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Main News Channel Main News Channel for Hard Rock Calling 2009 en Thu, 11 Mar 2010 07:53:09 GMT Thu, 11 Mar 2010 07:53:09 GMT 5 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 1 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 2 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 3 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 4 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