Isle of Wight Festival 2015 Review

The Isle of Wight festival has returned for its annual event bringing artist and music lovers together to celebrate 45 years since Jimi Hendrix performed his last ever UK performance in 1970. Where they estimated over 600,000 people turned up to experience his music in the flesh, In celebration of the man himself they have taken the opportunity to name the main stage ‘Electric Church’ This referring to how Jimi Hendrix himself described his music, as though music itself is a religion, away to express, influence and bring positivity to audiences all around the world, through his guitar and vocals. 

45 Years later music is adapting, changing and influencing their audiences, and today i am in Seaclose Park, Newport in the Isle of Wight,  The festival begins, here’s to threes days of music, dancing, paint fighting and food.

FRIDAY 12th JUNE 2015. IOW OFFICIALLY BEGINS

So it is Finally here I am arriving at the Isle of Wight festival 2015.  Gear at the ready, Tent… check, Portable toilet… Check, Clothes… Check and myself… Double check. The crowds are gathering and the atmosphere is captivating, The fashion of the season is floral, and the young female hipster’s seem to favour the hotpant welly combination, this was thriving through the sea of people, they might find that they will be regretting that later. When the monsoon type weather hits the isle of wight. Although this has not dampened their spirits but motivated them to create a buzzing atmosphere and supporting the artists of the festival, with what i would consider rain dancing, glasses of cider and laughter. Myself on the other hand thought after being in the rain for an hour, that is was more sensible to listen to the artists from my tent, in the dry. 

When walking around the event, which you do a lot of you see a variety of people from all walks of life, getting involved in the festival spirit, getting creative with the airbrush tattooing to dancing in the rain to 90’s pop sensations, communities sitting around being social with each other getting involved with the discussion of the moment. Getting the feeling of what the isle of wight festival is about, Families, music and people appreciating and creating that memorable year at the Isle of Wight festival. 

Through out the evening there were bands performing on the ‘Electric Church’ stage. The line up included The Struts, Kodaline, Counting Crows, You me at six, The Black Keys and the prodigy. Even though there was heavy rain Festival goers still went out and supported the bands, The Black Keys alone sounded amazing, you could hear them from the camp site and even hear the audience cheering along with them, you could imagine the audience was their in the rain, rain macs on and arms in the air enjoy the sensational Black Keys and not caring that the rain was lashing down. The headliner of the night The Prodigy I was informed was outstanding, they didn’t falter under the weather conditions, the crowd went wild, raved, danced and enjoyed the electronic music from the 90’s and now. Some people only lasted half of the set but most stayed for the whole gig enjoying the captivating performance from their fellow English brothers. 

Even though the weather was horrendous it was a great way to start the Isle of Wight Festival 2015.  Now the sun should shine the clouds be visible and the weekend should improve for the upcoming bands of 2015.

Photo courtesy of Isle of Wight Festival by Sara Lincoln

 

SATURDAY 13TH JUNE 2015-IOW: DAY TWO 

After the torrential weather from the  previous night, The people at the Isle of Wight Festival were ready and waiting for the music sensations to start tickling their ear drums, no matter how much rain that came down,  it did not dampen their spirits, it just egged them on and made them want more. I can tell you, that day the small stalls around the festival made some money from Welly Purchases and Clothes alone before the food even came in to play. Lucky enough I woke up to slight clouds and a tent that was still standing, I feel this is a proud moment i would like to share with you guys, I Sharron put a tent together and it survived a storm and a half, and i survived sleeping through it, which i am grateful for as there are some outstanding acts that the Isle of Wight festival Goers are going to experience today.

Today was the Day Blur was performing on the 'Electric Stage', Their first ever performance at the Isle of wight festival, For me it was bag of mixed emotions. Damon Albarn the lead singer of Blur had previously lost his voice to illness before the gig, but this did not stop the man from performing with power, passion and giving 110% to his fans. They Did an hour and fifty minutes. Their first section was a mixture of their new album, which i felt didn’t get the crowd moving as much, and i found that it was to much new and not enough of the classics, which finally came towards the middle of the set, when they started playing songs such as Parklife which had guest star Phil Daniels performing with the guys,  this got the crowd jumping around, the atmosphere changed and people started moving and getting involved with the music, they followed this up with Coffee and TV, Girls and Boys, Song 2 and the classic Tender. For me the classic win over all, it got people moving and ended the night with a bang. 

Photo courtesy of Isle of Wight Festival by Sara Lincoln

Previously to Blur we had the one and only Pharell Williams who first performed at the Isle of Wight festival back in 2008 with his band N.E.R.D, Tonight he gave a performance of old and new songs which included his special Guest his band member from N.E.R.D, They performed classics such as Lapdance and She likes to move, which they welcomed fans from the audience to dance on stage with them, a highlight of the night was the women who danced with the band to the song she likes to move. She bought entertainment to the Isle of Wight festival and the audience cheered her on as her performance bought laughter and fun to the event. He took a moment to celebrate Jimi Hendrix 45 years through an instrumental of the song one love, which the audience in turn put one finger in the air to celebrate a legend that stood on the Isle of Wight stage 45 years ago. He then went on to play renditions of songs that he performed with artists such as Gwen Stefani, Snoop Dogg and many more.  He ended the set with the all time Minon favourite song ‘Happy’ He bought to the stage, the children that the Isle of Wight festival where raising awareness and donations for. To join him and to perform and dance on stage to get the crowd clapping along to the song. 

Between Blur and Pharell Williams we had the sensational DJ Shortee Blitz, Getting the atmosphere and audience ready for the next big act Blur, he played songs from the 80’s and 90’s to get people on their feet, the last two songs were from the legendary Queen, We are the Champions and Bohemian Rhapsody. This got everyone going and ready for the rest of the night, the crowd was singing and the Isle of Wight was in full song. It was a stunning moment to bring on the one and only Blur

Through out the day we had performances from bands such as, Ward Thomas, Nothing But Thieves, Jess Glynne, James Bay, Jessie Ware, Kool and the Gang and Dj Shortee Blitz. James Bay created an electric acoustic feel to the festival, He bought his soul and spirit to his music creating a mind blowing set that inspired people and relaxed them, whilst they singing along to the lyrics from hold back the river from his number 1 album and songs such as Let it go and if you ever want to be in love. He was followed by the astonishing Jessie Ware our London goddess, she bought her wonderful voice and performed her electro-pop music, whilst enchanting the audience with songs known as champagne kisses, wildest moments, Say you love me, running and kind of.. sometimes.. maybe which she considered to be her flirtatious song. Jessie ware gave an exceptional performance one of my favourites from this years Isle of Wight festival. 

Over on the 'Big Top' stage we had band such as Twin Wild, New City Kings, La Femme, The Shires, Foxes, Stiff Little Fingers and Paul Oakenfold. Foxes performed on this stage creating a strong and fun atmosphere for their audience, people where coming from other venues such as the Colourena, where they had live Djs performing around the clock with classics from the 70’s 80’s and 90’s they provided Paint fighting with music for people to go and let their hair down in between acts and to burn off those calories added from all the food venders on site. It was a fun way to meet, mingle and to dance your socks off before going to rock out to your favourite artist on stage. 

SUNDAY 14th JUNE 2015 IOW: DAY THREE

Sunday was the lead up to the headliners Fleetwood Mac and Paolo Nutini, through out the day you witnessed more and more people arriving to get a good spot at the main stage known as the ’Electric Stage’ for the evenings events to unfold.  The line up through out the day consisted of The Rainband, Suzanne Vega, Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson, The Courteeners, and First aid Kit.  Suzanne Vega performed with her Guitarist classics such as Left of centre, known for the Pretty in Pink soundtrack in the 1980’s. 

In the ‘BIG TOP’ stage we had the band Coasts performing songs such as Modern Love and new hits from their upcoming Debut album also known as ‘coasts’ a new number 1 in the mix called Tonight, this Bristol band got the audience jumping around, whilst pulling people in from all around the Isle of Wight festival to enjoy this fresh new sound created by this 5 piece band from the UK.  They where followed up with The ViewLightening Seeds and the one and only Ash.  

Ash who performed songs such as Burn baby burn and Shining Light, bringing their music to their fans, the audience were bursting at the seems, the 'BIG TOP' stage was packed and people were gathering to watch this captivating performance, Although I only got to witness the first 15 minutes of this i can tell you these guys where rocking this crowd, and keeping the standard of the Isle of Wight festival which was created over the past two days going. 

Even though there was rumours of Fleetwood Mac possibly cancelling the show due to illness and two previous cancellations on their current tour which they have already done 90 shows since last year, they turned up and Gave a performance of a lifetime, Fleetwood Mac Arrived with such grace and presence. The field was full, the Fans where waiting and the night was about to begin, the act that everyone was waiting to see was here, over 50,000 fans filled the Isle of Wight creating an nostalgic atmosphere with the sun setting in the background, creating a perfect evening for an outdoor gig. 

They had previously been warmed up by the ever popular Paolo Nutini, His soulful, gruff voice wowed the audience with such power and grace, he topped this of with his dynamic stage presence it created the perfect show to watch and to get the crowed moving to songs such as Better Man, Jenny don’t be hasty and a beautiful rendition of New Shoes. A stunning performance by an amazing Artist, Thumbs up! 

Fleetwood Mac opened the show with the song The Chains creating the atmosphere for the evening, and not disappointing with their renditions of classics such as, Go your own way, Rhiannon, Gypsy and who can forget Landslide which Stevie Nicks dedicated to her friend and fellow Artist David Grohl, Who has recently broken his leg whilst touring. This  song was written and performed originally in 1974, 41 years prior to Isle of Wight 2015, this did not disappoint but left the audience in ore.  They provided a spectacular end to an amazing weekend with the song ‘Don’t Stop’. Whilst performing, Fireworks where provided the perfect end with the perfect song, the crowd danced, they sang and they didn’t want the night to end wanting more from the legendary Fleetwood Mac who had performed for an outstanding 2 hours, getting better and better with each song, and their individual solos showing us what the music industry is all about.

Once Fleetwood Mac had ended, people departed the ‘Electric Stage’ and went on to other events within the Isle of Wight Festival, In the ‘BIG TOP’ stage The Charlatans where closing down the last gig to be performed on the ‘BiG TOP’ for the Isle of Wight 2015, the fans filled the tent and crowded around the edges to see these guys perform, people still buzzing and enjoying their last night at the Isle of Wight Festival, taking in the music, the atmosphere and their fellow music lovers around them. Joining in with the music and capturing these moments through images and tweets via social medias such as Twitter and Facebook. Truly showing what the Festival season is about, Music, Artists, Fans getting together under one Social weekend to celebrate 45 Years of music inspired by those who performed at the Isle of wight 2015 and those who helped to create the Isle of Wight Festival since 1968. 

Artists known as: Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, Joni Mitchell, Supertramp, Leonard Cohen, Joan Baez, Chicago, Procol Harum, The Rolling Stones, The Who, David Bowie, Muse, Foo Fighters, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Pearl Jam, Kasabian, Amy Winehouse, Kings of Leon, Jay-Z, The Strokes, Coldplay, The Sex Pistols, The Police, Blondie etc. 

Thank you guys for a wonderful weekend and an oustanding festival…till next year. 

Franz Ferdinand and Sparks to play a joint set at Benicassim 2015

Soon to be taking the stage at benicassim in 2015 is the newly configured FFS, and by that I don’t mean for fucks sake! A seemingly different pairing, Franz Ferdinand and Sparks have united to create a sort-of super group, and to top it off a collective album produced by non other than John Congleton. Ron Mael (Sparks’ keyboardist) has said the album sounds like ‘the wreckage of a train crash between the bands’. Woah, well if that’s anything to go by we’re sure their set won’t be anything less than mind blowing, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store.

But that’s not the only wonders Benicassim has to offer, with it’s coming of age this year and to celebrate the big 2-1 they’ve added some amazing bands to the bill. Headliners include britpop legends Blur and drum and bass kings The Prodigy, plus with new acts just announced theres something for everyone who wants to have fun in the sun.

On the cusp of releasing his 6th studio album Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls promises to wow us all, there’s monumental post-rock from Godspeed You! Black Emperor, raucous rock ’n’ roll from The Cribs, epic Muse-like soundscapes from Spain’s Vetusta Morla, Reverend & The Makers bring their great street songs. There’s going to be huge techno sessions from Tiga and Evan Baggs and a dash of French house from Madeon. Exciting young pups Palma Violets and Swim Deep join the bill too, whilst representing Ireland are The Riptide Movement, Hamsandwich, and Gavin James.

All these and more added to a bill that already includes the massive names above as well as Crystal Fighters, Jamie T, Kaiser Chiefs, Mark Ronson, Public Enemy, Stromae and that’s not even the half of it yet. With a few more names to be added to the bill, this is sure to be a week not to forget.

Blur to headline Saturday at Isle of Wight Festival 2015

The Isle of Wight Festival are very excited to finally reveal that, following next month’s release of their new album ‘The Magic Whip’, Blur are confirmed to headline the Saturday night! The news broke exclusively on Absolute Radio this morning, with Dean Chant from Bognor announcing the final headliner act live on the Breakfast Show after winning an Isle of Wight Festival competition.

Blur will join Fleetwood Mac, The Prodigy, The Black Keys, Pharrell Williams, Paolo Nutini, Jessie Ware, James Bay, Billy Idol, Paul Oakenfold, The Charlatans and many more acts for the first festival of the summer, taking place on 11-14 June at Seaclose Park. 

‘The Magic Whip’ is blur’s first album as a four piece in 16 years and three new tracks from the record,  ‘Go Out, ‘There Are Too Many Of Us’ and ‘Lonesome Street’, have been sent to fans ahead of the album’s release on 27th April on Parlophone. Tickets for The Isle of Wight Festival are available now from www.isleofwightfestival.com

Graham Coxon said: 

These summer shows are going to be quite different to the gigs we did a few years back. We're excited to play the new record live and we'll have some surprises in store for the fans too.”

Alex James said:

The British summer is just not complete without a trip to a festival. We’ve never played Isle of Wight Festival before so we’re really looking forward to this one. And we get to take our tour bus on a boat.”

Isle of Wight Festival promoter John Giddings added: 

“I’m a huge fan of blur and have always wanted to bring them to the Isle of Wight Festival so I’m really pleased we’ve finally done it! I know they’re going to blow the crowd away on the Saturday night – see you down the front!”

BLUR to headline British Summer Time Hyde Park

As the only artists to play Hyde Park four times, Blur will make a welcome return to the historic London park for a headline show on Saturday 20th June. Since announcing their arrival with debut album Leisure in 1991,Blur went on to revolutionise the sound of English popular music with five successive UK  #1 albums (Parklife, The Great Escape, Blur, 13 and Think Tank) helping to propel the band to mass popularity at home and abroad. One of the biggest British bands of the last two decades, Blur have released seven studio albums and collected ten NME Awards, six Q Awards, five BRIT Awards and an Ivor Novello Award, and played live to thousands of devoted fans across the globe.

And 16 years since their last album as a four-piece, 27th April sees the release of a brand new album from Blur on Parlophone, titled The Magic Whip. The recordings, which began during a five-day break in touring in Spring 2013 – at Avon Studios in Kowloon, Hong Kong – were put aside when the group finished touring and returned to their respective lives.  Last November Graham Coxon revisited the tracks and, drafting in Blur’s early producer Stephen Street, he worked with the band on the material. Albarn then added lyrics and the 12 tracks on The Magic Whip are the result

The full tracklisting for The Magic Whip is: Lonesome Street, New World Towers, Go Out, Ice Cream Man,Thought I Was a Spaceman, I Broadcast, My Terracotta Heart, There are Too Many of Us, Ghost Ship,Pyongyang, Ong Ong, Mirror Ball.

Other headliners already announced for Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park are Kylie Minogue joined by Grace Jones and Chic feat Nile Rodgers on June 21stThe Who, with Paul Weller, Kaiser Chiefs and Johnny Marr on June 26th and Taylor Swift, joined by Ellie Goulding and John Newman on June 27th.

AEG LiveThe Royal Parks and Barclaycard are proud to present the third year of this unique and world-class event. Having royally entertained hundreds of thousands of fans over the past two years, 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, says: "There are few things in life that are as brilliant and as quintessentially British as Blur playing an outdoor gig in London. With new material and the new and improved production at Hyde Park this show is set to be one of the best Blur shows of all time.”

Alun Mainwaring, Head of Events at The Royal Parks, said: “We can’t wait to welcome Blur back to Hyde Park! A lot has changed since the band were last here and we are excited to see their reaction as they take to the Great Oak Stage in what will be their first appearance at BST Hyde Park.”

My Bloody Valentine, Klaxons and more added to Berlin Festival lineup

My Bloody Valentine will return to the city in which they recorded their debut EP, This Is Your Bloody Valentine, in 1985 for a very special show at Tempelhof. After a break of over 20 years, the directional Irish band fronted by mastermind Kevin Shields, released their third studio album, mbv, in February of this year. With the album receiving wide acclaim from critics and fans alike, their spectacular live show is sure to delight the Berlin Festival crowd.

My Bloody Valentine

British indie-rockers Klaxons are also set to perform at this years Berlin Festival. The nu-rave initiators, who first burst on to the scene in 2007 with their Mercury award winning album Myths of the Near Future, are now back with a brand new album to be released later this year.

After having sold out the Berlin-based Columbiahalle well in advance, fans of Fritz Kalkbrenner will get another chance to see him on stage at Berlin Festival. Mia. and Dillon will both play their only Berlin show this year at Tempelhof Airport and UK band Savages, one of the most promising acts of 2013, will make their Berlin Festival debut.

The newly introduced Club THF at Hangar 2 will cater to all the techno lovers amongst you. The first acts to be added to the event's line-up are techno icon Ellen Allien and the mighty John Talabot (live) setting the tone. 

The All-inclusive Festival Ticket, which gives festivalgoers access to Berlin Festival at Tempelhof Airport, Club Xberg at Arena and Club THF at Hangar 2 is available for EUR 129 plus booking fee. A free shuttle bus service from and to the venues is also included.

Blur & Pet Shop Boys set for Berlin Festival 2013

Berlin Festival is back! Tickets go on sale today for the 8th edition of Berlin Festival, which takes place on 6th and 7th September 2013 at Tempelhof Airport and Arena Berlin.

Blur are confirmed to play one of their few European gigs and their only Germany show in 2013 at Berlin Festival. The band will take to the stage at Berlin Festival nine years after the band?s last performance in Germany. Blur became world famous in the 90s with records including Parklife and The Great Escape and had a triumphant returned to the stage earlier this year for a sold out show in London's Hyde Park to mark the closing of the Olympic Games. With anthems such as 'Girls & Boys', 'Country House' and 'Song 2' and new work like 'The Puritan' and 'Under The Westway', the band are sure to light up the stage at Tempelhof Airport. 

Pet Shop Boys are also set to make their Berlin Festival debut in 2013. The duo, comprised of Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe, are known the world over for hits like 'It's A Sin' and 'West End Girls' and are renowned for their incredible live performances. Having recently celebrated the world premiere of their eleventh studio album, Elysium, in Berlin, the Pet Shop Boys will be back in the German capital city with a special live performance of their album for Tempelhof crowds.

After Turbostaat's Berlin Festival performance in 2010, the punk rockers, who skilfully manage the balancing act between deep lyrics and mosh pit attitude, are back with a new album which sees its release in April 2013. The band will play its first Berlin gig with new material at Berlin Festival.

With a vast selection of gigs and DJ sets on the airfield, in the airport's hangars 4 and 5 as well as Arena Berlin, techno fans will definitely get their money's worth in 2013. Club THF will also make its debut in Hangar 2 in 2013, featuring the music genres Berlin is famous for – techno, house and electro. All DJs will be announced soon.

Any ticket buyers, who purchase their tickets via eventim.de from 14th to 21st December, will be entered into a draw to win one of three First Class Tickets worth EUR 300 each. The winner plus one of his or her friends will be granted access to Berlin Festival, Club Xberg, Club THF as well as the VIP areas at Tempelhof Airport and Arena Berlin including catering (food & beverages). Also included is the festival shuttle transfer.

Tickets go on sale on 14th December 10 am exclusively via Eventim. From 21st December on, tickets will also be available via the official festival website under the following link.

TICKET CATEGORIES 
Kombiticket X
incl. 2 days of Berlin Festival (Tempelhof) + Club Xberg (Arena Berlin)
EUR 89 + booking fee
valid for 6th and 7th September
 
Kombiticket THF
incl. 2 days of Berlin Festival (Tempelhof) + Club THF (Hangar 2)
EUR 89 + booking fee
valid for 6th and 7th September
 
Festivalticket
2-day ticket Berlin Festival (Tempelhof):
EUR 74 + booking fee
valid for 6th and 7th September

A limited amount of day tickets for Berlin Festival at Tempelhof Airport as well as tickets to Club Xberg at Arena Berlin and Club THF at Hangar 2 will be available as soon as all acts have been announced divided by day and venue. 

*As of 1st February, prices are subject to change

Arctic Monkeys set for Open’er Festival

Arctic Monkeys have delivered four seminal records since they broke onto the scene in spectacular fashion in 2006 and are one of the most revered live acts around.  They will perform on Thursday 4th July.  They are the latest exciting addition to what is already an outstanding bill joining Blur, Kings of Leon and Queens Of The Stone Age, who will take to the stage in Gdynia on the north coast of Poland for four days of exceptional entertainment at incredibly affordable prices.  Many more artists will be announced to perform over six music stages.

Arctic Monkeys

The Open'er festival has grown enormously since its inception in 2002 and has established a reputation as one of the premier festivals in Europe.  Open'er has brought the world's biggest bands to Poland, many for the first time and has recently broadened its cultural remit to promote a distinguished programme of arts, culture and fashion.

Further information will be released in early 2013

EARLY BIRD TICKETS:
Until Jan 15, 2013, while stocks last
4-day tickets (03.07 – 06.07) -PLN 370 (approx. EUR 91)
4-day ticket w/6-day camping (02.07 – 07.07)-PLN 450 (approx. EUR 110)
Ticket prices after Jan 15, 2013:
4-day tickets (03.07 – 06.07)-PLN 470 (approx. EUR 115)
4-day ticket w/6-day camping (02.07 – 07.07)-PLN 550 (approx. EUR 135)
day tickets–PLN 189 (approx. EUR 47)
 Please note: exchange rate is correct at the date of publishing (Dec 13, 2012) but subject to change.
Tickets available in ALTERSHOP and in Ticketpro outlets.

Volbeat added to Rock Werchter 2013 lineup!

It has already been announced that Blur, Depeche Mode, Editors, Green Day, Kings of Leon and Rammstein will play at Rock Werchter 2013, which takes place from Thursday 4 July to Sunday 7 July. More names are to follow.

Volbeat is Metal's hottest. The Danes Рan abbreviation of Volume.Beat Рare the new gods in the land of Metallica and Moțrhead. They were last year's big revelation at the Graspop Metal Meeting in Belgium. In 2010 and 2011 they performed to a packed Lotto Arena in Antwerp. This, their first performance at Rock Werchter, is just the logical next step. Volbeat is ready for the transition to a broader audience. And that broader audience is as good as won over. For instance: the group is just as high on Studio Brussel's 'De Zwaarste Lijst' (annual best of metal list) as it is in 'De Afrekening' (weekly charts from the listeners). And the reason is simple: the music. Volbeat think on a broader scale. The leaning is to metal, but these Danes like to digress. Toward punk. Toward rockabilly too. Heroes include Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley, and they cover "I Only Want To Be With You" by the late Dusty Springfield, the "white queen of soul". Catchy, energetic and refreshingly Scandinavian!

Volbeat

Rock Werchter 2013 will be held from Thursday 4 July to Sunday 7 July in Werchter (Belgium). For four whole days the very best can be seen and heard on three stages in the Festivalpark. Established artists, today's and yesterday's heroes and the big sensations take to the Main Stage as usual. The Pyramid Marquee hosts all flavours of electronic dance on Thursday and Friday. And then it's the upcoming talent, the more intimate performances and dance beats into the small hours on Saturday and Sunday. In the Barn, it will be nice to see old friends, but discover tomorrow's heroes. It's a sort of in-festival concert hall. Rock Werchter books acts from every musical genre. And it goes down well. The festival is an international hit. At Eurosonic in Groningen, Rock Werchter scooped the European Festival Award for "Best European Festival Line-Up". More than 140,000 (unique) festival goers from all around the world found their way to a sold-out Rock Werchter over the four days of the festival in 2012. 

Green Day to headline Rock Werchter 2013

Already there have been previous announcements that Blur, on Friday July 5, and Rammstein, on Saturday July 6, will be performing at the festival in Werchter (Belgium). More soon!

Uno, dos, tres… Green Day are back among us after a short break, with an abundance of drive and inspiration. America’s most exciting punk band is releasing three albums in four months: ¡Uno! (September), ¡Dos! (November) and ¡Tré! (January). The trio is full of surprises. Green Day have masterfully reanimated punk twice already. ‘Dookie’ (1994), with the super singles ‘Basket Case’ and ‘When I Come Around’, is the most successful punk record of all time, with 16 million albums sold. Oddly enough, the band faded away completely after that. Ten years on, they rose again with ‘American Idiot’ (2004). This concept album about an anti-hero called Jesus Of Suburbia is even being turned into a musical. Its successor, ‘21st Century Breakdown’ (2009) also has a storyline. This album rapidly went gold and beyond in 19 countries and made the band global stars. What to expect? Perfect punk-pop and high-quality entertainment. Modern music rarely provides as complete an experience as a Green Day concert.

Rock Werchter 2013 will be held from Thursday 4 July to Sunday 7 July in Werchter (Belgium). For four whole days the very best can be seen and heard on three stages in the Festivalpark. Established artists, today's and yesterday's heroes and the big sensations take to the Main Stage as usual. The Pyramid Marquee hosts all flavours of electronic dance on Thursday and Friday. And then it's the upcoming talent, the more intimate performances and dance beats into the small hours on Saturday and Sunday. In the Barn, it will be nice to see old friends, but discover tomorrow's heroes. It's a sort of in-festival concert hall. Rock Werchter books acts from every musical genre. And it goes down well. The festival is an international hit. At Eurosonic in Groningen, Rock Werchter scooped the European Festival Award for "Best European Festival Line-Up". More than 140,000 (unique) festival goers from all around the world found their way to a sold-out Rock Werchter over the four days of the festival in 2012.
 
Tickets for Rock Werchter 2013 will go on sale as from Friday November 2nd. 
More information will be announced soon.

Blur to headline Rock Werchter 2013 on Friday

Blur are the most interesting musical phenomena of the past 25 years. The Britons have accentuated this themselves with "21" (2012), a beautiful cube that contains the band's more or less entire output. It is really remarkable how the London four-piece manage to touch their listeners with both loud ("Song 2") and soft ("Tender") songs and how pleasant it is to mix pure pop ("Coffee & TV") with experiment ("Beetlebum"). You will find it all in there and all of it is equally great. Blur are now operating on a sporadic basis, as this is what suits the individual members best. Drummer Dave Rowntree has been a lawyer for a while now, guitarist Graham Coxon is working under his own name, bassist Alex James is making cheese and writing and front-man Damon Albarn is the most fascinating musical human being of his generation (Gorillaz, The Good, The Bad & The Queen, Africa Express and Dr Dee). Blur have adapted to this new reality and it works out just fine. A striking feat: their music is now more solid than ever. In 2012, Blur wrote 2 new songs ("The Puritan" and "Under The Westway") ahead of their massive sold out show in London's Hyde Park which were debuted on Twitter via a live video stream from a London rooftop. They are a band of/for our time.

Rock Werchter 2013 will be held from Thursday 4 July to Sunday 7 July in Werchter (Belgium). For four whole days the very best can be seen and heard on three stages in the Festivalpark. Established artists, today's and yesterday's heroes and the big sensations take to the Main Stage as usual. The Pyramid Marquee hosts all flavours of electronic dance on Thursday and Friday. And then it's the upcoming talent, the more intimate performances and dance beats into the small hours on Saturday and Sunday. In the Barn, it will be nice to see old friends, but discover tomorrow's heroes. It's a sort of in-festival concert hall. Rock Werchter books acts from every musical genre. And it goes down well. The festival is an international hit. At Eurosonic in Groningen, Rock Werchter scooped the European Festival Award for "Best European Festival Line-Up". More than 140,000 (unique) festival goers from all around the world found their way to a sold-out Rock Werchter over the four days of the festival in 2012.

A while ago, we already announced that Rammstein will be headliner on Saturday July 6th. Tickets for Rock Werchter 2013 will go on sale as from Friday November 2nd. More information will be announced soon.