Paul Simon Confirmed to headline Hard Rock Calling 2012

The evening will include a special performance of ‘Graceland’, featuring Ladysmith Black Mambazo, in addition to songs spanning his illustrious career. Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas are also confirmed for Sunday 15 July, while Lady Antebellum and John Fogerty join headliner Bruce Springsteen on Saturday 14 July in what promises to be one of the biggest weekends in the music calendar.

Graceland’ is one of the most influential albums of the last three decades, and as part of its 25th anniversary celebrations, Paul Simon will be performing the album in its entirety at Hard Rock Calling 2012. He will be joined on stage by Jimmy Cliff on songs including Harder They Come and Too Many Rivers To Cross, before Ladysmith Black Mambazo take to the stage for a Graceland reunion, a UK first since 1987. 

Also announced for Sunday 15 July is Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas. Grammy Award-winning Alison Krauss has sold in excess of 12 million albums, including the smash hit release with Robert Plant, Raising Sand. They will perform songs from new album ‘Paper Airplane’, and her breathtaking live performances should not be missed.

Lady Antebellum, multi-million selling country-pop trio, are now confirmed for Saturday 14 July. Their rich harmonies and impeccable instrumental skills are sure to be a hit with crowds at Hard Rock Calling 2012. They join Creedence Clearwater Revival’s John Fogerty, who not only penned some of the biggest hits ever written including the unforgettable Proud Mary, but has also enjoyed a chart-topping solo career releasing eight studio albums and two live albums.

“Paul Simon’s ‘Graceland’ is considered to be one of the greatest of albums of all time,” said Hamish Dodds, President and CEO of Hard Rock International. “We look forward to welcoming Paul Simon to the Hard Rock Calling 2012 stage and celebrating ‘Graceland’s’ 25th Anniversary.”

Live Nation’s Vice President of Promotions, Toby Leighton-Pope commented: “We have some fantastic additions to the lineup. A full performance of Paul Simon’s ‘Graceland’ in Hyde Park is going to be incredible and we can’t wait to see the crowd’s reaction. Hard Rock Calling 2012 is a big one with many stand out moments, this will be a special one.”

Hard Rock Calling takes place 13-15 July 2012. The 2011 shows saw over 150,000 music fans flock to Hyde Park for an unforgettable weekend of live music.

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