Our photographer Kane Howie popped down to Wilkestock just outside of Stevenage and took some photos. The weekend was headlined by We Are Scientists, Slaves and The Dutty Moonshine Band. The three day event had a variety of different genres of music for everyones taste. There were bands, solo artists, DJ sets and more. The main stage had recycled sofas for people to chill out on. In the food court there were burgers, hot dogs, curly fries, pizza, Malaysian curry, toasties, ice creams, waffles and pancakes. A huge thanks to everyone who was involved in making the festival great. Roll on next year!!
Heading to Kendal Calling for the second time, I pack my bags with excitement and made my way to the beautiful Lake District to attend one of the best smaller festivals the UK has to offer. There really is something special about the place, the stunning views, forests and ancient woodlands surround you with a warm atmosphere filled with revelers that keep the spirits of the festival alive.
For those that gained early entry into the festival, Thursday night took us back to the 80’s with a raucous start from the Happy Mondays, by leading straight into Hallelujah. Whilst the band may be more famous for their laddish charm and stage antics, Bez owned the stage by shaking his maracas and danced in his unique way that kept the audience chanting for more, a perfect act to hype up a crowd that waited for Scottish rockers Franz Ferdinand. Proving why they keep going from strength to strength, these guys filled the site with an electric crowd that sang along to all the hits including Do You Want To, Take Me Out and No You Girls.
Friday marked the beginning of the festivals first full day, with the likes of Kate Nash, DMA’s, Circa Waves, Jake Bugg and headliners Stereophonics on the bill. Kate Nash entertained in her colourful one piece, standing side by side with her female twin bassist and guitarist, conveniently dressed in their matching Kate Nash T-Shirts.
Making their debut at Kendal were Australian band DMA’s. Taking us back to the 90’s with an indie influence and the attitude of Liam Gallagher, lead singer Tommy remained static and lack luster, yet still managed to command the crowd. Circa Waves, Jake Bugg and the Stereophonics all took to the main stage on Friday night, however a bland and aged Stereophonics were unimpressive, and like many others, I headed off after the first song and made my way straight to the Calling Out stage to support South Londoner Hip Hop artist Loyle Carner. There’s no surprises this guy has been nominated for a Mercury Prize, charismatic and humble, and not afraid to shout out his love for his mum, this 22 year old will have no problem gaining a huge fan base. Carner proved why he is destined to be one of the UK’s biggest Hip Hop artists and the crowd sealed their support by singing a long to favourites Ain’t Nothing Changed and NO CD.
Saturday provided an electic line up, with a great selection of up and coming bands playing the Calling Out stage including crowd favourites Honeyblood, Field Music and Shame, whilstthe mainstage lineuptook us down memory lanewith rockers Reverend and the Makers, Feeder, Editors, Brian Wilson presents Pet Sounds and Manic Street Preachers all showing us why they reserve a slot on the main stage.
For the Beach Boys fans out there, Brian Wilson delivered classic after classic hits including California Girls, Surfin’ USA and Good Vibrations. At 75 years old and fragile looking, Brian proved why his legacy of work will never be forgotten. Both Editors and Manic Street Preachers ignited the crowds with an equally energetic performance from both sides, with Manics kicking off their set with Motorcycle Emptiness and Editors front man Tom Smith baring a resemblance for Michael Stipe with his opener to Cold.
Drawing to a close with a spectacular fireworks display as Tinie Tempah closed the main stage, Sunday night proved to be a success. Lethal Bizzle pumped up the crowd with an equally impressive mosh pit to match. The fans continued to show their support by lighting up flares and smoke bombs for non conforming Slaves, who electrified the crowd. Seasick Steve returned to the festivalfor a captivatingperformanceand Frank Turner& The Sleeping Souls performed an impressive 19 song set list. With a muddy 25,000 revellers enjoying the vast array of music, arts, markets and cinema, Kendal Calling has something for everyone. Main stage aside, Kendal Calling has so much more to offer, compact in size you can get lost in the woodlands or head to Chai Wallah to listen to some cutting edge music. Whatever your preference, Kendal Calling is a must go to festival for all.
Bringing together a unique weekend of irresistible fun, extraordinary experiences and unrivalled entertainment, Standon Calling has over 11 years marked itself as the true epitome of what a festival is. Celebrating creativity, community and freedom – Standon Calling offers a genuine weekend escape that’s seen over 12,000 festival-goers return year after year – with 2017’s 12th edition only set to continue that story.
Originators, visionaries and vital in defining an era for an entire generation, Orbital sit on the head-table of electronic royalty with a catalogue and legacy packed with forward-thinking music. Since emerging at the start of the 90s, the Hartnoll brothers have consistently evolved and innovated, with rapturous live sets of infectious techno beats and peerless anthems such as ‘Belfast’, ‘Halcyon And On And On’ and ‘Chime’ standing in a class of their own. After five years away from the stage, Orbital are destined to provided a truly staggering festival moment, when they headline Standon Calling 2017 – as one of dance music’s true greats bursts back into frame.
One of the most infectious and dynamic pop groups of the 21st century, Clean Bandit’s fusion of classical strings, electro beats and vintage pop hooks have made them a treasured and adored part of British pop culture. Their worldwide smash ‘Rather Be’ paved the way for a career which consistently finds them creating and developing, with hits such as ‘Real Love’, ‘Tears’ and last year’s Christmas number 1 ‘Rockabye’ all becoming go-to anthems in music collections around the country. Guaranteed to bring the sun-soaked vibes, Clean Bandit are ones destined to seize the moment when they headline Standon Calling 2017.
Talking about their headline set at Standon Calling 2017, Clean Bandit said:
“Having spent so long in the studio working on the new album, it’s incredibly exciting to have the opportunity to play our new music to fans this summer. It’s a really exciting opportunity to be headlining a festival in the UK and we hope to bring the party to Standon this summer!”
Both Orbital and Clean Bandit head up a staggering wealth of talent making their way to StandonCalling, continuing a long-standing passion for emerging talent that has been the backbone of the festival for many years.
Heading back to the fields after a breakout set in 2015 is youthful punk royalty Slaves, bringing a live show amped full of blistering intensity, unquenchable energy and unmissable presence. One of the defining live bands of recent years, the Mercury Prize-nominated duo are sure to leave their mark at Standon Calling 2017. Fellow Mercury Prize nominee Laura Mvula knows all about show-stealing moments, and her set at Standon Calling is sure to be a stand-out, bringing the infectious rhythms of latest album ‘Phenomenal Woman’ to the fields. One of the fastest rising British bands of recent times, Nothing But Thieves will bring their anthemic and explosive live presence to Standon for a heavyweight offering of future riff royalty whilst dark-pop heavyweight Gary Numan will delve into his synth-laden cabinets of punk for a stunning trip down memory lane with an artist right at the forefront of individuality and independence.
Continuing the festival’s rich history of bringing some of the most critically celebrated acts to the forefront at Standon Calling, The Laundry Meadows stage (in association with The Independent) is set to play host to a myriad of game-changing talent. These include Beta Band frontman Steve Mason who is destined to lay out a dazzling set with choice cuts from his recent solo return ‘Meet The Humans’ full of revitalising modern experimentation. !!! (Chk Chk Chk) are a band born and raised exactly for explosive festival fields and eruptive live moments, and their set at Standon Calling is destined to be a true embodiment of everything the dance-punk groovers represent. The full live experience also radiates through British Sea Power, returning to Standon Calling with new album ‘Let The Dancers Inherit The Party’ continuing to show why their storied tales of British-life still resonate with a legion of fans around the country. Expect their live show to be a truly unmissable moment in a weekend crammed full of them.
Standon Calling once again brings the most talked about names in new music into one weekend, with UK MC Nadia Rose, shimmering indie-pop slickers Fickle Friends and Manchester anarchists Cabbage confirmed for the festival, whilst renowned party-lighters The Cuban Brothers will turn on the charm for a festival moment bound to trigger pure joy around the site. Manchster’s art-pop groovers Dutch Uncles will be spinning through latest album ‘Big Balloon’ at this year’s festival, with respected UK hip-hop wordsmith Akala also touching down for a set of explosive and vital portraits of a nation. With even more spectacular sounds emanating from electro genre melders Kero Kero Bonito, dreamers Plastic Mermaids and proto-punk hitters Idles – Standon Calling 2017 is laying out the red carpet for the future of exciting new music.
Drawing in dance innovators on every level, Standon Calling’s late-night lineup boasts a staggering array of electronic names and unparalleled stage takeovers. Leading the first reveal of must-see DJ sets is Joe Goddard (of Hot Chip fame), influential favourites Faithless, Jax Jones,DJ Yoda and Maxxi Soundsystem with a plethora of beat-maker and party-shakers. The Cowshed will once again trade in infamous and standout takeovers from the likes of the glamour-soaked glitz-filled extravaganza of Sink The Pink, the drum’n’bass gurus from Hospital Records with their Hospitality live spectacle, The Streets figurehead Mike Skinner and Manchester rap-rave heroes Murkage bringing their Tonga night to the fields and sombre club night Feeling Gloomy presenting their own distinct Bowie Disco – the spectacular and the unique are celebrated in style with the late night highs of Standon Calling.
Speaking about the first line-up announcement, Founder and Festival Director Alex Trenchard said:
“Standon Calling has always been about jaw dropping performances, whether that be from crowd favourites or emerging talent. For me, the very first Orbital Glastonbury show is something I will never forget but Standon is also about the now and I'm very excited to be announcing Clean Bandit straight off the back of nine weeks at number 1. When it comes to breaking acts, something that has been such an important part of Standon’s gone-by, I'm really excited about Cabbage, Nadia Rose and Fickle Friends. We've got loads more to announce including a very special Sunday night headliner, and I can't quite believe this is only the first wave. But what I do know is Standon 2017 is going to be the best ever.”
Over at The Lawn, there’s entertainment at every turn – lead by the incredible new comedy programme headlined by rising star and TV stalwart James Acaster, bringing an extremely special hour long Edinburgh preview to the festival as one of the nation’s leading new comedians heads to Standon Calling. With emerging star John Robins also confirmed for a set, expect to hear the belly laughs ringing from the comedy programme of stand-up and sketch performers across the weekend. Along with the gather-round thrills of the Pub Quiz, the sipping of smooth concoctions from the Cocktail Masterclasses, the unwinding Acoustic Sets or the in-depth talks – Standon Calling has it all and The Lawn will be its beating heart.
Whether it’s adults letting their hair down until 4am to the rings of late-night dance or dipping in the outdoor swimming pool, kids aged from teens to toddlers enjoying a daytime array of unique activities and celebrated entertainment or even dogs – participating in the renowned Standon Calling Dog Show – there’s something unmistakably new at every corner of Standon Calling. The Matthew Bourne Re:Bourne programme of modern ballet performances and workshopswill appear at the festival this summer, choreographed by the five time Olivier award winning choreographer himself – Sir Matthew Bourne – in what’s sure to be a truly stunning experience of modern dance of the highest order. From Rockaoke to the Groove Garden, the wellness area boasting hot tubs, Yoga, meditation and more to the Real Ale Festival and the stunning array of curated street food, one-off delicacies and beyond – Standon Calling brings every turn of modern culture into one unforgettable weekend.
Unparalleled and unmissable, Standon Calling 2017 will once again open its gates for a weekend that defines the British festival experience.
Standon Calling 2017
ORBITAL / CLEAN BANDIT
SLAVES / LAURA MVULA / NOTHING BUT THIEVES / GARY NUMAN / STEVE MASON /
BRITISH SEA POWER / !!! (CHK CHK CHK)
NADIA ROSE / FICKLE FRIENDS / CABBAGE / DUTCH UNCLES / AKALA / KERO KERO BONITO / IDLES / THE CUBAN BROTHERS / PLASTIC MERMAIDS / LUCY SPRAGGAN / CHARLIE CUNNINGHAM / PREP / LONGY / TANGERINES / VENN / THE EARLY YEARS / CLUB DRIVE / JAE TYLER / ALEX FRANCIS / BARON GOODLOVE & THE DREADFUL NOISE / VOLKOVA SISTERS / MADDOX / WASTE / BRING YOUR OWN BRASS
DJ SETS FROM:
JOE GODDARD (HOT CHIP) / FAITHLESS / JAX JONES / DJ YODA / MAXXI SOUNDSYSTEM / EDWARD ADOO
COWSHED TAKEOVERS FROM:
SINK THE PINK / HOSPITALITY / MIKE SKINNER & MURKAGE PRESENTS TONGA /
FEELING GLOOMY PRESENTS BOWIE DISCO
BRAND NEW COMEDY STAGE
JAMES ACASTER / JOHN ROBINS / CASUAL VIOLENCE
WITH MANY MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED
THE STANDON CALLING DOG SHOW / MATTHEW BOURNE RE:BOURNE / FAMILY LINE UP TBA / SWIMMING POOL / TALKS, DEBATES & WORKSHOPS / REAL ALE FESTIVAL / FOOD FESTIVAL / GROOVE GARDEN / DIG IT SOUNDSYSTEM / ROCKAOKE / BEEFY MELON’S TEMPLE OF LOVE & GRATITUDE / THE PEOPLE’S FRONT ROOM / LISA MARTIN SINGS ADELE (AS SEEN ON BBC ONE)
Last summer Ibiza Rocks celebrated 10 phenomenal years of being the home of live music in Ibiza and the ground-breaking brand are back with another blistering line up including the hugely anticipated return of LCD Soundsystem who will headline the coveted birthday slot for this Ibiza exclusive. Mercury prize nomineesSlaves will kick things off at the opening party on 15th June before an incredible array of open-air starlit summer shows follow from a mix of music’s finest including dance music pioneers Faithless, Grammy Award winner Jess Glynne, festival giants Kaiser Chiefs, BBC Sound Of 2016 and BRITs Critic Choice Award winnerJack Garratt, electronic music troupe Major Lazer Soundsystem and multi-platinum selling rapper Tinie Tempah.
Slaves were part of the standout show of the summer last year when they supported The Libertines for Ibiza Rocks sold-out 10th Birthday show. Following the success of their critically acclaimed debut ‘Are You Satisfied?’ and widely regarded as one of the most exciting live acts on the scene right now, the garage-punk duo will proudly return as headliners in their own right.
Slaves said: “Last year it was madness and one of the best experiences we’ve had as a band so far. We’re fans of The Libertines so that was an honour and we had non stop fun. Ibiza being associated with clubbers makes it all the more special when you’re playing really loud rock to everybody. We can’t wait to get back to Ibiza Rocks. What a crowd.”
Staying true to Rocks longstanding reputation for championing the very best new talent, next up in June is BBC Sound of 2016 and BRITs Critic Choice award winner Jack Garratt. Already part of the family, Jack captivated the crowd during his intimate set at the Ibiza Rocks Christmas party last year and now he will bring his multi-instrumental live show to the world-famous Ibiza Rocks main stage for the very first time, supported by supreme new talent, electronic-soul duo HONNE.
Jack Garratt said:"I've already packed my tie-dye vests, speedos and enough UV body paint to paint the town LIT.”
Three times Grammy award winners LCD Soundsystem play a very proud part in Ibiza Rocks’ history. When the band played the Music Box at Manumission’s 10th Birthday in 2004, it proved so inspirational that it cemented the belief that live music had a home on the White Isle and in 2005 Ibiza Rocks was born. The headline shows LCD Soundsystem subsequently played at Ibiza Rocks Bar (2007) and Ibiza Rocks Hotel (2010) stand out as another two of the most significant Rocks events of all time. Just months after their last Rocks gig James Murphy announced one final farewell, sold-out show at the iconic Madison Square Gardens, making the memories of the Ibiza shows all the more poignant. It’s now time to celebrate the bands hotly anticipated comeback and their choice to return to Ibiza Rocks for one of only a handful of live shows anywhere in the world this summer. Almost exclusively headlining major festivals such as Coachella and Primavera, LCD Soundsystem will bring the fans much closer to the music with this long-awaited gig back ‘home’ in the intimate poolside setting of Ibiza Rocks Hotel for Part 1 of Rocks’ Birthday celebrations in July.
Super-producer Diplo and his electronic dance troupe Major Lazer Soundsystem will keep the party vibes in full flow with their eclectic soundsystem mix of house, dancehall and electro. Having first played the Rocks stage In 2012, Major Lazer have gone on to become one of the most in demand acts in the world and achieved the biggest hit of last year with ‘Lean On’ – the most streamed single of all time, achieving over 540 million streams and 1.21 billion youtube views. Fresh from playing a historic concert in Cuba to over 500,000 people, Major Lazer will bring the same electric energy to the world- famous Rocks stage in July to conclude Rocks birthday celebrations.
One of the biggest female artists in the world right now and no stranger to Ibiza, Grammy award winner Jess Glynne first played Ibiza Rocks in 2014 supporting Rudimental and will now return as a No.1 album selling, chart-topping solo star for her own headline show in July.
Ibiza Rocks will proudly welcome back a band that were pivotal to shaping the success of Ibiza Rocks when it launched over 10 years ago. Kaiser Chiefs played one of the first ever shows in 2005 before the gigs moved to the 500 capacity Ibiza Rocks Bar (Bar M) in 2007 and the band featured on a truly memorable summer line up that included Arctic Monkeys, LCD Soundsystem, Mark Ronson and Kasabian. The Leeds lads will return for their 5th headline show in August and clearly can’t wait to celebrate one of summer’s most special gigs once again.
Kasier Chiefs said:“A long time ago in a galaxy far far away, we played Ibiza Rocks for the first time, in the backroom of club Manumission. It gets better and better every time, so here we go with the 5th installment. See you by the pool!”
Tine Tempah loves Ibiza and Ibiza loves him. A firm fan favourite with a high-energy, captivating live show, Tinie will be Balearic bound once more to wow the crowds with new material and huge hits including his UK No.1 single ‘Not Letting Go’ wihich features fellow Rocks artist Jess Glynne.
With over 15 million record sales under their belt, pioneering dance outfit Faithless were one of the first acts to play Ibiza Rocks in 2005 and reunited last summer to celebrate their 20th anniversary, performing as part of Radio 1’s ’20 Years in Ibiza’ weekend at Ibiza Rocks Hotel. It is with huge excitement that Ibiza Rocks welcomes the band back for a full headline Ibiza Rocks show in August.
The Ibiza Rocks brand consistently boasts a bill crammed with the biggest international artists, best breakthrough talent and cutting edge DJs. Summer 2015 will see the celebration of Ibiza Rocks 11th Birthday during the 14 weeklong season of spectacular outdoor gigs.
Shane Murray, Brand Director, Ibiza Rocks Group said:“This year is hugely exciting for us at Ibiza Rocks as we embark on our second decade on the island. LCD Soundsystem debuted for us way back in 2004 for a show that was pivotal in inspiring our live music revolution in Ibiza. It felt special – upstart promoters and a maverick producer challenging the way things were. They return as one of the world’s biggest bands and we couldn’t be prouder. With Faithless and Major Lazer Soundsystem joining us we’ve got three global festival headliners at the Ibiza Rocks Hotel this year and that’s because there simply isn’t another gig atmosphere like it for artists and fans alike. Then we have new talents like Slaves, Jack Garratt and Jess Glynne who we’ve brought up through the ranks from support slots to headliners and firm favourites like Tinie Tempah and Kaiser Chiefs who consistently put on a brilliant live show. There’s more to come and we can’t wait.”
Ibiza Rocks 2016 line up so far:
15/06 OPENING PARTY WITH SLAVES 29/06 JACK GARRATT | HONNE 06/07 IBIZA ROCKS BIRTHDAY (PART 1) WITH LCD SOUNDSYSTEM 13/07 IBIZA ROCKS BIRTHDAY (PART 2) WITH MAJOR LAZER SOUNDSYSTEM 20/07 JESS GLYNNE 27/07 TINIE TEMPAH 03/08 KAISER CHIEFS 31/08 FAITHLESS
Ibiza Rocks every Wednesday from 15th June – 14th September 2016 We Are Rockstars every Friday from 3rd June – 16th September 2016 Craig David’s TS5 Pool Party every Sunday – 17th July – 4th September 2016
Reading & Leeds Festivals are excited to announce RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS as the first headliners for 2016.
Taking to the main stage for what promises to be a phenomenal headline set as a FESTIVAL EXCLUSIVE, Red Hot Chili Peppers are; Anthony Kiedis, Flea, Chad Smith and Josh Klinghoffer. Returning to Reading and Leeds Festival nine years after their last performance there, it’s fair to say their live return is highly anticipated. When the band were asked which UK Festival they would like to play next summer, Chad Smith commented “the simultaneous answer was ‘Reading and Leeds’”
Melvin Benn commented:
“I’m thrilled to be able to announce Red Hot Chili Peppers as the first headliner for Reading & Leeds 2016, as a festival exclusive. Their incredible live show will be an unforgettable headline performance at the UK's biggest music festival. We’ve still got some really exciting names to announce and I can’t wait to reveal the rest of the line up. It’s going to be our best year yet.”
The 1975 will be making a huge appearance at next year’s festival following the release of their highly anticipated second album. With a gargantuan new stage set up and a fiercely dedicated fan base, their appearance is going to be undeniably special.
Mancunian festival favourites Courteeners will also be returning in majestic fashion in 2016, following the release of ‘Concrete Love’ and a huge show in Heaton Park earlier this summer, priming them for a massive performance.
With a famously visceral live show, Twenty One Pilots appearance at Reading & Leeds 2016 looks set to be nothing short of mind blowing, especially in the wake of their November sold-out UK tour and their recent album Blurryface, which topped the Billboard Charts. 2015 has been a huge year for the guys and with another sold out tour under their belts in February and two nights at Madison Square Garden in the summer, 2016 is set to be another incredible year for this band and their performance at Reading & Leeds will definitely cement them as the most exciting band around right now.
Slaves embody some of the emerging talent on offer at the festival, moving into a bigger slot after storming their performance this year, not to mention their Mercury Prize nomination earlier this month.
Slaves commented:
“It's always a pleasure to play at Reading and Leeds and it's an honour to be invited back to play again in 2016. The crowds have been good to us and we are always very grateful. The line up is always a gooden and we're looking forward to being part of it and taking things up another level this time. See you there xxx”
Another group known for their raucous live shows, HINDS have undoubtedly proved themselves as one of the finest new bands to surface this year, winning crowds over across Europe with their delightfully ramshackle performance, fans will need to look out for their debut Reading and Leeds performance. RAT BOY is also joining the line up – fresh after a summer of huge shows, including last month’s inaugural Community Festival and a recent tour supporting The 1975, hit singles such as ‘Sign On’ and ‘Fake ID’ will no doubt draw huge sing-alongs.
Rat Boy commented:
“It’s gonna be lit!”
Reading & Leeds favourites Crossfaith will no doubt see a crowd of thousands descend on the legendary Japanese rave-metal group’s performance.
Crossfaith commented:
“It is an absolute honour to be invited to legendary rock festival ‘Reading & Leeds’ three years in a row. We are always feeling your big love for us! Can't wait to party and rock with you guys! See you in da pit! Let's make history!”
Kicking off a huge dance line up, the iconic DJ EZ has also been revealed to perform. A master of his craft, EZ has played to crowds all over the world over the last decade, making him the perfect candidate to get the Reading & Leeds crowd moving.
DJ EZ commented:
"I can't wait for these festivals! Looking forward to seeing you there."
Camp Bestival, the spin-off to the Isle of Wight legend, Bestival, is nothing short of a festival treasure. Lovingly curated by DJ Rob da Bank and his wife Josie, this is a festival exclusively for families and offers one of the most varied musical line-ups alongside children’s attractions and huge television stars.
From the moment you pull up in the car park, you know this is a festival that is going to work out those leg muscles, with everything built on steep hills covering an area the size of a small town!
Arriving on the Thursday, before the festival really starts, you could be forgiven for thinking that this was going to be a small and unassuming event, with only a few stalls (thankfully including Nandos!) and one arena open, it was easy to believe that this was going to be a weekend that dragged. However, this initial belief was proved wrong from first thing Friday morning with an amazing opening set by the Rajasthan Heritage Brass Band to warm the crowds.
With the Blue Coats keeping the crowds happy it was not long before everyone was on their feet and laughing along to Dick and Dom’s performance of ‘Dick v Dom Go Wild!’ – an act full of audience participation and lots of water guns and a foam fight, the adults were laughing along with the kids at all the obvious innuendos and humorous use of Richard’s nickname.
The first day flew by quickly with plenty to see and do such as the Insect Circus, the multiple fairground rides and interactive experiments at the Science Museum tent. Before you knew it you were pitched up back at the main stage watching the sun set to the pounding beat of Professor Green and Clean Bandit before a slow crawl back up the hill to the camping site and a steaming cup of tea brewed over the gas stove.
With Kaiser Chiefs rocking the stage until late into the night, it was yet another late night, with everyone sadly trailing back to the tent after an explosive set fuelled by classics such as ‘Riot’ and ‘Ruby’, more tea, but yet another early morning!
Sunday’s stage times left a trail of confused festival go-er’s with Ella Henderson and Bob Geldof swapping stage times. While there was an notice on the website, and also on the screens to the side of the main stage, there was still a lot of confusion which left many fans unable to watch their favourite act. One lady said that her young daughter was watching another act over at the Big Top and ended up missing Ella Henderson, who was her main motive for booking the ticket.
The disappointment was short-lived however as Ella Henderson smashed her set and paved the way for the amazing Kent duo, Slaves, who powered through their set with just two drums, symbols, and a pleasing lack of shirts, with a guest appearance from a friendly manta-ray. Soul II Soul graced the stage next with a set of classics, such as ‘Back to Life’ which gracefully slipped into a blazing set by Ella Eyre which got everyone smiling as we waited patiently for the night’s headlines, Underworld, to take the stage.
As Underworld’s set slowly came to a close, the crowd all turned around to watch the spectacular fireworks which closed the entire festival.
The final trek back to the tents was slow and with everyone slowly coming down from the amazing high of the weekend at the realisation that it was all over, the air was thick with mixed feelings.
Monday morning was another early rise but everyone was moving slowly. The tents slowly disappeared in a slow trail of little truck’s being pulled up another hill to the car park, it was clear that this amazing festival was one that would be missed by all those in attendance, until next year at least.
This summer Ibiza Rocks will celebrate ten incredible and hugely influential years on the White Isle with a line up that brings together festival giants, music icons and the very best of the new breed of rising stars. New additions include Rudimental, Catfish & The Bottlemen and Spandau Ballet who will proudly return to play Ibiza for the first time since 1981 when they pioneered an electronic music revolution. Supports come from hotly tipped new talents Shura, Slaves, Krept & Konan, Blonde, Karen Harding and Sam Sure.
Since playing Rocks in support of Jake Bugg last summer, Llandudno lads Catfish & the Bottlemen have gone on to win the BBC Introducing Award at the very first BBC Music Awards, released their debut album ‘The Balcony’ to mass critical acclaim and chalked up a sold out tour in the US. Currently carving their way through their second sold out headline tour of the UK, the band also announced two Brixton Academy shows for November, which sold out in 6 minutes. Widely hailed as Britains next great guitar band Catfish & the Bottlemen will make a heroic return to the famous poolside Rocks stage as headliners on 15th July, for one of the most highly anticipated live shows in the Balearics.
Another sensational live act returning to the world-famous Rocks stage this summer is Best Album BRIT Award winners Rudimental. Rocks championed Rudimental long before they hit the big time and booked their debut Ibiza show in 2012 at the Ibiza Rocks Hotel where they stayed, partied and played, big time! It will be a proud moment to have these boys back to headline on 29th July, for what will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of the 14 week long season from one of the best live acts on the planet right now.
Rudimental said:“We can’t wait to come back. Ibiza Rocks is a lovely story for us, we saw Dizzee Rascal at Ibiza Rocks when on holiday there and then a year later Feel The Love happened and we DJ'd with Disclosure and Zane Lowe and then played live last year which was one of the best nights of our summer. There’s such history there for us. It’s always such a good vibe and the idea to do a party in a hotel is just brilliant. As soon as we finish a gig at Ibiza Rocks, we just want to get in the crowd and party with everyone. We’re part of that culture so we want to rave as well. Ibiza Rocks, we love you. Rudimental are coming for you!!"
Hot on the heels of announcing The Libertines to headline Ibiza Rocks 10th Birthday Party in July, another truly iconic British band that provided the soundtrack to a generation are reunited and ready to return to Ibiza. Spandau Ballet have sold over 25 million records and amassed 23 hit singles across the globe since the late 70s. From fully-fledged members of the iconic Blitz Club scene to one of the super-groups of the 80s, the band spearheaded the New Romantic pop culture movement born out of the nightclub scene. One of the most significant gigs of Spandau Ballet’s career was in 1981 at Ibiza’s very own Ku Club (now Privilege), chosen by the band simply because it was billed as the most outrageous club in the world.
Unlike any band before them, Spandau completely understood the currency of the dancefloor and the significance of playing in Ibiza at a time when the clubs were purely packed with Spanish hipsters completely unaware of the London fashionistas about to blow their minds and make their mark, both culturally and musically. This groundbreaking trip bridged the gap between the Ibiza and London club scenes and Spandau Ballet opened Ibiza’s doors to a UK audience with one incredible, inspirational and influential gig that was to change Ibiza’s music landscape forever. After more than 30 years since that monumental moment, Ibiza Rocks is proud to bring Spandau Ballet back to the Balearics for a very special headline show under the stars on 19th August.
Gary Kemp, Spandau Ballet said:"Back in 1981 Spandau were playing one off events at the hottest clubs across the world from New York to St Tropez to the Beat Route in London and The Ku Club had a reputation for being pretty outrageous, in fact the night before we played we went to the club and someone released a bull onto the dancefloor which ended up in the swimming pool. We took over some of our London friends, before us no British people went to these clubs and that was when the conversation between the two nightlife’s began and Ibiza club culture was born. We're really looking forward to going back and playing Ibiza Rocks"
As well as welcoming festival headliners and music icons, Rocks has a rich history of spotting and supporting the best new talent on the circuit. One of the most genuinely exciting bands that fit that bill are acclaimed punk duo Slaves who will support The Libertines at the hugely anticipated 10th Birthday Party. Bristol duo Blonde, who already boast a No.7 hit single with ‘I Loved You’ will be the very first act of the summer to take to the stage, supporting Years & Years at the Opening Party. MTV Brand New 2015 ‘Best Newcomer‘ winners Krept & Konan will support Sigma whilst Black Butter Records’ bonafide ‘one to watch’ Sam Sure will support Rudimental. Karen Harding may be a fresh face on the scene but has already scored a Top 10 single with her MNEK-produced ‘Say Something.’ Karen will support Clean Bandit this summer whist fellow fast-rising female singer/producer and BBC Sound of 2015 nominee Shura will support Jungle. Future stars, live under the stars.
Ibiza Rocks 2015 line up so far:
17/06 OPENING PARTY WITH YEARS & YEARS | BLONDE 24/06 SIGMA | KREPT & KONAN 01/07 JUNGLE | SHURA 15/07 CATFISH & THE BOTTLEMEN 22/07 10TH BIRTHDAY PARTY WITH THE LIBERTINES | SLAVES 29/07 RUDIMENTAL | SAM SURE 05/08 CLEAN BANDIT | KAREN HARDING 19/08 SPANDAU BALLET 02/09 FATBOY SLIM PRESENTS SMILE HIGH CLUB 16/09 CLOSING PARTY WITH THE COURTEENERS
Electronic party-starters Basement Jaxx are to headline Truck Festival, 17th – 18th July at Hill Farm, Oxford. Up-and-coming artists including Saint Raymond and Slaves are set to rub shoulders with the iconic Peter Hook & The Light, just some of the names unveiled today for the 2015 line-up. Now in its 17th year Truck Festival is an independent stalwart of festival season, this summer is in store for another mind-blowing year of standout music. Standard weekend tickets are priced at only £79.50 and are available via truckfestival.com.
Felix Buxton and Simon Ratcliffe, along with a chic-freak cast of guests collectively known as Basement Jaxx are to descend on Truck Festival’s main stage as headliners. Top 10 hits ‘Redez-Vu’, ‘Red Alert’ and ‘Where’s Your Head At’ will no doubt have festival-goers up on their feet and dancing in a performance sure to electrify.
Currently competing in the MTV Brand New poll, Saint Raymond boasts a sold out UK tour commencing this week, come summer the singer-songwriter will make his way to Truck Festival. Joy Division and New Order co-founder Peter Hook, along with his band The Light, are also joining the bill. Feisty punk duo Slaves along with Rae Morris are yet more names confirmed today. Morris may be recognised for her guest vocals with Bombay Bicycle Club and Clean Bandit however with the recent release of her debut album, 2015 could be her year.
Completing the additions for Truck’s first announcement are Pulled Apart by Horses, Jaws, The Amazing Snakeheads, Baby Godzilla, Honeyblood, Blaenavon, King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys and ODC Drumline.
