Slamdunk Festival 2018 – Midlands

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After national rail disruptions and flash floods in and around Birmingham it didn’t stop the hauls of music fans descending on the NEC Birmingham this bank holiday weekend for Slamdunk Festival 2018.

It was time to go see The Audition who more than six years ago disbanded but this festival weekend the pop punk heavyweights reformed to play a nostalgic set at this year’s Slam Dunk Festival.

Band members Danny Stevens, Seth James and Tim Klepek who are the original members of the band were joined by Cartel’s Kevin Sanders and Jack’s Mannequin’s Jon Sullivan to perform on the Monster Energy Stage; which sent fans back to their teenage years singing along to this band in there bedrooms.

So it’s back to the Monster stage to see the Scottish rockers that are Twin Atlantic. Now Dressed in a dark floral shirt with striking red trousers and jacket, vocalist Sam McTrusty came out on stage playing the intro to Gold Elephant: Cherry Alligator which set the fans into a craze.

His impressive vocal range shone throughout the entire set and had fans singing at the top of their lungs to the likes of Make A Beast Of Myself and No Sleep.There set was energetic and anyone in that room could be seen to having a good time.

Frank Carter and The Rattlesnakes were about to take to the Jagermister stage and if you’re a former Gallows fan you’ll know vocalist Frank Carter is renowned for his on-stage antics, and well his new band have got the same reputation.

Frank and co. did not disappoint by the second song Frank decided to go for a walk in the crowd and this wasn’t going to be the last time Frank “Took a walk” which would get the whole crowd involved.From the first notes of Juggernaut the band were whipping across the stage back and fourth and The audience quickly followed suit; with hit tracks Wild Flowers, Snake Eyes and Devil Inside Me creating absolute pandemonium inside the NEC with what I would say were the biggest circle pits of the day.

Even though chaos was breaking out onstage and offstage vocalist Frank regularly interacted with the crowd and promoted a safe environment in which everyone could have fun.

Following Frank Carter and The Rattlesnakes were PVRIS who last graced the Slamdunk stage back in 2015 on the tour circuit of their debut album White Noise and here we are seeing them again touring their second album All We Know of Heaven, All We Need of Hell.

Justin took his place behind the drum kit then soon after Alex, Lynn and Brian took to the stage; it was dark and backlit creating a moody, somewhat spooky atmosphere. They opened up with Heaven, which was the debut track from AWKOHAWNOH album back in 2017.

SETLIST:

Heaven
St. Patrick
Half
You and I
What’s Wrong
Winter
Anyone Else
No Mercy
My House

The PVRIS CVLT (as their fans are known) were singing along to every word and in all the right places knew when it was time to jump and dance along which seen vocalist Lynn Gunn climbed down from the stage to be among the fans along the barrier during the track No Mercy.

Following a mammoth line up on the Jagermister stage it was time for the Headliners who were none other than Good Charlotte and well what can I say cannons exploded with streamers; which resulted in the Main Arena looking like it just got “TP’d” as it all hung from the ceiling. The fans crowd were hit with flashing lights and the heat from the pyrotechnics as the band jumped into hit song The Anthem.

The band ploughed through their extensive back catalogue to take fans on a trip down memory lane with tracks The Story of My Old Man, Keep Your Hands Off My Girl, Predictable and Girls and Boys.They also through in Life Changes and Actual Pain which has only just been recently released, yet the fans seemed to know all the words already.

Each song showcased the tightness and experience the band had with Joel Madden’s powerful voice, his brother Benji’s and Billy Martin’s impressive guitar skills, Paul Thomas’ catchy bass lines and Dean Butterworth’s strong drumming.The night was coming to a close and the famous track Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous marked the end of an impressive live performance, closing Slam Dunk Festival 2018 with a crowd united through their love of stellar live music.

We also managed to catch the sets from Crown The Empire, Dream State, Devil Wears Prada, Knuckle Puck, Sleeping With Sirens and more. All photographs from these artist can be found on our social media sites.

 

UK’s First Floating Festivals Announced for 2018 Two Cruises: Throwback – the 80’s Music Festival At Sea – starring The Human League, OMD and Erasure’s Andy Bell Stages – the Musical Theatre Festival At Sea – featuring MICHAEL BALL, Collabro and Beverley

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The fabulous and flamboyant pop music of the 1980s and headline performances from stars of the West End and Broadway will be celebrated with two new cruises in 2018.

The new entertainment concept of Floating Festivals is the brainchild of Jonathan Blackburn, supported by a unique partnership with Royal Caribbean and leading live music promoters Cuffe and Taylor to launch two brand new cruises aboard the Navigator of the Seas.

Floating Festivals will launch in October 2018 with two themed cruises setting sail from Southampton – Throwback and Stages.

Packages are available now from www.FloatingFestivals.co.uk

Throwback is a party-fuelled three-night roundtrip cruise Southampton/Southampton including a full day stop in Bruges, celebrating all things 80s and will feature a line-up of chart-topping legends from the decade including headliners The Human League, OMD and Erasure’s Andy Bell, along with Jason Donovan, Sonia and Imagination featuring Errol Kennedy, while Captain Sensible will be helping steer the ship back to the 80s.

Stages is a luxurious four-night roundtrip cruise Southampton/Southampton, including a full day stop in Amsterdam. Stages will feature an incredible array of West End and Broadway stars including the nation’s favourite, two time Olivier Award winning, musical theatre star Michael Ball, the world’s most successful musical theatre group Collabro, and the divine Beverley Knight star of The Bodyguard, and Cats.

Thrill to the voices of Lee Mead (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Wicked), John Owen-Jones (Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera) and Sophie Evans (The Wizard of Oz, Wicked).

Be amazed by the vocal dexterity of two-time Drama Desk Award Nominated actress and diva impressionist Christina Bianco, and delight in a truly unique performance from the Olivier Award-winning West End production, Showstopper! The Improvised Musical.

Stages will also feature internationally acclaimed choreographer and TV personality Arlene Phillips who will present her stage show Arlene – The Glitz, The Glamour and TheGossip. There will also be an In Conversation with… featuring legendary lyricist Don Black, while award winning West End musical star Marti Webb will join Don to perform some of his biggest hits.

Unlike other chartered cruises, Floating Festivals will not just replace the usual cruise ship entertainment programme, they will transform the ship into a full Festival at Sea.

As well as a packed programme of live entertainment and shows, passengers on both cruises will be invited to take part in a myriad of experiences with abundant opportunities to meet both stars of the stage and pop charts.

Jonathan Blackburn, one of the key innovators behind Floating Festivals, said: “We are all absolutely thrilled to be working together to launch the UK’s first ever Floating Festivals experience.

“Both cruises offer something completely different and whether you are a fan of musical theatre or you fancy throwing yourself back to the heady days of 80s pop, we are confident both will be very popular.

“These are not just cruises with a theme, these are festivals at sea. The moment the passenger enters the cruise terminal at Southampton they will start to revel in an experience of which they will be a vital part for the duration of the cruise. 

“We don’t want to give too many secrets away but I think it’s fair to say the guests are going to have a few surprises along the way.

“We want our passengers to experience both Throwback and Stages in the most magnificent way. We have a fantastic array of stars and performers for both cruises as well as many special features which will really make both these cruises a truly unforgettable experience.”

As well as being part of the UK’s first ever Floating Festivals passengers will be able to enjoy all the amazing features of the Navigator of the Seas including a 9-hole miniature golf course and separate Golf Simulator, the unique FlowRider surf simulator, the signature Royal Caribbean Rock Wall, ground-breaking virtual balcony cabins, the Vegas style Casino Royale, luxurious Vitality Spa & Fitness Centre, three pools, six whirlpools, Video Arcade and a selection of luxury Boutique Shopping experiences.

Jonathan added: “The Navigator of the Seas is a beautiful ship and while we look forward to seeing passengers having an absolute ball with all the entertainment and shows, they will also be able to sit back, relax and enjoy all the fantastic attractions included on this wonderful ship.”

All Floating Festivals packages also include complimentary à la carte restaurant and buffet dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. Speciality restaurants are also available for an additional charge.

The Throwback cruise will depart Southampton for three nights from 12 October 2018 and includes a full day in Bruges (from Zeebrugge).

The Stages cruise will depart Southampton for four nights from 15 October 2018 and includes a full day in Amsterdam. 

For more details go to www.FloatingFestivals.co.uk

 

The Long Road Festival – Major New UK Outdoor Country, Americana And Roots Festival To Take Place In Leicestershire

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Major New UK Outdoor Country, Americana And Roots Festival To Take Place In Leicestershire

**Lee Ann Womack, Angaleena Presley, Una Healy, Billy Bragg, The Shires, Aaron Watson, Brent Cobb, Danielle Bradbery and more confirmed for The Long Road at Stanford Hall in September**

Grab Tickets here

A major new greenfield music and lifestyle camping festival is set to bring the world-famous, inimitable sights and sounds of the country music scene to the UK in 2018. Taking place within the grounds of Stanford Hall in Leicestershire from September 7th – 9th 2018, The Long Road will present one of the UK’s largest, most authentic celebrations of country, Americana and roots music featuring five stages of live performances, bespoke food events and a wide range of themed outdoor activities.

 

Curated by Tennessee-born country music specialist and radio presenter Baylen Leonard, The Long Road will present a broad array of artists, from iconic US stars to up-and-coming home-grown talent, and the first wave of acts to be announced for the inaugural event includes US country star Lee Ann Womack,
acclaimed singer-songwriter Billy Bragg, multi-platinum-selling singer-songwriter Angaleena Presley, British country duo The Shires, popstar turned country music singer Una Healy and Texan singer and winner of The Voice USA Danielle Bradbery. Reflecting the extraordinary surge in popularity that country music has enjoyed in the UK in recent years, The Long Road will also feature a strong contingent of rising star UK acts across the weekend including hotly-tipped London-based duo Ferris & Sylvester and country-soul singer songwriter Yola Carter.

Much more than just a music festival, The Long Road will embrace all aspects of the country and Americana scene and, alongside its live music offerings, will incorporate an array of themed activities including Moonshine and bourbon tasting, instrument and songwriting workshops, wild swimming, a Southern-inspired food & shopping village and much more, providing festival goers with a unique, authentic country music lifestyle experience.

 

Marking the first time the platform has teamed with a country music event, BBC Music Introducing will host their own stage at the festival, which will be fronted by presenter of BBC Radio 2’s weekly country show Bob Harris and will showcase some of the UK’s best unsigned talent. The festival has also partnered with a carefully selected pool of specialist country and Americana organisations including The Birthplace of Country Music, which showcases the role that Bristol, Tennessee and Bristol, Virginia played in the birth and development of country music, The Bluegrass Situation (BGS), an online music magazine and curator promoting the continued growth of bluegrass, roots, progressive folk rock, Americana music and culture, The Americana Music Association UK, and independent UK label Loose Records, who celebrate their 20th anniversary in 2018. These organisations will all be involved in bringing artists to the festival to showcase a broad array of talent from across the spectrum of country, Americana and roots music.

 

Angaleena Presley:

“I'm so excited to be a part of The Long Road Festival. I love the inclusive vibe. I'm not only looking forward to performing, but also hanging out and enjoying all the fixins'. Great Food, good old fashioned country music and salt of the earth people. It's gonna be yeehawsome y'all.”

The Long Road’s Creative Director Baylen Leonard:

“Being from Tennessee and having lived in the UK for close to 20years, I’m thrilled to bring the music and culture of both together in one festival. The dedication and passion of the UK country community is so amazing, we wanted to put together a festival that celebrated the music and lifestyle they love as a thank you to the fans for supporting country music. Whether you're a country fan, an Americana fan, or a fan of great music in general, we wanted a welcoming place where everyone could come together to celebrate. This is a festival for the fans and we’re excited to share it with you.”

The full line-up to date is as follows:

Angaleena Presley
The Shires
Billy Bragg
Striking Matches
Danielle Bradbery
Una Healy
Ashley Campbell
Brent Cobb
Aaron Watson
Lee Ann Womack
Danny and The Champions of the World
Catherine McGrath
The Wandering Hearts
The Wood Brothers
Megan O’Neill
Two Ways Home
Holloway Road
Kevin McGuire
Twinnie
Laura Oakes
Ruby Boots
Jess and The Bandits
Gary Quinn
Parker Millsap
Yola Carter
Treetop Flyers
William The Conqueror
The Arlenes
Joanna Serrat
Ferris & Sylvester
Kasheena Sampson
Danni Nicholls
Midnight Skyracer
Worry Dolls
The Lone Bellow
Frontier Ruckus
Folk Soul Revival
Amythyst Kiah
Andrew Alli

The Long Road will take place at Stanford Hall in Leicestershire from September 7th – 9th 2018. Day tickets start at £40*, Weekend No Camping tickets at £85* and Weekend Camping tickets start at £99* (*plus booking fees).

Tickets go on sale at 9am on Thursday April 12th and are available from www.thelongroadfestival.com.

 

SLAM DUNK FESTIVAL – STAGE SPLITS

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Slam Dunk Festival is also proud to announce the stage splits for this year’s festival where the Jagermeister Stage is set to play host to pop-punk titans Good Charlotte as they make their Slam Dunk Festival debut, alongside arena rockers PVRIS and ferocious Frank Carter & the Rattlesnakes, as well as amazing acts such as State Champs, Knuckle Puck, Four Year Strong and of course, Sleeping with Sirens and Creeper.

The Monster Stage will be the place to catch emo-rock legends Jimmy Eat World as they celebrate their 25th anniversary with their first performance at Slam Dunk Festival. Showing them how it’s done will be Taking Back Sunday who will unite the crowd with heartfelt singalongs with additional performances from  Lower Than Atlantis, Moose Blood, and Twin Atlantic, the Monster Stage will also see unmissable reunion performances from The Audition and The Dangerous Summer.

This year’s Fireball Stage will see fan-favourites Reel Big Fish’s return to Slam Dunk as this stage’s headline alongside Californian legends Goldfinger, Brit reggae-punks The Skints, with Zebrahead and Capdown as they join Save Ferris, King Prawn, Guttermouth and Templeton Pek for the biggest punk & ska-party of the year!

This year’s Fireball Stage will see fan-favourites Reel Big Fish’s return to Slam Dunk as this stage’s headline alongside Californian legends Goldfinger, Brit reggae-punks The Skints, with Zebrahead and Capdown as they join Save Ferris, King Prawn, Guttermouth and Templeton Pek for the biggest punk & ska-party of the year!

Known for bringing the heavy, the Impericon stage has all bases covered this year with American hardcore punk rockers Every Time I Die topping the bill. In addition to these incredible heavyweights, the Impericon Stage also welcomes the return of Canadian leaders Comeback Kid, Northlane, Crown The Empire, The Devil Wears Prada and Astroid Boys. Counterparts, Brutality Will Prevail and Loathe will be appearing here at Slam Dunk Festival for the first time ever.

Over on this year’s Signature Brew Stage, Patty Walters will be leading As It Is to the top, following highly-anticipated sets from UK pop-punk front-runners ROAM, Trash Boat and Woes and favourites Can’t Swim and Broadside. New additions Me Vs Hero & Homesafe will be also now joining them!

One for the new music aficionados, the Rock Sound Breakout Stage will see the hottest new bands perform. Canadian troupe Palaye Royale, American favourites Chapel and Dream State will appear alongside Grayscale, Holding Absence, Milestones, Sleep On It, Stand Atlantic and The Faim.

Paying homage to Slam Dunk Festival’s humble beginnings, the acoustic Key Club Stage is packed with some of the most exciting acts in contemporary rock music. Warming up the stage for headliners Speak Low If You Speak Love will be UK natives Rob Lynch, Luke Rainsford and Cavetown before an American invasion of Four Year Strong, PVMNTSand Selfish Things.

In the biggest line-up to date, Slam Dunk Festival 2018 is set to play host to an unparalleled exhibition of pop-punk movers and shakers as it welcomes blistering performances from co-headliners Good Charlotte and Jimmy Eat World, a reunion exclusive from The Audition (Worldwide exclusive) as well as highly anticipated sets from the likes of Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, PVRIS, Taking Back Sunday, Creeper, Every Time I Die, Sleeping With Sirens and many more. Whether you’re at Leeds City Centre on May 26th, Hatfield Park on May 27th or Birmingham’s NEC, Slam Dunk Festival 2018 will be the ultimate alternative party of the summer.

This is a Festival you dont want to miss out on so make sure you buy your tickets soon and get planning who you'll be seeing this year!

TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets on sale now and are available from http://slamdunkmusic.com/
Cost £49 or £55 including the infamous afterparty. All subject to booking fees.

SLAM DUNK FESTIVAL – FINAL ACT ADDITIONS

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Today Slamdunk Festival annouced the final acts to join the 2018 line-up and there none other than Watford mob Lower Than Atlantis, emo icons Say Anything, Chicago favourites Homesafe and easycore heroes Me Vs. Hero will join the impressive line-up.

A true phenomenon within British rock music, Lower Than Atlantis began last year with a blistering headline show at London’s prestigious Brixton Academy following the release of their fifth studio album ‘Safe In Sound’ which achieved #8 in the UK official album charts. Armed with an arsenal of anthems from their critically-acclaimed back catalogue, the Watford troupe’s appearance Slam Dunk Festival will make for a truly undeniable display of British rock excellence.

Mike Duce of Lower Than Atlantis says;
“Slam Dunk is one of my favourite festivals in the world! The crowds are always up for a laugh and I feel like almost every band’s sets feel like a headline set. It’ll also be really nice for us to see all our mates that are in other bands. Social media content for days, a banging rock n roll show and then we make the big party!”

The brainchild of frontman Max Bemis, Say Anything are undeniable pop-rock figureheads, steadily releasing exemplary album after album despite multiple lineup changes in their long-standing career. Responsible for the powerfully imaginative single ‘Alive With The Glory of Love’ and subsequent hit tracks such as ‘Wow, I Can Get Sexual Too’, the electrifying ‘Give A Damn’ and theatrical ‘Boyd’ which featured Sherri Dupree-Bemis, the Californian kings are set to storm the stage when they return to Slam Dunk Festival in May, following their last appearance at the festival in 2012.

Homesafe, one of the hottest new names in pop-punk in recent years, see Knuckle Puck’s Ryan Rumchaks switch from bassist to frontman to deliver one of the most-anticipated sets of the weekend as they will be their debut UK performances. Live performances of ‘Relapse’, ‘Resolve’ and ‘When You Left’’ are not to be missed.

In addition to these names, Slam Dunk Festival are proud to announce the exclusive reunion show of their old and treasured friends, Me Vs Hero. Mixing up pop-punk, hardcore and occasional heavy metal breakdowns, the original UK kings of easycore are back for Slam Dunk, playing their debut album ‘Days That Shape Our Lives’, in full over the weekend.

Make sure you dont miss out!

TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets on sale now and are available from http://slamdunkmusic.com/
Cost £49 or £55 including the infamous afterparty. All subject to booking fees.

SLAM DUNK FESTIVAL NORTH – SATURDAY 26TH MAY –  LEEDS CITY CENTRE
SLAM DUNK FESTIVAL SOUTH – SUNDAY 27TH MAY –  HATFIELD PARK
SLAM DUNK FESTIVAL MIDLANDS – BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY 28TH MAY – BIRMINGHAM NEC 

http://slamdunkmusic.com/festival/

Lower Than Atlantis @ Cambridge Junction 3/4/2018

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Over the years, Cambridge Junction has played host to many great artists. On Tuesday 3rd April the venue welcomed English rock band, Lower Than Atlantis.  The quartet, who are originally from Watford in Hertfordshire, first formed in 2007.  They released their first EP in 2008 and then went on to release their first full album "Far Q" back in 2010.  

The live music gig was being held in the main stage room at the venue.  Upon arrival, the room was covered in a blanket of dim blue lighting and was quickly filling up with a relatively young crowd.  With drinks and chatter flowing nicely the audience was soon introduced to the other acts that would be joining the guys from Watford.  

For the evening, Lower Than Atlantis were joined by support acts The Faim and Milk Teeth.  

The Faim were the first of the night's acts to take to the stage. With an excited crowd of people in front of them, they jumped straight into their first song of their set, titled "My Heart Needs To Breathe" before then introducing themselves.  

This four piece pop/alternative band first formed on the 20th November 2014. The band members themselves have stated that their music has been influenced by artists including, 5 Seconds of Summer, Blink 182, and Fall Out Boy. I will also mention that their debut single "Saints of the Sinners" was also co-written by Pete Wentz, also known as the lead vocalist of rock band, Fall Out Boy. The first thought that came to my head upon hearing them perform was "they sound just like Fall Out Boy". And now I know why after doing my research. 

The Faim are a band that have a great stage presence with high energy and know how to work the crowds well, an example of this was asking the audience to jump along with them during their performance.  They are a really likeable band and when performing live it is clear to see that the four lads are very passionate about their music. As the stage is flooded with blue and green lighting, the band performed songs including "A Million stars", "Midland Line" and "Infamous". They brought their set to a close with a performance of their single "Saints of the Sinners" which is not only (as mentioned previously) their debut single release but is also about "making their mark in the world". What's worth mentioning is that the down to earth band members were also seated at their own merchandise stall at the back of the room after their set, with their family members.  Who doesn't love a good family support network? 

After a short break the second of the evening's acts graced the stage.  

Milk Teeth, a punk rock band from Stroud in Gloucstershire, are full of energy and clearly enjoy making interesting facial expressions when performing. The band are Becky on vocals and bass, Billy and Chris on guitars and Oli on drums. Unusually, just like fellow support act The Faim the drummers were set up front alongside their fellow band mates for this gig.  The band's guitar players were great at rallying the excitement from the crowd of fans in front of them. The band members also encouraged the audience to shine lights from their phones during their set.  They performed their original songs including "Nearby Catfight" – which was also the song they entered the stage to, they also showcased "Stabbed" and "Swear Jar". 

After an energetic set from Milk Teeth, along came another short interval as we stood waiting for the night's main act! During this break the venue did continue to play music into the sound system as we chatted amongst ourselves. Some rather unusual releases featured on the venues 'interval playlist'.  What stood out for many people there was the moment when Aha's Take on Me came blaring through the speakers.  It was like being at a gig in the 80s. The whole room sang along and was filled with buzzing energy.  Continuing with their vintage playlist, we were then treated to Uptown Girl which was originally made famous by Billy Joel back in 1983! The well known single got as far as the end of the intro before being turned off to welcome the night's main act. This did not go down well with ticket holders as the room was then filled with Boos and sighs of disappointment. Although these negative emotions were soon forgotten about when the band members of Lower Than Atlantis walked onto the stage.  

The band's drummer, Eddy Thrower was the first to take his place.  He sat at his drum kit and began to build the atmosphere with a small drum solo which was accompanied by synchronised strobe lighting.  He was quickly joined by fellow band mates Declan Hart on bass, Ben Sanson on guitar and then lastly the band's front man and vocalist Mike Duce.  And what strong entrance they made! They started their set with their amazing single "Had Enough".

Further into their set, vocalist Duce had requested the audience to run and mosh in front of him, before he then came down into the viewing area to begin crowd surfing with his fans.  After being carried back to the stage the band continued to play more of their music until once again their front man returned to the middle of the crowds of people.  He stood in the middle of the room with his guitar to play an acoustic version of their song "Another Sad Song".  The atmosphere was so relaxed and calm, with people sitting crossed legged on the floor in a circle around him.  Not something you'd typically expect to see at a rock band's gig. It could have been likened to sitting around a bonfire singing campfire songs. 

This was one band that certainly knew how to work a crowd! It is clear to see how much their value their fans after seeing them live.  The band's lead singer asked the audience "if anyone's got a beer then raise it up!"  he then encouraged drinkers to  consume their beverage of choice while all members of the band and fans chanted "CHUG CHUG CHUG"  and when they played "Beech Like The Tree" they managed to encourage plenty of people to crowd surf.

As the majority of musicians that perform live, Lower Than Atlantis' set appeared to come to an end after finishing their song "Words", which of course, wasn't their last song of the evening.  The band members exited the stage for a very short space of time before returning for once more for an encore.  They all thanked their fans for all of the support they have received over the past 11 years and then stated "otherwise we would be working in Morrisons, although there's nothing wrong with working in Morrisons". Nice cover up lads! 

The gig came to a close with the band's last two performances of the night which were "English Kids" and my personal favourite of theirs "Here We Go". 

Lower Than Atlantis is a band that is undoubtedly worth seeing live, they offer familiarity with their hit singles and also something completely different when interacting with their fans! Our photographer and I are now new fans of The Faim.  All three bands are continuing to tour this year with tickets still available.  

All photos by KANE HOWIE

For more photos visit HERE!

Bestival’s Common People Line-up Announced

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Set to bring you electrifying music, entertainment and arts in the heart of two cities this spring bank holiday, Common People is back for 2018 with headliners Lily Allen andJames on Saturday and The Jacksons on Sunday in Southampton and The Jacksons on Saturday and James and Ride on Sunday in Oxford.

For just £57.50 for an Adult weekend ticket or £30 for an Adult day ticket, you can enjoy an amazing festival brimful of singalong favourites, deep-down disco delights, and all manner of amusements. Don’t miss out on two joyful days of bank holiday merrymaking brought to you with love by the makers of Bestival, this 26 & 27 May onSouthampton Common, and in South Park, Oxford. 

Rob da Bank says: “It’s been quite some ride putting together the Common People line ups for 2018. We love Southampton Common and South Park in Oxford, they’ve become two of our favourite places to throw a party… this year will be super special with none other than Lily Allen in Southampton and legendary Oxford band Ride coming back to South Park. Co-headliners James are the cherry on the cake. Our Disco Day also promises to be super funky with The Jacksons bringing their disco and soul classics, but my personal highlight has to be Prince’s unbeatable backing band The New Power Generation coming over from the States for a one-off weekend with us. We couldn’t get Prince but we will have all the hits. Add in all the local bands and DJs and a real focus on family fun and entertainment and I promise you a magical May weekend awaits”.

Back with a bunch of bangers that prove she’s still at the top of the game, Lily Allen headlines Southampton’s Common Stage, along with Manchester legends James for a singalong Saturday special, with sets through the day special guests All Saints, The Sherlocks, Jaguar Skills, The Cuban Brothers, Elvana: Elvis Fronted Nirvana andPlastic Mermaids.

Fancy dress is the order of the day on Saturday in South Park, Oxford as we unleash disco kings, The Jacksons, basking in the dazzling reflection of the World’s Largest Disco Ball. Plus, you can fill your dancing boots with delights from The New Power Generation, Sparks, Boney M, The Cuban Brothers, Aswad, Jungle Brothers, Hak Baker, Cut Capers and Dancin Oxford.

Sunday is fancy dress in Southampton with The Jacksons, World’s Largest Disco Ball. And boogie down beats from The New Power Generation, Sparks, Boney M, Snap!, FooR, Jungle Brothers and Hak Baker. 

While in Oxford, Sunday sees headline sets from indie legends James, and hometown heroes Ride, plus Maximo Park, London African Gospel Choir presents Paul Simon’s Graceland, Honeyblood, Elvana: Elvis Fronted Nirvana, Low Island, Chainska Brassika and Dancin Oxford. 

Our new Carnival Stage will jump to the sounds of DJ Yoda, a $hit Disco takeover with HAAi & more, Fred V & Grafix, Holy Goof, Barely Legal and more in Southampton. With laser guided love on the Oxford-based twin stage from General Levy, Fred V & Grafix, Craig Charles, and a Simple takeover with Willow, Em Williams, James Weston, Rodney P & Skitz and more.

As ever underground players and nascent rock action can be found on the Uncommon Stage hosted by The Joiners in Southampton with sets from Dream Wife, Demob Happy, Pale Seas, The Rising, Ben Goddard and many more. While Oxford’s Uncommon Stage hosted by Nightshift will see appearances from Deadbeat Apostles, Inner Peace Records, Tiger Mendoza, The August List, and many more

We’ll also have throbbing beats at Sugar Skulls in Southampton and the Disco Shed with a roster of soon-to-be-announced DJs and there will be family antics and festivities galore across our Common People wonderlands including the Kids Garden, BigTopMania, and a whole host of local family entertainment.

Tickets are on sale now at Ticketline

Head to http://commonpeople.net/ for more info.

 

FULL SOUTHAMPTON LINE UP:

SATURDAY COMMON STAGE LILY ALLEN / JAMES / ALL SAINTS (SPECIAL GUEST) / THE SHERLOCKS / JAGUAR SKILLS / THE CUBAN BROTHERS / ELVANA: ELVIS FRONTED NIRVANA / PLASTIC MERMAIDS

SUNDAY COMMON STAGE DISCO DAY WITH THE WORLD’S LARGEST DISCO BALL: THE JACKSONS / NEW POWER GENERATION / SPARKS / BONEY M / SNAP! / FOOR / JUNGLE BROTHERS / HAK BAKER

CARNIVAL STAGE SATURDAY: DJ YODA / $HIT DISCO TAKEOVER: / HAAI / KIWI / ARTFUL DODGER / $HIT DISCO DJS / PETE CALLARD / GOAT SHED DJs / NATHAN DAWE – SUNDAY: FRED V & GRAFIX / HOLY GOOF / BARELY LEGAL / HADDA / AARON BLYTH / SOUL45

UNCOMMON STAGE (HOSTED BY THE JOINERS): DREAM WIFE / DEMOB HAPPY / PALE SEAS / THE RISING / BEN GODDARD / SAINTS OF SIN / THE COLLISION / DEFERENCE / TOREADOR / LAURAN HIBBERD / PIONEERS / MISS VINCENT / STARTERS

PLUS, ANTICS & FAMILY FUN: SUGAR SKULLS DJs / KIDS GARDEN / INFLATABLE CHURCH / WALL OF DEATH BIG FISH LITTLE FISH / HAMPSHIRE CRICKET / KIDS BUSHCRAFT / BIGTOPMANIA: CIRCUS PERFORMANCES, FACE PAINTING, HAVE-A-GO EQUIPMENT & MORE / ALPACAS / CARDBOARD CASTLE / HAVEN FALCONRY / PUNCH & JUDY / GIANT SANDPIT / BOUNCY CASTLE & INFLATABLE SLIDES / VINTAGE FUN FAIR: SWING BOATS / HELTER SKELTER / CHAIR O’ PLANES / BIG WHEEL

FULL OXFORD LINE-UP:

SATURDAY COMMON STAGE DISCO DAY WITH THE WORLD’S LARGEST DISCO BALL: THE JACKSONS / THE NEW POWER GENERATION / SPARKS / BONEY M / THE CUBAN BROTHERS / ASWAD / JUNGLE BROTHERS / HAK BAKER / CUT CAPERS / DANCIN OXFORD

SUNDAY COMMON STAGE: JAMES / RIDE / MAXIMO PARK / LONDON AFRICAN GOSPEL CHOIR PRESENTS PAUL SIMON’S GRACELAND / ELVANA: ELVIS FRONTED NIRVANA / LOW ISLAND / CHAINSKA BRASSIKA / DANCIN OXFORD 

CARNIVAL STAGE: SATURDAY: GENERAL LEVY / FRED V & GRAFIX / FINEART / BURT COPE / SIR S*MBO SOUNDS / DROP BOMB ENTERTAINMENT / NATTY MARK / LIGHT ROOTS SOUND / SUNDAY: CRAIG CHARLES / SIMPLE TAKEOVER:  WILLOW / EM WILLIAMS / JAMES WESTON / RODNEY P & SKITZ / COUNT SKYLARKIN’ / DANNY DREAD MSD / WHITE MAGIC / MR CLIVE WHITE 

UNCOMMON STAGE (HOSTED BY NIGHTSHIFT): DEADBEAT APOSTLES / INNER PEACE RECORDS / TIGER MENDOZA / THE AUGUST LIST / CANDY SAYS / DEATH OF THE MAIDEN / EARINADE / LAIMA BITE / PREMIUM LEISURE / CHRIS BARKER / KONE / BRICKWORK LIZARDS / THE GREAT WESTERN TEARS / DRORE / MSRY / LUCY LEAVE / YOUNG WOMEN'S MUSIC PROJECT HAZE / 31HOURS / GHOSTS IN THE PHOTOGRAPHS / SELF HELP

PLUS, ANTICS & FAMILY FUN: DISCO SHED / KIDS GARDEN / GORILLA CIRCUS / THE WORLD’S BIGGEST BOUNCY CASTLE / OXFORD PLAYHOUSE PRESENTS ‘ONE SMALL STEP’ / THE STORY MUSEUM PRESENTS ‘THE PUMPKIN’ / PEGASUS PLAY PLACE / BIGTOPMANIA: CIRCUS PERFORMANCES, FACE PAINTING, HAVE-A-GO EQUIPMENT & MORE / TREE CLIMBING WITH BIGTREE CLIMBING CO. / COWLEY ROAD CARNIVAL DANCE WORKSHOPS / SUPERSAURS DINOSAUR / GIANT SANDPIT / SWING BOATS / JINGO GLITTER

Bestival Soundsystems and New Music Announced

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Bestival is proud to present a host of new names joining our multi-ringed circus of love. With heavyweight soundsystems, dancefloor stalwarts and must-see new acts, don’t miss four days of magical music and circus-themed trickery on over 20 stages and micro-venues in eight unique arenas, at the most colourful show on Earth, now in the heart of the summer, on the Lulworth Estate, Dorset.

Rob da Bank says: “Teaming up with mates and compadres who run record labels, parties or raves is what Bestival has always been about and this year wont disappoint as we bring over Marrakech’s Oasis gang, roll out the one and only David Rodigan, our first and only Resident For Life with his Ram Jam party, as well as some drum and bass mayhem from Goldie and Metalheadz and the Ram crew… turn up the control!”

We’ve teamed up with Marrakech festival and house music haven, Oasis, for an Oasis x Bestival soundclash with sets from Amelie Lens, Nastia, Butch, La Fleur, Benjamin Damage, Alex Niggeman back to back with Denis Horvat & Amine K. Rattling your ribs on a serious rig, we’re are honoured to welcome Ram Jam back to the dance with sets from incomparable reggae auteur Rodigan, plus original nuttah Shy FX, turntable conjurers The Nextmen &Venum Sound.  Legendary junglism comes courtesy of Metalheadz with sets from main man Goldie, plus double drop pioneer Randall, first lady of drum n bass DJ Storm and Ant TC1.

Expect super-rave behaviour from the Raindance crew with ultimate oldskool action from Rat Pack, Rachel Wallace, Liquid, Billy Daniel Bunter, Uncle Dugs, Nebula 2 and Nookie. And big system banging flavours come from the airwaves next generation Radar Radio with sets from Jossy Mitsu, Conducta, Kenny Allstar, Amy Becker, DJ Argue & Master Peace andMartha. Plus, we’ll have Shogun Audio Pres Alix Perez, Technimatic, Pola & Bryson, Glxy &SP:MC & Visionobi and Ram Records with Loadstar going B2B with DC Breaks and Mind Vortex.

And keeping it fresh and correct we’ll have live music and DJ sets from The Big Moon, The Heatwave, Justin Robertson, Purple Rave with Rob da Bank & Tayo, London Contemporary Voices: Guilty Pleasures, House of Pharaohs, Mt Wolf, Jethro Watson, Thomas Urv, Ellie Prohan, Tasha, Gilded Pleasures, Jim 8-Track, Eden Pardey, Cooking With Sherry, Ian & Rob and Roast Beatz.

BLOODSTOCK ROLL OUT SIX MORE

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Bloodstock roll out six more bands –

Joining us in a Friday Ronnie James Dio main stage slot are British thrash icons ONSLAUGHT. The band are working on their new studio album set for release later this year via AFM Records, so expect the world premiere of a brand new song at BLOODSTOCK! The band tell us “ONSLAUGHT have always loved playing at BLOODSTOCK, the UK’s finest metal festival and this year the show is going to be something special indeed! We’ll see you maniacs at the front!” Get warmed up by watching the video for ‘The Sound of Violence’.

Also nabbing a Friday slot opening the main stage are British metal crew, FEED THE RHINO. The quintet’s latest album, ‘The Silence’ landed last month via Century Media with lead track, ‘Heedless’ landing its premiere via Daniel P. Carter on the BBC Radio 1 Rock Show. Have a listen! The band tell us “We are beyond honoured to be performing at this years BLOODSTOCK Festival. See you in the Pit!"

Japanese power metal ladies, LOVEBITES join us for a slot on Friday’s Sophie Lancaster stage. The five piece release a new mini-album, ‘Battle Against Damnation’ on 6th June, but if you’re not up to speed on the band, make sure you investigate this video for ‘Shadowmaker’ and additional news info over at their Facebook page.

London death metallers, DE PROFUNDIS join us in a Sophie stage slot on Friday. The band are readying the release in May of new album, ‘The Blinding Light of Faith’. Get a load of this new track ‘Bastard Sons of Abraham’ and then view the array of purchase options (digital, physical and special bundles) over on their Bandcamp page.

Brit thrash outfit REPRISAL also land a Friday Sophie slot. Their new album, ‘None Survive The Sun’ lands this Friday 30th March via Hostile Media. Feast your eyes on the video for ‘Nephila’ and head over to pick up a copy of the album at

http://reprisal.bigcartel.com.  

Progressive death metal New Yorkers UNCURED land a slot on Sunday’s Sophie stage. Having just wrapped a 28-date US run with Soulfly, the four piece come to Europe this Summer to play shows with their friends in JASTA. Check out their video for ‘Stygian Valley’ below and if you're curious for more, get further info on the band over on their Facebook page . 

Our first phase of BLOODSTOCK club nights start on Monday 16th April! More will be added for June/July, so don’t despair if your local rock club isn’t listed. Get along to one of the following events, check out some tunes from BLOODSTOCK bands old and new, and be in with the chance of winning weekend tickets or related giveaways. Expect fun ways to win tickets – previous year’s events featured the likes of bucking broncos, endurance tests, and air guitaring! Check your local club for details, as dates may be subject to change. Events for April/May run as follows:

 

Mon 16th April – Reading Coalition

Fri 20th April – Camberley Agincourt

Fri 27th April – Bristol The Hatchet

Fri 27th April – Woking Schism

Sat 28th April – Birmingham Eddie's Rock Club

Sat 28th April – Sheffield Corporation

Sat 5th May – Exeter Catacombs

Sat 5th May – Brighton Envy

Sat 5th May – Hanley JJ's

Sat 12th May – Southampton – Engine Rooms

Fri 25th May – Bristol The Hatchet

Sat 26th May – Birmingham Eddie's Rock Club

Sat 26th May – Sheffield Corporation

 

SLAM DUNK FESTIVAL 2018 REVEALS ACOUSTIC STAGE

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In yet another amazing lineup announcement, Slam Dunk Festival are pleased to reveal the details of this year’s acoustic stage where Speak Low If You Speak Love, Four Year Strong Presents: Some Of You Will Like This, Some of You Won’t, Rob Lynch, Luke Rainsford, PVMNTS, Selfish Things and Cave Town will all be making hotly tipped unplugged appearances at Leeds, Hatfield and Birmingham all over the May Bank Holiday weekend.

Revealed as the acoustic stage headliner, State Champs’ beloved bassist Ryan Scott Graham will be bringing his stripped back project Speak Low If You Speak Love to Slam Dunk Festival, following State Champs appearance earlier in the day. Following the release of sophomore LP Nearsighted in early January, the hauntingly heartbreaking solo performance will be sure to attract an attentive crowd, eager to witness the electro-tinged acoustic spectacle.

Previously announced Slam Dunk Festival legends, Four Year Strong have confirmed that they will be making another appearance at this year’s festival as they settle in to host Four Year Strong Presents: Some Of You Will Like This, Some Of You Won’t – the live performance of their cherished acoustic album of the same name. Promising the very best unplugged favourites, originals and unheard rarities, this spectacle will be a highly regarded set for any die-hard pop-punk fan!

Known for putting a fresh twist on alternative folk and creating heartfelt crowd pleasers, Rob Lynch will be returning to Slam Dunk Festival to deliver his trademark solo sound through delicate tracks such as ‘My Friends & I’, ‘Hawking’ and ‘Broken Bones’.

Birmingham native Luke Rainsford is poised to pick up his acoustic guitar and make his Slam Dunk Festival debut over the May Bank Holiday weekend with energetic yet fragile storytelling and musicality. The hotly-tipped single ‘Sweet Briar’ is taken from the highly-anticipated EP ‘I Just Don’t Deserve To Be Loved’, which is set for release ahead of the Slam Dunk Festival weekend – meaning fans have plenty of time to learn lyrics for perfect singalongs.

Making the transatlantic journey to Slam Dunk Festival will be PVMNTS and Selfish Things, hailing from Los Angeles and Toronto respectively. Teen Wolf star Tyler Posey will be rounding up the PVMNTS gang for a sincere singalong on Slam Dunk’s acoustic stage. Also stopping by will be Selfish Things’ frontman Alex Biro, who is set to stripback their impassioned rock hits for a memorable delicate rendition.

In addition to this great names, Cavetown will be bringing his relaxed bedroom jams to the acoustic stages too.

In the biggest line-up to date, Slam Dunk Festival 2018 is set to play host to an unparalleled exhibition of pop-punk movers and shakers as it welcomes blistering performances from co-headliners Good Charlotte and Jimmy Eat World, reunion exclusives from Thursday (UK exclusive) and The Audition (Worldwide exclusive) as well as highly anticipated sets from the likes of Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, PVRIS, Taking Back Sunday, Creeper, Every Time I Die, Sleeping With Sirens and many more. Whether you’re at Leeds City Centre on May 26th, Hatfield Park on May 27th or Birmingham’s NEC, Slam Dunk Festival 2018 will be the ultimate alternative party of the summer.

 

FULL LINE-UP TO DATE:

Good Charlotte, Jimmy Eat World, PVRIS, Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, Taking Back Sunday, Sleeping With Sirens, State Champs, Twin Atlantic, Reel Big Fish, Goldfinger, Every Time I Die, Creeper, Thursday, Four Year Strong, The Skints, Zebrahead, The Audition (Worldwide Reunion Exclusive), Set Your Goals, Real Friends, Knuckle Puck, Northlane, Capdown, Save Ferris, Comeback Kid, Crown The Empire, Counterparts, Trash Boats, ROAM, Broadside, Can’t Swim, Palaye Royale, Sleep On It, Stand Atlantic, Milestones, Chapel, Dream State, Holding Absence, The Faim, Grayscale, The Dangerous Summer, As It Is, Moose Blood, Templeton Pek, Woes, King Prawn, Guttermouth, Astroid Boys, Brutality Will Prevail, The Devil Wears Prada, Loathe, Speak Low If You Speak Love, Rob Lynch, Luke Rainsford, PVMNTS, Selfish Things, Cave Town

TO KEEP UPDATED FOLLOW SLAMDUNK AT THE FOLLOWING:

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/slamdunkltd/

Twitter – @slamdunkmusic

Instagram – @slamdunkmusic

 

TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets on sale now and are available from http://slamdunkmusic.com/

Cost £49 or £55 including the infamous afterparty. All subject to booking fees.