Looking back over the pop sensation's history, Louise Gardiner brings the spotlight back to Michael Jackson.
Luke Brazier braves the gig of a band he's never heard of
James Arden reviews Arcade Fire's latest album.
Fifth album from the Canadian group fails to meet Simon Cocks's high expectations
Little John’s Farm, Reading and Bramham Park, nr. Wetherby; 27-29 August
The big news at Reading and Leeds this year is the return of the Libertines. Together again for the first time in 6 years, Doherty, Barât and co. will (drug-related arrests permitting) support headliners Arcade Fire, whilst the other days’ line-ups will be topped by Guns N’ Roses and Blink 182. Reportedly splitting up soon, LCD Soundsystem lead the bill at the NME/Radio 1 Stage, whilst Klaxons offer respite for anyone whose Blink 182 days belong firmly in the days of GCSEs and acne. Lower down the line-up, covering all musical bases, are gypsy punks Gogol Bordello, psych-rockers Yeasayer, the purportedly bonkers Dizzee Rascal and the utterly terrible You Me At Six. The tickets have all gone, but there’s still time to get on the stewarding bandwagon.
Henham Park, Suffolk; 15-18 July
Tickets £155 (£65 per day)
Its curators always endeavour to make clear that Latitude is “more than just a music festival”, and with the arts arenas quickly filling up, who can blame them? The Comedy Arena has added TV regulars Mark Watson, Josie Long and (of Shooting Stars fame) Angelos Epithemiou. Sebastian Faulks and Peter Hook will be at the Literary Arena and The Mummers feature as Mark Lamarr curates an evening in the Film & Music Arena.
The London folk scene contributes performances by Mumford & Sons and Laura Marling to the latest music announcement from Latitude HQ. Corinne Bailey Rae will entertain the Obelisk Arena crowds on Saturday afternoon, and Mercury-nominee-plumbers Sweet Billy Pilgrim will give their folktronica an airing on the Sunday. Not to be missed.
Glanusk Park, Brecon Beacons; 20-22 August
Tickets £120 (£104 with NUS)
In Green Man’s latest update, the hidden gem of boutique festivals has announced the melancholic but anthemic Doves as Friday night’s headliners, topping the bill alongside Joanna Newsom and the Flaming Lips. In addition to the official confirmation of Wild Beasts we revealed last week, other rightly acclaimed acts new to the bill include the glitchy Fuck Buttons, menacing These New Puritans and retro surfer-pop Girls. Solo artists include Simone Felice (formerly of the Felice Brothers), Steve Mason (formerly of the Beta Band) and Memory Tapes (experimental electronica artist Dayve Hawk). For a festival initially established for folk-lovers, Green Man 2010 is more diverse than ever.
Sold out Glastonbury (June 23-27) looks set to include Boy George, Dizzee Rascal, MGMT, Orbital, Pet Shop Boys, The National and Vampire Weekend, not to mention the obligatory appearance from Bodger and Badger somewhere or other on site.
The Big Chill (August 5-8) hosts the returning M.I.A. alongside Massive Attack, Roots Manuva, The Bug, Mr Scruff, Breakage, Plan B, The Leisure Society, Kelis and John Hegley.
This year’s Hop Farm Festival (July 3) is headlined by the famous Bob Dylan, with a supporting cast including Ray Davies, Mumford & Sons, Laura Marling, Seasick Steve and The Magic Numbers.
You must log in to submit a comment.
