Scoring 24 UK top 40 singles and 18 UK top 40 albums to date in a career spanning four decades, the Stranglers are the longest-surviving and most continuously successful band to have originated in the UK punk scene of the mid to late 1970s. Their legendary smash hits include Peaches, No More Heroes, Five Minutes, Duchess, Something Better Change, Always The Sun, Golden Brown, Strange Little Girl and Skin Deep amongst many, many others.
Festival director James Houston said: "This is a major coup for us. The Stranglers have stood the test of time brilliantly, with outstanding recent festival performances and a new album building on their extraordinary success over four decades. They are legends, we've always dreamed of booking them, and now they are coming. It will be a fabulous end to this year's festival at our spectacular new home."
The Stranglers occupy the big Sunday night spot occupied at Galtres by the Levellers, The Beat and Adam Ant in recent years. "Our event always ends on a big high," said James. "This year, as the sun sets over the North Yorkshire Moors, it will be a golden brown high!"
Known for their aura of danger and cool, the Stranglers begin their 2013 live campaign today in Scotland with an extensive 25 date UK tour, and concluding at Duncombe Park in August. The band, whose hits include 'Duchess', will play Galtres Festival's fittingly-named Duke Stage, overlooking the stately home.
In 1977 the Stranglers released their extraordinary debut album, Rattus Norvegicus and firmly established themselves as progressive punk outlaws.
The Stranglers first new album for six years, Giants was released in March 2012. The record was critically acclaimed and saw the band complete another hugely successful UK tour, quickly followed by 23 dates in Europe.
Last summer the band played V Festivals, Hop Farm and Isle of Wight in the UK. They also played Germany’s major festival, Rock Am Ring & Rock Im Park and shows in Estonia, France, Belgium and Turkey.