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Main News Channel Main News Channel for Hard Rock Calling http://www.hardrockcalling.co.uk/news en Wed, 08 Sep 2010 15:15:37 GMT Wed, 08 Sep 2010 15:15:37 GMT 5 Hard Rock Calling on TV Here's the TV schedule for highlights of all three days in the illustrious Hyde Park Calling all HRC fans. We can officially announce that highlights from all three days in the illustrious Hyde Park will be broadcast on both sides of the pond. Check out the full UK and US TV schedules below. USA Palladia HD  Premiers on Sunday 5th September at 9pm Vh1 Premiers on Friday 10th September at 11pm Vh1 Classic Friday 10th September at 9pm UK Sky Arts Saturday 7th August at 9pm Saturday 7th August at 3am Sunday 8th August at 12pm Sunday 8th August at 5pm So if you can't catch any of those, don't forget to set the Sky+ ! http://mail.live-store.com/images/hardrockcalling/tv-sm.jpg Darren James-Thomas General Mon, 12 Jul 2010 23:15:00 GMT 2010-07-13T00:15:00 dd83d2fd-e711-4d9c-9cf3-36d8349dc893 1 Listen to live highlights from all three days Hear live track highlights from Pearl Jam, Jamiroquai, Crowded House, Corinne Bailey Rae, James Morrison, Ben Harper and lots more... Exactly what it says on the tin. Listen and relive sets from all three days of Hard Rock Calling 2010. Whether it was Jamiroquai's pop funk hit Virtual Insantiy, Pearl Jam's magnificent Even Flow or Macca's finger blister inducing Helter Skelter. Click <a href="http://www.absoluteradio.co.uk/video/tags/hrc2010,stage/">here</a> to listen to these and lots more... http://mail.live-store.com/images/hardrockcalling/livemusic-sm.jpg Darren James-Thomas General Mon, 12 Jul 2010 06:15:00 GMT 2010-07-12T07:15:00 9ff3060f-9a75-46dc-b179-42f9ea0c18fb 2 The Return Of The Space Cowboy: Saturday Reviewed Jamiroquai, James Morrison, Corinne Bailey Rae and more bring the funk and soul to Hyde Park The sun was shining and the sun cream was out in force for Day 2 at Hard Rock Calling. A smogarsbord of artists took the stage for what was one of the most diverse days in Hard Rock history. Micki Free American Horse opened the main stage with a blistering set of guitar tunes. A spirited version of Wild Thing was an early highlight of the day, getting most of Hyde Park on it’s feet.  <img alt="Mary Mary" src="http://mail.live-store.com/images/hardrockcalling/marymary.jpg" /> Micki was followed by US gospel act Mary Mary. Opening their set with the uptempo Get Up, they soon got a polite Hard Rock audience to their feet, hollering ‘you can’t do anything sat down – get up!’ Heaven followed – an uptempo homage to God that met with a rapturous applause by the audience. However, it was a cover of The Beatles Yesterday – complete with altered gospel friendly lyrics ‘Yesterday, Jesus came and took my sins away’ – and their biggest hot Shackles which were the highlights of their set, with the whole of Hyde Park singing along to both songs creating an early highlight of the day.  <img alt="Corinne Bailey Rae" src="http://mail.live-store.com/images/hardrockcalling/cbr.jpg" /> Following Mary Mary on the main stage was always going to be a hard act, but fortunately the brilliant Corinne Bailey Rae was more than up for it. Looking like a young Diana Ross, and rocking a chic black trouser suit, Corinne looked every inch the star as she took to the stage to belt out Paris Nights, New York Mornings, one of the highlights of her second album The Sea. Focusing on the more introspective sound of her second album, the seductive groove of Closer came next, followed by Love Is On It’s Way – a song she said was wrote about ‘hope, and hopelessness’. The Blackest Lily came next, followed by Like A Star – the first track from her debut album, and one that she said she’d once sang down the phone to the one and only Stevie Wonder. The Sea accompanied by Corinne on the autoharp followed, creating one of the most spellbinding moments of the day, but it was Put Your Records On – a bonafide anthem that got the whole of Hyde Park singing, and a spirited, gospel infused cover of Doris Day’s Whatever Will Be that created the highlights of her set, with Corinne seemingly enjoying herself just as much as the crowd did.  <img alt="James Morrison" src="http://mail.live-store.com/images/hardrockcalling/jm.jpg" /> He's one of the finest voices of our generation, and James Morrison proved his worth by rocking Hyde Park with a breathtaking vocal performance. Playing at an event which he said made him 'proud to be British', James had Hyde Park eating out of the palm of his hands with his unique brand of soul.  Banging out classic after classic, including Wonderful World, This Boy and Save Yourself, but it was Broken Strings, which provided the first breathtaking moment of the set. With backing singer Beverlei Brown taking Nelly Furtado's part, the track had the whole of Hyde Park singing along. His pitch perfect vocal shone on Precious Love and Call The Police, but the highlight of the whole set came with You Give Me Something - a track that more than justifies his standing as one of the greatest new talents of the last few years. <img alt="Jamiroquai" src="http://mail.live-store.com/images/hardrockcalling/jk.jpg" /> After James came the Space Cowboy himself. They may have been quiet on the chart front for the last few years, but nothing could diminish the pulling power of Jay Kay and his band Jamiroquai.  With an abundance of celebrities in attendance including Sarah Harding and Angela Griffin, and wearing a headpiece so big that he looked like he'd topple over, Jay looked every inch the megastar on stage.  Never short of hits - from Alright to Virtual Insanity, Too Young To Die to Little L, no stone was left unturned in Jay Kay's attempt to get the crowd dancing. There were so many highlights, it's impossible to list them all - Deeper Underground squelched through the massive soundsystem, the monstrous bass booming throughout Hyde Park, whilst the ubiquitous Space Cowboy whipped the whole crowd into a frenzy. Even in the heat, wearing a massive headpiece, Jay Kay still managed to retain his crown as king of cool – we salute him! http://mail.live-store.com/images/hardrockcalling/saturday-sm.jpg Darren James-Thomas General Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT 2010-06-30T01:00:00 7ea0c067-0972-4fbd-be9a-839b5e94af93 3 Watch Paul McCartney's headline set online Wished you were there on Sunday to see Paul McCartney? Or just want to relive the night all over again? Well now you can. Paul McCartney's headline set on Sunday 27 June is available online thanks to Born HIV Free. Click <a href="http://www.youtube.com/BornHIVFree">here</a> to watch his amazing performance in all its pyrotastical glory. You'll wish you were there! http://mail.live-store.com/images/hardrockcalling/maccalive-sm.jpg Darren James-Thomas General Tue, 29 Jun 2010 23:15:00 GMT 2010-06-30T00:15:00 f71bdfee-22b7-4686-b39a-22b121c65364 4 Q&A with The Hives We catch up with Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist, Nicholaus Arson and Dr Matt Destruction backstage on Friday Welcome to HRC, enjoying the day so far? Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist: We had a sniff around a walk in here. Approximately 4 or 5 minutes of sniffing around Do you get a chance to hang around much at a festival or are you a show and go? HPW: We like hanging out. Being cool. People like it when we hang out. Nicholaus Arson: We’re going to hang out after our show because it’s a famous Swedish holiday today. Called <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midsommar#Sweden ">Midsommarafton</a>. Dr Matt Destruction: (in a very deep voice) Get naked and dance. NA: We’re going to throw a party for our crew and hang around HPW: You can actually check this out on YouTube, if you put summer solstice Sweden in youtube, you will see a large wooden penis shoved into the ground with people dancing around it imitating frogs. This is what we will do. It’s an old heathen ritual that we’ve kept alive. In keeping with the Hard Rock branding, do you have any treasures of your own? HPW: We have the original box from The Stooges “Funhouse”. We actually have one of our Hives uniform from Tyrannosaurs Hives in a Hard Rock café in LA next to one of Eminem’s sweatsuits. Who would you have, dead or a live, to play your festival? NA: Elvis Presley HPW: Little Richard. Seems like it’s mostly older stuff. NA: Dead Kennedy’s HPW: Daft Punk, Kraftwerk, the Sonics, and WE would play, obviously. Are you hanging around to see Paul McCartney on Sunday? HPW: no we have to fly to Spain to play a show with Chris Isaak, Bob Dylan and Ted Nugent. That’s a line up. The funny thing is, they are supporting us, I don’t know what they’ve been smoking in Spain And if you were wondering about the Midsummer Solstice in Sweden that The Hives were talking about. You can check it out on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pq6ytxOMyy0">YouTube here</a>. http://mail.live-store.com/images/hardrockcalling/hives.jpg Darren James-Thomas General Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:15:00 GMT 2010-06-30T01:15:00 820b319b-4cd2-4e88-8949-15004264fcc4 1000000 Paul McCartney brings the curtain down on Sunday night One of the greatest living legends in musical history plays the hits... The last time we saw Paul McCartney on stage at Hyde Park was a year and a day ago. When he he joined Neil Young on stage for what was one of the major highlights, performing a glistening version of A Day In The Life. This year, of course, McCartney himself is now a headliner. While screens scroll through footage of McCartney stretching back to the Cavern days, and jaunty girl group cover versions of Beatles songs clatter from the speaks, the audience picks up the “Na-na na na” refrain from Hey Jude as a kind of terrace chant.  But, you know, there’s nothing like the sight of a former Beatle arriving on stage with thumbs aloft to lift the spirits. Arguably, Venus And Mars/Rock Show might not be the ideal opener – it lacks an immediate recognition value, I suppose. But, hey, Jet and All My Loving follow close behind; the greatest song-book ever written is now open. After all, you’re not exactly going to complain about Got To Get You Into My Life, are you? As Band On The Run’s Let Me Roll It finishes, he launches into Foxy Lady before whipping out a story about Hendrix and Clapton that’s – shockingly – a bit of a non-starter (Macca! Clapton! Hendrix! – how can you possibly go wrong there..?!). At one point, there appears to be a minor mishap – I’m not clear what – and McCartney and his band end up playing, rather surreally, Tequila. Band On The Run sounds exhilarating and livelier than what you'd expect and how can you argue with a set that includes the likes of Two Of Us, Blackbird, Eleanor Rigby, Day Tripper and a half dozen more songs of impeccable pedigree. For Paperback Writer, he even brings on stage the actual Rickenbacker he wrote it on, which in itself raises a large cheer of approval. Blackbird and Yesterday, both played solo acoustic, are delivered to an entirely silent and respectful crowd. And, for all the cheesy pointing and winking at fellow band members and people in the crowd, he looks great, wearing a white shirt and black waistcoat, bustling around, springing to the piano, strapping on a ukelele, just being A Beatle. There are semi-anecdotes/dedications to fallen friends – Linda (her photographs are being displayed on site), John (Here Today) and George (Something). Before Back In The USSR he tells a sweet little story about meeting Russians who learned English from listening to Beatles’ records; one exchange with a Russian fan was simply Hello, Goodbye. It ends fantastically, too, with a tremendous run through of mostly late period Beatles material including Lady Madonna, Get Back and a ferocious version of Helter Skelter. Good work, indeed.  Fittingly finishing on Abbey Road's The End. The crowd want more, but the curtain is finally drawn. With a mammoth thirty-nine songs crammed into a near 3 hour set, the Hyde Park crowd leave with smiles beaming from their faces. Sir Paul, you did us proud. SET LIST:  VENUS AND MARS/ROCKSHOW, JET, ALL MY LOVING, LETTING GO, GOT TO GET YOU INTO MY LIFE, HIGHWAY, LET ME ROLL IT, LONG AND WINDING ROAD, 1985, LET ‘EM IN, MY LOVE, I'M LOOKING THROUGH YOU, TWO OF US, BLACKBIRD, HERE TODAY, DANCE TONIGHT, MRS VANDEBILT, ELEANOR RIGBY, RAM ON, SOMETHING, SING THE CHANGES, BAND ON THE RUN, OBLA DI OBLA DA, BACK IN THE USSR, I GOTTA FEELING, PAPERBACK WRITER, A DAY IN THE LIFE / GIVE PEACE A CHANCE, LET IT BE, LIVE AND LET DIE, HEY JUDE  FIRST ENCORE: DAY TRIPPER, LADY MADONNA, GET BACK  SECOND ENCORE: YESTERDAY, HELTER SKELTER, SGT PEPPER’S LONELY HEART’S CLUB BAND / THE END http://mail.live-store.com/images/hardrockcalling/macca-.jpg Darren James-Thomas General Mon, 28 Jun 2010 23:30:00 GMT 2010-06-29T00:30:00 90665500-2ea7-43e1-9c84-62c857327829 1000000 Stevie Wonder takes Hyde Park to a Higher Ground Stevie reminds us how much his music has inspired a whole generation of artists, and how decades on, it remains as relevant as ever. He may be a living legend, with a career spanning five decades. But the one and only Stevie Wonder showed tonight that he's very much still got it - working the crowd like someone half his age could only dare to dream of. With over 50,000 people crammed in front of the main stage to see him, the atmosphere was electric, and from the moment he walked onto the stage, keyboard slung around his neck singing My Eyes he had the crowd eating from the palm of his hand. There were unexpected moments - jumping down on the ground with his keyboard during the aforementioned opener, an impromptu rendition of Jay-Z and Alicia Keys Empire State Of Mind, leading the male section of the crowd in a spirited version of My Girl and a harmonica led version of Michael Jackson's Human Nature all featured in the setlist.  Hit after hit kept the crowd dancing - from Master Blaster (Jammin') through to Higher Ground via Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing. Living For The City provided the first example though that we were witnessing something special, with the crowd singing so loud, that Stevie simply stopped singing, letting the whole of Hyde Park lead the song. More hits followed – Uptight (Everything's Alright) sounded just as vital as it did when it was first released, with a vintage black and white clip playing behind him emphasising that we were listening to a track decades old.  A section for 'the lovers' provided an unexpected, but welcome relief from dancing, with My Cherie Amour, For Once In My Life and I Just Called To Say I Love You causing many a teary eye in the park, but it was Superstition which reminded us just how important Stevie is as an artist. As he sang, voice still as vibrant as it was thirty years ago, we were reminded how much his music has inspired a whole generation of artists, and how decades on, it remains as relevant as it ever was. http://mail.live-store.com/images/hardrockcalling/stevie-sm.jpeg Darren James-Thomas General Sun, 27 Jun 2010 06:00:00 GMT 2010-06-27T07:00:00 dac340bc-fc00-4403-8964-135bb6679371 1000000 Pearl Jam pay tribute to Joe Strummer at Hard Rock Calling After living in Nirvana’s shadow for so long, Pearl Jam demonstrated that they are more than worthy of their place in the music hall of fame. Pearl Jam were the band that most of you Hyde Park crowd came to see. If the sea of fans spread two hundred or so yards from the stage wasn’t enough of a clue, you only had to look at the t-shirts. The Seattle rockers are definitely a t-shirt band. Aside from the merchandise and classic grunge hits that ensued, the show was full of momentous highlights. One being a paying tribute to Joe Strummer early in his set, with the band performing a Joe Strummer & Mescaleros cover, as apparently Strummer was a “man who liked festivals” and was instrumental in bringing Pearl Jam together. According to Vedder, he was “lifting amps for Joe in San Diego” when he really got to know the other members of the band, and Pearl Jam, as a concept, and a reality was born. After telling the crowd how sadly missed Strummer is, he broke into Arms Aloft, which the crowd received in the spirit with which it was intended, they loved it. A second would be main support act Ben Harper returning the favour by joining the band for Red Mosquito, who had earlier been joined on stage by Eddie Vedder for a rendition of Queen’s Under Pressure. Back to the start. The band kicked things off in style with a soaring Given To Fly. And by the time they were into their seventh song, World Wide Suicide, they were like men possessed. They were upping the tempo at every possible turn. Even Flow sounded as fresh and relevant as it did 19 years ago. By the time they came on for a second encore of Go, The Fixer, Alive and Yellow Ledbetter they had the crowd in raptures. After living in Nirvana’s shadow for so long, Pearl Jam demonstrated that they are more than worthy of a place in the music hall of fame. Over to Stevie Wonder to top the Seattle grungers… FULL SETLIST: GIVEN TO FLY, WHY GO, BRAIN DAMAGE, CORDUROY, GOT SOME, ONCE, WORLD WIDE SUICIDE, ELDERLY WOMAN BEHIND THE COUNTER IN A SMALL TOWN, AMONGST HE WAVES, EVEN FLOW, UNTHOUGHT KNOWN, NOTHINGMAN, ARMS ALOFT, NOT FOR YOU, OF THE EARTH, STATE OF LOVE & TRUST, DO THE EVOLUTION, WASTED REPRISE, BETTER MAN / SAVE IT FOR LATER FIRST ENCORE: JUST BREATHE, RED MOSQUITO, BLACK, PORCH SECOND ENCORE: GO, THE FIXER, ALIVE, YELLOW LEDBETTER. http://mail.live-store.com/images/hardrockcalling/pj-sm.jpeg Darren James-Thomas General Sat, 26 Jun 2010 05:45:00 GMT 2010-06-26T06:45:00 f9723f70-c084-4a1c-b47a-0c2c9a95d4b7 1000000 Can't make it down to Hyde Park this weekend? Don't forget you can follow us throughout the weekend on Twitter. Where will be posting reviews, interviews and photos every day. If you're unlucky enough to miss out on all the fun at Hyde Park, make sure you follow us at <a href="https://twitter.com/HardRockCalling">twitter.com/HardRockCalling</a> where we'll be posting news throughout the day live from Hyde Park.  There will be live reviews of the day's action on the site at the end of each day, along with photos and interviews with some of the bands. http://mail.live-store.com/images/hardrockcalling/twitter-sm.jpg Darren James-Thomas General Thu, 24 Jun 2010 23:15:00 GMT 2010-06-25T00:15:00 e637ff02-fb4d-436a-9960-7ebbeac660a1 1000000 Watch England at Hard Rock Calling The England v Germany World Cup game will now be shown on the big screen The England v Germany World Cup game will now be shown on the big screens in the main arena by the sound desk without sound. This will allow customers to view the game whilst still enjoying the music. http://mail.live-store.com/images/hardrockcalling/football-sm.jpg Darren James-Thomas General Wed, 23 Jun 2010 06:30:00 GMT 2010-06-23T07:30:00 d3478990-77f0-4158-8590-29d4d00d867b 1000000 Linda McCartney photos to be displayed in Hard Rock VIP Tent No Jimi Hendrix sadly won't be playing Hard Rock Calling 2010. But, we will have photos of him along with Paul McCartney, John Lennon, The Rolling Stones and more in an Exclusive Hard Rock Exhibition Hard Rock International has confirmed, that in celebration of Paul McCartney’s headlining appearance at Hard Rock Calling 2010 on Sunday 27 June, an exclusive exhibition of Linda McCartney photographs will be displayed in Hard Rock’s backstage VIP tent in London’s Hyde Park that weekend. A total of 16 iconic black and white portraits and live performance shots, taken between 1968 and 1971, carefully selected from Linda’s portfolio, will decorate the interior walls of the VIP tent throughout the weekend of 25-27 June. Photos, featuring The Beatles, Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Neil Young, Jim Morrison and The Rolling Stones, will be joined by Hard Rock’s ICONS music memorabilia collection, which includes items from rock legends Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon and Elvis Presley. This is the first major exhibition of these portraits in the UK. The full list of artists represented in this exhibition are Paul McCartney, John Lennon, The Beatles, George Martin, Ringo Starr, BB King, Ginger Baker (Cream), Tim Buckley, Pete Townshend (The Who), Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, Mick Jagger and Brian Jones (The Rolling Stones), Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Neil Young, Janis Joplin, Simon and Garfunkel, Nico. http://mail.live-store.com/images/sns/lindamcc-sm.jpg Darren James-Thomas General Thu, 17 Jun 2010 23:15:00 GMT 2010-06-18T00:15:00 9593da78-5698-4c40-a986-14bd2688d4e1 1000000 Wolfmother cancel due to illness Wolfmother have confirmed that they will no longer perform at this year’s Hard Rock Calling Hard Rock Calling organisers have confirmed that due to illness, Wolfmother will NOT be playing at this year’s Hard Rock Calling Festival. They will be replaced by The Hives, who will perform on the Main Stage on Friday 25th June. Here is the official statement from Wolfmother on the show cancellations. Wolfmother have regretfully been forced to cancel their European tour due to an undisclosed health issue. The band does not take these decisions lightly and would like to apologize first and foremost to the fans for any inconvenience this may cause. http://mail.live-store.com/images/hardrockcalling/wolfmother-thumb.jpg Darren James-Thomas General Mon, 31 May 2010 23:30:00 GMT 2010-06-01T00:30:00 649e53cd-305f-494e-acb2-2535d9aea459 1000000 Line up announced for Sunday 27 June Crosby, Stills & Nash, Crowded House, Elvis Costello, Joshua Radin plus many more have been added to the bill and will be joining Paul McCartney on Sunday 27 June at Hard Rock Calling 2010. Folk rock supergroup Crosby, Stills & Nash will be second on the already outstanding festival bill on Sunday 27 June. The trio of legendary singer-songwriters including David Crosby, Stephen Stills and Graham Nash have all twice been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and are currently embarking on an international tour. Crowded House will also be joining the list of acts confirmed. Formed in Australia and led by New Zealand born Neil Finn, the band soon shot to fame with massive hits including Don’t Dream Its Over, Fall at Your Feet and Weather With You. After playing their farewell show in 1996, the band reformed more than ten years later and have gone onto perform around the globe. Neil Finn comments, “This is a day that I wouldn't want to miss for all the tea in China. I will be hearing songs from the masters McCartney, Crosby, Stills & Nash that I sang as a child and emulated as a teenager, and Elvis who laid down the gauntlet to all of us as we formed our bands. The scene is set, great music both modern and timeless.... and, God as if that wasn't good enough, we get to play too!” Elvis Costello, one of the most gifted British musicians of all time, takes to the Hard Rock Calling stage for the first time when he returns to the UK for a few selected and hugely anticipated performances. Famed for his involvement in many different musical genres, Costello has made his mark on music’s history and will be a celebrated addition to this year’s festival. Headlining the Pepsi Max Stage will be acoustic singer-songwriter Joshua Radin, critically acclaimed in the UK music press for his brand new album ‘Simple Times’, who was recently described by The Times as “medicine to the ears”. Ellen DeGeneres and Miley Cyrus are among his fast growing list of admirers and his music has already featured on hit TV shows including Grey’s Anatomy, American Idol and One Tree Hill. Joining Joshua Radin on the Pepsi Max Stage will be Tiffany Page, Lissie, The Coronas, Joe Echo and Little Steven's Underground Garage Revue featuring The Breakers, The Cocktail Slippers, and The Len Price 3, hosted by Little Steven Van Zandt. Joe Echo said “Yet another amazing Hard Rock Calling line-up and I’m totally blown away to be playing Hyde Park with the legend that is Macca”. http://mail.live-store.com/images/hardrockcalling/crosby-sm.jpg Darren James-Thomas General Tue, 25 May 2010 07:45:00 GMT 2010-05-25T08:45:00 50bc7296-60e4-464e-a88c-9df7acd4aab1 1000000 The Bandstand returns to Hard Rock Calling Bella Union will host the Bandstand on Saturday and Sunday in Hyde Park. Check out whose playing... The Bella Union hosted Bandstand will stage five bands each day over the Saturday and Sunday. Exact days have not been confirmed but we do have a rundown of the bands who will be lining up over the weekend. They are the beautiful Beach House, Here We Go Magic, Lone Wolf, My Sad Captains, Mountain Man, The Morning Benders, Pearly Gate Music, John Grant, Zun Zun Egui and the secretive boy-girl duo Summer Camp. Full listings will be announced soon... http://mail.live-store.com/images/hardrockcalling/bandstand-sm.jpg Darren James-Thomas General Tue, 11 May 2010 06:00:00 GMT 2010-05-11T07:00:00 64cd312d-312a-48b9-8a88-752c4140b930 1000000 Pepsi Max Stage revealed for Saturday Melissa Etheridge heads the bill in the big top on Saturday 26 June <a href="http://www.hardrockcalling.co.uk/lineup/artist.aspx?AID=cab928f0-55fa-4b70-94ff-a871a7693c32&artist=MELISSA%20ETHERIDGE">Melissa Etheridge</a> will headline the Pepsi Max Stage on Saturday 26 June, supported by a mix of fresh new talent and timeless luminaries. Including Texan singer songwriter <a href="http://www.hardrockcalling.co.uk/lineup/artist.aspx?AID=d89d483e-0ffe-4ba1-a41e-c28a15043db4&artist=ALEJANDRO%20ESCOVEDO">Alejandro Escovedo</a>, <a href="http://www.hardrockcalling.co.uk/lineup/artist.aspx?AID=eeee4e3a-48d7-4848-b95c-2c0b2de94b7e&artist=FLORENCE%20RAWLINGS">Florence Rawlings</a> is bringing back the rhythm & blues, alongside 2010 tip for the top <a href="http://www.hardrockcalling.co.uk/lineup/artist.aspx?AID=bc344606-9e09-4a3e-a01f-0c2fcfc5cbe2&artist=ROX">ROX</a>, southern soul inspired <a href="http://www.hardrockcalling.co.uk/lineup/artist.aspx?AID=b6fa6af7-ed91-4091-bcd5-6fdab47ef72e&artist=DIANE%20BIRCH">Diane Birch</a> and Rumer. http://mail.live-store.com/images/hardrockcalling/melissa-small.jpg Darren James-Thomas General Wed, 05 May 2010 08:30:00 GMT 2010-05-05T09:30:00 6879300e-14b9-4bf8-bdd3-b92ffb17980f 1000000 The Saturday headliner can now be revealed! Last but not least, the final piece of the puzzle can be announced. Stevie Wonder will headline Saturday night in Hyde Park. This summer Stevie Wonder will headline performance at Hard Rock Calling on Saturday 26 June in Hyde Park. A star studded bill has already lined up to perform on the same bill as Stevie including Jamiroquai, James Morrison and Corinne Bailey Rae. Tickets are on sale now, click <a target="_blank" href="http://www.livenation.co.uk/festival/5/hard-rock-calling-tickets">here</a> to purchase. http://mail.live-store.com/images/hardrockcalling/SW_announcemt-thumb.jpg Darren James-Thomas General Tue, 23 Mar 2010 09:00:00 GMT 2010-03-23T09:00:00 85330d59-92f5-4874-b678-e239cdde448f 1000000 A galaxy of stars to fit the bill We can also announce more amazing acts who have lined up to perform on the same bill as Stevie, including Jamiroquai, James Morrison & Corinne Bailey Rae. We are very pleased to announce some very special guests, who will be performing alongside Stevie Wonder at Hard Rock Calling on Saturday 26 June. Having sold more than 35 million albums worldwide Jamiroquai is one of the UK’s biggest musical exports. Citing Stevie Wonder as a musical hero of his, Jay Kay will take to the Hard Rock Calling stage for his first performance in the UK in many years. Currently in the process of recording his eighth studio album, Jamiroquai will bring his special blend of pop, rock and electronica to Hyde Park for what is bound to be a very memorable performance. Joining the line up on Saturday will be BRIT Award winning singer/songwriter James Morrison who returns to Hard Rock Calling for the second consecutive year. After a hiatus of nearly two years GRAMMY and BRIT Award-nominated Corinne Bailey Rae released her much-anticipated second album The Sea in January and will take to the Hard Rock Calling stage for her first festival performance this year. Tickets are on presale now, click <a target="_blank" href="http://www.livenation.co.uk/festival/5/hard-rock-calling-tickets">here</a> to purchase. http://mail.live-store.com/images/hardrockcalling/Sat-lineup-thumb.jpg Darren James-Thomas General Tue, 23 Mar 2010 09:00:00 GMT 2010-03-23T09:00:00 d95ca501-33d9-443c-b24c-7b1f4970dd9a 1000000 Paul McCartney tickets are on sale now! Paul McCartney tickets are on sale now! Check out all the packages we have to offer. Paul McCartney tickets are on sale now! Click <a href="http://www.livenation.co.uk/festival/5/hard-rock-calling-tickets">HERE</a> to purchase your tickets. Tickets are restricted to 6 per person and billing address. In conjunction with Hard Rock Calling, Live Nation Experience present an exclusive opportunity for you to attend pre-show hospitality at the iconic Abbey Road Studios before heading to Hyde Park onboard a privately chartered Routemaster bus, to see McCartney’s first-ever full-blown headlining gig in Hyde Park, where the VIP treatment continues. Click <a href="http://www.livenationexperience.co.uk/category/details.aspx?id=282">HERE</a> for details of Club, VIP and Platinum Experience packages. Main support for Sunday will be announced at a later date, as well as additional big-name acts and a full supporting line-up for the rest of the weekend. Following the success of this year’s concert festival, Hard Rock Calling 2010 will once again be staged over three consecutive nights, starting on Friday 25 June, and will feature the very best and hottest artists touring the world.   http://mail.live-store.com/images/hardrockcalling/HRC-mccartney-alternative-art.jpg Darren James-Thomas General Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:30:00 GMT 2010-03-04T00:30:00 b3764800-cfed-4f86-9649-e032e7a690f8 1000000 Paul McCartney will headline Sunday in Hyde Park The man, the legend, Paul McCartney has been revealed as the Sunday night headliner. Hard Rock International and Live Nation announce today that PAUL MCCARTNEY will be headlining Sunday 27 June at HARD ROCK CALLING 2010 in Hyde Park, London. From the days of The Beatles to the present this will be McCartney’s first-ever full-blown headlining gig in Hyde Park. Tickets go on sale for Sunday 27 June at 9am on 5 March. Paul’s live shows have reached a new legendary status in recent years garnering unprecedented reviews from fans and critics alike wherever he goes. He’s pushed boundaries, performed to millions and made global news with monumental shows including performances in Red Square, Russia, outside the Coliseum in Rome, performing live into a NASA space station, the largest outdoor show ever in the Ukraine, his first visit to Tel Aviv. Last year, his ‘Summer 09’ tour began in earnest with an already legendary inaugural run of shows at New York’s Citi Field Stadium, the site of the former Shea Stadium where The Beatles played the 1965 concert that set the precedent for the modern day stadium rock show. Critics hailed the Citi Field performances, seen by over 100,000 people, as the concert experience of a lifetime. The UK got a recent taste for Paul’s live show last Christmas when he brought his 2009 ‘Good Evening Europe’ tour to a climactic and memorable finale at London’s O2 Arena, his only UK show of 2009. Reviews for the show were phenomenal and prove that Paul McCartney is a live experience that no-one should miss. This special show is part of Paul's all new 'Up and Coming Tour,’ which starts in the US in March and comes to the UK and Ireland in June. Paul has appeared in Hyde Park twice before - he opened and closed 2005’s Live 8 concert and most recently he surprised fans last summer at Hard Rock Calling during Neil Young’s set to perform The Beatles anthem ‘A Day In The Life’. Paul McCartney commented, "My last show of 2009 was in London at The O2 Arena and we had a great night, there was a great party atmosphere. I hope that this summer we can have an even bigger party in Hyde Park. I've had a little taste of performing in the park when I guested briefly with Neil Young there last summer and it tasted good. So I'm looking forward to getting there with the band and performing our own show." Hard Rock Calling 2010 is already set to be the festival to go to this summer. Opening the weekend in true Hard Rock style will be The Hives, The Gaslight Anthem, Wolfmother, Ben Harper & Relentless7 and headliners Pearl Jam. Following the success of last year’s sold-out festival Hard Rock Calling 2010 is shaping up to follow suit, promising three days of unparalleled music and an ultimate London festival experience. Saturday’s headliner and more of the line-up for the weekend will be announced shortly. Paul McCartney’s headline appearance at Hyde Park sees him join a long line of rock and roll greats that have headlined in this iconic location, they include, Bruce Springsteen, The Who, Aerosmith, The Police, Neil Young, The Killers and Eric Clapton. http://mail.live-store.com/images/hardrockcalling/macca.jpg Darren James-Thomas General Tue, 02 Mar 2010 09:00:00 GMT 2010-03-02T09:00:00 644a2749-639a-48e5-be0a-9197845b4289 1000000 New acts confirmed for Friday 25 June Ben Harper & Relentless7, The Gaslight Anthem and The Hives will be joining Pearl Jam and Wolfmother in Hyde Park Hard Rock International and Live Nation are pleased to say that Ben Harper & Relentless7, The Hives and The Gaslight Anthem will be joining Pearl Jam and Wolfmother on Friday 25 June at Hard Rock Calling 2010. Tickets for Friday 25 June are on sale now. Hard Rock Calling 2010 is already shaping up to be London’s ultimate festival and one of the top summer concert events. Last year’s festival saw three sold-out days and this year is set to follow with some really exciting announcements for Saturday and Sunday still to come! This will be the festival to go to this summer. Back by popular demand Ben Harper & Relentless7 and The Gaslight Anthem will be hitting the main stage for a second year running. Having introduced his fiery new band at Hard Rock Calling 2009 Ben Harper & Relentless7 will be back to the UK to support his newly released live album and DVD. Blowing the sold-out crowds away with their very memorable duet with headliner Bruce Springsteen, The Gaslight Anthem were the 2009 ‘ones to watch’ and their performance proved the pre-show expectations. With a new album in the works, the band moving up the bill and is looking forward to another great year for these sons of New Jersey. Headlining the Pepsi Max Stage will be Sweden’s finest export The Hives who return to our shores for what is bound to be a very memorable performance. Having been on hiatus since 2008 the Hate to Say I Told You So quintet are back and ready to perform once again. Currently in the rehearsal studio preparing their fourth much anticipated album, Hard Rock Calling will be the place to see the bands welcomed return to the UK this year. Now in its fifth consecutive year, Hard Rock Calling has fully established itself as one of the UK’s premier outdoor music events. Past acts have included Aerosmith, Eric Clapton, The Who, Peter Gabriel, Roger Waters and The Police, who created what is now identified as the “must see” concert event on the UK festival circuit. http://mail.live-store.com/images/hardrockcalling/Friday-supprorts-thumb.jpg Darren James-Thomas General Thu, 11 Feb 2010 09:00:00 GMT 2010-02-11T09:00:00 975041b3-72e9-4325-b0eb-69ccddafefde 1000000 Wolfmother go cosmic in Hyde Park Wolfmother have been added to the supporting bill for Pearl Jam at Hard Rock Calling on Friday 25 June Hard Rock International and Live Nation have announced that Wolfmother have been added to the supporting bill for Pearl Jam at Hard Rock Calling on Friday 25 June with more acts to be confirmed. Taking the stage at London’s Hyde Park the Australian foursome will make their welcome return to the capital supporting Seattle’s finest export Pearl Jam. Tickets for the opening day are on sale now. After a brief hiatus, Wolfmother are back and set to make 2010 their year. With their critically acclaimed second album Cosmic Egg creating a stir amongst Wolfmother and music fans alike, their performance at Hard Rock Calling will be one to remember. With countless award nominations in the UK, America and Australia Wolfmother’s critically acclaimed debut album stormed the charts in 2005. Five years on and they are stronger than ever, currently on their first European tour of the year - the band will be the perfect addition to the opening day of Hard Rock Calling 2010. http://mail.live-store.com/images/hardrockcalling/wolfmother-thumb.jpg Darren James-Thomas General Fri, 15 Jan 2010 09:00:00 GMT 2010-01-15T09:00:00 f63e48bf-b75b-47fb-8dc6-da3bea5e641a 1000000 Pearl Jam announced for 2010 The Seattle alternative band headline the opening night of Hard Rock Calling on Friday 25 June The most popular American rock band of the nineties come to the UK in 2010 to headline Hard Rock Calling.  Seattle’s own Pearl Jam will rock the stage on the opening night of the much-anticipated three-day concert festival. Last year, the sold-out Hard Rock Calling festival featured stellar performances by headliners Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band, Neil Young and The Killers, supported by more than a dozen top acts, such as Dave Mathews Band, The Pretenders, The Gaslight Anthem and more. Pearl Jam recently toured North America, Australia and New Zealand in support of their ninth studio album, Backspacer. When Esquire magazine awarded Pearl Jam "Best Live Act" in 2006 they called the rockers "the rare superstars who still play as though each show could be their last." http://mail.live-store.com/images/hardrockcalling/pearljam-thumb.jpg Darren James-Thomas General Mon, 07 Dec 2009 09:00:00 GMT 2009-12-07T09:00:00 023b8f46-4c5e-4f0d-9998-b993d3a983d4 1000000 Tickets on sale now! Get your hands on the hottest tickets in town Tickets for Pearl Jam at Hard Rock Calling are now available to purchase now from <a target="_blank" href="http://www.livenation.co.uk/festival/5/hard-rock-calling-tickets">HERE</a>. Tickets are restricted to 6 per person and billing address. Main support for Friday will be announced at a later date, as well as additional big-name acts and a full supporting line-up for the rest of the weekend. Following the success of this year’s concert festival, Hard Rock Calling 2010 will once again be staged over three consecutive nights, starting on Friday 25 June, and will feature the very best and hottest artists touring the world.   http://mail.live-store.com/images/hardrockcalling/tickets-thumb.jpg Darren James-Thomas General Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT 2009-12-07T00:00:00 50709130-87ce-4fe6-a495-dcba05409420 1000000 Eddie Vedder and Ben Harper help Haiti Ben Harper joins Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder and release a split single in aid of the Haiti relief. Ben Harper has joined Eddie Vedder’s Haiti relief single efforts. Harper’s full version of “My Father’s House” from from the recent Kennedy Center Honors is now available alongside Eddie’s full audio performance of last years headliner Bruce Springsteen’s “My City Of Ruins” from the same event. The digital album of both songs is available for purchase through <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/my-city-ruins-my-fathers-house/id352483334">iTunes</a> for $1.29 (or £0.79/track). Proceeds from the sale of the track benefit Artists for Peace and Justice Haiti Relief. About Artists for Peace and Justice: Artists for Peace and Justice (APJ), established in early 2009, is a fundraising effort founded by Paul Haggis and friends that encourages peace and social justice and addresses issues of poverty and enfranchisement in communities around the world. Over the past year, APJ has directed its efforts to raising enough funds to fully sponsor three schools in Haiti in support of the initiatives of Father Rick Frechette and his team. These schools aren’t just a place to learn but provide for a hot meal, clean water and a chance at the future to children who desperately need it. Following the devastating earthquake in Haiti, APJ has focused its efforts on raising much needed dollars for emergency aid in the ravaged country that is only a few hours from our shores. http://mail.live-store.com/images/hardrockcalling/vedderharper-thumb.jpg Darren James-Thomas General Fri, 09 Oct 2009 23:30:00 GMT 2009-10-10T00:30:00 5c32ca9a-a84e-454a-8d8f-2a82f22841a8 1000000 2009 round-up Read our review of last years Hard Rock Calling with headliners The Killers, Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen and his E-Street Band It’s Friday night in London Town. The sun is shining, the atmosphere is electric, and Hyde Park is rapidly filling to the brim with rock-hungry fans, all ready to kick start an awesome three days of tenacious rock. Yes music lovers - the weekend has officially begun. We arrived at the Park today and enjoyed some stonking sets from the ever-growing crowd here in London’s back garden. We saw Chew Lips launching Hard Rock Calling in style, and witnessed Passion Pit sending everyone wild over on the Main Stage earlier this afternoon. All of this was followed by a phenomenal set from Australia’s Howling Bells who sounded absolutely incredible. The band got everyone going with tracks including Low Happening and Treasure Hunt, before launching into a fantastic rendition of hit single Into The Chaos, which sent the Hyde Park crowds absolutely crazy (oh, the irony). Lead singer Juanita was on top form, and sounded as good as she looked – truly superb. The rest of the band weren’t half bad either. <img height="300" alt="" width="470" src="http://media.livenation.co.uk/fido//publishing/news/n/j/j/Image/howling_bells01.jpg" /> Over on the Pepsi Max Stage, we’ve seen some great performances so far from Air Traffic and Silversun Pickups, and currently the mighty Metric are just finishing off what has been an incredible performance to a packed-out tent. A couple of hours ago we bumped into the lovely Kooks backstage, who are literally starting their set over on the Main Stage right now. Then it’s all about The Killers, who are gonna send everyone crazy when they close this place later tonight. It’s surely going to be a fantastic evening. Three days of awesome rock is now officially in full swing – it’s gonna be a good one. See you down the front – we’ll be the ones with our hands in the air. Having spent the afternoon enjoying some fantastic live music from the likes of The Kooks, Howling Bells, Metric and Passion Pit, the first night of Hard Rock Calling 2009 has just come to a close – and what a night it was. We’ve just finished watching a simply breath-taking set from Las Vegas’ very own The Killers. The band opened up with Human, which sounded even better live than it does on CD, with the always extravagant Brandon Flowers on top form as ever. His unique voice carried effortlessly across Hyde Park to the hordes of fans who had been waiting so long to see the performance, and collectively, the band were as tight as a nut. The start of the set was dominated by spectacular renditions of tracks from their latest album Day & Age, including A Dustland Fairytale, The World We Live In, and a belting version Spaceman. At one point, Flowers paused to tell the audience about the origins of The Killers, explaining how several years ago he responded to an ad placed by guitarist Dave Keuning, who was looking for a band at the time. This was followed by what he told us was the first fruits of their labours, erupting into the spectacular Mr Brightside, which sent everyone absolutely crazy. There was also sing-along classics All These Things That I Have Done, Smile Like You Mean It and Somebody Told Me, all of which served as reminders as to just why The Killers really are one of the hottest acts to come out of America for a long time. For an encore, the band whipped out the anthemic Bones, a deliciously bassy rendition of Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine, before ending on crowd-pleaser When You Were Young. It was a truly incredible end to a fantastic day of relentless rock, and The Killers left the crowd cheering for more, despite wowing us all with a set that was over 90 minutes long. The good news is that this is only the start of Hard Rock Calling 2009, with loads fantastic more music taking place over the next couple of days in Hyde Park. Sunday will see the legendary Bruce Springsteen playing to a sold-out audience, and Saturday is all about Mr Neil Young, who will be headlining a day that is going to include performances from Seasick Steve, Ben Harper, Fleet Foxes, The Pretenders, and many, many more. It’s going to be awesome – see you tomorrow. What a day. After spending several hours out in the blissful sunshine, dark clouds started brewing and the skies briefly opened, but it never stopped the crowd from wanting more. Oh, and Paul McCartney popped by for a little sing song with Neil Young... Here's what else went on in the build up to that. <img height="243" alt="The Pretenders" width="150" align="left" src="http://mail.live-store.com/images//HotTickets/HRC_220609/pretenders.jpg" /> By the time The Pretenders were on the main stage Hyde Park had started to fill out. Switching between old and new, the band saved the best until last with a run in of Brass In Pocket and I'll Stand By You. Following Chrissie Hynde (left) and her gang was Steven Gene Wold, otherwise known as Seasick Steve (below). Getting the whole<img alt="" align="right" src="http://mail.live-store.com/images//HotTickets/HRC_220609/seasick.jpg" /> audience on their feet and into the groove with his authentic folk-blues sound, regaling stories of past experiences with added humour. By the time he got around to Started Out With Nothing everyone was smitten. Shifting our attention to the Pepsi Max Stage, East London's Alberta Cross were showing their hometown what a glorious, warm and fuzzy mix of blues, folk and alternative country they have to offer. Followed by the beautiful bluegrass folk up-and-coming West Londoners Mumford And Sons, somewhere between Laura Marling and Noah And The Whale. While Johnny <img alt="" align="left" src="http://mail.live-store.com/images//HotTickets/HRC_220609/johnnyflynn.jpg" />Flynn (left), brother of Jerome Flynn (remember Robson & Jerome?), showed just how talented he is, switching between ukulele, guitar and violin. Like the traditional English folk of James Yorkston, with added fiddle and brass from his supporting band The Sussex Wit. By the time Ben Harper & Relentless7 were on the festival was heaving. Who could be a more perfect support for the legendary headliner Neil Young than Fleet Foxes, who already cite him alongside The Beach Boys and The Zombies, all of which can be heard buried amongst their lush harmonies<img alt="" align="right" src="http://mail.live-store.com/images//HotTickets/HRC_220609/fleetfoxes.jpg" /> and upbeat indie folk. Their hour long set allowed for a near full rendition of their self titled debut album alongside early releases Mykonos and English House. Joking with the crowd, lead singer Robin Pecknold quipped “my dad took me there [Hard Rock Café] for an Aerosmith cheeseburger.” In the build up to tonight’s headline act, the crowd were going crazy, for all the fantastic artists over the day, nothing could top the anticipation for Neil Young. Everyone vying for their spot so they could see the legend. And he didn't disappoint, opening with big hitter Hey Hey, My My (Into The Black) before giving crafted renditions of Heart Of Gold, Old Man and the poignant Needle And The Damage Done, followed by tour-de-force Down By The River and 1989 anthem Rockin’ In The Free World. <img alt="" align="left" src="http://mail.live-store.com/images//HotTickets/HRC_220609/neilyoung.jpg" />There was some entertaining banter between songs, once quipping "are there any alcoholics out there", which received a rapturous response the crowd hands aloft before he replied “then this ones for you” launching straight into Spirit Road. But the best was saved until last, reappearing for the encore Neil Young and his band began playing The Beatles classic A Day In The Life, before quickly being joined by Paul McCartney who joined in on the verse. This was the first time the two of them had sung on stage together, despite it being featured in Young's set for several years. You could tell they both enjoyed it, the fact that they had massive grins on their faces and hugging each other before Macca bowed to Neil Young. But it still didn't stop the crowd chanting for more. Will there be any more collaborations on Sunday? Will Bruce Springsteen be joining The Gaslight Anthem or vice-versa, we'll just have to wait and see. Sunday in Hyde Park started well and even a few drops of rain didn’t discourage the revellers from making the most of what promised to be the third day of world class live music. The day kicked off with music from Rudy Vaughn, Beauvoir–Free and a cracking little set from London six-piece Goldheart Assembly<img height="108" alt="" width="176" align="right" src="http://media.livenation.co.uk/fido//publishing/news/s/b/u/Image/goldheart(1).jpg" /> (pictured) on the Bandstand. The boys entertained the white picket-fenced garden with their catchy melodic pop songs and stunning five-part harmonies – certainly a band to keep an eye on in the coming months. Meanwhile, over on the main stage, The Gaslight Anthem <img style="width: 184px; height: 275px" height="300" alt="" width="215" align="left" src="http://media.livenation.co.uk/fido//publishing/news/s/b/u/Image/gaslight.jpg" />(below) were showcasing their own unique blend of blues, rock and punk. During The ’59 Sound, probably their most recognisable song, the crowd were treated to a little Brucie Bonus when a certain Mr Springsteen gave fans a taste of things to come by lending a hand on vocals and guitar. Pretty special news for the guys seeing as The Boss is widely acknowledged as one of the most enduring influences on their music. After a quick dash to the Pepsi <img style="width: 159px; height: 265px" height="300" alt="" width="200" align="right" src="http://media.livenation.co.uk/fido//publishing/news/s/b/u/Image/prettythings.jpg" />Max stage, we found 60’s psychedelic pioneers The Pretty Things (right) proving that they’ve still got what it takes to pull crowd, despite three of their number’s free bus pass eligibility! Fresh from claiming their Mojo ‘Heroes’ award, they seemed to enjoy every minute and wowed the crowd with blistering guitar solos and pounding drums on such classics as Don’t Bring Me Down and Alexandra, the latter having found fame after featuring as one of the songs in Norman Wisdom’s 1969 film, "What’s Good For The Goose". <img style="width: 168px; height: 266px" height="315" alt="" width="210" align="left" src="http://media.livenation.co.uk/fido//publishing/news/s/b/u/Image/morrison.jpg" />As the day warmed up, so did the acts – and it was James Morrison’s (left) turn to grace the Main Stage. It was all sunshine, smiles and hands in the air as he produced crowd pleasing versions from his bag of hits including You Do Something and Wonderful World. Mr Morrison also managed to funk-up his set when he ended on a great cover of Bill Withers’ Use Me. As this was happening, Rhode Island folk rock trio The<img style="width: 194px; height: 138px" height="138" alt="" width="213" align="right" src="http://media.livenation.co.uk/fido//publishing/news/s/b/u/Image/low-anthem.jpg" /> Low Anthem (below) were ripping through their Deep South influenced set list on the Pepsi Max Stage. The band ended with a new song which floated across the crowd with the help of a harmonica, double bass, oboe and lilting harmonies that would melt the heart of any detractor. There was a definite sw<img style="width: 250px; height: 163px" height="240" alt="" width="360" align="left" src="http://media.livenation.co.uk/fido//publishing/news/s/b/u/Image/matthews.jpg" />ell in the crowd gathering at the main stage as The Dave Matthews Band struck up their inimitably tight and catchy musical arrangements. They displayed their usual passion and energy which only briefly abated for Dave’s inter-song anecdotes and sips of coffee from his travel mug! They even found time to slip in a cover of Led Zeppelin’s Stairway to Heaven which managed to get the crowd really fired up in anticipation of what was to come. The day also saw fantastic performances from Joshua Radin, The Boy Who Trapped The Sun and Starsailor to name but a few, however, for some, there was only one man who could suitably wrap up such an auspicious weekend of musical delights. His name seemed to be on everybody’s lips, not least all of the day’s other acts – waxing lyrical about The Boss and citing backstage glimpses which really served to whip the crowd into a frenzy of anticipation. The best was yet to come. And arrive he did, last, but by no means least; The Boss took the Main Stage at Hyde Park Calling 2009. Let me make that London Calling as Bruce Springsteen and his E-Street Band launched their set with a stonking rendition of the 1969 Clash hit. Stately in beat but unmistakably punk in message and tone, this was the perfect opener for the 45,000 strong, mostly local crowd As the opener gave way to rapturous applause and a seamless transition into Badlands, the stage was set for what promised to be one of the Boss’ best performances to date. Flanked on each side by the menacing black bandanas of Steve Van Zandt and Nils Lofgren, Springsteen’s mood was visibly euphoric and the band bristling with energy, despite having headlined the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury less than 24 hours earlier. “The E-Street Band have travelled thousands of miles to fulfil one solemn vow – to rock the house” preached the Boss. The set showcased a fantastic cross section of the legend’s back catalogue including his first hit Rosalita, Youngstown from the Ghost of Tom Joad album, rarities such as Seeds and Trapped before bringing us bang up to date with amazing renditions of Outlaw Pete and Working on a Dream. Bobby Jean kicked off a round of requests from the audience and Bruce didn’t disappoint with his trademark collection of signs and scraps of paper from the front rows, showing each one to the band before tearing into some of the fans favourites. <img height="235" alt="" width="470" src="http://media.livenation.co.uk/fido//publishing/news/f/t/a/Image/cherry.jpg" /> In a reciprocal gesture of musical kindness, Springsteen was joined on stage by The Gaslight Anthem’s lead singer Brian Fallon for a rendition of No Surrender which surely must hint at some future collaboration between the two. Continuing the high spirits, a version of Waitin' On a Sunny Day was nailed as the sun shone and the entire crowd’s arms continued to wave. As the light faded over London and the pink hue of sunset outlined the clouds, The Boss was still going strong and showed no signs of stopping with what, to my mind, was his best ever rendition of the iconic Jungleland. He even made light of the fact he tripped up the stairs by demanding that next time he would need an elevator on stage! The set was almost three hours long and the encore came to its zenith with rousing versions of Glory Days and Dancing In The Dark – proving that he is not only a working class hero but that Bruce Springsteen and The E-Street band are one of the most enduring and hardest working acts around today – it really was a privilege and a treat for all who were there. Well that just about wraps it up for another year, but wait, there is still another seven days of live music in Hyde Park – from The Serpentine Sessions through to Blur and the highly anticipated Wireless Festival next weekend – go on, you know you want to! http://mail.live-store.com/images/hardrockcalling/2009-thumb.jpg Darren James-Thomas General Fri, 25 Sep 2009 23:00:00 GMT 2009-09-26T00:00:00 b432c4c4-7865-4b8b-a535-b16a29272adf 1000000