The Script

BST Hyde Park – Take That, REVIEWED!

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© Credit Dave Hogan / Hogan Media for BST

Back to Hyde Park again this sunny Saturday for some true British treasure in the form of Take That – the band that broke the nation’s heart when they broke up, and then came back as the ultimate zaddies of pop to woo all the mums again.

Before we all get too hot under the collar, Will Young is giving everyone at the main stage a huge wholesome hug. Not my usual fayre by any means but his voice is excellent, the vibes are funky, and I really like his frilly shirt and braces. Though he’s battled through extreme anxiety and more than his fair share of difficult times, Will is possibly one of the nicest men in pop music today. It’s hard not to smile through this performance, particularly when he goes over to hug the Great Oak stage tree, and then says “Hope you’re all hydrating yourselves, it’s hot today!”. Yes Will Young, I will do as you say because I think you’re darling.

© Credit Dave Hogan / Hogan Media for BST

Doors cover ‘Light My Fire’ has the whole arena singing along (and I must say it’s a very respectable crowd for this time of day) but ‘Leave Right Now’ and ‘Evergreen’ are the hits everyone came for, and he delivers.

Over on the Cuban Garage stage we witness the joyful beats of South London Samba, and some frankly incredible rainbow feathered moves from the carnival dancers (two of whom can jump drop into a split, amazing) before we grab some much needed dinner. There are a ridiculous amount of options here for a festival this size, but we try out a Buffalo chicken bowl (way spicier than I’d anticipated) and some ginger tofu Bao (faaaancy) – both great.

Sugababes hit the main stage with a set that surprised me, for the simple reason that I had no idea I knew *that* many of their songs. Starting strong with Adina Howard cover ‘Freak Like Me’ they come out looking every bit the pop princesses they always did, and are absolutely owning the stage for ‘Red Dress’. ‘Hole in the Head’ is fantastic, but if you’re a certain kind of person – even hearing the intro to ‘Too Lost In You’ will both make you think of Christmas AND make you irrationally angry… if you know you know.

“It’s an absolute honour to be here! Look at the weather, the sun is coming out!” they yell, before hitting us with classic trio ‘Push The Button’, ‘Round Round’ and ‘About You Now’. It’s a very clean and precise set, I think I’d like to see them loosen up a little but musically – it’s great, and I appreciate their long battle to reclaim their name and their lost music, to get here.

Ireland’s The Script are fun, and there’s a nice roundness to the fact that they used to tour with Take That back in the day too, but I can’t get by the cringeworthy bit that took a full ten minutes out of their set time to orchestrate. “I wanna call someone’s ex! Who right now is crazy enough to give me their phone?” yells frontman Danny O’Donoghue before grabbing one passed up by security. He proceeds to phone someone’s unsuspecting ex-boyfriend, tells them who he is and lets the crowd scream at them before singing ‘Before The Worst’ at him. Following the serenade, he has the whole arena yell “Goodbye Asshole” at the phone, which is just… not that funny and kinda gauche. ‘If You Could See Me Now’ is dedicated to the memory of their guitarist Mark Sheehan, it’s a great song, but they’ve kinda lost me with the stunt if I’m honest.

© Credit Dave Hogan / Hogan Media for BST

Heading into the final event, the arena has now swelled with people to the point of bursting. The toilet queues are out of control and stretch halfway around the arena, the bars are all loaded and the merch stalls are still going strong. We catch The Cuban Brothers doing another brilliant set on the Cuban Garage stage, but when heading over to grab a tshirt we find that the BST have racked the price up by a tenner since yesterday. Price gouging isn’t a good look for an event – especially when The Cubans themselves just said the tees were £20 on stage and would be when they hit the online shop. Not cool.

Heading down to the Golden Circle area to find a good place to watch Take That, we are immediately pulled into the throng alongside an excited lady wielding a giant face cut out of Gary Barlow (a little disconcerting) and we can see another woman in a Take That patch jacket down the front. This particular person was spotted last night, camping out in Hyde Park ready to be right there today, the dedication is on point.

As intros go, this one is pretty epic. A hoarde of dancers enter the stage seemingly from everywhere, and set themselves up all over the giant lighted staircase that runs from the backdrop right down to the main floor, in front of which a giant runway ending in a second smaller stage area has been set. The band emerge to ear-bleeding levels of frenetic fan screams all around us. The cacophony of the mums knows no bounds. Include me in that, because I cannot get enough of their fashion ensembles tonight. Howard is wearing something that I can only describe as… Newscaster-school-football-kit-in-the-seventies. It is ochre, striped and flared, and I want it. Gary has decided to come as Morgan Freeman in Bruce Almighty, and Mark is… well Mark is wearing an ostrich. A whole one.

© Credit Dave Hogan / Hogan Media for BST

There might only be three of them now (no sign of Robbie despite him also being on tour… boooo) but right out of the gates ‘The Flood’ sounds absolutely brilliant, seems like they’re going to be on top form tonight. Yelling “Good evening Hyde Paaaaaark!” the trio head down the long runway to the middle of the pulsing crowd, “…this is gonna be an amazing night tonight, we want you to sing along and dance along!” and huge blasts of ticker-tape confetti erupt from around them as fireworks go off along the front of the stage. It’s pretty clear they’ve come here to party and I’m instantly all-in.

‘Could It Be Magic’ brings glittery screens and their OG boyband dance moves, and I am shooketh to my core as I myself (ten years their junior) have injured myself getting out of bed, why only this morning. Special guest Calum Scott of Britain’s Got Talent fame, joins the band for ‘Greatest Day’ as he had been part of the reworked song for their film which was released last month, before taking the stage to himself for his cover of Robyn’s ‘Dancing On My Own’.

BeeGees cover ‘How Deep is Your Love’ and ‘A Million Love Songs’ are the catalyst for a whole lot of overwhelmed fangirl sobbing, and my sister who had nipped to the loos at an opportune moment belted back to us to sing “AND HERE I AAAAAAM” in our faces. ‘Shine’ heralds a delightful outfit change, including a fancy white top-hat (which is later thrown out into the crowd, what an excellent bit of memorabilia for some lucky person) for Mark, a green velvet biker jacket for Gary (I would also like to own this) and a tux jacket with golden-winged lapels for Howard. They are taking this photo opportunity very seriously and I love it.  Despite the air of professionalism, they joke “We might miss a few of our cues tonight, the runway is way longer than we thought… it takes ages to get back up there” and then mention how appreciative they are of everyone coming back to gigs after some weird years during the pandemic.

© Credit Dave Hogan / Hogan Media for BST

Stopping for a quick break to read some of the signs being held up in the front rows, we are treated to the truest representation of the British wit… “This song is older than us” Gary reads as two kids scream holding the sign, and another “I think of you when I shag my husband” with (presumably) the husband standing alongside the woman laughing. “I left my husband in hospital to be here” has the entire crowd in agreement on the state of her morals, but the best one by far was “Today is MY Greatest Day – I made it! F U Cancer!”. Having an arena full of thousands of people cheer you on and celebrate with you must be phenomenal in itself, but when the band dedicate the next song to Laura, holder of the sign, she looks absolutely beside herself with joy. It’s a lovely heartfelt moment.

Telling everyone this is the “Song that brought us back”, we are treated to a little acoustic guitar for ‘Patience’ before a huge singalong for ‘Pray’ and the most incredible original video dance moves, an absolute highlight. ‘Back For Good’ is also brilliant, and I can’t help but dance to Sigma cover ‘Cry’ under an obscene amount of ticker-tape spewing into the air above us.

© Credit Dave Hogan / Hogan Media for BST


Another quick outfit change into the most ridiculous giant white furry coats and it’s time for ‘Relight My Fire’ with the actual for-real LuLu, who is sporting some excellent sparkly flared trousers. ‘Hold Up A Light’ sees the crowd holding up phone torches across the arena, but ‘Never Forget’ is the true epitome of Take That-ness and every single person has their hands up for it. “You know the choreography, join in!” hardly needs to be said because we are all totally invested at this point of the proceedings.

Going out in style with ‘Rule The World’ leaves me in no doubt that Take That are making yet another triumphant return, following their performance at the Corrie-Nache earlier this year. Looking over to see my sister and her sister-in-law doing a little cry and singing along, I reckon they’ve gained another confirmed fan in me tonight, it was a bloody brilliant show, so Take That.

© Credit Dave Hogan / Hogan Media for BST

Calvin Harris & Kasabian lead V Festival 2015 lineup

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Global platinum-selling artist Calvin Harris and Iconic rockers Kasabian are today announced as the headliners for V Festival’s Virgin Media stage.

Taking place across the weekend of the 22nd and 23rd August 2015, the local lads from Leicester and the DJ from north of the border will be joined by a host of music heavyweights to ensure V Festival sees out its second decade in style.

Joining the headliners across the two festival sites in Hylands Park, Chelmsford and Weston Park, Staffordshire will be a supporting cast of Britain’s finest talent and biggest names. Music lovers with this summer’s hottest ticket will also see performances from recent four-time Grammy and 2015 Brit winner Sam Smith, Ellie Goulding, The Script, Hozier, George Ezra, Stereophonics, Brit winners Paloma Faith and James Bay, Olly Murs, Tom Jones, Clean Bandit, Kodaline, Ella Henderson, Nero and Courteeners plus many more to be announced across four stages at the two festival sites.

Making his debut on top of the bill, Calvin Harris said: 

“V Festival is always an incredible time and I can't wait to headline it this year. See you there!”

Kasabian’s Sergio Pizzorno, said: 

“V is for victory, V is for voodoo, V is for vacuum cloud, V is for very very very very excited. See you in the fields!”

The hugely popular Glee Club Comedy Tent also returns as the festival’s fifth stage this year, with a hilarious line-up that will be announced in the coming months.

Over the festival weekend there’ll also be sets from The Kooks, Marina & The Diamonds, The Proclaimers, Jess Glynne, Andy C, Imelda May, Gregory Porter, Fuse ODG, Clean Bandit, Duke Dumont, Jessie Ware, Ella Eyre, Hannah Wants, Reverend & the Makers, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five and Annie Mac.

The glamorous V Style camping will also return for its fifth year. V Style is now an established part of the V Festival family, giving music fans the chance to experience the best of both worlds – enjoying a mix of music and comedy and relaxing at pampering stations and in ready built bell tents, huts, and luxury yurts.

Tickets go on sale from March 6th at 9am with fans advised to visit www.vfestival.com, where all official outlets are detailed. V organisers again stress to fans that purchasing tickets from unofficial outlets could lead to disappointment.

The full line up includes: Kasabian, Calvin Harris, Sam Smith, Ellie Goulding, The Script, Hozier, George Ezra, Stereophonics, Paloma Faith, James Bay, Olly Murs, Chvrches, Imelda May, Kodaline, Ella Henderson, Nero, Reverend & the Makers, The Courteeners, Marina & The Diamonds, The Proclaimers, Tom Jones, Jess Glynne, Andy C, The Kooks, Gregory Porter, Fuse ODG, Clean Bandit, Duke Dumont, Jessie Ware, Ella Eyre, Hannah Wants, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five and Annie Mac.

Kasabian, Noel Gallaghers High Flying Birds & Avicii lead T in the Park 2015 lineup

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Joining previously announced The Libertines on the T in the Park bill will be fan favouritesKasabian, who headline the historic first day at the festival’s new home. Swedish dance sensation Avicii will make his long-awaited T in the Park debut when he closes the Main Stage on Saturday. Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds are sure to deliver a finale of epic proportions when they bring the Main Stage to a close, and influential dance icons The Prodigy will headline the Radio 1 Stage on Sunday night. Both Noel Gallagher and The Prodigy will become the first acts to have graced the T in the Park stage in all three of the festival’s homes – Strathclyde Country Park, Balado and now Strathallan Castle. Long-time festival favourites Stereophonics will appear penultimate to Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds on the Main Stage on the final night. Superstar DJ and producer David Guetta, Sam Smith and The Script will also make a welcome return to the festival.
 
With some of the biggest names in music heading for Scotland this summer, T in the Park’s debut outing at Strathallan Castle is already shaping up to be an unmissable weekend:
 
FRIDAY 10th JULY: Kasabian, David Guetta, Sam Smith, Rudimental, Fatboy Slim, Hozier, Annie Mac, Hot Chip, The Wombats, Gorgon City, Duke Dumont, Jessie Ware, Fuse ODG
  
SATURDAY 11th JULY: Avicii, The Libertines, The Script, Twin Atlantic, alt-J, George Ezra, Jessie J, Courteeners, The Vaccines, Labrinth, The Proclaimers, St. Vincent, Enter Shikari, Seasick Steve, Jungle, Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott, Idlewild, Jess Glynne, Charli XCX
  
SUNDAY 12th JULY: Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, The Prodigy, Stereophonics, Jamie T, Paloma Faith, Above & Beyond, Alabama Shakes, Kodaline, Catfish & the Bottlemen, Clean Bandit, Oliver Heldens, Ella Henderson, Modest Mouse, James Bay, Years & Years, Peace
 
Kasabian are huge crowd favourites, and when the lads return to the Main Stage this July, they will become the first act to headline Strathallan Castle. Currently in the form of their lives both on stage and on record, their latest album 48:13 became their fourth consecutive no.1 album. The band described the album as being “about the crowd, the fans. That moment we share onstage, where they’re giving as much as you’re giving, it’s so special, so it’s a love letter to that moment and to those people.” T in the Parkers will be able to share that moment this July.
 
In 2014, Swedish songwriter and producer Avicii cemented his place as a true superstar recording artist/DJ with the success of his genre-defying debut album, True. The album blends the earthy sounds of folk, country, and bluegrass with soaring pop melodies, funky disco jams, and driving house beats. His 4x-platinum stomper Wake Me Up hit no. 1 in 81 countries and became the most streamed song of all time on Spotify. He’s also just released single The Nights and has a brand new album in the pipeline. Having played to millions at major festivals like Miami’s Ultra Music and Lollapalooza and at the world’s biggest clubs, Avicii will add T in the Park to this illustrious list when he makes his debut this July.
 
Avicii said: “Really looking forward to get back to Scotland for one of the best festivals in the world! Can't wait for July 11th!”
 
Noel Gallagher will go down in T in the Park history this July as one of the first artists to play at each of the festival’s three homes. Oasis played the festival’s very first outing at Strathclyde Country Park in 1994, and headlined Balado in 2002. When Noel returns in 2015 with his High Flying Birds, he’ll complete the T hat-trick. Chasing Yesterday is out on March 2nd and marks a new chapter and sound for Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds.  It’s the first album to be produced as well as written by Noel and features a much broader array of instrumentation than ever before; the result is a rich, expansive and multi-layered record, drawing from a range of disparate influences – from west coast rock to classic rock’n’roll and even some space jazz!
 
David Guetta has played a pivotal role in turning dance music into the chart-topping juggernaut it is today. His impact is impossible to underestimate, and he can be considered among the elite group of super-producers whose sound is synonymous with an era. His landmark new album,Listen, proves he remains at the top of his game. With residencies at XS and Encore in Vegas, Ushuaia and Pacha in Ibiza, he DJs to millions around the world each year – next stop, Strathallan Castle.
 
The Prodigy have cut a solitary path through the noise-scapes of electronic dance music. They’ve dropped five epoch-defining studio albums, including 2009’s world dominating Invaders Must Die, and delivered unforgettable live performances that have taken electronic beats into unchartered territories, inspiring legions of artists along the way. They return in 2015 with a brand new albumThe Day is My Enemy. Huge fan favourites, they will join Noel Gallagher in the T in the Park history books as they become one of the first acts to have played all three of the festival’s homes.
 
One of the UK's most successful bands of recent years, Stereophonics defined the sound of British guitar music from the late 90s onwards. They have released 8 studios albums, 1 double live album and 1 greatest hits album and have combined sales of over 9 million albums. The band made a triumphant return with Graffiti on the Train in 2013, which became one of the bestselling LPs of the year, and was an ever-present fixture in the Top Twenty in the first six months of its release. Their hotly anticipated new album is due to be released later this year. Fronted by Kelly Jones and his distinctive, classic vocal, the band have come a long way since being signed back in 1996. After touring relentlessly to support their debut album release, they picked up a BRIT award for Best New Group in early 1998 and have never looked back. 
 
The band said: "We are really looking forward to being back at T in the Park this year for our ninth appearance at the prestigious festival and are excited to perform at the Strathallan Castle for the first time!"
 
Since winning the BRITS Critic’s Choice award and topping the BBC Sound Poll at the start of last year, Sam Smith has gone on to become one of the biggest breakout UK male artists in recent years. His multi-platinum selling album In The Lonely Hour debuted at no.1 in the UK charts and has sold over 5 million copies globally, making Sam the only artist in the world in 2014 to sell 1 million albums in both the UK and US. Last year he picked up four MOBOs, Best New Act at the Q Awards and Favourite Male Rock/Pop at the American Music Awards, before becoming the biggest winner at this month’s Grammys, including the prestigious prizes for record and song of the year and best new artist.
Since Dublin three-piece The Script hit the no.1 spot with their self-titled debut album in 2008, they’ve gone from strength to strength. Their 2012 worldwide smash Hall Of Fame took them to stratospheric levels of global stardom, with record sales in excess of 20 million, achieving multi-platinum status around the world. Their fourth album, No Sound Without Silence, is the sound of a band firing on all cylinders and channeling the momentum of their last, rocket-powered campaign.The band said:“We are really excited to be playing T in the Park this summer. We’ve had a lot of fun playing at T in the past, and the Scottish crowds always offer us a huge welcome.”
  
Rudimental are fast becoming T in the Park favourites. The pioneering melting-pot collective rocketed to fame with the chart-topping Feel the Love in 2012, returning to the no.1 spot months later with Waiting All Night, before swiftly following up with a number 1 debut album. Now one of the most in-demand acts on the summer festival circuit, they’ll bring their feel good tunes to T in the Park. 
After a soaring performance on the Main Stage at T in the Park last year, Glasgow’s Twin Atlantic have enjoyed a phenomenal year selling out venues around the country and releasing their album Great Divide which debuted at number 6 in the UK Chart. Picking up gongs including ‘Best Indie Single’ at the AIM Awards for their single Heart and Soul’ Twin Atlantic have perfected stadium-ready emo-pop with their anthemic sound, and will play an epic headline the Radio 1 Stage on Saturday night.
 
Twin Atlantic’s Sam McTrusty said: "For our seventh appearance at T in the Park we shall be headlining the Radio 1 stage on Saturday. Expect a landmark performance from our band to christen the new T site. If you've been at any of our previous T in the Park sets you will know that this festival brings out another side to our band and has always helped push us to the next level. It will be an honour for us as well as a massive memorable party. This summer will be the last chance to see us for a while and we hope you will be there to be part of the celebrations."
 
Singer-songwriter Jamie T returned after a 5-year absence with Carry on the Grudge last year. The record was hailed as “consistently enthralling” by NME, and he’s sure to receive a warm welcome back from T in the Parkers. 
 
Fatboy Slim’s return to T in the Park has been a long time coming. The legendary DJ’s live shows are an explosive mix of his own patented brand of “party acid house” and complex audio-visual production. Having last played T in the Park in 1999, he’ll surely receive a hero’s welcome.
 
alt-J returned last September with the hotly anticipated follow-up to their first full-length release, 2012’s Mercury Prize-winning An Awesome Wave. The latest record from the intrepid British art-rock quartet, This Is All Yours, is similarly clever and conceptual, proving the band are capable of both boldness and restraint, and earning them nominations at the 2015 Brit Awards for Best Album and Best British Group.
 
Hozier’s poetic lyrics and hauntingly beautiful voice has earned him a huge fanbase and a reputation as one of the biggest breakthrough artists of recent times. Reaction to the release of his debut EP, Take Me to Church has been phenomenal, and he’ll make his T in the Park debut this July.
 
George Ezra is one of the biggest breakthrough stars of 2014. His critically acclaimed debut albumWanted On Voyage has sold over a quarter of a million copies, reaching no.1 for the first time in October. It capped a remarkable twelve months for the singer-songwriter who has gone from virtual unknown to internationally renowned star, taking in three sold out UK tours, top 10 singles in 10 countries, a top 5 album in eight, 33 million views on YouTube, and over 70 million streams on Spotify.
 
Annie Mac is Radio 1's queen of dance music, and due to become the new presenter of its weekday evening new music show next month. She’ll get the party started with her dazzling selection of the best new 
dance music.
Rising from hotly tipped producers to their current global standing, Above & Beyond are the only dance act in history to win Essential Mix Of The Year twice (in 2004 and 2011). The London-based trio have remixed greats like Radiohead and Madonna, played to one million people on Barra Beach in Rio de Janeiro and are much loved for their epic, immersive and interactive live shows.
 
With a repertoire packed full of feel-good festival anthems, The Vaccines’ high octane tunes are sure to go down a storm. The band scored a no.1 album with their second record Come of Age,with their forthcoming album English Graffiti due out this year.
 
Labrinth’s breakthrough came with his guest spot on Tinie Tempah’s smash hit Frisky. Juggling production work for the likes of Ms. Dynamite and with working on his debut album – the acclaimedElectronic Earth, he hit the no. 2 spot with hit single Earthquake and topped the charts withBeneath Your Beautiful featuring Emeli Sande. His hotly anticipated second album Take Me to The Truth is due out this year.
 
Huge crowd favourites, The Proclaimers are set to bring their singalong anthems to Strathallan for the fifth time. Due to release their 10th studio album in April, the band’s return to T in the Parkcomes after the success of the movie Sunshine on Leith featuring music from the band and a globe-trotting world tour. 
 
Dutch electronic producer Oliver Heldens knows how to get a crowd going and is sure to bring that party atmosphere to his performance at this year’s T in the Park. Capturing the attention of major DJs and producers, the talented Heldens also impressed Tiesto in 2013 with his track Geckowhich was later released on Tiesto’s Musical Freedom Label. 
 
The Wombats’ infectious alt.pop platinum debut album Guide To Love, Loss And Desperation won them legions of fans. Their indie dancefloor smashes including Kill The Director, Let’s Dance To Joy Division and Moving To New York will surely prove popular this summer.
 
The band said: “We can't wait to get back to the mayhem that is T in the Park! It's been too long…”
 
Gorgon City’s are one of the most exciting new acts in the ever-flourishing landscape of British club savvy pop. Polished, powerful and party-minded, their Top 5 single Ready for Your Lovefeaturing MNEK was one of the dancefloor hits of last year.
 
Jungle’s irresistible report-to-the-dancefloor sound has generated a huge buzz, plus a BBC Sound of 2014 nomination. They sold out their US tour on the back of a SXSW appearance, before they even had an official record out in America, and will make their T in the Park debut this July. 
 
Another hotly tipped newcomer, James Bay is the recipient of this year’s BRITs’ Critics’ Choice Award, and came second in BBC’s Sound of 2015. He releases his debut album, one of the most hotly anticipated of the year, The Chaos and the Calm, next month.
 
Jessie Ware’s debut album Devotion became one of the most critically acclaimed albums of 2012, lauded by everyone from Pitchfork to Heat Magazine and nominated for the Mercury Prize. She released her second album, Tough Love, in October, scoring another Top 10 record.
 
Fuse ODG fuses pop sounds with African rhythm and percussion to create an infectious afrobeats sound which has taken the UK charts by storm. He’ll bring his summery tunes to Strathallan Castle, including top 10 smash hits T.I.N.A, Dangerous Love, Antenna ft Wyclef Jean and Million Pound Girl, ft Sean Paul.
Featuring on huge hit records in her short career, the soulful Jess Glynne has leant her vocals to Clean Bandit for their chart topper Rather Be and Route 94’s My Love showing off her star quality. Her solo record Right Here was also a top 10 hit and those hits are sure to please the crowd at this year’s festival.
 
Fresh from winning a 2015 NME Award in the Dance Floor Filler category, Charli XCX’s catchy pop has seen the artist be thrown into the realms of worldwide success topping the charts, working on hit collaborations including Icona Pop’s I Love It in 2013 and Iggy Azelea’s Fancy in 2014. Her latest single Boom Clap has seen the star hit the top 10 spot in the UK and USA.
 
Peace are one of the UK’s most exciting guitar bands today. Selling out numerous dates throughout the country armed with a live energy and sense of spontaneity, they are one of the most sought-after live acts in the UK. Their heart-on-sleeve indie anthemics, enthusiastic and youthful zing and an ability to write uplifting, soaring choruses make them a welcomed addition to this year’s T in the Park line-up.

V Festival Review 2013

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This year’s V Festival came to a close this weekend, with the event displaying perfectly how to showcase some of the biggest chart stars in the world, as well as give some exciting up and coming artists a platform to shine.

The festival kicked off on Saturday afternoon and despite the unsettled weather, a buzz filled the air and the main stage began to fill up early with people eagerly awaiting the performance of a lady that goes by the name of Beyoncé.

First up on the main stage were The Fratellis, who played a triumphant set to seal their comeback to the music business. They helped set the tone for the day and had the crowd up on their feet and singing along to popular hit Chelsea Dagger amongst others.

 After this I headed to the 4music stage, stopping along the way to grab a drink and meet a group of lads who were dressed as power rangers. Here I had a little wait before the next act, so I chatted to a pair of girls who had been watching Gabrielle Aplin serenade the crowd at the arena stage, with her “gentle tone and heart-warming lyrics.”

Finally, out came Maverick Sabre who provided the crowd with a laidback soulful sound to accompany some late afternoon sun. He was shortly followed by Of Monsters and Men who continued in the same fashion by mixing an inviting atmosphere with some uplifting melody’s to get the crowd going.

With about 40 minutes to spare before Labrinth took to the 4music stage I darted off to the arena stage where I saw Jessie Ware get lost in the moment as she delivered a faultless set. Then I was quickly back to the 4music stage to see the previously mentioned Earthquake singer bring down the house with an electric set that included hits Express Yourself and Sunshine. Not to mention some onstage flames which lit up the crowd as the sun slowly started to set.

 I, like many other people then made my way to the main stage where a huge crowd gathered to see Jessie J do her thing. Rocking her recently famous short bleached blonde hair and dressed in a unique skimpy black and white ensemble, fitting of her personality, the singer delivered the only way she knows how, with a punch. Popular tracks Price Tag, Do It Like A Dude and Domino were accompanied by fist pumping and strutting from the 25-year-old as she got the crowd in the mood for the rest of the night.

The penultimate act to grace the main stage on Saturday evening was The Script. Despite the mellow rockers trying their best to hype up the crowd, many used this time to head to the bar and stock up on as many drinks as they could carry, or stuff their face with something from one of various food vans. However the crowd did all come together to sing along to The Man Who Can’t Be Moved, whilst frontman Danny O’Donoghue took the opportunity to connect with one of his many female fans by getting hold of her phone and singing to her ex-boyfriend, ‘Am I better off dead?’

As darkness descended on the Chelmsford site, it was finally time for what most people had been waiting for. The crowd, a mixture of Single Ladies and men too, were all there waiting to see the woman they adored, and wait they did. The delay of 25 minutes consisted mostly of fans chanting ‘Beyoncé Beyoncé’, as rain started to fall on the huge crowd. Leaving some wondering whether they should be over at the 4music stage watching as one of the world’s biggest DJ’s, Steve Angello, made an awesome replacement for Beady Eye.

The former Swedish House Mafia star absolutely smashed it with an amazing laser light show alongside dropping massive hits like, Don’t You Worry Child and Save The World,to get the respectable sized crowd raving the night away.

V Festival 2013

Back at the main stage and at last the music hit. Run The World (Girls) blasted out of the speakers and the crowd went crazy as out stepped Beyoncé. Dressed in a beaded leotard and sporting a new blonde bob hairstyle, Queen Bee dazzled the masses not only with her colossal hits but with her sophisticated video interludes, leaving them in awe. With the crowd all singing along to Love On Top, Irreplaceable and Halo, Beyoncé took the opportunity to show off a number of amazing outfits which just demonstrated that she really does know how to put on a show. All this combined with her fantastic all-female band and faultless dancers left people talking about the brilliant performance well into the early hours of the morning.

Sunday morning rolled around and with the sun shining in the sky, many people emerged from their tents looking a little worse for wear after last night’s antics. This however didn’t stop the lively atmosphere and many people were quickly back on the booze, including a large group of men spending the festival dressed as women.

I started off the day at the 4music stage where Lawson quickly got the crowd going with an excellent cover of Don’t You Worry Child. I then made the long trek to the arena stage to roll back the years and have a good ole sing-song with Five. A bigger crowd than was probably expected gathered to watch the 90’s boy band relive their youth with hits Keep On Moving and Everybody Get Up.

After stopping to grab a drink and an overpriced pizza, I headed to the main stage where I caught the end of the Jason Mraz set before getting amongst the crowd for Essex’s own Olly Murs. He provided the audience with plenty of opportunities to find their dancing feet, but it seemed like most were after a more exciting sound.

Luckily this came at the 4music stage as Rudimental’s late afternoon set attracted a large and energetic audience. Songs Waiting All Night and Feel the Love got the approval of the masses as most were going for it with their drinks being sent flying.

Later the early evening mellow atmosphere was accompanied by the elegant Emeli Sandé, who graced the main stage with her delicate vocals providing the crowd with the perfect opportunity to sit and take a break from the tiring day. Beneath Your Beautiful echoed amongst the audience as many joined in with the chart hit.

Having spent a couple of hours at the main stage, I once again made the long walk to the arena stage where I watched a very enthusiastic Ellie Goulding wow the crowd with not only her excellent voice but her ability to play multiple instruments.

With night fast approaching, it was left to two huge acts to fight out for the attention of the party-goers. Calvin Harris was in charge of headlining the 4music stage whilst Kings of Leon were given the same responsibility at the main stage, I was lucky enough to catch both.

The superstar DJ attracted a huge crowd as he closed the 4music stage in spectacular fashion, with a set of immense tunes including, Drinking From The Bottle, We Found Love and new song, Under Control. Combining this with lasers and an abundance of fireworks he was able to perfectly captured the spirit of the festival.

Meanwhile at the main stage Kings of Leon were keen to prove they were back on form ahead of their new album release, and they did just that. With new single Supersoaker and with a number of festival favourites like Sex On Fire and Use Somebody they had the crowd in raptures. With everybody singing at the top of the voices to the raw and exciting sound of the American rockers, the festival came to a close for yet another year.

All in all, V Festival again did what is does best, showcasing the best chart toppers in the business,  and with its friendly vibrant atmosphere it is easy to see why the festival is so popular among a variety of age groups. The organisers yet again managed to attract some of the biggest stars in the music industry, all of whom delivered to put on one hell of a show.

So after a successful 2013, festival expectations for next year are high, and with confidence that V will deliver it will be a weekend you won’t want to be missing, I know I won’t be. 

V Festival Preview 2013

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With festival season in full swing, V festival returns this weekend with its fun loving atmosphere and a line up to suit a wide range of music tastes. Headlining the festival this weekend will be superstar diva Beyonce and Grammy winning American rockers Kings Of Leon.

Kings of Leon

As well as this the festival, which takes place between August 17 -18 at Hylands Park in Chelmsford, Essex and Weston Park in Staffordshire, will include a huge number of other amazing artists including world famous DJ’s Steve Angello and Calvin Harris, who will headline the 4Music Stage across the weekend.

Other acts to look out for over the weekend include: Jessie J, Emeli Sande, The Script, Stereophonics, Rita Ora, Labrinth, Basement Jaxx, Ellie Goulding, Fun and Tom Odell.

And if you fancy a break from the music why not check out the Glee Comedy Tent where Eddie Izzard is confirmed as the headline act with other acts including Josh Widdicombe, Jon Richardson and Paul Chowdhry also performing.

The sold out festival looks set to be a massive success once again, providing spectators the opportunity to dance to some of the best DJ’s around, rock out to some quality bands and also have a good old sing song with arguably the biggest female star in the music industry.

So it is definitely a festival you will not want to miss!!  

New acts for V Festival 2013 – Steve Angello, 5ive, The Saturdays

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V Festival 2013, sponsored by Virgin Media, has announced a host of amazing new acts set to join the weekend line-up. Former Swedish House Mafia star Steve Angello is confirmed to headline the Arena stage whilst The Saturdays, Katy B, Mark Owen, Lissie, Conor Maynard, The Pigeon Detectives, Jaguar Skills, McFly, Everything Everything, 5ive, The Eels, The Heavy, Netsky Live!, The Original Rudeboys, Nina Nesbit and K-Koke have also been confirmed to play across the weekend.  V Festival have also announced The Futures stage, headlined by Jamie Cullum and Benjamin Francis Leftwich, V Festival takes place across the weekend of August 17 & 18 at Hylands Park, Chelmsford and Weston Park, Staffordshire.

 
The Futures stage will showcase the very best in upcoming talent alongside a very special performance by Jamie Cullum, other acts confirmed to play the stage across the weekend are as follows:
Benjamin Francis Leftwich – The singer songwriter from York released his critically acclaimed debut album in 2011, he is currently working on his eagerly awaited follow up.
Monsta – Described as having the melodic synth of Flux Pavilion, the tech-soul vocal drops of Moby and the reverberant snares of trip hop act U.N.K.L.E, Monsta have become a popular regular on the club and festival circuit.
James Skelly & The Intenders – Having just finished writing with Paul Weller, James Skelly, former front man for The Coral, is back with his debut album ‘Love Undercover’.
Lewis Watson – Oxford’s twenty-year-old singer songwriter, will be bringing his guitar folk rock to the festival after successfully topping the iTunes singer songwriter chart with his EP ‘It’s Got Four Sad Songs On It BTW’.
 
Misha B – Her debut album will be out in July and features the recent hit singles ‘Home Run’ and ‘Do You Think of Me’.
Hoffmaestro – The Swedish electronic act have built up a fantastic reputation for their sensational live shows.
Sam Smith – The British singer-songwriter recently featured on Naughty Boy’s massive UK number one single ‘La La La’.
A*M*E – Nominated for the BBC Sound of 2013 poll in January A*M*E has already had an amazing year, she featured on the recent number one single ‘Need U (100%)’ by DJ Duke Dumont and will release her debut album later this year.
Goldie Lookin Chain – The Welsh rappers have been creating sensational comedic rap since 2004.
The Skints – Fresh off their UK tour, The Skints will be showcasing their unique mix of reggae, ska, dub, punk & hip-hop to the stage, along with a little of their self dubbed ‘East London Reggae’ sounds.
Lucy Spraggan – Her debut album which mixes acoustic, folk and hip hop will be out later this year, she recently confirmed that her first single will be ‘Lighthouse’.
Nell Bryden – US singer-songwriter Nell Bryden has received high praise in the UK for her latest album ‘Shake The Tree’, lead single ‘Buildings and Treetops’ was A –listed at Radio 2.
Ed Drewett – Best known for his collaboration with Professor Green on ‘I Need You Tonight’ Ed is currently preparing to unleash his debut album.
Diana Vickers – Her debut album ‘Songs From the Tainted Cherry Tree’ was out in 2010 and reached the number one spot on the UK album charts.  Follow up album ‘Music to Make Boys Cry’ will be out in July.
Moya – The London based singer songwriter has recently toured with Rod Stewart, Andy Burrows and Mick Hucknall.
John Newman – The British soul singer is best known as being a featured artist for Rudimental's number one single "Feel the Love" and top 20 single "Not Giving In", his debut single ‘Not Giving In’ will be out in June.
Exit Calm – The south Yorkshire four piece are renowned for their epic indie-rock.
Silouette – They will be bringing their high energy alternative pop laced with flavours of darkness, hope and desire to the stage.
 
V Festival, prides itself on the quality of artists that perform each year, aside from headliners Beyonce and Kings of Leon other incredible acts already on the line-up include Stereophonics, The Script, Emeli Sandé, Calvin Harris, Beady Eye, Jessie J, Two Door Cinema Club, The Vaccines, Basement Jaxx, Olly Murs, Paloma Faith, Jesse Ware, James, Rita Ora, The Courteeners, FUN., Labrinth, Ellie Goulding, Rudimental, James Arthur, Little Mix, and Laura Mvula.  More acts will be announced in the coming weeks across the stages at the two festival sites.

V Festival is now in its 18th year and is renowned for bringing the very best in popular music together for one epic summer weekend. It is now established as the biggest festival in the UK with over 170,000 fans attending across the two sites and was the first festival to establish rotating acts across two sites.
 
V Festival is one of the hottest dates on the UK cultural calendar.  From the moment the gates open each area of the festival comes alive and a truly remarkable weekend of music and enjoyment ensues. V Style camping is set to return this year giving festival fans the chance to get the best of both worlds. They can dance the days away with their favourite artists and then chill out in luxury in ready built Pod Pads, Cloud Yurts, Hearthworks Tipis and pop-up hotel rooms.

2013 once again sees a wide spectrum of acts playing across the stages, guaranteeing yet another year of unforgettable appearances.  The popular Glee Club Comedy Tent will also makes a return this year, with side-splitting performers to be announced in the coming weeks.  With many more great artists to be announced, there is something for everyone at V Festival.

Keep up to date with all the latest news and ticket outlet information at www.vfestival.com
 

Beyonce & Kings of Leon to headline V Festival

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AN EXCLUSIVE NIGHT WITH BEYONCE
HER ONLY EUROPEAN FESTIVAL PERFORMANCE OF 2013
PLUS
AMERICAN ROCKERS KINGS OF LEON HEADLINING

STEREOPHONICS, THE SCRIPT, EMELI SANDÉ, CALVIN HARRIS, BEADY EYE, JESSIE J, TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB, THE VACCINES, BASEMENT JAXX, OLLY MURS
PALOMA FAITH, RITA ORA, THE COURTEENERS, FUN., LABRINTH, ELLIE GOULDING, KENDRICK LAMAR, JESSIE WARE, RUDIMENTAL, JAMES ARTHUR, LITTLE MIX
AND MANY MORE ALSO CONFIRMED

TICKETS ON SALE AT 9AM FRIDAY 1 MARCH

 

This will be her one and only European festival appearance this year.  Multi-million album selling American rockers Kings Of Leon are also confirmed as headliners.  V Festival takes place across the weekend of August 17 & 18 at Hylands Park, Chelmsford and Weston Park, Staffordshire.

Tickets go on sale Friday March 1 at 9am, available at www.VFestival.com

Beyonce @ V FestivalV Festival, prides itself on the quality of artists that perform each year, more incredible acts announced today for 2013 are Stereophonics, The Script, Emeli Sandé, Calvin Harris, Beady Eye, Jessie J, Two Door Cinema Club, The Vaccines, Basement Jaxx, Olly Murs, Paloma Faith, James, Rita Ora, The Courteeners, Jason Mraz, FUN., Labrinth, Ellie Goulding, Kendrick Lamar, Of Monsters And Men, Maverick Sabre, Travis, DJ Fresh/LIVE,  Jessie Ware, Maximo Park, Lianne La Havas, Rudimental, James Arthur, Scouting For Girls, Deacon Blue, Little Mix, Ocean Colour Scene, The Fratellis, Gabrielle Aplin and Laura Mvula.  Many more acts will be announced in the coming weeks across the stages at the two festival sites.

V Festival is now in its 18th year and is renowned for bringing the very best in popular music together for one epic summer weekend.  Last year saw electric sets from headliners The Stone Roses and The Killers with other show stopping performances from the likes of David Guetta and Ed Sheeran.  V Festival has an unrivalled music pedigree, previous headliners have included groundbreaking performances from Coldplay, Radiohead, Oasis, Eminem, Foo Fighters and The Arctic Monkeys.  V Festival is now established as the biggest festival in the UK with over 170,000 fans attending across the two sites and was the first festival to establish rotating acts across two sites.

2013 once again sees a wide spectrum of acts playing across the stages, guaranteeing yet another year of unforgettable appearances.  The popular Glee Club Comedy Tent will also makes a return this year, with side-splitting performers to be announced in the coming weeks.  With many more great artists to be announced, there is something for everyone at V Festival.

V Festival is one of the hottest dates on the UK cultural calendar.  From the moment the gates open each area of the festival comes alive and a truly remarkable weekend of music and enjoyment ensues.  V Style camping is set to return this year giving festival fans the chance to get the best of both worlds.  They can dance the days away with their favourite artists and then chill out in luxury in ready built Pod Pads, Cloud Yurts, Hearthworks Tipis and pop-up hotel rooms.

Festival Directors Bob Angus, Simon Moran and Dennis Desmond commented: We’ve worked hard to bring fans an exciting and diverse line-up, securing Beyonce for an exclusive European Festival appearance and Kings of Leon as headliners is a great achievement. These acts along with one of the strongest bills in V Festival's 18 year history is something we are very proud of. We have a reputation for bringing fans the best world class acts and breakthrough artists, 2013 is set to be another sensational year.”

With many more exciting V Festival announcements to come be sure to keep up to date with all the latest news at www.vfestival.com

Tickets go on sale on Friday 1 March at 9am fans should visit www.vfestival.com, for official outlets details.  V Festival organisers stress to fans that purchasing tickets from unofficial outlets could lead to disappointment.

VIP upgrades are available and include:

  • A relaxed and spacious environment offering a wider choice of exclusive food and drink outlets not available in the main festival arena.
  • Cash bar with comfortable indoor and outdoor seating areas.
  • Post-festival late bar with DJs on Saturday & Sunday nights.
  • VIP toilet access.
  • Beautiful lakeside location (Weston Park only)

Stereophonics, Chase & Status and more added to T in the Park lineup

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Joining the ultra-impressive line-up which already boasts Main Stage headliners Mumford & Sons, Rihanna and The Killers, plus electronic pioneers Kraftwerkalongside The Script, Richie Hawtin, alt-J, Azealia Banks and more are: Adam Beyer, Bastille, Ben Klock & Marcel Dettmann (b2b), British Sea Power, Chase and Status, CHVRCHES, Claude VonStroke, The Courteeners, Deacon Blue, Disclosure, Dizzee Rascal, DJ Sneak, Derrick Carter & Mark Farina (b2b), Eats Everything, Editors, Emeli Sandé, Everything Everything, Frank Turner, The Fratellis, Frightened Rabbit, The Heavy, Hot Natured, Imagine Dragons, Jackmaster, Jake Bugg, Joy Orbison, Labrinth, The Lumineers, Miles Kane, Modest Mouse, Modestep, Nina Kraviz, Nina Nesbitt, Noah and the Whale, Ocean Colour Scene, Of Monsters and Men, The Original Rudeboys, Palma Violets, Paloma Faith, Peace, The Proclaimers, Rudimental, Seth Troxler, Silicone Soul, Slam, Stereophonics, The Strypes, Tom Odell, Twin Atlantic, Two Door Cinema Club, The View, Villagers, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and The 1975.

With a back catalogue packed with epic festival anthems, Stereophonics are big T in the Parkfavourites. Having played to massive crowds world-wide and chalking up five UK number one albums along the way, their Best Of compilation A Decade In the Sun sold over a million copies in 2008. With a brand new album Graffiti on the Train on the way in March, they’ll return to T in the Park ready to showcase new material as well as their greatest hits – cue mass singalongs from the Kinross crowd.

Returning to cement their reputation as one of the best festival acts on the circuit, drum'n'bass producers Chase and Status will get the 20th year party well and truly started. Having swiftly risen from underground urban phenomenon to become one of the UK’s biggest crossover acts, they’re in demand across the world over as producers and as a phenomenal live act. Following the multi-platinum success of previous records, their third studio album is due for release this summer.
 
Stereophonics
 
Glasgow trio CHVRCHES’ blend of classic and modern analogue synthesisers, bruised beats and barbed pop hooks came to the fore in their debut single The Mother We Share (as it also did inLies, their first track that seeped onto the internet earlier in the year). Voted number 5 in the BBC Sound of 2013, and number 2 in the UK Blog Sound of 2013, their T in the Park debut is not to be missed.
 
The leading lights of UK dance music, Disclosure are spearheading an uprising of exciting young producers. Following the top 20 success of breakthrough hit Latch, the Lawrence brothers are currently working on their debut album, and will bring their trademark beats and slick house to T in the Park this July.
 
Since winning the Mercury Prize with his debut album in 2003, Dizzee Rascal has enjoyed a stratospheric rise to the top of the charts with a host of smash hit number 1 singles. The South-London rapper has collaborated with some of the world’s biggest stars, and is currently putting the finishing touches to his fifth studio album, the follow-up to 2009's platinum selling Tongue n' Cheek.
 
Editors are back with a new album this summer. The band have been busy recording tracks for their fourth album in Nashville, and will showcase brand new material alongside classic songs from their double platinum debut The Back Room and two number one follow up albums. Ed from Editors said:
 
“It is our pleasure to be coming back up to T in the Park this summer, after what seems like an age. Editors have undergone some changes in the last 12 months, but we have come out the other side a more determined band with a bunch of new songs that we think you are going to like. We can't wait to get back amongst it with some special festival crowds, and where could be a better place to do that than T in the Park?”
 
After selling out a headline Wembley Arena show and stunning T in the Parkers last year with a spell-binding set which proved exactly why his honest and passionate folk/punk has won him so many fans, Frank Turner is heading back to Kinross this summer, telling fans: "I'm very pleased to be heading back north of the border this summer – T in the Park is always great, like all Scottish shows in general."
 
Frightened Rabbit released their hotly anticipated fourth album Pedestrian Verse earlier this month to widespread critical acclaim, with the record entering the UK album chart at number 9 last week. Adored on their native Scottish soil, the band’s frank, poetic lyrics and intense live sets have also won them a massive Stateside following, and they make a triumphant return to T in the Parkthis July.
 
Jamie Jones and Lee Foss bring their hugely acclaimed Hot Natured collective to make their T in the Park debut at the 20th year celebrations. Their label Hot Creations is one of the most popular outlets for house and techno and their recently launched Paradise nights at Ibiza’s top underground club DC10 has helped cement their position as one of the scene’s leading outfits. In 2011, Jones earned the coveted title of Number 1 DJ in the world in Resident Advisor’s prestigious poll, and Hot Natured’s T in the Park set is not to be missed.
 
T in the Park is delighted to welcome back Labrinth and the feeling is mutual, with the Hackney born superstar saying: “T in the Park is one of my favourite festivals to play. The crowd is always on fire and I KNOW this year is not going to be any different!"  Labrinth’s debut album Electronic Earth spawned the massive smash hit singles Earthquake featuring Tinie Tempah and Last Time, before he hit the number one spot with Beneath Your Beautiful featuring fellow T in the Park star,Emeli Sandé.
 
The Lumineers will bring their glorious rustic, heart-on-the-sleeve folk rock to the fields of Kinross for the 20th year of T in the Park. The band’s eponymous debut album has won widespread acclaim for its timeless melodies and soul-stirring lyrics. With two prestigious Grammy nominations under their belt, their huge single Ho Hey soared into the UK top ten last year.  
 
Modest Mouse enjoyed massive breakthrough success with their 2004 album Good News For People Who Love Bad News, which included the huge hit Float On, earned the band two Grammy nominations and sold over 1.5 million copies. The Washington group bring their epic indie anthems back to Kinross this July.
 
After bursting on to the scene with the irresistibly catchy 5 Years Time, Noah and the Whalehave gone from strength to strength. Their third album Last Night On Earth, went on to become one of the 2011’s biggest sellers, achieving platinum status and producing the hit singleL.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N. They release its eagerly awaited follow-up Heart of Nowhere this May.
 
There’s a major buzz surrounding indie four-piece Palma Violets right now. Their single Best Of Friends was voted NME's track of 2012, with Step Up for the Cool Cats being named Zane Lowe's Hottest Record. The band featured on the BBC’s Sound of 2013 longlist and release their hugely anticipated debut album next week.
 
Joining this year’s glittering line-up are London-based four-piece, Rudimental. The group rocketed to success in 2012 when their single Feel the Love topped the UK singles chart. Since then they’ve enjoyed continued success with single Not Giving In, and they’re sure to go down a storm with the legendary Kinross crowd.
 
Glasgow’s Twin Atlantic won a huge, international fanbase with their 2009 mini-album Vivarium. Its follow-up Free cemented their reputation as one of the biggest bands to emerge from Scotland within recent years, with its title track famously featuring as the soundtrack to the 2012 Red Bull Stratos space jump by Felix Baumgartner. A phenomenal live act, they’re sure to receive a warm welcome back to T in the Park from a home crowd.
New York City’s hottest art-punk trio Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs are back this April with their hugely anticipated fourth album Mosquito. All three of its predecessors received Grammy nominations, with debut Fever to Tell hailed by Rolling Stone, Pitchfork Media, and NME as one of the finest of the decade. An awesome live act known for their raw, intense live shows, they sent the crowd into a frenzy during their 2009 T in the Park appearance when they invited the East Kilbride Pipe Band to join them on stage for a thrilling performance of Skeletons.  Expect yet more fireworks when they make their return to Kinross this July. 
 
T in the Park organisers have also today revealed that the Arcadia Afterburner will be a brand new addition to the site the year. The spectacular mechanical, fire-breathing structure will becomethe place to party late into the night, in the heart of Sunset Strip.
 
With an international line-up of chart toppers, Grammy winners, pioneering trailblazers, rising stars and Scotland’s finest home-grown heroes, the T in the Park 2013 bill is off to a roaring start. 
 
Festival Director Geoff Ellis said: “When 17,000 fans joined us at Strathclyde Park for the inaugural T in the Park in 1994, I don’t think anyone could have imagined how the festival would grow and evolve. We are thrilled to be welcoming some of the world’s greatest artists to Kinross this July for our 20th edition, with a truly diverse line-up of seminal artists, global stars and the most exciting new breakthrough talent.
 
“Every year, artists tell us that our audience is like no other and that they love coming to T in the Park to play in front of one of the most passionate and enthusiastic crowds in the world. Earlier this month, T in the Park was named Pollstar’s International Music Festival of the Year and I believe we have our fans to thank for this prestigious award. It’s the legendary atmosphere that makes this festival special, and we can’t wait to celebrate our 20th year with the greatest audience in the world this July.”
 
George Kyle, Head of Sponsorship at Tennent’s Lager, said: “What began in 1994 as a founding partnership between Tennent’s Lager and T in the Park, has become a hugely successful, long-standing relationship. When T in the Park began, Tennent’s and DF Concerts shared an ambition and vision for the festival, and we are thrilled to be part of a world renowned event which attracts the world’s finest musical talent. We are exceptionally proud to have been the T in T in the Park since the start and our passion for live music remains strong in the festival’s 20th year.”

Jessie Ware, Bloc Party and more announced for Rock Werchter

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New on Thursday 4 July are Airbourne and Netsky (live) on the Main Stage, Jessie Ware in the Marquee and Bloc Party and Sigur Rós in The Barn. Volbeat and Green Day had already been announced for the Main Stage that day. On Friday 5 July Two Door Cinema Club, The Script and Phoenix will be joining the earlier announced Kings of Leon and Blur on the Main Stage.  C2C will build a party in the Marquee. And with Richard Hawley the tone is set immediately in The Barn. For Saturday 6 July so far only one name had been announced: Rammstein. Graveyard can now be added to the Main Stage, Disclosure to the Marquee and Django Django to The Barn. Depeche Mode and Editors will finish Rock Werchter 2013 in style on Sunday 7 July. But before we come to that, A Day To Remember, Band of Horses and Thirty Seconds to Mars will perform on the Main Stage. Passenger and Asaf Avidan have already been confirmed for the Marquee and Alt-J and Of Monsters and Men for The Barn. On www.rockwerchter.be, all names that have already been announced for the 39th edition of the festival can be found in a handy overview. The bill for Rock Werchter 2013 will be completed further in the weeks to come. Stay tuned!

Rock Werchter 2013 will take place in Werchter (Belgium) from Thursday 4 July until Sunday 7 July. For four days the festival grounds will enable you to see and hear the best on offer on three stages. Well-established names, heroes from past and present and the majors get – as usual – their spot on the Main Stage. The Marquee focuses on electronic music in all its danceable forms on Thursday and Friday. On Saturday and Sunday its line-up will be completed with up-and-coming talent, (more) intimate concerts and dance beats in the early hours.  In The Barn we welcome back familiar names, but it is also thé spot to discover tomorrow’s heroes. The better concert hall on a festival.

Emeli Sandé joins T in the Park 2013 bill

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Last week, organisers revealed that a glitteringly diverse array of acts will be heading to Kinross for the 20th year of T in the Park, with headliners Mumford & Sons, Rihanna and The Killers, plus The Script, Two Door Cinema Club, alt-J, Paloma Faith, Jake Bugg, Of Monsters and Men and Azealia Banks offering fans a taste of what’s in store over 12th – 14th July.

 
Emeli Sandé has had a phenomenal year. Having already made a big impression on the charts with her songwriting talent, with the likes of Tinie Tempah (Let Go), Tinchy Stryder (Let It Rain) and Chipmunk (Diamond Rings) releasing her compositions, she unveiled her own debut album Our Version of Events in February to major critical acclaim. A stunning collection of richly melodic, classically powerful, retro-futurist soul-pop gems, it went straight into the UK chart at Number 1 and has become the biggest selling album of the year – and the only album to top 1 million UK sales in 2012. Now certified as four-times Platinum, Our Version Of Events has spent 43 weeks in the Top 10, a feat not achieved since the Spice Girls’ debut in 2006. Emeli has had 2 Number 1 singles, with Professor Green (Read All About It) and Labrinth (Beneath Your Beautiful) and has written tracks on recent albums by Rihanna and Alicia Keys. Jay-Z said of the superstar “Emeli has a unique sound and she is going to be a big deal”.
 
A mesmerising performer, Sandé wowed a global audience of billions with her showstopping performances at the London 2012 Olympics Opening and Closing Ceremonies, and has been honoured with a slew of prestigious accolades, including the Critics’ Choice Award at the Brit Awards, three MOBOs, Harper's Bazaar’s Musician of the Year title and Q’s award for Best Solo Artist. Emeli’s next single Clown will be released on 4th February 2013. Watch the video here: http://smarturl.it/Clown
 
Emeli captivated the 85,000-strong daily crowd at T in the Park this July with a stunning Main Stage set. Emeli said today: “Playing at T in the Park was something I always dreamed of and performing on the Main Stage this year was a great experience and a huge highlight of 2012 for me. To be invited back again for the 20th Anniversary is a real honour and I can’t wait to come and celebrate with everyone.”