Reading and Leeds festivals 2014 Round Up

Photographer credit: Jen O'Neill

Reading and Leeds festivals 2014 Round Up

With the dust still settling over the sites of Reading and Leeds, the buzz of three amazing days will live on for months to come. The good news is that Festival goers can already plan ahead with the first Weekend and Early Bird tickets for 2015 now on sale for a limited period at 2014 prices! 

Tickets can be purchased here 

With a homecoming headline show for Arctic Monkeys, who closed Leeds Main Stage in triumphant fashion on Sunday night and played on Saturday in Reading, the rapturous return of Blink 182 with a career spanning set, Queens Of The Stone Age and Paramore’s co-headline slots plus hundreds of top performances from artists, bands, comedians and DJs, Reading & Leeds fans certainly enjoyed a weekend to remember.

In a first for the Festivals Queens Of The Stone Age headlined the coveted Friday night bill at Reading proving they are the consummate rock band with their hit-laden show whilst Paramore headlined Saturday night at Leeds with Hayley Williams leading their enthralling set and at one point bringing her sister on stage for the momentous occasion. With light displays, fireworks and confetti explosions a-plenty, these were two of the best-received headliners of recent years.

Headliners Arctic Monkeys graced the Reading Main Stage on Saturday and Leeds on Sunday where the northern rockers brought their epic AM tour to a fitting end with Alex wearing the white rose of Yorkshire with pride. Accomplished professionals, from the first note to the last, they had the audience in the palm of their hands.  

Blink 182’s performance delivered twenty years of anthems with punchy measures of wit and pop-punk. Spanning a back catalougue of hits including ‘I Miss You’, ‘What’s My Age Again?’ and ‘All The Small Things’ which recived the biggest cheer of the night.

From his debut on the Leeds Festival Republic Stage in 2012, Jake Bugg brought his Reading and Leeds success story to a career defining spot on the Main Stage. The Nottingham based singer songwriter whipped thousands of fans into a sing along frenzy with opener ‘There’s A Beast And We All Feed It’ plus his stomping hits including ‘Trouble Town’ and ‘Lightning Bolt’.

Macklemore and Ryan Lewis put on a hugely entertaining show with fireworks, smoke and pyros. The duo’s set boomed with tracks off their Grammy Award winning album bringing tonnes of fun and at Reading there were not one, but two renditions of ‘Can’t Hold Us’ which the fans lapped up.

The Relentless Stage returned to Leeds Festival kicking off proceedings on Thursday night along the tree-lined avenue. Zane Lowe, DJ Fresh and Klaxons were just some of the DJs to bring the noise and get the party started. The infamous Picadilly Party, this year in partnership with XFM, continued to keep its reputation as one of the best late night parties Leeds Festival has to offer.

It was the summer of secret sets at Reading this year. On the Friday morning Jamie T announced his upcoming evening performance via Twitter. The London troubadour rocked up to the Festival Republic stage to give an explosive performance and delighted the fans with new material including ‘Don’t You Find’. Other secret gigs that pulled in eager fans were Jake Bugg (Saturday) and You Me At Six (Sunday), who both showed up to play stripped back 30-minute sets at the BBC Introducing Stage.

Now each in their second year, the BBC Radio 1 Dance Stage and the BBC Radio 1Xtra Stage were full to the brim with Festival goers. The BBC Radio 1 Dance Stage saw stand out sets from Netsky, Annie Mac, Pendulum and Flume, who had flown in from Australia. Klaxons were a huge draw receiving raputorus cheers for previous material including ‘Atlantis to Interzone’ as much as they did for new tracks such as ‘There Is No Other Time’. Fans couldn’t get enough of the BBC Radio 1Xtra Stage which played host to headliners Giggs, Pusha T andDanny Brown/Joey Bada$$ who topped a supporting lineup to rival any other.

Once again The Alternative Stage at Reading & Leeds brought the best in comedy and spoken word to the Festivals. The lineup was topped by favourites Bill Bailey and Simon Amstell who both commanded huge audiences, showing the appetite for comedy is stronger than ever. Kate Tempest treated fans to a delightfully infectious show whilst People Just Do Nothing proved their epic TV sketches easily translate to a festival audience live on stage. Not only that but with the silent disco and Transgressive hosting the likes of Kelis, Gengahr and The Two Bears at Leeds as well as DJ sets from Frank Turner, Huw Stephens and Jen Long at Reading, the Alternative Stage was truly one of the most vibrant areas of the festival.

With so much going on across the weekend there was never a dull moment, highlights from the Festivals include Parma Violets and Band Of Skulls smashing the Festival Republic Stage; incredible sets from Gerard Way whose show was a UK Festival first, Disclosure, Bombay Bicycle Club, Royal Blood, Brody Dalleand SBTRKT who was joined by Vampire Weekend’s Ezra Koeing for ‘New Dorp New York’ on the NME/Radio1 Stage.

The all new Pit Stage hosted by Daniel P Carter was buzzing with Of Mice And Men being the standout act of the weekend, and Jimmy Eat World and Gorgol Bordello both blew audiences away with their headline slots.

The BBC Radio1 Signing Tent had fans arriving in their hundreds to meet their idols. Over 20 bands from the line-up took time out across the weekend to meet the queues of people. Particular highlights from Leeds included Gerard Way and The 1975, whilst over 300 fans queued at Reading to meet Of Mice And Men.

Managing Director Melvin Benn reflects on the weekend:

“Without a doubt, my highlights this year were all four headliners and I’d like to thank Queens Of The Stone Age, Paramore, Arctic Monkeys and Blink 182 for putting on absolutely incredible shows. I really enjoyed Imagine Dragons too, their set on the main stage blew me away. Across the weekend I’ve witnessed 200,000 music fans having a ball, what a fantastic year for our beloved Festivals. I would also like to thank our sponsors and media partners for their continued support. 2014 is going to be a tough one to beat but one special headliner for 2015 is confirmed, now the work continues to confirm another mind blowing line-up for the fans next year.”

BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 1Xtra and BBC3 broadcasted from the Festival, allowing fans without tickets the chance to enjoy some of the incredible artists playing across the weekend. To catch up on the coverage from the weekend head here (www.bbc.co.uk/events/e65q2m)

The following videos can be used for press:

Lucius - Go Home 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSadParC5CI&list=PLwKN245EGfqYL5vAajab0TeI2I6Yon8mW

You Me At Six - Football & Shove Ha-Penny 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhvJbNyKV4s&list=PLwKN245EGfqYL5vAajab0TeI2I6Yon8mW

Gogol Bordello - My Campanjera

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzNACz4ZTWY&list=PLwKN245EGfqYL5vAajab0TeI2I6Yon8mW

Papa Roach - Uncompetitive Darts 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l75oLE10W-4&list=PLwKN245EGfqYL5vAajab0TeI2I6Yon8mW

Kate Tempest – Happy End 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKWA2pFYVAI&list=PLwKN245EGfqYL5vAajab0TeI2I6Yon8mW

Twin Atlantic - Nasty Darts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ob4y3rbplg&list=PLwKN245EGfqYL5vAajab0TeI2I6Yon8mW

Billy Idol Announces Live Dates in UK November 2014

Billy Idol Announces Live Dates in UK November 2014

Seminal rocker Billy Idol has announced his much awaited live return to the UK this November. The punk and rock icon will play in Birmingham, London and Manchester – his first UK appearances since his unforgettable performance at Download 2010 where he triumphed in torrential rain and had the crowd eating out of his hand.

The newly announced dates will come soon after the release of two major new Billy Idol projects. In late October, Idol will drop his first new album in almost 10 years, produced by Trevor Horn. And on 7th October, Simon and Schuster UK will release Idol’s much anticipated autobiography, ‘Dancing With Myself.’

Idol’s band includes his long-time lead guitarist Steve Stevens, Stephen McGrath on bass, Billy Morrison on guitar, Eric Eldenius on drums and Paul Trudeau on keyboards.   

Dates as follows:

                                  

November 2014

Date    City                   Venue                                   Box Office                               

5th        Birmingham        O2 ACADEMY                         0844 477 2000   http://www.o2academybirmingham.co.uk/

9th        London              EVENTIM APOLLO                 0844 249 1000   http://www.eventim.co.uk/

10th       Manchester      O2 APOLLO                            08444 777 677   http://www.o2apollomanchester.co.uk/

Tickets go onsale on Friday 15th August at 9.00am.   Ticket are available online from http://www.livenation.co.uk/artist/billy-idol-tickets - 24 hour phone line: 0844 576 5483.   Doors are 7pm on all shows.

BillyIdol.net

Eminem will perform at London's Wembley Stadium in July

Eminem is to become the first rapper to headline Wembley Stadium. For his first London show since 2001, he is to play the 90,000-capacity stadium on 11 July.

The rapper said the show came about because he was going to be unable to play a different London outdoor venue this summer. “I heard that I wasn't going to be approved to play in Hyde Park and it made me even more excited to play in London this summer,” he said. “The easiest way to get me to do something is to tell me I can’t do it. Thanks to the Royal Parks for making it all possible….for Wembley."

In the last 13 years, Eminem's only UK dates have been headline slots at festivals. However, he has retained his commercial clout. His last album, The Marshall Mathers LP 2 went straight into the UK charts at No 1, and made him the first US act to achieve seven consecutive UK No 1 albums.

Tickets for the Wembley show will go on sale at 9am on Friday 9 May.

W.A.R! Ibiza Summer Line Up revealed

W.A.R! Ibiza Line Up

W.A.R! announces its return to the iconic Ibiza Rocks outdoor venue this summer with 16 weeks of parties featuring electronic music's finest. Championing new music, W.A.R!'s eclectic programme sees some of the UK's leading lights sharing a stage with the hottest breaking talent. Big names including 2manydjs, Zane Lowe, Mark Ronson and Fatboy Slim will appear next to the likes of Mele, Friend Within, Monki, Cyril Hahn and Karma Kid. Tickets are now available at www.ibizarocks.com/war

The 2014 programme yet again confirms W.A.R! has a natural ear for UK electronic music. At the inaugural event back in 2012 W.A.R! introduced two unknown London acts, Disclosure and Rudimental, to the White Isle and has since become a trusted source for the next big thing.

Armed with a line-up that rivals most festivals, W.A.R! enters its third year more ambitious than ever. Zane Lowe returns at the helm, having supported the event from day one. The Radio 1 DJ is not only a tastemaker for new music but also a phenomenal tour-de-force when it comes to high-octane DJ sets. A veteran to W.A.R! Doorly returns for his yearly residency at the event, fresh from new releases with Green Velvet and a notable SXSW appearance, he will no doubt eclipse years past in 2014. Heading up the rest of the series are some of the UK's biggest exports with a handpicked selection of its rising stars, all well equipped to keep W.A.R! revellers partying throughout the summer.

Responsible for one the biggest anthems of 2014, Gorgon City join Zane for the launch of W.A.R! in June along with hotly tipped Bristol songwriter Javeon. The producer duo return in July alongside Hannah Wants and Sasha Keable who continue to make waves in the industry. Redlight tops the bill on week two, backed up by garage legend and Kiss FM veteran DJ EZ, who recently showed that he's still at the top of his game with another amazing Boiler Room set.

Back by popular demand, Example returns to W.A.R! with DJ Wire having delivered a series of sell out shows in 2013. The pair are prepped for four explosive performances that will see them appearing alongside Monki, Karma Kid and Mele, three acts that are all well on the way to becoming headliners themselves. Visionary hit maker and label owner DJ Fresh takes to the stage in August joined by Wilkinson, a similarly talented purveyor of anthemic drum and bass who last year scored his first top ten track with Afterglow. Also taking to the decks for W.A.R! is North London's Meridian Dan and Radio 1's very own Toddla T. The multi-talented producer has had a meteoric rise over the last five years and is a prime example of homegrown talent.

Fatboy Slim takes to the famous Ibiza Rocks stage for, EAT SLEEP ROCKS REPEAT, a Balearic ode to his iconic single in 2013. The pioneering Norman Cook has been delivering anthems for over 20 years and is supported by Maribou State, a duo who are hoping to do the same after turning heads with a slew of well crafted, melodic gems. Synonymous for their incredible live shows, Belgian brothers 2manydjs take to the W.A.R! stage just one week later with a favourite of Radio 1 pioneer Annie Mac, the ever-elusive Friend Within for the anticipated Bugged Out Weekender Takeover. The last week sees closing parties grip the island, W.A.R! goes for one final blow out as Zane Lowe is reunited with Mark Ronson for their now legendary live collaboration A-YO and the pair's second W.A.R! appearance in 2014.

W.A.R! promoter Jordan Hallpike is pleased with 2014's programme saying "W.A.R! is all about bringing fresh and underground UK electronic music to a balearic setting. The fact we've grown so much after only two summers reflects just how strong and exciting the scene is right now. This year we'll be uniting new artists with returning icons for our unique festival atmosphere on the White Isle."

Tickets for W.A.R! are now sale at www.ibizarocks.com/war

WE ARE ROCKSTARS 2014 CONFIRMED PROGRAMME

Friday 6th June | W.A.R! Opening Party

Zane Lowe / Gorgon City / Javeon / Doorly

Friday 13th June

Redlight / EZ / MC Majestic / Ms Dynamite / Doorly

Friday 20th June

Eton Messy Presents

Bondax / Eton Messy DJs

Friday 27th June

Example and DJ Wire / Doorly

Friday 4th July

Gorgon City / Hannah Wants / Sasha Keable / Doorly

Friday 11th July | W.A.R! Birthday

Mark Ronson and Zane Lowe [Exclusive] / Cyril Hahn / Doorly

Friday 18th July

Example and DJ Wire / Monki / Doorly

Friday 25th July

Example and DJ Wire / Karma Kid / Doorly

Friday 1st August

Toddla T / Meridian Dan / DJ EZ / Doorly

Friday 8th August

DJ Fresh / Wilkinson / Knytro / Doorly

Friday 15th August

Zane Lowe / Mak and Pasteman / Doorly

Friday 22nd August

Example and DJ Wire / Mele and Slick Don / Doorly

Friday 29th August

EAT SLEEP ROCKS REPEAT

Fatboy Slim / Maribou State / Doorly

Friday 5th September

Bugged Out Weekender Takeover

2manydjs / Friend Within / Doorly

Friday 19th September | W.A.R! Closing Party

Mark Ronson and Zane Lowe [Exclusive] / Doorly

Disagony confirmed for Swiss Rock Altitude Festival 2014

A few months after releasing its debut full-length album, "Venom dish" (Snowhite/Irascible/Rough Trade 2013), the Swiss rock/alternative/grunge/punk band Disagony is confirmed for the Rock Altitude Festival 2014 (August 14-16th) next to some huge bands like Converge, Down, Kadebostany, Kruger, Red Fang or Morcheeba.

For the record...

Since band’s first steps, Disagony‘s music tends to be their own and not only powerful, but also emotionally strong and breathtaking. The frontwoman’s deep but rough voice brings a seducing rage into the trio’s original compositions while mixed with their heavy sound and the powerful riffs they put on. After its birth in 2009 and having recorded their first selt-titled 4-track EP two years later, Disagony,  entered studios in Belgium and Switzerland with producer and engineer Yvan Bing to record what will be their debut album ‘Venom Dish’, achieving it in 2013. 

Streaming album | Order the CD/Digital edition


For fans of Alice In Chains, The Distillers, Wolfmother, QOTSA, The Vines…


Website| Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter

Live At Leeds - 50 More Acts Announced For 2014

Having announced the first wave of artists for this year’s festival including the likes of chart toppers Clean Bandit, indie legend Albert Hammond Jr and breakthrough band Wolf Alice as well as the special Leeds Town Hall show featuring a reformed ¡Forward Russia!, Live At Leeds Festival now announce a further 50 bands to the 2014 lineup!

The additions to the lineup once again promise to showcase everything from the best in up coming UK songwriting talent to hotly tipped groups from both sides of the pond!

With an emphasis on the up and coming, the festival will see Manchester-based star in the making Bipolar Sunshine bring his sublime, upbeat and original pop to the festival. 2013 saw him collaborate with the likes of Rudimental and FTSE and this is bound to be a year of even further breakthrough for the young musician. Also joining the lineup and in a similar camp of luscious, soulful pop are the hotly tipped recent Kitsuné signees Years and Years, the electro-pop trio’s recent Hype Machine topping single ‘Real’ caused waves and points to what will surely be a successful year. The elegant, fragile sounds of London via Kendal four-piece Woman’s Hour will also be bringing the painful longing of their upcoming Secretly Canadian debut album to the festival and are not to be missed whilst The Bug’s noise loving dancehall and hip-hop influenced electronica is sure to get people moving. Having been longlisted for the prestigious BBC Sound Of 2014 poll, Bristol singer songwriter George Ezra will also be bringing the tender sounds of his single ‘Budapest’ to the fest whilst fellow act to watch out for in 2014, Fat White Family will be peddling their intense brand of sleazy and visceral rock n roll.

Festival attendees with a penchant for the heavier side of things will also certainly have their tastes catered for. The Finnish apocalyptic post-punk quartet Beastmilk favour huge riffs and equal sizeable with a gothic and metallic twinge that is sure to appeal to fans of Savages and Queens Of The Stone Age alike as showcased on last years Kurt Ballou produced full length ‘Climax’. New York’s Big Ups will also be on hand to bring their frantic, abrasive 90s influenced punk to the festival. Echoes of the Jesus Lizard, Fugazi and Quicksand peppered this year’s debut full length ‘Eighteen Hours of Static’ and with a live show even more energetic than their recorded output, they are sure to be a highlight of the weekend.

Blurring the boundary between solo artist and band, Nottingham’s 18 year old Saint Raymond has a knack for layering his distinctly pop sensibilities with gritty, honest lyrics and a wisdom well beyond his years that has seen him gain a level of attention that is sure to grow. With a similar ear for a pop melody but with their feet more solidly in the indie/rock camp, Californians The Neighbourhood last year revealed their debut album ‘I Love You’ to much praise and having recently supported seemingly unstoppable group The 1975 on their sold out tour are sure to make their presence known in the UK this year. Joining these will be Leeds very own The Sunshine Underground who with a new album due will be bringing their fusion of punk, indie and electronic music to the festival!

These names are just the tip of the iceberg and with over 200 of the finest acts performing across over 20 stages, this year’s festival is one of the strongest yet.

http://www.liveatleeds.com/

https://www.facebook.com/liveatleedsofficial

@liveatleedsfest (#LAL2014)

Tickets £25 from:
www.lunatickets.co.uk

FULL LINEUP SO FAR:

ALBERT HAMMOND JR | BIPOLAR SUNSHINE | BLOOD RED SHOES* | CATFISH AND THE BOTTLEMEN | CHLÖE HOWL | CIRCA WAVES | CLEAN BANDIT | COURTNEY BARNETT | DRENGE | ELLA EYRE | FORWARD RUSSIA | FUCK BUTTONS | GEORGE EZRA | HUDSON TAYLOR | I LIKE TRAINS | JOHNNY FLYNN | KING CHARLES | KODALINE* | LAUREN AQUILINA | LIZZO | LOS CAMPESINOS! | NEUROSIS*| NINA NESBITT PULLED APART BY HORSES | ROYAL BLOOD | SAY LOU LOU | SPECIAL GUESTS | TENNIS | THE BUG | THE FAT WHITE FAMILY | THE HOLD STEADY | THE MIDNIGHT BEAST | THE NEIGHBOURHOOD | THE SUNSHINE UNDERGROUND | WOLF ALICE | YUCK

A PLASTIC ROSE | AMBER RUN | ARC IRIS | ARTHUR BEATRICE | AUTOBAHN | BARBAROSSA | BAT AND BALL BEASTMILK | BIG SIXES | BIG UPS | BLACK MOTH | BLAENAVON | CHAMPS | CHARLIE HOLE | CHASING GRACE | CHEATAHS | COASTS | CROCODILES* | CRYSTAL SEAGULLS | CYMBALS | D/C | DAN COOK | DANIEL JAMES | DARLIA | DENAI MOORE | DIVE IN | DOLOMITE MINOR | DUM DUM GIRLS* | EAUX | EAVES | ELIZA AND THE BEAR | EMPIRE DIVIDE | EVA STONE | EZRA FURMAN | EZRA VINE | FAIR OHS | FICKLE FRIENDS | FLYTE | FRANK HAMILTON | FRED PAGE | FYFE | GALLERY CIRCUS | GAMBLES GENGAHR | GEORGE BARNETT | GHOST BEACH | GRIZFOLK | HAPPYNESS | HERO FISHER | HIBOU HIGHASAKITE | HOLY MOUNTAIN | HONEYBLOOD | INDIANA | JACK GARRATT | JAKE ISAAC | JAMIE ISAAC JARBIRD | JAWS | JOEL BAKER | KHUSHI | LANTERNS ON THE LAKE | LAURA WELSH | LESLIE MENDELSON

LIFE IN FILM | LITTLE MATADOR | LOLA COLT | LOVE ZOMBIES | LYGER | LYLA FOY | MARIKA HACKMAN MATTHEW andTHE ATLAS | MAUSI | MEANWHILE | MENACE BEACH | MELT YOURSELF DOWN* | MT | NORMA JEAN MARTINE | ORLA GARTLAND | PALACE | PARAKEET | PAWWS | PEARLS NEGRAS | PET MOON | PRIMITIVE PARTS | PUP | RAE MORRIS | RAINER | RALEIGH RITCHIE | RHODES

ROSIE LOWE | SAINT RAYMOND | SAM AIREY | SAM FENDER | SAN FERMIN | SHY NATURE | SIVU | SNARKY PUPPY* | SOLIDS | SOLOMON GREY | SOUTHERN | SPRING KING | SUNDARA KARMA

 SUPERFOOD | TELEMAN | THE AMAZING SNAKEHEADS | THE BOHICAS | THE CREASES | THE SCENES | THE TEA STREET BAND | THE WYTCHES | TOURIST | VUKOVI | WE THE WILD | WE WERE EVERGREEN | WILD CUB | WOMANS HOUR | YEARS and YEARS | YOUNG KATO | YOUTH MAN

ALASKA | ALLUSONDRUGS | APOLLO JUNCTION | BEARFOOT BEWARE | BETH MCCARTHY | BILLIE MARTEN | BLUE LAUREL CARNABELLS | CHARLIE STRAW | CITY OF LIGHTS | DISRAELI GEARS | ENGINE | FANS | FAWN SPOTS | GLASS CAVES GLASSBODY | GOODBYE CHANEL | HAPPY DAGGERS | HARRY RIDGWAY | IMP | JONNY QUITS | MARSICANS | MODO STARE MUNICH | NARCS | NATALIE HOLMES | NOSE | OTHERPEOPLESLIVES | PIP MOUNTJOY | QUENTINS BASEMENT | RUPERT STROUD | SAMUEL S.PARKES | SUPER LUXURY | TABLOIDS | TAKE TURNS | THE COVELLES | THE MEXANINES

THE ORIELLES | THEN THICKENS | VENDETTAS | WE WERE FRONTIERS | WEIRDS | WITCH HUNT | WHITE ROYAL

*THESE ARE SEPARATE TICKETED EVENTS, SATURDAY WRISTBAND’S ARE NOT VALID

*FRIDAY 2nd MAY and THE COCKPIT and BLOOD RED SHOES

*FRIDAY 2nd MAY and BRUDENELL SOCIAL CLUB and MELT YOURSELF DOWN (FULL A/V SHOW)

*FRIDAY 2nd MAY and THE WARDROBE and SNARKY PUPPY

*SUNDAY 4th MAY and O2 ACADEMY LEEDS and KODALINE

*SUNDAY 4th MAY and LEEDS MET and; NEUROSIS

*SUNDAY 4th MAY and; BRUDENELL SOCIAL CLUB and DUM DUM GIRLS + CROCODILES + MORE TBC

First Wave of Acts announced for this year's Beat-Herder festival

First Wave of Acts announced for this year's Beat-Herder

Legendary Lancastrian festival Beat-Herder has announced it’s first wave of artists with headliners including the Happy Mondays, The Orb, Boney M., French electronic pioneer Vitalic and Italian electro house punk upstarts The Bloody Beetroots.

Renowned as one of the best parties of the summer Beat-Herder is celebrating it’s ninth year this July (Fri 18 – Sun 20) in the beautiful setting of the Ribble Valley in the shadow of Pendle Hill.

Joining the first headline artists is an eclectic host of DJs, live acts, guitar bands, legends and freaks guaranteed to take the Beat-Herder party to the next level.

Said festival co-founder Nick Chambers: “It’s such an exciting bill it’s hard to know where to start! Festival regulars like the Dub Pistols, Mr. Scruff and The Utah Saints will be rubbing shoulders with German techno legend Timo Maas, Dub Phizix and Strategy and hip hop mixologist DJ Format will be mashing-up the Trailer Trash stage, rockers Wolf Alive will be wigging out at the Maison D’etre. Koan Sound in The Fortress is going to go off! Saturday will be incredible with The Bloody Beetroots. And it’s all topped of with the Happy Mondays on Sunday night. It’s going to be amazing!”

Beat-Herder prides itself on being a completely different festivalexperience to any other and this year festival goers can expect 15 completely unique, craftsman built stages including the mighty Main Stage, the oriental mystery of The Fortress, the heady atmosphere of The Woods, the Trailer Trash Big Top, the cosy Snug, the incredible, authentic Working Men’s Club (step inside, you could literally be in Todmorden in 1971) and many, many more beside.


Other big names for Herders to savour include Austrian dance group Klangkarussell, electro original Greg Wilson, hotly-tipped Mancunian Bipolar Sunshine, Riva Starr and what promises to be a one-off performance by Welsh urban heroes Goldie Looking Chain in the Working Men’s Club.

Over the year’s Beat-Herder has played host to some of the best-loved acts on the planet from global names to emerging talent, from Groove Armada to Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry to Leftfield to Jake Bugg and all points between.

The second wave of 2014’s line-up will be announced soon and rest assured it will be suitably bonkers but also brilliant. And most important of all, it’ll be the best party of the summer.

http://beatherder.co.uk/         www.facebook.com/beatherder

2014 artist list to date: HAPPY MONDAYS – THE BLOODY BEETROOTS - THE ORB – BONEY M. – KLANGKARUSSELL LIVE - VITALIC LIVE – DUB PISTOLS - CHAINSKA BRASSICA - GYPSY HILL - IBIBIO SOUND MACHINE - MR SCRUFF – UTAH SAINTS - TIMO MAAS - RIVA STARR - GREG WILSON - PAUL TAYLOR (RETRO) - KRYSKO B2B GREG LORD - ETON MESSY DJ'S - WOLF ALICE - BIPOLAR SUNSHINE – DEMS – RAG N BONE MAN - THE DIRTY GENTLEMEN - THAT FUCKING TANK - FAMILY RAIN – SHOPPING - GORGEOUS GEORGE - EAGLES FOR HANDS – VESSELS - ARKON FLY – GALAXIANS - KOAN SOUND - ANNE SAVAGE - GIDEON CONN - THE ALLERGIES - GOLDIE LOOKIN CHAIN - DUB PHIZIX & STRATEGY - DJ FORMAT - STEVE COBBY - IXY (SPIRAL TRIBE) - MARK TURNER - FIRE BENEATH THE SEA - HIGH CROSS SOCIETY - SNOW APPLE - IVAN CAMPO - AFROBILLY JONES - BELLS IN THE BIRCHES - PAPER CRANES - CHLOE FOY - THE INEXPLICABLES - OLIVIA FERN – VIEKA – ESPAI – PAREIDOLIA

Ibiza rocks 2014 line up announced

Guaranteed sun, sea, sunsets and sounds - its time to talk Rocks. Having already confirmed two of the biggest breakthrough bands of the year - HAIM and The 1975 - more in-demand festival favourites including Ed Sheeran, Bastille, Tinie Tempah, Skrillex and Bombay Bicycle Club (Ibiza Closing Party) plus critically acclaimed champions of the live scene Rudimental, John Newman and Clean Bandit have been added to the 16 week-long line up, kicking off on 03/06. Support slots come courtesy of exciting new talents Wolf Alice, Breton and Chloe Howl, with more to be announced.

The summer long season will open in style with a headline performance from HAIM, supported by hotly tipped band for 2014, Breton. The 1975 take on week 2 with support from NME’s Best New Band nominee Wolf Alice.

Newly confirmed to keep the party vibes in full flow in June is Yorkshire lad John Newman. The 3 x BRITs nominee shot into the spotlight after writing and singing on two of the biggest dance tracks to smash into the UK charts in years: Rudimental’s Feel The Love and Not Giving In. Debut #1 solo single Love Me Again is a taste of the huge, melodic hits fans can expect from John Newman’s highly anticipated debut set, supported by BBC Sound of 2014 nominee Chloe Howl.

July will see the welcome return of Tinie Tempah, back by popular demand.  With his high-octane, high energy, explosive live sets packed with huge hits Tinie Tempah knows exactly how to work the crowd. Embarking on a UK tour in March including a show at London’s O2, Tinie Tempah will have one seriously slick set to showcase back in the Balearics.  Speaking of the shows, he said: “I am happy to be back doing Rocks for the 4th time! This is always a great show, can't wait!”

From releasing quintuple platinum debut album + in 2012, Ed Sheeran has been recognised as one of the most genuinely talented and successful singer/songwriters of recent times. Grammy Awards, Q Awards, Brits and Ivor Novellos, Ed Sheeran has clocked up them all with his all-encompassing appeal.  Huge hits fill emotionally charged sets fused with unexpected risks and surprises. From being championed by Jamie Foxx to opening Rocks in 2012, to selling out Madison Square Gardens and being hugely in demand on a global scale, Ed Sheeran knows what he loves, everyone loves what he does and he’s coming back to Mallorca and Ibiza Rocks in July to do just that.

Brits British Single winners Rudimental and British Breakthrough winners Bastille pulled off an epic mash up of their huge hits Waiting All Night and Pompeii at this year’s Brit Awards and both acts are Balearic bound.   Rocks championed Rudimental long before they hit the big time and booked their debut Ibiza show in 2012 at the Ibiza Rocks Hotel where they stayed, partied and played, big time! It will be a proud moment to have these boys back, bigger than ever, for what will undoubtedly be one of the seminal moments of the summer, from one of the best live acts on the planet right now.

Since debuting at Rocks last year, Bastille went on to be the biggest selling new British act of 2013, with platinum-selling debut album Bad Blood topping the charts and infectious single Pompeii becoming the second most streamed song of the year (just behind Daft Punk’s Get Lucky). After smashing it stateside then being nominated for 4 x Brit Awards back on home turf, Bastille have officially been crowned British Breakthrough of the year.

It will be from stateside to poolside when 6 x Grammy award winner Skrillex takes to the open-air stage at the Mallorca Rocks Hotel for an exclusive headline set in August. This electronic imagineer comes with way more than an killer set - there’s shimmering LED walls, 3D lights shows, pyrotechnics and a relentless thirst to create a live experience of ever-increasing drama and spectacle.  This show takes the music landscape in Mallorca to a whole new level - a first for Mallorca, a  ‘must see’ ONLY at Mallorca Rocks and a massive statement to what Rocks brings to the resort.

Clean Bandit made their Rocks debut supporting Ellie Goulding last year and then kicked off the very first Ibiza Rocks the Snow event in Meribel In December.  They’ve since scored a UK #1 single with Rather Be, selling over half a million copies in the UK alone and staying at the #1 spot for 4 weeks running. Now one of the UK’s finest new bands move from the piste to the poolside to make their headline debut at the Rocks Hotels in August.

The Ibiza Rocks closing party will be headlined by a classic Rocks band, Bombay Bicycle Club.  The London four piece supported Biffy Clyro at Ibiza Rocks in 2010 and returned as worthy headliners in their own right the following year. Back with UK #1 album So Long See You Tomorrow, Bombay Bicycle Club will create the climax to what will be a phenomenal summer of live gigs under the Balearic stars.

Shane Murray, Promoter said: “It’s a really strong line up this year so far, we’re genuinely excited. Bands like Haim, The 1975 and Bombay Bicycle Club represent the heart of what we do so opening and closing weeks will as ever be special. Since last headlining, Ed Sheeran has emerged as an international superstar so it’s a real coup that he’s chosen Rocks as one of only a handful of shows this summer. We’ve been trying to get Skrillex for a long time so that’s going to be a huge Mallorca show, as will the Bastille gigs after last year’s debut sell outs. We always work hard to recognise genuine talent early on and we’re proud to be bringing back Rudimental, John Newman and Clean Bandit as headliners and bringing new acts like Wolf Alice and Chloe Howl for debut slots.  With loads more still to be announced, it’s safe to say we’re in for another amazing summer under the Balearic stars. ”

Ibiza Rocks is also pleased to announce that MTV will be the exclusive broadcast partner for the second year running. The network will broadcast a number of live performances, exclusive artist interviews and all the highlights from the 16 weeklong series from the Ibiza Rocks and Mallorca Rocks Hotels this summer. Seven shows will be broadcast in total on MTV Live HD and the network’s flagship channel MTV Music including 5 x 30’ shows from Ibiza Rocks and a 1 x 30’ show from Mallorca Rocks as well as a 1 x 60’ (multi-artist) compilation show incorporating live track selection and exclusive interviews. As with last year, London based production company, JJ Stereo, will produce all content.

The Ibiza Rocks brand consistently boasts a bill crammed with the biggest international artists, best breakthrough talent and cutting edge DJ’s.  Summer 2014 will see the celebration of Ibiza Rocks 9th Birthday and Mallorca Rocks 4th Birthday during the 16 weeklong season of spectacular outdoor gigs under the stars.  More Rocks headline acts and W.A.R! line up announcements will follow soon.

MALLORCA ROCKS
03/06 OPENING PARTY WITH HAIM | BRETON
10/06 THE 1975 | WOLF ALICE
17/06 JOHN NEWMAN | CHLOE HOWL
01/07 TINIE TEMPAH
15/07 4TH BIRTHDAY WITH SPECIAL GUESTS
22/07 ED SHEERAN
29/07 RUDIMENTAL (LIVE)
05/08 BASTILLE
19/08 SKRILLEX
26/08 CLEAN BANDIT

IBIZA ROCKS
04/06 OPENING PARTY WITH HAIM | BRETON
11/06 THE 1975 | WOLF ALICE
18/06 JOHN NEWMAN | CHLOE HOWL
02/07 TINIE TEMPAH
16/07 9TH BIRTHDAY WITH SPECIAL GUESTS
23/07 ED SHEERAN
30/07 RUDIMENTAL (LIVE)
06/08 BASTILLE
27/08 CLEAN BANDIT
17/09 CLOSING PARTY - BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB

Offering a choice of quality accommodation options at exceptional value, Mallorca Rocks every Tuesday from 03 June – 16 September and Ibiza Rocks every Wednesday from 04 June to 17 September.
Tickets and hotel packages available now at www.ibizarocks.com and www.mallorcarocks.com. Limited advance gig tickets available from £22/€25 (plus booking fee).
Ibiza packages including 4 nights’ accommodation + Ibiza Rocks tickets + W.A.R! tickets from just £66 per person. Mallorca packages including 4 nights’ accommodation + Mallorca Rocks tickets + W.A.R! tickets from just £84 per person
For Rocks news, check out www.facebook.com/ibizarocks www.facebook.com/mallorcarocks, Follow us on Twitter @ibizarocks, @mallorcarocks, tag tweets #Rocks2014

Dates announce for this years Africa Oye 2014

The UK's largest FREE celebration of African music and culture
Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd June 2014
Sefton Park, Liverpool

Africa Oyé returns to Sefton Park, Liverpool in 2014, bigger and better than ever! With acts from across Africa and the Caribbean set to arrive in the city this summer and with the addition of more traders and a funfair for the kids, Oye's 22nd year is shaping up to be one to remember.

Artistic Director, Paul Duhaney is especially looking forward to this summer's festival. “There are some stunning artists coming to perform in Liverpool from Africa and all over the diaspora in 2014” he said. “We've got more fantastic traders and stalls and of course the best festival audience in the UK.”

Arts Council England is also proud to support Oyé once again in 2014. “The Arts Council aims to achieve great art and culture for everyone and Oyé contributes significantly to this, ensuring that talent and artistic excellence are thriving and celebrated” they said. “Oyé supports new and innovative work to ensure it can reach more and more people, both nationally and internationally.”

 For more information please visit africaoye.com, facebook.com/africaoye or follow Oyé on Twitter @africaoye

MGMT, Foals, Rudimental and Julio Bashmore added to Open'er Line up

Joining the Open'er line-up are the ever exciting, live champions Foals and the UK’s premier live dance act  - Rudimental. The new electronic Beat Stage will also have its inaugural year, hosting only the best in international talent with Julio Bashmore as the first DJ/producer for the lineup.   

Foals

A sold-out concert and their reputation for an ever exciting live show meant that Foals simply had to return to Open’er festival. The band came onto the UK musical scene in 2007, when they met David Sitek, the founder member of TV On The Radio, which led to him producing their debut album “Antidotes". On 2010’s “Total Life Forever”, the band moved in a different direction, this also marks the first occasion that they brought their tunes to their Polish fans at Open'er 2011, playing a show so intense that the guitarist's fingers started to bleed. In October 2012, Yannis Philippakis, Jack Bevan, Jimmy Smith, Walter Gervers and Edwin Congreave announed the title of their following release.  "Holy Fire” which was released early last year. With its release, NME announced that  "the Oxford art-rockers cast off their spiky, mathletic shackles and head for the big league", and The Line of Best Fit simply called it Foals' "masterpiece".

Rudimental    

There's a strong history of the studio pioneers of British dance music becoming household names in Poland; from Basement Jaxx to Groove Armada, Massive Attack to Chase & Status. The hottest new collective making their mark are the East London quartet Rudimental. With support coming from the likes of Zane Lowe, The XX, Mistajam and Fearne Cotton, they're set to dominate dancefloors and airwaves in the coming months. Adding to that, Rudimental have been nominated for three awards at this year’s Brit Awards: Mastercard British Album of the Year, British Single – „Waiting All Night” feat. Ella Eyre, and British Group. Their debut “Home” went platinum in the UK. It comprises songwriters and producers Piers Agget, Kesi Dryden and Amir Amor, together with DJ Locksmith. Rudimental play the newly founded Here and Now Stage. 

Julio Bashmore

Julio may have appeared to have burst onto the scene in late 2009, but the lead up to his eponymous EP for Claude VonStroke's highly influential Dirtybird label was essentially a lifetime in the making. Over the next three years, he rounded off a string of stellar EPs and singles on an array of labels. His vital eclecticism was showcased in his mighty contribution to the Essential Mix series on BBC Radio 1 at the end of the year. Bounce to blissed-out Garage of "Footsteppin", lose your mind to his Mosca remix, or turn out the lights for "Batak Groove" and you'll realise, simply, that it's just something you feel. He did 3 cuts on Jessie Ware’s debut album, including ‘Running’ and ‘110%’, and Ware returned the favour with guest vocals on a version of “Peppermint”. With fresh music for his newly imprinted label Broadwalk Records and a debut album coming in the next months, this might be the most incredible year for him.  

Tickets to Open'er Festival on sale in  ALTERSHOP and Ticketpro outlets.

Threshold Festival 2014 - More Acts Announced?

Punching above their weight has always been Threshold's party trick and this year they've made a big step up. Bristol based Dub Mafia have been named as one of the festival headliners to play at the event taking place 28th, 29th and 30th March in Liverpool's Baltic Triangle.  

Since forming in 2009, the seven-piece band who blend drum & bass, dub, dubstep, bashment, breakbeat and world music into their own superb sound have received rave reviews wherever they play from sweaty clubs to packed festivals. 

Dub Mafia 

“Dub Mafia are ones to watch and we think they are heading for big things" www.vuguide.co.uk

Joining the growing offering of national acts at the event will also be Gideon Conn. Lyrically brilliant Gideon arrived on the Manchester indie folk scene in 2007 where he become known for effortlessly blending folk and hip hop as well as his own unique performance style.

Gideon Conn 

“the people of Britain may not know it yet but Gideon Conn is one of their national treasures” – Scroobius Pip

Break Through Liverpool Acts

Two local bands who both have a fantastic 12 months behind them and an even more promising 2014 are Broken Men and The Fire Beneath The Sea.

Broken Men played Threshold 2013 to a gob smacked crowd in Elevator Bar (Now Baltic Social), purveying a stunning intensity and the kind of super tight musicianship that has given them national recognition winning the Relentless 'Hear to Be Heard' competition and supporting Echo and the Bunnymen.

The four piece indie rock band have epitomised the burgeoning scene surrounding The Baltic Triangle, District (Formerly The Picket) and Milk Presents. They promise a very special performance for this year's festival, will collaborations and cross genre antics.

Broken Men

Bringing the party to the stage once more will be 14 piece funk hip hop outfit The Fire Beneath The Sea. They hit the festivals of Summer 2013, playing stand out sets at Festival Number 6, Sound City and Beatherder. With a tour finale planned to coincide at this year's Threshold Festival, there's a guaranteed stomp down in store. 

The Fire Beneath The Sea

The full line-up for Threshold Festival of Music and Arts 2014 will be revealed in February.

Advance Weekend Tickets

Tickets for Threshold Festival 2014 are on sale through Skiddle priced at just £25

BUY TICKETS HERE

Undercover Festival 2014 - Completing Friday nights Headline line up

We are pleased to announce GENTLEMENS DUB CLUB to headline the Main Stage on the Friday for Undercover Festival 2014 

Anyone who saw DREADZONE @ 2013 and liked them will absolutely love these guys 

Think Dreadzone but younger with a twist?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QINf9DQzuY

Gentleman’s Dub Club is a nine-piece band that formed in Leeds in early 2006. With a style based in dub, ska and roots reggae, GDC have burst onto the UK circuit, rocking gigs and festivals up and down the country with their super high energy show. Combining tight grooves and a heavyweight sound, Gentleman’s Dub Club bring the party to crowds of all ages hungry for a dance floor workout, with their gigs often ending in a frenzied mosh pit reminiscent of a mid 80’s ska night. Live effects and mixing make for a crystal clear sound, and the band’s larger than life stage presence makes for a mesmerising experience. 

Having built a reputation on consistently delivering one of the most energetic and exhilarating live shows to emerge from the UK music scene, the Gents’ antics have seen them astound crowds from Goa to Glastonbury, Boomtown, Bestival, V Fest, Secret Garden Party and Poland’s Ostroda Reggae Festival, not to mention the biggest bass-music’ festival in the world - Croatia’s Outlook Festival. 

Their records remain securely within the top 40 of the album reggae charts since release, hailing support from some of the UK's most prominent underground representatives including Huw Stephens (BBC Radio 1), Rob Da Bank (BBC Radio 1), David Rodigan (BBC 1XTRA ) and Don Letts (BBC Radio 6 music). 

Gentleman's Dub Club have supported a number of established artists such as Roots Manuva, The Streets, The Wailers, Busy Signal, U-Roy, and Finlay Quaye. 

It’s going to be another lively Friday night at Undercover!!  SEE YOU DOWN THE FRONT!! 

SPIZZENERGI 

We are pleased to be able to welcome Spizz and the band to Undercover to close Stage II on the Friday!! AND boy are you in for a treat..

Spizzenergi formed in the late 1970s, led by Spizz.  The band changed its name every year, subsequent names including Athletico Spizz 80, Spizzoil and The Spizzles. They are notable as the first band to top the newly created UK Indie Chart early in 1980. However, they were perhaps best known for their single "Where's Captain Kirk?" More than two decades after its release, it was included in Mojo magazine's list of the best punk rock singles of all time. 

2014 marks the 35th anniversary since those heady days where Spizz formed the band, yes there have been numerous changes to the band but what has not changed is the show you will witness at Undercover one that is relentless, pure theatre  and great fun.  

One of the best showmen on the scene today.. 

That’s it for the headline and main bands for Undercover 2014s line up announcements... 

We have made every effort to keep the buzz that was special in 2013 and make this festival that bit different. 

Please note: For the avoidance of any doubt The Undercover Festival is not an open air festival - the festival will be held in 2 rooms plus other areas at the Bisley Pavilion nr Woking Surrey -  undercover by nature of the music policy of this festival and undercover - well because it is.... 

THE LINE UP SO FAR FOR UNDERCOVER FESTIVAL WILL BE   ... . . . 

FRIDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER 

MAIN STAGE

GENTLEMENS DUB CLUB 

Roddy Radiation (from The Specials) and The Ska Billy Rebels

Chelsea

DragSTER

Home Town Hi Fi

R.E.D

Geeza Punk

Rage DC

The Tang

STAGE II

SPIZZENERGI

Menace

The Spitfires

On Trial UK

Skurvi

Emergency Bitter

Crash Course / UK Subs cover band

TBA

Risk

Jon Lamb

SATURDAY 20th SEPTEMBER

MAIN STAGE

ANGELIC UPSTARTS (Joint Headline Act)

SPEAR OF DESTINY (Joint Headline Act)

PENETRATION (Joint Headline Act)

THE MEN THEY COULDN’T HANG (Joint Headline act)

999

Stone Foundation

Department S

Fighting Evil Is Cool

Vulgarities

The Cottonettes

STAGE II

The Talks

The Witchdoktors

King Punch

The Sha La Las

Charred Hearts

Phoenix Chroi

Wonk Unit

Monkish

Morgellons

Mocara

Top Buzzer

SUNDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER

MAIN STAGE

THE DUALERS

The Glitter Band

XSLF

Goldblade

Dirt Box Disco

Lead Shot Hazard

The Brompton Mix

No Lip

When We Run

STAGE II

Open Sore

Louise Distras

One Roots

The Duel

Archive45

Kilter

Stone Heroes

A-M-I

Wessex Pistols

Line up may be subject to change at short notice

www.undercoverfest.com