BST Hyde Park – Pearl Jam REVIEWED!

It’s a busy London Saturday, the tube is hotter than satan’s armpit, but we’re on our way to Hyde Park for BST today… let’s go.

As we head into the arena via the south entrance, we’re filtered straight into the VIP area which is a tree covered shady sanctuary in the heat, along with a few food carts, a bar and an ice-cream truck. It’s a small area but it’s quite cute and has nice loos.

On the way into the arena we hit up the merchandise stall for t-shirts, and there are some incredible Pearl Jam art prints on sale – specific to this event, a really special and interesting merchandise option. They even helpfully have a heap of tubes so you can transport one home safely/let your child use it as a lightsaber. There’s also a little bandstand stage here called ‘The Birdcage’ and absolutely heaps of food choices and water refill points. So far so good!

On the Great Oak stage, Dublin-based singer-songwriter Imelda May is a vision in flouncy Victorian mourning dress. She has such a dynamic stage presence and a stunning voice, we thoroughly enjoyed the Meatloaf ‘I’d Do Anything For Love’ cover, and hope to see her on many more festival bills in the future.

Punk rock fury from Petrol Girls on the Birdcage feels particularly prominent after the last few weeks in world events, and it’s pretty great to see them pull a decent crowd of young faces – punk has always existed as a call to arms, and we need it back more than ever.

Welsh rockers James & The Cold Gun give us that shoulder-to-shoulder sticky-club-floor teenage rebellion feeling, very fun but ever so slightly strange in the setting of belting summer sun under the light of a dappled tree canopy.

Elsewhere on site the South London Samba Band hit that sunshine beat with utter perfection, they are absolutely full of energy, which spreads into the crowd around them in the form of some very questionable but joyful dancing. After all of that, it’s time for a drink, and wow are you spoilt for choice here at BST. The bars are shipping containers all made up to look like a row of Santa Clara Cuban restaurants, colourful and interesting with enough different serving fronts to ensure there’s never a horrendous queue.

As we take a walk around the back of the arena, the presence of advertising partners is pretty overwhelming compared to other festivals. Maybe it’s a London thing, or the fact that it’s a small space, but it’s a bit of a bombardment. Having said that, some of it is quite sympathetically done, like AmEx giving out free water bottles and tote bags (as well as access to cold water filling stations, and the option to go into a private rooftop viewing area) seems quite welcome on such a hot day.

Around the corner there is another bar area which looks like something pulled straight from Snow White, a faux beamed pub called ‘The King’s Head’, then there’s the florally adorned Hard Rock area which directly overlooks the Rainbow stage. The Hard Rock Shop is obviously full of their own merch rather than BST stuff, but next door they’ve brought a sample of café items to an indoor food stall, surrounded by roadie cases of BST-relevant memorabilia, like you would see in the real Hard Rock Café. We took a peek at Eddie Vedder’s signed wetsuit, Elton John’s Union Jack biker jacket, and a choir robe signed by Mick Jagger. Oh and, it’s shady and cool in there. Magic.

©Michael Fung for BST

Up next on the Giant Oak we see the iconic Johnny Marr (of The Smiths fame) powering through a fabulous set with his vibrant yellow guitar. It’s a mix of works from various eras of Marr’s musical career – ‘Spirit Power and Soul’ is epic, but honestly the thing I’m most excited about – is getting to hear my favourite Smiths songs sans unavoidable Morrissey bullshit. Johnny sings them well, ‘Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want’ and ‘How Soon Is Now’ have the entire arena singing along, and ‘There Is a Light, That Never Goes Out’ is so upliftingly, I suppose canonically bright.

During a small break, Marr notes someone standing in the front section on their phone and snarks “I hope you’re texting ‘Johny Marr is a fucking bad-ass’” we all laugh, as the person in question red-faces it to the cameras. “It feels good to be doing this again after all this time, and to see your lovely faces” he tells us, before dedicating his last song to Pearl Jam for inviting him.

On their very own stage in the corner, the chaos creators themselves, arbiters of festival mischief since the dawn of time, The Cuban Brothers – are pied-pipering the hell out of BST. As their set begins with Kengo on the mix, Juan Erection throwing shapes and as he noted to all the kids ‘Uncle Miguel’ brandishing a hosepipe at the crowd. There’s something very comforting about seeing them back on the festival scene, albeit sans iconic brother Archerio who retired last season.

Yelling “I’m gonna pump some gas into you in the correct fashion” Miguel is as much of a bawdy menace as ever, I love it. He manages to cheekily forget that tonight is Stereophonics not last nights’ The Pixies… “I don’t keep an eye on who’s supporting us!”, sing us a verse of Even Flow and get us all to chant ‘Boris Is a Dickhead’ in the space of about 15 minutes. We’re treated to old school hip-hop, Kengo on rollerskates, Juan doing crazy flips and Miguel yelling “Goodbye Boris you narcissistic fucking clown!” which honestly, is just excellent fun. I’ll never not want to see The Cuban Brothers at a festival.

©Lou Morris for BST

Up next, Stereophonics on the Great Oak stage. As someone who listened to a lot of Stereophonics as a kid but not much since, I don’t know that I was expecting too much from them. A bit of nostalgia sure, but maybe not greatness? Happily proven wrong, Kelly Jones’ voice is still grittily excellent and they give us the most epic tour of the classics that we want to hear.

“It’s nearly 30 years to the day I first saw Pearl Jam, supporting Neil Young at Finsbury Park…” says Kelly, before joking that they themselves only have an hour to fit in 25 years and 12 studio albums worth of music to fit in.

‘Bartender and the Thief’ is followed by ‘Hanging On Your Hinges’ but it’s the likes of ‘A Thousand Trees’, ‘Have a Nice Day’ and ‘Pick a Part That’s New’ which really hits you in the memories. The wistfulness for the optimism of the early noughties is ripe for twanging that emotion string, things definitely feel heavier this side of a global pandemic.

‘Just Looking’ flows into closing track ‘Dakota’ with the band squinting into the still scorching hot sun to say “Thank you, it’s been amazing… have a brilliant time tonight!” before leaving to rapturous applause.

We decide to check out the dinner offerings before the main act, and it is absolutely peak London in here. Truffle burger? Bhaat? Steak frites? You got it. Wash it down with some Perrier or a can of Pinot? We chose paneer wraps and churros, both of which were excellent. Festival food has come a loooong way, and I am grateful.

Ⓒ Sandra Sorenson for BST

The heat haze is still shimmering over Hyde Park, the arena is suddenly packed with warm bodies, and every face is turned towards the Giant Oak stage for tonight’s headliner, Pearl Jam.

There mega lighting rig above the stage reconfigures to a honeycomb style backdrop as the band take to the stage to a huge roar from the crowd. Then 10-Club VIP area at the front is definitely the best perk of the upgrade packages, as they get a full close up of Eddie Vedder emerging to The Beatles ‘All You Need is Love’, and images of themselves plastered on the giant wraparound stage screens above.

Without a huge amount of fanfare, the band rolls straight into the first song ‘Corduroy’ and its clear that Eddie’s voice, and the band as whole have lost absolutely none of what made them famous in the first place. It’s as raw and powerful an intro as I’d hoped for. “…hope this night goes nice and slow, we’re so grateful to be here and do it again, we’re gonna try and play everything we didn’t play yesterday” Vedder says, and having looked at yesterday’s set-list already – I know we’re in for a very special and unusual set. ‘Why Go’ is one of my favourite Pearl Jam songs of all time, and it seems I am not in the minority, it absolutely sets the crowd ablaze, with people singing and dancing all around us.

We slip under for ‘Deep’ which is crushingly heavy, another Ten hit, followed by Vedder lamenting on how damn hot it still is this evening, when he notices a situation unfolding in the crowd. It seems like someone needs assistance and Vedder directs medics into the crowd saying “…make a little tributary, everyone clear some space’, making sure the music doesn’t start again until they’re safely out. With the 2021 Travis Scott/Astroworld situation making for very bad headlines last year, I take great comfort that most artists out there do take concert safety seriously, and notice what is happening at their shows.

Not only this, but the well-known and expected outpouring of political and moral opinion by the band is also welcome – we stan a band who use their platform to raise awareness, to comment on what is happening in the world. Eddie talks about gun violence in the US, and about how it affects his family, in relation to track ‘Garden’ which he explains is about tombstones in a cemetery. Following this “…a song [they] wrote and performed with a legend, Neil Young. Tonight we play with another legend, Manchester’s own Johnny Marr” for ‘Throw Your Hatred Down’. It is nothing short of epic to see these legends grace the stage together, this is an unforgettable rock moment.

‘Do The Evolution’ showcases the bands unmistakable delight in playing live, the energy is infectious and seeps into the crowd – contrastingly heavy, under the rainbow pastel summer skies of London. Van Halen tribute cover ‘Eruption’ is fittingly brilliant, and out in the front row the camera pans across a young lad with a “1st Row” sign, dances along as Eddie uses his plaid shirt as a cape for ‘Black’ and manages to snag himself one of Eddie’s tambourines, I am intensely jealous of a child.

A second tributary mention goes to the late great Taylor Hawkins, and is dedicated to his wife and children by the band. ‘River Cross’ is another thoughtful dedication to the people of Ukraine, and as the lighting rig snakes and changes to slither over them, the band drop into arguably their most famous song ‘Alive’. Hearing this live, is a full body experience, the ridiculous bone shaking power that this song has over everyone is absolutely wild. If you didn’t love it, I’m sorry to say, there’s something wrong with you.

Closing out with The Who cover ‘Baba O’Riley’ wouldn’t have been my number one choice to be sure, but adding in a return from Johnny Marr and Andrew Watt, I can’t deny it’s pretty special. It’s been such a different and varied set from last time I saw them, many moons ago at Leeds fest 2006. Grateful doesn’t even cut it – how lucky are we to be back outside after the absolute shitstorm of the last couple of years, witnessing something like this?

Live music isn’t just fun, isn’t just entertainment, or diversion. It’s the lifeblood of what it means to be humans with shared experiences. Pearl Jam tapped into that reservoir tonight, it was clear on so many awed faces leaving the arena. Thank you BST for making sure this happened, despite every setback.

Pharrell and more will join Stevie Wonder at British Summer Time Hyde Park

Following the announcement that Stevie Wonder will take to the stage in Hyde Park to perform his masterpiece Songs In the Key of Life in its entirety, Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park are excited to announce three spectacular new additions to the Sunday line-up.
 
But fans should act quickly as this amazing show is nearly sold out and the last few tickets are going fast.
 
Considered to be one of the world’s most prolific producers and performers, Pharrell Williams is the first new addition to the Sunday billing. The force behind so many incredible smash hits, including Kelis’ “Milkshake”, N.E.R.D.s “Lap Dance” and of course 2014’s Grammy-Award winning and feel-good track of the year “Happy”. Pharrell has worked with music legends from Britney to Justin Timberlake, Daft Punk to Snoop Dogg, and will be sure to drop it like it’s hot this summer.
 
Of Stevie Wonder, Pharrell has said – "Stevie Wonder was a fixture in my life as a child. His music is probably the closest thing to auditory transcendence."
 
 
Joining Stevie and Pharrell on the main stage is soul-singer extraordinaire Corinne Bailey Rae. The BRIT-nominated and two-time Grammy-Award winning artist rose to prominence with her breezily beautiful singles “Put Your Records On” and “Like A Star”, and has since released two albums, her multi-million-selling eponymous debut and the Mercury Prize-nominated The Sea. With her brand new studio album The Heart Speaks In Whispers out for release on May 13th, Corinne’s uplifting and charismatic performance – described last week as “mesmerizing” by the Evening Standard – will be the perfect soundtrack to a Sunday evening in Hyde Park. 
 
Corinne Bailey Rae says, “I have been a fan of Stevie Wonder my whole life and saw the 'Songs In The Key of Life’ show at Madison Square Gardens. I cried, I danced and I had massive smile on my face throughout the show. It’s a dream come true to be asked to join Stevie Wonder when he brings this amazing show to Hyde Park, and also to be on the stage with Pharrell, who is a huge inspiration to me, and KING, who are my friends and musical collaborators.”
 
Also taking to the stage with their “nu-soul” sound is Los Angeles-based KING. The trio is composed of sisters Paris and Amber Strother and Anita Bias, whose whooshing synths, spiraling harmonies and detailed songwriting create a truly unique and jazzy sound – one that has been compared to the likes of Solange Knowles and Estelle. 
 
Pharrell WilliamsCorinne Bailey Rae and KING will all join Stevie Wonder to form an incredible line-up for the day of soul and R&B. The hot new additions to the line-up follow the announcement that Stevie Wonder will perform his masterpiece Songs In The Key of Life in its entirety, for a truly epic, must-see show from one of the most prolific artists of all time.  
 
Hugely acclaimed in the US, Songs In The Key of Life Tour has run for 18 months, having been extended many times due to phenomenal public demand.  Coming to the UK for the very first time, there is extra reason for celebration because 2016 is the album’s 40th Anniversary year. 

Stevie Wonder returns to London for British Summer Time Hyde Park

On July 10th, Stevie Wonder will perform his masterpiece Songs In The Key of Life in its entirety, for a truly epic, must-see show from one of the most prolific artists of all time.  
 
Hugely acclaimed in the US, Songs In The Key of Life Tour has run for 18 months, having been extended many times due to phenomenal public demand.  Coming to the UK for the very first time, there is extra reason for celebration because 2016 is the album’s 40th Anniversary year. 
 
Released in 1976 on the legendary label Motown Records, featuring the hits Sir DukeIsn’t She Lovely and I Wish, it is cited as an influence on many of the world’s biggest stars, Elton JohnPrinceMichael Jackson and Pharrell to name a few. It was crowned Grammy Album Of The Year in 1977 and is widely hailed as a true work of art. 
 
It followed an unsurpassed trilogy of albums that graduated Wonder from teenage Motown prodigy to true artist – Talking Book, Innervisions and Fullfillingness' First Finale – all released in the first 4 years of the 1970s. Wonder spent 2 more years on 'Songs', producing a double album of enthralling music and cementing his position as a musical genius.
 
Together, the albums made the 25-time GRAMMY winner the only artist to have ever received Album Of The Year awards in three out of four consecutive years.
 
Praise for the album over the years has come from all quarters:
 
Elton John – "Let me put it this way: wherever I go in the world, I always take a copy of Songs In The Key of Life. For me, it's the best album ever made and I'm always left in awe after I listen to it. When people in decades and centuries to come talk about the history of music, they will talk about Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder."
 
Barack Obama (on his musical heroes) – "If I had one, it would have to be Stevie Wonder. When I was just at that point where you start getting involved in music, Stevie Wonder had that run with Music of My Mind, Talking Book, Fulfillingness' First Finale and Innervisions, and then Songs In The Key of Life. Those are as brilliant a set of five albums as we've ever seen."
 
Kanye West – "I’m not trying to compete with what’s out there now. I’m really trying to compete with Innervisions and Songs In The Key of Life. It sounds musically blasphemous to say something like that, but why not set that as your bar?"
 
Praise for Songs in the Key Of Life US tour: 
 
Rolling Stone – “Fitting an album that attempted to capture the nuance of existence, the show is possibly 2014's greatest testament to the limitless potential of American music itself.”
 
Hollywood Reporter –“You just wanted it to go on forever, for it was yet another song in the key of Stevie Wonder’s magical life.”
 
Consequence Of Sound – “After three hours of playing, people were still hoping he’d do a second encore. You can tell it’s not 1976 by looking at him, but you’d never know if you were only listening. Some things get old, but Stevie Wonder barely ages.”
 

Kylie Minogue to headline British Summer Time Hyde Park 2015

A fabulous and fierce line up will throw the party of the summer in London’s iconic Hyde Park with music legends Kylie MinogueGrace Jones and Chic feat Nile Rodgers 
 
Prepare for an unforgettable day of floor-filler hits with two queens of the club and the man who pioneered disco, performing tunes you just can’t get out of your head. With many more incredible hit-makers to be announced in the coming months, Your Disco Needs You!
 
The universally adored Kylie is unquestionably one of the top pop entertainers on the planet, famed for her fabulous and extravagant live shows. She took her awesome Kiss Me Once tour around Europe last year, featuring glittering renditions of her heart thumping greatest hits.
 
And she is once again causing palpitations on her latest collaboration with disco legend Giorgio Moroder. ‘Right Here, Right Now’ the first track to be released from his forthcoming album.
 
Kylie comments:
“I'm so excited to perform at Hyde Park this Summer. I have great memories of playing shows there and am looking forward to doing it all again! Given the amazing artists performing and that it will be the longest day of the year, I can't wait!”
 
The Australian pop siren has sold over 70 million records worldwide in a career spanning over 25 years, boasting the kind of success and longevity most performers only dream of. 
 
Kylie has clocked up 33 UK Top 10 singles, including seven #1 hits including ‘I Should Be So Lucky’, ‘Spinning Around’, ‘Can’t Get You Out of My Head’ and ‘All The Lovers.’
 
Also taking to the stage on Sunday June 21st and performing live for the first time in 2015, will be the one and onlyGrace Jones. Since releasing her first single ‘I Need A Man’ in 1975, Grace has become one of music’s singular icons, known as much for her incredible outfits, on stage hula-hooping and larger than life character as she is for her ground-breaking club hits ‘Pull Up To The Bumper’, ‘Slave To The Rhythm’ and ‘Nightclubbing’.  When Grace is around, anything can happen.
 
Grace Jones comments:
"I'll bring the Jekyll to Hyde Park"
 
And returning to Hyde Park are Chic feat Nile Rodgers. Back by popular demand, after a now legendary mid afternoon set at the inaugural Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park in 2013, Nile and his band will once more be whipping the crowd into shape (and on to the stage!) with the hits that invented disco – ‘Everybody Dance’, ‘Good Times’, ‘We Are Family’ and ‘He’s The Greatest Dancer’. 
 
Other headliners already announced for Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park are Taylor Swift, joined by Ellie Goulding and John Newman on June 27th and The Who, with Paul Weller, Kaiser Chiefs and Johnny Marr on June 26th.

The Who to play British Summer Time Hyde Park 2015

One of the greatest live bands of all time, THE WHO will take to the Great Oak Stage in London’s iconic Hyde Park on Friday 26th June with very special guests PAUL WELLER, KAISER CHIEFS AND JOHNNY MARR and others to be announced. The all-day bill will feature many more brilliant acts who owe an artistic debt to one of the most influential of all British bands. Tickets are on general sale 9am Thursday 20 November.

The band, who recently released a career-spanning set and were the subject of a rapturous sold out tribute show at Shepherds Bush Empire, are about to undertake the ten date WHO HITS 50 UK tour including two shows at the London O2 Arena.  During these shows  the band will take their audience on an ‘Amazing Journey’ through their entire career from the days of THE HIGH NUMBERS to classic albums such as WHO’S NEXT, TOMMYQUADROPHENIA, MY GENERATION, LIVE AT LEEDS up to the present day.

Hyde Park will be the final UK show of the ‘WHO HITS FIFTY’ tour which ROGER DALTREY described as “This is the beginning of the long goodbye."

Friday 26th June will see THE WHO play Hyde Park for the fourth and possibly final time (three times as headliners and once as part of Live 8) they join Taylor Swift, performing on Saturday 27th June as part of an incredible array of talent who will make Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park the greatest music experience of the summer.

THE WHO’s very special guests include PAUL WELLER, widely considered to be one of the UK’s greatest song writers, has just released his second best of compilation ‘More Modern Classics’ with a new album due in 2015Weller has had a lifelong relationship with The Who, citing them as an early influence, covering their songs whilst in The Jam and playing with both Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey at Teenage Cancer Trust shows.

KAISER CHIEFS will also be playing on the 26th June, the band are riding high off the back of their ‘Education, Education, Education And War’ album which has been widely hailed as a return to form. The band have a long history with The Who from playing early Teenage Cancer Trust Shows, covering Pinball Wizard at the 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony and singer Ricky Wilson performing at The Who Hits 50 tribute show at Shepherds Bush Empire.

JOHNNY MARR who has just released his second solo album ‘Playland‘ will be making his Hyde Park debut. The legendary guitarist also has history with The Who, in the early days of Oasis (specifically in the ‘Live Forever’ video) Noel Gallagher used to play a 1960’s Gibson Les Paul Custom guitar lent to him by Johnny who in turn had originally bought it from The Who’s Pete Townshend.

AEG Live, The Royal Parks and Barclaycard are proud to present the third year of this unique and world-class event.  Over the past two years, hundreds of thousands of fans have been entertained and 2015 will be no exception. As well as the huge ticketed headliners the midweek activities will return with free access for park visitors to enjoy film, music, sport and literature.

Jim King, Senior Vice President Live Events, said: "The Who are THE consummate live band and we are extremely excited to bring them back to Hyde Park. In addition to Paul Weller, there will be a great bill of artists who have been influenced by The Who over the years and we look forward to what will be a full day of fantastic music.”

Penelope Boyd Head of Events and Filming at The Royal Parks, said“Next year’s BST Hyde Park is already shaping up to be the must see event of 2015 – bringing a diverse range of entertainment to the heart of the capital with Taylor Swift making her Hyde Park debut on the Saturday night and now The Who making a welcome return on the Friday.”

Taylor Swift to headline British Summer Time Hyde Park 2015

Global superstar and seven-time Grammy Award winner Taylor Swift is the first headliner announced for Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park 2015. The most talked about artist in the world, Taylor will take to the Great Oak Stage in London’s iconic Hyde Park on Saturday 27 June. Tickets are on general sale 9am on Monday 10 November.

‘1989’ is Taylor’s fifth studio album, inspired by the bold sounds of the 80’s, which debuted at no. 1 in the UK’s official album charts and across 95 countries worldwide on iTunes. Taylor’s infectious first single, ‘Shake It Off’, peaked at No.1 in the UK on iTunes, spending three consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the radio airplay charts, ten consecutive weeks in the top 10 of the official singles chart and is nearing platinum certification.

Taylor Swift, is the essential pop star headlining the essential event of 2015. Her critically acclaimed sell out 2014 RED tour saw her play five sold out shows at London’s The O2. With career record sales in excess of 30 million albums and almost 80 million song downloads, she is the only female artist in music history (and just the fourth artist ever) to twice have an album (2010's Speak Now and 2012's RED) hit the 1 million plus first-week sales figure in the US. Taylor's album ‘RED’, released two years ago on Big Machine Records/Virgin EMI, has sold more than 6 million copies worldwide to date, including over half a million copies in the UK where it debuted at No. 1 on the official album charts, and more than 1.2 million copies in the U.S. in its first week (where it scored the highest first-week sales debut of any album in over a decade).

 

As the London date on her global tour, Taylor joins an illustrious group of headliners who have made Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park the best music experience of the summer. With a stellar line up of exciting artists to be announced soon as part of the event, Taylor’s show on Saturday 27 June is set to be an unmissable day out!

Jim King, Senior Vice President Live Events, says: 

"It is an absolute honour for AEG to announce Taylor Swift as our first headliner for 2015. As one of the World's biggest artists and one who never fails to deliver incredible live experiences for her fans, Taylor Swift performing on Hyde Park's Great Oak Stage will be a highlight of 2015 and we couldn't be more excited to welcome her back to London.”

Liz Mullins Director of Events at The Royal Parks, said: 

“Since it began in 2013 Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park has become a firm favourite in the events calendar, bringing a diverse range of entertainment and the world’s biggest artists to this iconic park. From The Rolling Stones to Black Sabbath, Lionel Richie to Tom Jones, comedy nights and family days there has been something for everyone. We are looking forward to working with our partners AEG Live to once again bring this truly unique event to Hyde Park.”

Tim Minchin to headline British Summer Time Hyde Park

Minchin takes to the 'Great Oak Stage' following his headlining stint as Judas Iscariot in the sell out arena tour of Jesus Christ Superstar and off the back of the huge Broadway and West End success of his multi award winning musical Matilda – which scooped a record breaking 7 Olivier Awards. Going back to his day job of stand up musical comedy, this will be his first time performing in the historic Royal Park.

Having released six CDs, three DVDs and performed sell-out international live shows, Tim Minchin has also become a fixture on TV and radio in his native Australia, here in the UK and even guest starring in the US drama Californication. His legions of fans from comedy, drama and musicals will have the opportunity to see him perform his full show live on 10th July in Hyde Park.

Tim will be performing on the main stage, so bring along your picnic blankets and chairs and claim your spot on the grass in London’s Hyde Park. If you’d rather though, there will also be unreserved seating in the Grandstand area for an evening of the best outdoor comedy entertainment offered anywhere in London.

Joining Tim will be the cream of UK comedy talent:

Milton Jones is the king of the one-liners, a regular on BBC Radio 4 and TV’s Mock The Week where his quick fire humour gives audiences several laughs a minute. This summer he's in between national tours with some classics and plenty of brand new one-liners. Clever and stupid. No, mainly stupid. "No-one can touch Jones when he hits his stride"  The Guardian. "He's fast, absurd and very funny" Radio Times

Newly crowned ‘Queen Of Comedy’ at the British Comedy Awards 2014, ventriloquist extraordinaire Nina Conti will be unpacking her suitcase of friends as she brings her puppet sidekicks to Hyde Park. White-haired Scottish Granny, the cynical monkey, Monk and of course the hilarious face-mask that lets Nina interact with terrified members of the audience!

Since playing Jonathan Creek in the late 90’s, Alan Davies has become a star of both television and screen, an actor and comedian whose laconic style is as at home in comedy clubs as on TV panel shows. A regular team captain on BBC2’s QI, playing Stephen Fry’s loveable sidekick, catch him perform this one-off show, before he heads out on a UK tour later this year.

Gina Yashere is the outspoken Londoner who the Guardian has called “one of the best comics in the world” and the first Briton to appear on the Def Comedy Jam in the US. Gina won both 'Best International Comedian' and 'Best Comedy DVD' at the Black Comedy Awards in 2014. 

Holding the whole show together is one of the most popular British comedians ever.  Jasper Carrott is famous the world over for his hilarious observational comedy, one man TV shows and global tours, not to mention his chart success with the spoof hit ‘Funky Moped’. He has received the Lifetime Achievement accolade from the British Comedy Awards and this is a rare chance to see him live in action.

Arcade Fire to headline British Summer Time Hyde Park 2014

As one of the best live acts in the world, the million-selling Grammy-winning Arcade Fire’s latest album Reflektor topped the charts in the UK and North America and reached #1 in the iTunes charts in 40 countries.

Arcade Fire are renowned for creating an immersive live experience with the help of their audience. Costume and formal attire is optional and encouraged at every show. The carnival atmosphere is heightened by Haitian percussionists and a string section, while special guest appearances along the Reflektor tour have included Debbie Harry and Beck – and filming of new video ‘We Exist’ saw Spiderman Andrew Garfield join the band onstage at the Coachella Festival in California.

Joining Arcade Fire at Hyde Park will be Wild Beasts and Future Islands

Fresh from releasing their critically acclaimed Top 10 album ‘Present Tense’ Wild Beasts will be hitting the Hyde Park stage this July. Shortly after this, the band will be off to play shows in the USA, Canada and Australia, so be sure to catch their melodic rock anthems on home soil this summer 

Synthpop heroes Future Islands were born to grace the stage at Hyde Park. Forming in 2006 in Baltimore, USA, they rose to prominence in March this year with a landmark performance on The Late Show with David Letterman with their seminal track ‘Seasons (Waiting On You)’. London’s Hyde Park is set to fall in love with the breakthrough success of 2014!

Headliners already announced for Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park are Black Sabbath leading a huge day of rock 4th July, The Libertines on July 5thMcBusted on 6th July, Neil Young 12th July and Tom Jones on 13th July. 

Barclaycard presale tickets available from 9am Monday 19th May: http://www.barclaycardunwind.com

BST/AEG presale: 9am Wednesday 21st May

GENERAL ON-SALE: 9am Friday 23rd May

 

Graham Coxon will perform at British Summer Time Hyde Park

Graham Coxon is widely regarded as one the greatest musicians of his generation. As the lead guitarist in Blur, he helped define the Britpop era.  As a solo artist, he’s released eight studio albums since his debut ‘The Sky is Too High’ 16 years ago, including the hugely successful ‘Happiness In Magazines’. More recently Graham released his most critically acclaimed album to date, ‘A+E’, in 2012, and has been touring the world with Blur.  This July, Graham Coxon takes to the stage at London’s Hyde Park, for what will surely be the highlight of the afternoon.

Forming at the turn of the century, The Libertines have become one of the most influential and important bands of their generation. Leading the charge with Pete Doherty and Carl Barat as song writing partners, their on stage chemistry and intense live performances have enthralled fans and critics alike since their debut album ‘Up The Bracket’ in 2002. Following this with their second LP in 2004, ‘The Libertines’ shot straight to #1, catapulting them into the mainstream. Disbanding soon after that release, they went their separate ways for six years, cementing their almost mythical status.

At Hyde Park in the glow of an Albion summer, The Libertines will play their largest ever headline show at Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park on 5th July, with further Best of British support from: The Pogues, Spiritualized, Maximo Park, Wolf Alice, Swim DeepThe Enemy, Reverend and The Makers, I Am Kloot, The View, Darlia, The Rifles, Cuckoolander, Brownbear, Raglans, The Twang, Slaves, The Jacques,Franko Fraize and Lois & The Love…..

Headliners already announced for Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park are Black Sabbath leading a huge day of rock 4th July,McBusted on 6th July, Neil Young 12th July and Tom Jones on 13th July. And there is still lots more to be announced…

The Libertines to reunite at British Summer Time Hyde Park

We are extatic to inform you that the infamous Libertines will reform at this years British Summer Time Hyde Park.  Pete, Carl, John and Gary make a long awaited return to the stage, playing their first full live shows since 2010.  Joined by the cream of UK talent, this is the Best of British Summer Time.

Forming at the turn of the century, The Libertines have become one of the most influential and important bands of their generation. Leading the charge with Pete Doherty and Carl Barat as song writing partners, their on stage chemistry and intense live performances have enthralled fans and critics alike since their debut album ‘Up The Bracket’ in 2002. Following this with their second LP in 2004, ‘The Libertines’ shot straight to #1, catapulting them into the mainstream. Disbanding soon after that release, they went their separate ways for six years, cementing their almost mythical status.

Preceding them on The Great Oak Stage, The Pogues are London’s Irish punk folk heroes.  Formed in the heart of the English capital in Kings Cross, they mixed punk sensibility with traditional Irish instruments and poetic, often funny lyrics scoring seminal hits ‘Dirty Old Town’ and the alternative Christmas fable ‘Fairytale of New York.’  With frontman Shane MacGowan rejoining with his bandmates in 2001, their influence on the likes of The Libertines is writ large.

Spiritualized are one of the most enigmatic British bands of the past 20 years, formed after the breakup of frontman Jason Pierce's groundbreaking former group Spacemen 3.  With minimalist music building into hypnotic, orchestrated masterpieces, Hyde Park will enjoy a rare chance to bathe in their waves of sound in an outdoor setting.

Signing to renowned electronic dance label Warp Records in 2004, Maximo Park have been producing exciting indie guitar music for the past decade and show no signs of slowing down. Fronted by enigmatic Paul Smith, they’re blazed a trail with their debut ‘A Certain Trigger’ which was nominated for a Mercury Prize in 2005. Now signed to V2 Records, Maximo Park will be showcasing their latest album ‘Too Much Information,’ released in February.

The next generation of British talent is well represented on the bill. Voted NME’s Best New Band, 2014 has been an incredible year for London’s Wolf Alice. Joining us at Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park, this lovechild of folk and grunge are leading the way for an indie revival in British music.

And Birmingham-based Swim Deep have welcomed ‘shoe gaze’ back to British pop music. Another championed by the NME on this year’s Awards Tour, dates at Brixton Academy especially established them as welcome leaders for a new decade of guitar bands.

At Hyde Park in the glow of an Albion summer, The Libertines will play their largest ever headline show at Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park on 5th July, with further Best of British support from: The Enemy,Reverend and The Makers, I Am Kloot, The View, Darlia, The Rifles, Cuckoolander, Brownbear, Raglans, The Twang…..