Whether it rains or not, I am expecting the Scottish crowd to be out in full force, having been to T in the Park before I am more than familiar with the enthusiastic atmosphere consistent through all weather conditions! I'm almost as excited to see the festival goers that choose to slide face down through the mud as I am to see the numerous artists confirmed over the three days.
Having looked through the line-up I hope to see (as long as stage times don't clash) Snow Patrol, Florence and the Machine, Professor Green, The Blackout and Tinie Tempah on the Friday. On the Saturday I'll hope to catch The Stone Roses, David Guetta, Jessie J, Enter Shikari, Rizzle Kicks, and Fake Blood. On the Sunday, Kasabian, Nicki Minaj, Swedish House Mafia, Chase and Status, Skrillex, Twin Atlantic, Rita Ora and The Subways!
Making their T in the Park debut on the 30th anniversary of the band are Scottish rock giants Big Country. The band has enjoyed phenomenal success with number one albums, Grammy nominations, sold out European tours and millions of record sales worldwide. They’ve shared stages with Led
Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan and are one of the truly great live outfits to have survived the roller coaster ride of the Eighties. Their star continued to shine until 2001 when frontman Stuart Adamson sadly passed away. It took until 2010 before the band felt ready to perform again as Big Country with Jamie Watson and singer Mike Peters leading the band back to glory to perform at T in the Park2011.
The band said: “To be able to play at T in the park is a perfect opportunity for us to really celebrate our 30th anniversary in Scotland. Because the band was basically born in Fife, T is a fitting place to return to for this occasion. Stuart would have appreciated this, and we’re all looking forward to it.”
Jon Fratelli will appear solo on stage in Balado for the first time with brand new songs from his debut album “Psycho Jukebox”. Chock full of the kind of solid gold easy action that makes you want to smile broadly, chant loudly, dance wildly, sing sweetly, grapple sweatily, drum manically, scream breathlessly and shout raucously, it’s perfect T in the Park material.
Jon said: “T in the Park was the first major festival I ever played and the first time I’d played in front of a circus tent full of people, that first time is still etched in my memory. I’m really happy to be going back to T, it’s always a highlight”.
Roddy Woomble, frontman of legendary Scottish alt-rock act Idlewild will woo the T in the Park crowd with dreamy lyrics and fully charged folk foot stompers from his latest solo album “The Impossible Song & Other Songs”. He paints a picture of his beloved western isles with layers of tuneful instruments that complement a voice full of soul. Known to treat fans to a travelling story or two between songs and with the chance of some Idlewild classics thrown into the mix, Woomble’s performance is set to shine.
Glaswegian boys Twin Atlantic are poised for greatness – the group of fans who once held them as their little secret is growing rapidly and this number is set to multiply when they appear at T in the Park this year. Word of mouth buzz about their intense live shows has built a rock solid base and the band has scored a sellout gig in Glasgow’s Barrowland this Friday 6th May. Ambitious debut mini-album, “Vivarium”, is packed with enormous sweeping riffs, moods that flit from light to shade, and impassioned vocals dripping with gorgeous Scottish vowels.
Emma Gillespie AKA Emma’s Imagination has rarely done things the conventional way – she’s had two singles in the top ten at once, then shortly after, she signed her first recording contract. This summer she’ll make her debut at T in the Park to play to thousands of fans who voted her the winner of Sky One’s talent show “Must Be the Music”.
Elusive Glasgow outfit The Phantom Band released their debut album “Checkmate Savage” in 2009 and recently released current album “The Wants”. Fans can expect to hear a myriad of different genres and hits from both during their much anticipated slot at Balado.
Also appearing at T in the Park this summer is Edinburgh based band Found. Recently signed to the Scottish musical institution that is Chemikal Underground, the group began life as an experimental arts collective putting on many weird and wonderful events in art galleries, warehouses and even storage containers. Their unusual mix of garage rock, melodic pop and glitchy electronica has propelled them to the forefront of Scotland’s alternative music scene.
Teenage rock gods in the making Jack Townes were snapped up by record label giants Columbia on the merit of just one song and already have a tour with The View under their belt – good going for a band who have been together less than a year. The teenagers will join a roll call of legends and idols when they appear in Balado this summer.
Big Country, Jon Fratelli, Roddy Woomble, Twin Atlantic, Emma’s Imagination, The Phantom Band, Found and Jack Townes will join fellow countrymen Primal Scream, The View, KT Tunstall, Calvin Harris, Slam and Silicone Soul as well as Arctic Monkeys, Coldplay and Foo Fighters and a whole host of mega star talent on a knock out bill and the good news is – there’s more to come.
At the heart of T in the Park is the music and atmosphere that continually unites the crowd and creates a weekend of memorable moments that will last a lifetime. Brit Award and Grammy winners, multi-million selling artists, the best breakthrough talent, new music icons and legends….T in the Park 2011 has them all. Bring it on Balado.
A limited number of T in the Park Residence packages are still available to buy. The Residence offers festival goers a bespoke, luxury experience where all their accommodation needs are taken care of. Guests are welcomed into an oasis of indulgence to enjoy a unique festival experience in their luxury accommodation of choice. Once they have settled into their home for the weekend, festival goers can relax in the Residence Lounge Café & Bar or treat themselves to a pampering session in the spa before heading to see their favourite bands as well as accessing the festival’s hospitality area. For more information log ontowww.tinthepark.com/residence
