Reel Big Fish

First DOWNLOAD 2019 Announcement!

by

DOWNLOADERS! It’s time, your first announcement is here and we’re hyped to reveal that your #DL2019 headliners are Def Leppard, Slipknot and Tool! Plus, SEVENTEEN of the most awesome bands in the world including Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators, Whitesnakeand Rob Zombie are also coming to rock Donington Park to its metal core on 14th-16th June 2019.

Classic rock powerhouse Def Leppard are making a spectacular return to headline the Main Stage on Friday at Download and we cannot wait.

In what will be their ONLY UK appearance of 2019, the Sheffield legends will be playing their seminal album ‘Hysteria’ in full and more.

Def Leppard front man Joe Elliott has said: “We are delighted to be going back to headline Download in 2019! The festival has a very special place in our hearts and it’s such a great place to play. We will be playing Hysteria in full – yes, in full! – plus a load more of the hits, and we are going to put on a very special show for our UK fans. Can’t wait to see you all there!”

The forerunners of the new wave British heavy metal movement, Def Leppard have sold over 100 million records. Donington is going to be the ONLY place in the UK this year where you can watch them rip through a full-throttle stadium-sized show and scream along to classics like ‘Pour Some Sugar On Me’, ‘Love Bites’, ‘Rock Of Ages’ and countless more.

So, get set to rock like an ‘Animal’ as it’s going to be unforgettable Main Stage headline set for the Download family.

Meet your next headliners, the mighty masked metallers Slipknot! One of the most defining acts of the last two decades, the sheer power of Slipknot’s live sets have gone down in Download legend.

With a back catalogue of rock club classics – ‘Duality’, ‘Spit It Out’, ‘Before I Forget’ and ‘Psychosocial’ – Iowa’s sickest sons are going to bring the mosh for their Saturday headline set.

An appearance thirteen years in the making, we are totally psyched to announce that Tool will be making their grand return to headline Sunday at Download.

The Grammy award-winning, multi-platinum, prog-metal titans are set to take you on a grandiose career spanning journey of classic albums ‘Undertow’, ‘Lateralus’, and ‘10,000 Days’.

If those legendary headliners weren’t enough we’ve got SEVENTEEN more bands to announce today.

After slaying the Main Stage with Guns N’ Roses at #DL2018, living guitar god Slash couldn’t stay away and is riffing his way back to Donington for #DL2019 with Alter Bridge frontman for Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators.

Fresh from releasing their phenomenal third album ‘Living The Dream’, Slash and Myles Kennedy and The Conspirator’s set is going to have you wailing to signature slick solos and out of this world rock anthems.

“Here I go again on my own, Goin’ down the only road I’ve ever known!” is going to ring out loud and proud over Donington Park as Whitesnake are coming to Download 2019.

Whitesnake front man David Coverdale said: “Once again, we’ve been honoured to be invited to participate in the legendary DOWNLOAD 2019…Can’t Wait To See You All & Kick Arse Together!!!…So Ready 2 Rock!!!”

If metal is your lifeblood, get ready for a large transfusion as Rob Zombie is once again going to turn Download into his own twisted carnival with a set bursting with stomp-laden classics and new tracks.

Plus, Trivium will be taking Donington by the horns to turn your stomachs with their roaring metal, Swedish death metallers Amon Amarth are going to pack a deadly punch with their Viking inspired cinematic metal and Carcass will remind you why they’re the gore-grind forefathers.

Still want more? Dutch outfit Delain, led by the world-class frontwoman Charlotte Wessels, will be a must-see for all of you symphonic metal fans. Whilst, in a Download first Die Antwoord will be getting you bouncing hard to their Zef style hip-hop.

And, punk rock covers supergroup Me First And The Gimme Gimmes, featuring members of NOFX, Foo Fighters, Lagwagon, Swingin’ Utters, are going to have you and your mates gasping for breath shouting along to their rapid-fire covers.

If you’re looking for a one way ticket to prog paradise, Sweden’s Opeth are going to deliver a set filled with classics and tracks from their 2016 acclaimed album, ‘Sorceress’.

New-school thrashers Power Trip are going to make their Download debut and get you headbanging to tracks from their sophomore album, ‘Nightmare Logic’.

And, Californian ska-punk heroes Reel Big Fish will get Donington bouncing to some solid rocksteady riffs.

Download Festival favourites Skindred are going to shake the Donington hills with their ragga metal. The unmatched energy and exuberance of frontman Benji Webbe is sure to see the return of the Newport Helicopter originating at Download 2011.

Hotly-tipped sci-fi, conceptual rockers Starset also join the line up with an ambitious, gigantic rock set that is destined for the stadiums in the future. And, Tesla will serve up classic hard rock anthems in mammoth portions for you to sink your teeth into.

Ready to give us a surefire singalong are Queensland metalcore veterans The Amity Affliction with syrupy hooks, melodic metalcore and ferocious breakdowns.

And, finally open your arms wide to welcome back post-hardcore pioneers Underoath as the trailblazers make their first appearance back at the festival since 2005.

Slam Dunk Festival 2017 Annouce More Acts…

by

Slam Dunk Festival line up is starting to fill up with even more acts annouced…..Now where do we start?!! 

Firstly We Are The Ocean who haved been playing the festival more times than anyone else, will say their goodbyes as they will be making these SDF dates their final ever shows.

Then there will also be an welcoming retur,n after 4 year break from the mighty Deaf Havana, plus debuting performances by Frank Iero, The Maine, Stray From The Path & Sorority Noise. 

We will also see performances from returning fan favourites Seaway, Boston Manor,  WSTR & Crime In Stereo and also a debut UK performance from Too Close to Touch. Alongside these new additions are the previously announced final Fireball UK Stage bands…our house band Zebrahead, plus classic pop punk legends The Ataris & FENIX TX…. and very finally the reunion of Madina Lake!!

Still many more bands to be announced! so dont hang around and get your ticket(s) now at http://bit.ly/SlamDunk17

 

Slam Dunk Festival 2017 Announce First Set Of Acts

by

Slam Dunk Festival have alredy annouced thier headliner this year will be Enter Shikari, but who else will be joining the festival this year?

 

The first set of bands have been annouced, First up, Bedford Rockers DON BROCO, who will be making it their only UK festival of 2016. Now if you remeber back in 2011 SDF brought  you the first UK Less Than Jake and Reel Big Fish double bill. Well they're doing that again, and on top of of that making their Slam Dunk debut will be the Texas Rockers Bowling For Soup it's going to be one hell of a party!

 

Tickets on sale now, details at www.slamdunkmusic.com

Kendal Calling 2014 Review

by

 “Make sure you pack your sun cream…it’s going to be a scorcher next weekend!”

These words did not end up ringing wholly true. In fact, this was one of the wettest, muddiest festivals I have ever experienced…and I've been to at least 20. If you are going to have your festival in the Lake District, who knows what weather you are going to get, but this was a Northern festival, with proper double-hard Northern people who were ready for anything.

…then this little guy turned up and showed us all how it was done…

Mud monster

We arrived early on Thursday, this being the first year to allow entry the day before the main festival.
After finally getting up our beast of a tent, we caught the first half of Craig Charles’ 
thumping set in the Glow tent, before some Yorkshire Ska in Chai Wallah, courtesy of The Talks.

Friday started out in the real ale tent, and not even for beer (this time!), but instead to avoid the first
heavy downpour of the weekend. Samba bands were a feature across the site, and kept everyone
entertained until the stages started. By the early afternoon the rain had stopped, giving way to sack
races and plenty of activities to keep families busy in the Ladybird Kids area. Teenagers got their dancing shoes dirty early on at the Jägermeister stage and in the House Party tent. The first big crowd
of the day was for The Dub Pistols, a band who just seem to be made for festivals, getting everyone
stomping those wet weather blues away.

There was disappointment for some as the next act Ella Eyre was unable to attend due to illness, but fear not…The Sunshine Underground served up an extremely last minute indie dance set that kept everyone happy while they refuelled in anticipation of De La Soul…

Unfortunately, owing to an accident on the M6, their set was cut short, but the enthusiasm they provided more than made up for it. 
“Me, myself and I” put lots of smiles on faces. With as many years of experience as they have they worked the crowd as you would expect.

Just enough time to grab some food. There was plenty on offer, ranging from exotic burgers
(Llama; wild boar and wagyu beef) to delicious momos from the Tibetan Kitchen (my photographer is now completely hooked on these badboys).

Suede headlined Friday night and began with a quiet opener “The Next life” from their first album.
They had won the crowd over by the third song “Trash”, followed by “Animal Nitrate” giving
everyone a chance to sing, and Brett Anderson to strut his stuff like the mid 90’s were here again.
Mid set we were given a new song “Tightrope” which the crowd were not really sure about, and
their set finished with “Beautiful Ones”.They closed the main stage with an encore of
“She’s in Fashion”, and a wonderful rendition of “Stay Together”.

Suede

After hours there was plenty to do with particular highlights being the Britpop set in the Tim Peaks Diner and the jazzy breaks of Mr Scruff.

 

As morning broke on Saturday, the site was turning to a liquid red thanks to the Cumbrian mud and morning rain. That didn’t stop large numbers of aliens, and sci-fi characters emerging from their tents to lighten up the gloom. The Glow Tent hosted a mass moonwalk to the song “Billie Jean”, as hundreds of MJ’s strutted their stuff.

Mid-afternoon, as the sun peeked out, Newton Faulkner played to a background of bubbles drifting across the field, “Teardrop”, and Justin Timberlake’s “Like I love you baby” bringing the crowds in. Athlete continued the summer vibe, and the sunglasses were out by the time Razorlight took to the stage. Sporting a lovely beard (trust me, I know about beards!) Johnny Borrell and the boys played a high energy, hit filled set.

Then, it was ALL about Madchester, with bucket hats and Lennon glasses being the necessary uniform. The Happy Mondays began with Bez informing us of his political intentions, which is either genius, or the most bonkers thing you’ve ever heard. The majority of this crowd would definitely vote for him. Shaun planned to keep it a PG performance, and entertained the crowd by never being quite sure which songs were coming next. Rowetta looked fantastic in her cowboy hat and tassels, and people were literally climbing the trees to get a good view. The sound was great and the whole arena was rocking to party classics from “Loose Fit”, to “24 Hour Party People”.

The Happy Mondays

Frank Turner started his set with a smaller crowd, hampered by the rain, but that crowd grew and got to enjoy a very special headline slot. This being his third time at the festival, he’s
definitely earned his Kendal stripes, and when he announced how honoured he was to play, you really knew he meant it. His band, The Sleeping Souls, threw themselves around the stage and really stepped up the volume, with stomping tunes like “Photosynthesis” getting the crowd all clapping and singing along. He dedicated his new song “Angel Islington” to all the Northerners. Despite a re-tune mid song and a broken string, nothing could faze Frank tonight!

Frank Turner

Sunday, originally predicted to be the best day for weather, was the worst, with frequent showers turning the main arena into a mud bath. Children and adults kept their spirits up by sliding down the hillside, and one of the great moments of the weekend was the chap in neon and a flat cap, cruising round a pool of mud in his electric wheelchair, chasing people. The Lancashire Hotpots played at lunchtime and won the award for most costume changes, and as they said, it was like a Lady Gaga gig! Conga lines, beach balls and songs including “We Love the North”, and “Chippy tea”, were just what was needed to keep everyone from flagging.

Reel Big Fish were the afternoon high point, Masters of styles they gave us the Ska Punk we all expected, but also a touch of Disco, and even a bit of Square-dancing. With choreographed kicks they finished with “Take on Me”, and as the dancing increased, the mud was flying. Tom Odell didn’t go in for quite the same level of onstage action, but instead let his music do the talking. It only took him to point to the girls at the front to get them all screaming, as he hammered away at the piano. A new song “Jealousy” from his upcoming album was particularly well received.

Miles Kane was taking no prisoners with a straight up rock and roll show. Dressed in a psychedelic shirt, his strutted around owing the stage, scissor kicking as he went. By the time he played “Don’t Forget Who You Are”, he had the audience joining in from the front to all the way up the hill.

Miles Kane

The final act on the main stage was Example, the biggest crowd of the weekend, and everyone wanted to be at the front. The sound from the stage was massive, with filthy bass lines shaking the sodden ground. Dressed in black he electrified the entire field, with lasers and a completely awesome neon drum kit. “One more day (Stay with me)” “Changed the way you kiss me” and “Kickstarts” were by far the biggest sing-a-longs of the weekend. As the set finished with air cannons
and ticker tape, the epic firework display was a worthy end to a sometimes challenging but ultimately celebratory weekend.

Example

After the main events, we headed back to Tim Peaks Diner for some energetic table dancing and a storming funk and soul set from Tim Burgess.
Just time to pop back to the real ale tent, this time for a well-deserved pint, we’d all survived!

 

Words by Reuben Crowther
Photographs by Andy Sawyer

Y Not Festival 2014 Review

by

One of the UK's fastest-growing festivals, Derbyshire's Y Not returned for its ninth outing and delivered a weekend chocked full of 'I was there' moments; be it the triumphant closure of Dizzee Rascal's compelling Saturday night headliner set, the smooth hip-hop of American trio De La Soul or the rousing, foot-stomping bangers that pumped out of the Saloon Bar all weekend long, there was something for every music lover, young and old, at this year's gathering. 

For me, it began on Friday with exciting Birmingham band Superfood. Scores of teens flooded the main stage front to see the intriguing four-piece, who proceeded to belt out guitar-led anthems that were shouty, loud and fun. A band who'd been on my radar for a while, exceeded my expectations and kicked off the festival nicely. Intermittent rain showers were just a preview of the weather to come, but still it led me to the Saloon Bar in the middle of the site, to check out Three Minute Heist. 

The Saloon Bar is a perfect replica of an American Western bar, with only the stench of Somersby cider and cans of Tuborg giving away the fact we were at a festival in the middle of the Derbyshire countryside in 2014! Nevertheless, that didn't stop the aforementioned quartet bringing their brand of country blues and sing-a-longs along to transport us back a century. The packed out venue was rocking, especially so with closer 'Johnny B. Goode'.

After checking out the finest reggae and drum 'n' bass tents Y Not has to offer, it was off to the wetter Main Stage to check out London's very own Spector. Lead singer Fred Macpherson's powerful and unique vocals managed to keep his band alive, as they put in a so-so performance of their back catalogue 'Chevy Thunder' and fresh cuts from an upcoming new record, that managed to keep the crowd bobbing along to their bouncy pop-rock.

The first of the weekend's big boys then took to the Main Stage; Johnny Borrell leading his Razorlight bandmates out almost a decade after headlining a stage at Glastonbury. They reeled through a Greatest Hits set in which you could sense their class, but it was all pretty unexciting. Borrell was never the greatest of stage presences, and whilst his ambition was there, his band never quite reached their fullest of potential with either their career or this subbing set. 

A headline set by Reel Big Fish is a must-see. The pop-punk band are an assured live act, and got the Quarry crowd up off their feet for a good chunk of the gig. Live brass bands are always a plus, and the band had their crowd in the palm of their hand, with circle pits forming as far as the eye could see, a packed crowd revelled in the moment in what was surely one of the most memorable Quarry sets. Finishing with their famed cover of a-ha's 'Take on Me', was predictable, yet incredible.

A quick dash back over to the Main Stage, saw White Lies begin. Despite their tunes lacking the considerable 'oomph' of their fellow headliners, the indie-rockers kept sections of the crowd entertained, with an enjoyable if forgettable set. 

My Saturday began over at the Quarry, to check out up-and-coming rap/pop artist Ady Suleiman. Describing him as a 'better' Ed Sheeran might be a step too far (and I'm not a fan of Sheeran!), but Suleiman was the perfect hangover cure for many, as he and his band rattled through their half-an-hour set, leaving you wanting far, far more. If there could be any criticism, it would be that his lyrics could develop moreso, hearing song after song about the generic 'lost woman' does tire after a bit, but this is a man to watch out for. Equally experiemental beatboxer Shlomo was another top pick. Using his loop machine, he treated us to stories of how he discovered his talent, a great cover of 'No Diggity' and a pulsating climax.

One of the most anticipated artists of 2013 were Brummie's Swim Deep. Scintiallating cuts of sun-laden summery tunes were released periodically by them throughout the year, before the release of debut album, 'Where The Heaven We Are' disappointed many, myself included. This set though, reignited some hope within me, that they can reach the heights promised by songs like 'Honey' and 'King City', as they impressed hugely in 'Arcade Fire'-esque blue facepaint. The all-important second record could make or break them.

Scots The Fratellis, know all about that, debut album 'Costello Music', providing them with a springboard into British music, before their follow-up 'Here We Stand' flopping, and the inevitable hiatus following. But they brought back memories of their 2006 breakthrough with hit after hit. Even the songs that weren't ingrained into our brains, were pretty good, bouncy tracks. However, throughout the set, bottles and cans of beer littered the stage, leading to frontman Jon Fratelli to warn 'one more of that and that's your lot'. It ceased the flow, but still was an unsavoury incident, and not the last of it at all…

The man most of the 12,000 festival-goers had flocked to see, Dizzee Rascal took to the stage a little after his 10pm start time, but delivered in a massive way. His set was eclectic and his famed live show, was a tour de force in pure entertainment. All he needed was his DJ, a couple of hype men and the stage was set for a victorious performance. His collaborations with other artists, opener 'Here 2 China' with Calvin Harris, 'Heavy', from Chase & Status and the excellent 'Dirtee Love' with Florence + the Machine, reminded you of the quality of Dizzee's back catalogue, but his standalone hits, 'Holiday', 'Bassline Junkie' and the sheer power of 'Bonkers', makes you wonder how long it will be before Dizzee headlines ascends to headliner status at one of the UK's greatest and biggest festivals.

With the crowd size having thinned out following Mr Rascal's Saturday night slot, I thought it best to check out the finer sights of Y Not on Sunday…the funfair! With a cheap roller disco, a cracking dodgems and a postponed paint fight, Sunday was a riotous day, with the sun finally coming out to dry the festival site considerably by the evening. It boosted the fatigued amongst the Y Not crowd, and was grand preparation for a fantastic end to the festival.

Derby band Joint Honours managed to fill the Allotment stage to the max, bringing some poppy, guitar-driven tunes to the fore and getting the crowd going hugely for late afternoon on a Sunday. One of my favourite bands of the minute, Palma Violets did not disappoint on the Main Stage. The powerful rock band, were uber-confident and strutting around the stage for an extended 45-minute set. 'Best Friends' has to be the biggie, but I cannot wait for their second album to drop so they can expand their ambitious sound and step up to the next level.

A switch in sound, to the hip-hop stylings of legends De La Soul. Hit after hit followed as the trio participated in some hilarious crowd participation, promoting inter-crowd rivalries, before daring the very same idiotic people who had pelted bottles at the Fratellis the previous day to try the same with them, but letting them know how stupid they were, provoking yet more acclaim. Their set was a perfect exercise in getting a field full of weary bodies to dance to some classic tunes for one last hour.

There was only one man who could close such a festival, take to the stage Y Not three-timer, Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls. Frank's last outing in these parts came in 2009, a well-overdue return saw him rise to headliner status. The cult rocker entertained in huge doses, as he reeled through tracks from 2013's 'Tape Deck Heart', his fifth studio album, as well as crowd favourites 'I Still Believe' and 'Wessex Boy'. The riotous fireworks that marked the end of his hour and the end of the Y Not weekend were special and poignant.

Here was an artist and a festival that have never been better, Y Not will celebrate its tenth birthday next August and whilst it is hard to see just how it will be able to cram more goodness into one weekend, you can bet that organisers will try their hardest to make 2015 bigger and better than this stellar weekend!

Deftones only UK show will be at Sonisphere!

by

SONISPHERE welcomes DEFTONES to the superb bill for their only UK appearance of 2014. Groundbreaking and highly influential, the alternative metallers have been setting new standards in exciting rock performance since the seminal album ‘Adrenaline’ came out in 1995. With a reputation for being one of the most dazzling and uncompromising bands on the planet, DEFTONES have, throughout the years, been garnering praise, success, and too many accolades to mention, selling millions of records and winning the adoration of their peers. With classics such as ‘Back To School’, ‘My Own Summer (Shove It)’, ‘Change (In The House Of flies)’, DEFTONES are poised to set KNEBWORTH ablaze with a show to die for. Says drummer Abe Cunningham:
 
"Greetings to ALL!!! We are absolutely stoked to be part of Sonisphere's return and of course to have a chance to once again play a show with Iron Maiden, especially on the hallowed grounds of Knebworth. Until then…!!!!

FRANK TURNER has a work ethic like no other, climbing his way up from the dive circuit to the arena limelight, claiming widespread praise and critical plaudits along the way. Outside of his own live shows, Frank has also broken into mainstream consciousness with the honours of performing at the Olympic Opening ceremony, and more recently, appearing on TV’s Celebrity Mastermind. With SONISPHEREheadliners IRON MAIDEN as his chosen specialist subject, Frank – who boasts an Eddie tattoo – won the Mastermind challenge with his superior knowledge of the metal legends. It does not take much imagination to appreciate the delight he has on learning he will share a stage with his heroes for the first time:
 
Says Turner:
 
“I'm excited to be playing Sonisphere this year, and super excited to be playing the same stage as the first band I ever fell in love with – Iron Maiden; it's definitely going to be my festival highlight for 2014.” 
 
Turner will be appearing at KNEBWORTH with his band as FRANK TURNER & THE SLEEPING SOULS, having recently completed an incendiary UK arena tour in support of fifth album ‘Tape Deck Heart’.
 
Hot off the success of their recent UK Tour with Less than Jake, Californian Ska-punk pioneers REEL BIG FISH come to KNEBWORTH armed with a hyper-kinetic live show, juvenile humour and ironic covers of new wave pop songs. With a fun filled attitude and massive dancefloor fillers such as  ‘Sell Out’ and ‘Take On Me’, their set will undoubtedly prove once more that REEL BIG FISH is one of the most dynamic and accomplished bands of the genre, as they take to the SATURN stage for a Sunday Ska Punk Party.
 
PROTEST THE HERO have carved an identity for themselves that is thought of as profoundly revolutionary within heavy music and 2014 has already seen them complete a hugely successful UK headline tour, including a sold out show at London’s Electric Ballroom. The band effortlessly balances high-minded artistry with wit and whimsy, substantive viewpoints with wanton tomfoolery, and masterful musicianship with true song-craft. SONISPHERE can’t wait to see them spread the magic of their spider-fingered arpeggios, walloping bottom-heavy brutality and dynamically theatrical vocals as showcased on their fourth album ‘Volition’.
 
Says the band:
 
“Europe knows something about doing festivals right. We are blown away every time we come over in the summer and take part in the fun. One of the highlights this summer is going to be Sonisphere! We are just finishing a UK leg of a tour and the turn outs have been great so I can only imagine what it will be like at Sonisphere.”
 
Avast, ye landlubbers! Fans of the sonically adventurous will be delighted to see ALESTORM joining the festivities with their very own brand of True Scottish Pirate Metal. With a treasure chest of keytar laden, pirate themed, fist pumping folk metal, these scurvy dogs will have their most epic voyage yet as they sail the sea of SONISPHERE’s SATURN stage on the Saturday for a rum fuelled set of metal fun.
 
Since forming in 2001, Stoner/Psychedelic rock gods TRUCKFIGHTERS have released an impressive four albums, seven EP’s and a film depicting their lives named simply ‘Truckfighters’ in 2011.  With Josh Homme being one of their biggest fans, TRUCKFIGHTERS released fourth album ‘Universe’ earlier this year and are an exciting addition to the festival.
 
2014 is full of exciting promise from Ireland’s KERBDOG.  Having released two albums in the 1990’s to critical acclaim, disbanding and later reforming to sell out the London Garage on a special one off live appearance, 2014 will see the band release their first new material in seventeen years, and resurrect their electric live performance.  KERBDOG say it best themselves:
 
"We would have crawled naked across broken glass to play Sonisphere. To be invited to what is one of the greatest rock festivals on the planet as we release a new live album is a gift from the Gods. The Fans are in for an earth-shattering gig that will level buildings. End of."
 
Having landed support slots to The Stranglers and appearing alongside Billy Talent at the 2013 UK VANS WARPED TOUR, hotly tipped UK outfit MAX RAPTOR, who blend punk and rock to startling effect, are also confirmed to appear at SONISPHERE, where their hard-edge and angry sounds as shown on their debut album ‘Mother’s Ruin’ will resonate through the festival.

Says the band:
 
“Just had the awesome news we'll be playing Sonisphere 2014…. We used to go to a grubby rock club in Burton on Trent and listen to Maiden and now we're playing the same festival as them. Absolute dream come true.”
 
Bringing the kind of American punk rock that has drawn comparison to Black Flag for its hard hitting melodies and rhythm, ONLY CRIME will treat festival goers to a truly special show. With a line up led by Bill Stevenson (Descendants) and Russ Rankin (Good Riddance) the band looks set for a big 2014 with a new album in the pipeline and SONISPHERE is looking forward to sharing it with them. Checking in from the studio, the band said:
 
"We know it's been awhile since we have been overseas.  We have been working hard on the new record and are so excited to finally get back over there and give it all we've got."
 
Returning to SONISPHERE is one of the UK’s most anticipated new bands, BLITZ KIDS.  The outfit has been garnering praise from the likes of BBC Radio1 with their brand new album ‘Good Youth’ and single ‘Sometimes’. On the brink of big things, audiences would be wise not miss their appearance.
 
Says the band:
 
“It's a great honour to be playing at Sonisphere Festival for its big comeback to the UK! It feels like we're part of a big welcome home party. We played a few years ago on the smallest stage, and to be asked to play on the Bohemia Stage this year is a fantastic opportunity to step it up a few gears.”
 
SONISPHERE is excited to welcome Camden Town born and raised punk/rap artist ITCH to the weekend for the first time.  After fronting critically acclaimed, ground breaking band The King Blues for seven years, lyricist ITCH took his unique brand of poetry full force into the solo act he is today. Recent album ‘The Deep End’ sees his unstoppable ferociousness cemented in record and is sure to make an unforgettable live experience.
 
“I'm so excited to be playing Sonisphere, it'll be my first time there.
It's an honour to be playing the same bill as metal gods such as Chas and Dave” jokes ITCH.
 
British electro/punk rockers HOUNDS join the bill after releasing their debut EP as a cover mount with Metal Hammer.  Having proved their live credentials on tour with Stone Sour, as well as at appearance at SONISPHERE 2011, and citing THE PRODIGY’s Liam Howlett in the list of people they’ve worked with, HOUNDS shouldn’t be missed. Says the band:
 
“We can’t wait to bring the noise to Sonisphere this summer, we have been locked in an Air Raid shelter for months writing and recording our debut album so we feel like caged animals. The stage ain’t gonna know what hit it….”

Dizzee Rascal and White Lies to headline Y Not Festival 2014

by

We can now reveal the first lineup announcement for this year Y Not Festival which takes place in August.  Headliners Dizzee Rascal and White Lies lead this years lineup along with The Fratellis, Newton Faulkner, Reel Big Fish, The Blackout and many more performing on the numerous stages across the weekend.

Dizzee Rascal – HEADLINER
White Lies – HEADLINER
The Fratellis
Newton Faulkner
Reel Big Fish
Andrew W.K.(solo)
The Blackout
Cerebral Ballzy
Catfish & The Bottlemen
Itch
Eliza & The Bear
Lonely The Brave
Darlia
Night Engine
Best Friends
Flyte
Brawlers
Nothing But Thieves
Nordic Giants
Black Moth
The First
Youth Man
Hungerhoff & The Wild Roots

Festival organiser, Simon Mawby has said, “We are so excited with our first announcement and are welcoming some of the biggest names we've ever had to our stages. The best part is this is just the beginning, with another headliner and hundreds more acts to come. It will truly be the best value Y Not ever."

Y Not will host ten stages, with the best talent from these music genres: rock / indie / hip hop / folk / dance / electronic / punk / blues / acoustic / reggae and roots. But it’s not all about the bigger bands. Y Not continues to support up and coming talent with its long established, purpose-built Allotment Stage.

Bastille and Chase & Status to headline Boardmasters 2014

by

Bastille and Chase & Status have been confirmed to headline Boardmasters 2014, the UK’s biggest surf and music festival, which will take place on the stunning Cornish coastline from Wednesday 6 August to Sunday 10 August. Ben Pearce, Dan Croll, Palma Violets, Bipolar Sunshine, George Ezra + plus many more have also been confirmed to play across the weekend at the Watergate Bay site, with a whole host of acts still to be announced including the third headliner.

Bastille

Andrew Topham, Festival Director, says: “We are delighted to announce these first acts, making it Boardmasters biggest music line up to date and still more to come!”

This year’s 4 times BRIT Award nominated band Bastille quickly become one of the biggest bands in the UK since they broke onto the music scene last year with their debut album ‘Bad Blood’. To date the album has clocked up over a quarter of a million sales in the UK alone, becoming the biggest selling debut album of the year so far and still remains in the UK top 10. The band’s single ‘Pompeii’ has become one of the stand out tracks of the year with over half a million sales to date. 

Electro duo Chase & Status released their Gold selling debut album ‘More Than A Lot’ in 2008. Since then they have gone on to collaborate with the likes of Tinie Tempah, Dizzee Rascal, White Lies, Cee-Lo Green and Plan B. Their most recent album ‘Brand New Machine’ stormed the UK charts reaching the no.2 spot in October 2013. Renowned for their electrifying live shows the Drum & Bass maestros are sure to give an explosive performance. 

Also confirmed to play across the weekend at Watergate Bay are Ben Pearce, Palma Violets, Reel Big Fish, George Ezra, Dan Croll, Bipolar Sunshine, The Cuban Brothers, Raleigh Ritchie, Coves, Kidnap Kid, My Nu Leng, Tcts, Billon, Big Deal, Lyger, Emily & The Woods, Dj EZ, Roska, Toyboy & Robin, Monki, The Golden Boy, Eton Messy Presents: Friend Within, Blonde, Isaac Tichauer, Bodhi and Eton Messy Dj Set.

Established in 1981, Boardmasters is a 5-day event situated in two legendary locations in Cornwall. Boardmasters opens on Wednesday 6 August at Fistral Beach, the UK’s surfing mecca and will host the festival’s surf, BMX and skate competitions in addition to the ‘Beach Sessions’ gigs. The festival continues down at Watergate Bay, arguably the most picturesque festival site in the UK with beautiful, uninterrupted views of the ocean for a weekend of explosive live music. The festival has grown year on year with 2013 seeing over 150,000 visitors. 

For 2014, Boardmasters continues its residence at renowned surf hot spot, Fistral Beach, hosting five-days of thrilling surfing. From Wednesday 6 August to Sunday 10 August a record number of fans, friends and family is expected to watch the competition unfold. Surf categories will include Men’s Open, Women’s Open, Men’s Longboard, Pro Junior, Under 16’s and the Air Show. The festival is embracing even more home grown talent than ever before. 2014 is already looking likely to be a record year.

Boomtown Fair announce Alborosie, Reel Big Fish and more

by

The first six to be announced are; MOBO award winner Alborosie, ska-punk supremo’s Reel Big Fish, legendary Jamaican Godfathers of ska The Skatalites, Jamaica’s number one female reggae artist Tanya Stephens, the indo-dub basslines of Asian Dub Foundation and the gypsy-punk global fusions of Balkan Beat Box. With a bounty of other heavy hitting, bass bashing, rock-n-romping acts firmly secured on the bill for Boomtown 2012, this is just the tip of the iceberg of what will be the maddest fair in the land!

Alborosie

With Alborosie topping the first of Boomtown’s line-up announcements, this is a sign of very good things to come! Knocking Damian Marley and Nas out of the running for the Best Reggae Act at the 2011 MOBO awards, Alborosie continues to go from strength to strength. First hitting the music scene back in the early 90’s with his band The Reggae National Tickets, this Sicilian born Rastafarian has won over critics and fans alike throughout his career, both as a band and later as a solo artist. His ascent to fame came with his debut album Soul Pirate which hosted some of his top hits including the mighty ‘Kingston Town’ and ‘Kingdom of Zion’. Revellers will need to strap-in as Alborosie’s set will be amplified by Boomtown’s legendary soundsystem where the bass will be ballistic and the lyrics lethal!

With their big hitting tunes ‘Sell Out’ and ‘I want your girlfriend to be my girlfriend’; Reel Big Fish were the heavy weights of the Ska-punk revival in the mid to late 90’s. Known for their hyperkinetic stage shows, mischievous humour and reworking of new-wave classics, Reel Big Fish won over underground and mainstream audiences on both sides of the Atlantic and beyond. Boomtown is the perfect pond for Reel Big Fish, and the town centre has more than enough gusto to stage these larger than life showmen!

‘The Skatalites’ is a name that needs no introduction for ska and reggae fans. More than a band, The Skatalites were and are an institution, a collection of world class musicians who didn't just define the sound of Jamaica, they were the sound of Jamaica across the '50s and '60s. Reforming in the mid 80’s they have been touring and recording ever since. Favourites on the UK festival circuit, these stalwarts of Jamaican Ska are true professionals and put on an awe-inspiring show and spread sunshine at every gig.

Reggae songstress Tanya Stephens is one of the most popular female recording artists to come out of Jamaica in recent years. Bursting onto the dancehall scene with an arresting sound, she quickly proved she could more than handle herself within this predominantly male vocation. Over the years she’s grown into her position and delivered some of the most topical, insightful lyrics in reggae. With ‘It’s a Pity’ Tanya achieved international recognition as a leading reggae / dancehall artist. Boomtown cannot wait to get winding and grinding with this crowd-pleasing goddess of gutsy lyricism!

Asian Dub Foundation are all set to bring their unique blend of rapcore, dub, dancehall and raga with a hefty punk influence to the streets of Boomtown. Often hailed as the 90’s version of the Clash or Sex Pistols, ADF have always pioneered their political ideals through a heavy bassline and pounding drum. Also set to headline Boomtown 2012 is the whirling boundary-less sounds of Balkan Beat Box. This trio put a modern twist on Mediterranean folk music combing horns, reggae vocals and hip hop drums into one almightily energetic mix up of genre spanning funk!

In addition to these top names, there are loads more big hitting and underground gems booked for so far for Boomtown, please see below for a breakdown of all acts booked via genres…

SKA, SWING, PUNK, ROCKABILY – explosion in the Town Centre and Devil Kicks dancehall stages:

Reel Big Fish / The Skatalites / Asian Dub Foundation / Balkan Beatbox / The Slackers / Movits / Dunkelbunt Babyhead / Urban Voodoo Machine / The Meteors / Batmobile / Mad Sin / Molotov Jukebox / The Filiments

RAGGA, DUB, DANCEHALL – on the UK’s biggest reggae stage:

Alborsie / Tanya Stephens / Gappy Ranks /Jah Shaka / David Rodigan / Zion Train / Makka B / Trojan Sound System / South Rakkas Crew / Blak Twang / Mungos Hifi /Channel One / The Heatwave / General Levy / Lady Chan / Soom T

SERIOUS RAVE AND BASS HEAVY MUSIC – Arcadia and Bassline Circus:

Kill the Noise / Caspa / Stanton Warriors / DJ Hype, Breakage / 16 Bit / Benny Page / Marcus Visionary / Roska / The Nextmen / Plump DJ's / Krafty Kuts / Racknruin / Foamo / Far Too Loud / Engine Earz / Dub Phizix / Tomb Crew / Freestylers / Dub Mafia / Slamboree

Keep your ear to the ground for the next huge line up announcement for the Arcadia and Bassline Circus to come next week…

BoomTown 2012 is over the weekend of 9 – 12th August, for more info or to buy tickets please visit: www.BoomTownfair.co.uk