experiences and Hospitality online please go to www.livenationexperience.co.uk or call + 44 207 009 3484

Kaiser Chiefs return to Isle of Wight Festival 2011

Five individuals with three hugely successful albums under their belts; Kaiser Chiefs are back! Performing ahead of Kings of Leon on Friday 10th June, the band is the perfect addition to one of the hottest weekends of the summer.

Taking place from Friday 10th – Sunday 12th June, the Isle of Wight Festival will celebrate its 10th anniversary in style. Over three days, festivalgoers are in for an unmissable weekend of music from artists including; Kings of Leon, Foo Fighters, Kasabian, Pulp, Plan B, Public Image Ltd, Beady Eye, Iggy and the Stooges, The Vaccines plus many, many more.

This year, the Garden Stage will see Tim Burgess & Mark Collins from The Charlatans- Acoustic Set, Andrea Corr, Ian Brodie, Tom McRae, Roachford, Yellowire, Ben Montague, James Walsh, It’s A Beautiful Day, Julie Felix, Scarlette Fever , Pronghorn, Joe Janiak, Bethia Beadman, Soul Circus, The Scarletz, Stereo Son, Bibelots, Charley Macaulay, Will and the People, The Bonfires, The Arcadian Kicks and Truly Violet showcase unique, stripped back and intimate performances of their chart topping songs.

Unfortunately Tinie Tempah won’t be joining us at the Festival this year. Tinie Tempah commented: ‘Huge apologies to my fans, due to conflicting schedule demands I sadly won’t be able to play this year’s Isle of Wight Festival but look forward to another opportunity in the future.’