Festivals 2025 latest: The return of The Maccabees
The Maccabees are reuniting for their first show in eight years after being confirmed as the first headliners of All Points East 2025.
The British indie rockers, who went their separate ways following a sold out three-night stand at Alexandra Palace in 2017, will perform at the AEG Presents event in London’s Victoria Park on 24 August.
“In the intervening years we’ve been to All Points East a lot, separately,” explains guitarist Felix White. “It’s become a bit of a landmark festival for us, always checking who’s on the line-up. I’d go and have a great time throughout the day, but there was always this pinch of regret watching headliners that we could’ve done it ourselves one day too.
“I thought that moment had passed, and it was something I was prepared to come to terms with that I was always going to miss. I think we’re all kind of shocked and excited that we get to do it together again.”
The gig will also coincide with the 10th anniversary of the band’s final record together, 2015’s UK #1 album Marks To Prove It.
In addition, AEG’s BST Hyde Park has started to flesh out its bill. After confirming Jeff Lynne’s ELO last week, it has revealed country music singer Zach Bryan will grace the London concert series on 28 June in what will be his first UK festival headlining slot. Bryan will follow in the footsteps of fellow American Morgan Wallen, who became the first country act to top the bill on the Great Oak Stage this year.
The end of October has also brought a slew of other European festival lineup announcements for next summer.
The UK’s Latitude returns to Henham Park, Suffolk, from 24-27 July, headlined by Sting, Snow Patrol and Fatboy Slim.
“We’ve always aimed to deliver a festival experience that blends artistic exploration and cultural enrichment”
“We’ve always aimed to deliver a festival experience that blends artistic exploration and cultural enrichment, and this year’s lineup reflects that perfectly,” says festival director Melvin Benn.
Rock Oyster will also take place from 24-27 July in the grounds of Dinham House on the banks of the Camel Estuary in Cornwall, featuring headliners Ministry of Sound Classical, Rag’n’Bone Man and UB40 ft Ali Campbell.
Belgium’s Rock Werchter (3-6 July) has unveiled Green Day as its first headline act, with the US band set to appear on the main stage on 4 July.
Primavera Sound (5-7 June), which revealed the first 147 names for 2025 last week – topped by Charli XCX, Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter – has added Central Cee as its latest headliner. The Barcelona festival is partnering with financial app Revolut to offer all its customers a 10% discount on the price of full festival tickets for Primavera Sound Barcelona, as well as for Primavera Sound Porto and all Primavera Tours in Spain.
Elsewhere, Snowbombing, will take over the village of Mayrhofen in Austria from 7-12 April. Acts will include the likes of The Prodigy, Arman Van Helden, Nia Archives, Hedex, MC Eksman, Hybrid Minds and Ewan McVicar, while in Greece, Release Athens has announced Idles (18 June), Gojira (19 July) and Dream Theater (23 July) so far.
In the US, Goldenvoice’s Cruel World festival (17 May) in Pasadena, California, will be headlined by New Order and Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, backed by a supporting bill including The Go-Go’s, Devo, OMD, Death Cult, Garbage and Madness.
And in the UAE, Stormzy will close the final night of three-day music and sports festival Emirates Dubai 7s on 1 December 2024, preceded by Sugababes on 30 November.
Get more stories like this in your inbox by signing up for IQ Index, IQ’s free email digest of essential live music industry news.
2025 festival bills: Afro Nation, C2C, Ultra Music
The smattering of festival lineup announcements has continued with Afro Nation Portugal, Ultra Music Festival and Country to Country the latest to show their hands for 2025.
Burna Boy and Tems will headline the fifth anniversary of The Malachite Group’s Afro Nation Portugal, which is set for Portimao from 9-11 July. The first wave of artists also includes Ayra Starr, Franglish, Tiakola, Gabzy, Innoss’B, Piano People, Scorpion Kings, DBN Gogo, Oskido, Rosey Gold, Vigro Deep, Mörda, Shakes & Les and KMAT.
Elsewhere, electronic music spectacular Ultra Music Festival celebrates its 25th anniversary in Miami at Bayfront Park between 28-30 March. The bill features the likes of Martin Garrix, Hardwell, Chase & Status, Carl Cox, Tiesto, Zedd, Deadmau5 B2B Pendulum, Armin van Buuren, Charlotte de Witte, Nero and Four Tet.
In addition, country music festival Country to Country (C2C) heads back to the UK from 14-16 March, headlined by Lainey Wilson, Dierks Bentley and Cody Johnson. Presented by SJM Concerts, AEG Presents, DFC and MCD in association with the Country Music Association (CMA), the event will run concurrently at The O2 in London, Glasgow’s OVO Hydro and SSE Arena Belfast.
They will be joined by C2C debutants Dylan Gossett, Tyler Hubbard, Chayce Beckham, Shaboozey, Tucker Wetmore, Niko Moon and The Castellows, as well as the returning Nate Smith, 49 Winchester and Avery Anna, Wyatt Flores and Tanner Adell.
“We are more grateful than ever for the valuable role C2C has continued to play in developing audiences in the territory”
Since debuting at The O2 in 2013 with headliners Tim McGraw and Carrie Underwood, C2C has grown to a three-day multi-arena festival.
“As country music continues to reach more fans around the world and achieve mainstream success in the UK, we are more grateful than ever for the valuable role C2C has continued to play in developing audiences in the territory,” says Milly Olykan, CMA VP, international relations and development. “The festival continues to be an unforgettable moment in the year for fans, as well as a key opportunity for artists to gain exposure in the UK market. We are incredibly proud of our continued partnership with C2C, and of the success to date of country music in the UK.”
The week prior (7-9 March), AEG and Semmel Concerts will present C2C Germany at Berlin’s Uber Eats Music Hall. Topped by Dylan Gossett, Midland and Lainey Wilson, it will also feature acts such as 49 Winchester, Dasha, Nate Smith, Wyatt Flores, Tucker Wetmore, Sam Barber, Chase Matthew and Shaboozey.
Meanwhile, Clockenflap has announced its first wave of names for 2024. The festival returns between 29 November to 1 December this year at Hong Kong’s Central Harbourfront, headlined by Jack White – who will be making his debut performance in Hong Kong – and Air.
Also confirmed are St Vincent, Jamie xx, Glass Animals, Mother Mother, Fat Dog, Porter Robinson and A-Trak, alongside talent from across the East Asian music scene such as Creepy Nuts, Yama, Deca Joins, Sakurazaka46 and Toe, among others.
Get more stories like this in your inbox by signing up for IQ Index, IQ’s free email digest of essential live music industry news.
Analysing Europe’s festival summer 2024
IQ has once again collaborated with music biz directory and data platform ROSTR to analyse the lineups of 50 top European festivals.
A total of 4,900 artists performed at the 50 festivals, with the findings highlighting several key trends in terms of genre, age, headliners and longevity.
The data also uncovers which agencies booked the most artists and headliners during the 2024 season, as well as which artists appeared on the most lineups.
As in 2023, Wasserman Music came out on top for most bookings, followed by WME, CAA and UTA. The latter’s Kenya Grace appeared on the most bills (11), ahead of Wasserman clients Nothing But Thieves and 13 Artists’ Royal Blood (both 10).
Fred again.. (Wasserman) claimed the most headline slots with seven, with Måneskin (ITB) taking six and Dua Lipa (WME), The Chainsmokers and Lana Del Rey (both CAA) each on five.
Perhaps the most startling revelation, however, concerns gender balance, with even more men topping festival bills this year than in 2023.
In total, 92% of the acts that were on stage during a headline slot were male, along with 78% of solo headline acts.
ROSTR – a music industry directory, contacts, data and jobs platform – holds artist rosters, people, and company information for more than 12,000 companies worldwide.
Tomorrow’s (25 September) opening session of the International Festival Forum (IFF) in London Bridge will begin with a short presentation of ROSTR x IQ’s analysis of the European festival summer 2024, hosted by ROSTR co-founder and CEO Mark Williamson.
The full analysis appears in the new issue of IQ. You can read the digital edition of IQ 130 here.
Get more stories like this in your inbox by signing up for IQ Index, IQ’s free email digest of essential live music industry news.
Lollapalooza India, Stagecoach unveil 2025 bills
Lollapalooza India has unveiled its 2025 lineup, including a host of top international names set to perform in the country for the first time.
Headliners Green Day, Shawn Mendes, Louis Tomlinson and Glass Animals are all scheduled to make their Indian debuts at the event’s third edition, alongside the likes of John Summit, Aurora, Wave to Earth and Big Boi.
Acts such as Zedd, Nothing But Thieves, Cory Wong and Alok have also been confirmed for the 8-9 March festival in Mumbai.
With many categories already sold out, remaining tickets are priced 9,999 rupees (€108), with VIP packages costing up to 47,999 (€519).
More than 60,000 fans gathered over two days at Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi Racecourse back in January for this year’s edition, headlined by Sting, Jonas Brothers, Halsey and OneRepublic, which was produced by Lollapalooza co-founder Perry Farrell, Live Nation’s C3 Presents and Indian ticketing giant BookMyShow.
The inaugural Lolla India took place in 2023, featuring performances from artists including Imagine Dragons, The Strokes, AP Dhillon and Cigarettes After Sex
BookMyShow’s chief of business, live entertainment, Owen Roncon said the festival was projected to break even by its upcoming third year – in line with expectations.
The inaugural Lolla India took place in 2023, featuring performances from local and international artists including Imagine Dragons, The Strokes, AP Dhillon, Cigarettes After Sex, Divine, the F16s, Jackson Wang, Imanbek, Greta Van Fleet, The Wombats and Diplo.
Meanwhile, in the US, Zach Bryan, Jelly Roll and Luke Combs will top the bill at Goldenvoice’s country music extravaganza Stagecoach in 2025. The festival will run from 25-27 April next year at Indio’s Empire Polo Club – the home of Coachella – in California. Passes go on sale this Friday (13 September), priced $579 (€526).
Also confirmed are the likes of Lana Del Rey, Brothers Osborne, Sturgill Simpson, Nelly, Midland, Sammy Hagar, Goo Goo Dolls and Ashley McBryde.
And in Europe, Finland’s Provinssi has also showed its hand early, announcing Electric Callboy, Flogging Molly, Haloo Helsinki! and Lorna Shore for its 2025 festival, which will be held in Seinäjoki, Törnävänsaari, from 26-28 June. Regular one-day tickets are available for €139, while three-day super early bird tickets cost €199 (or €299 VIP).
Get more stories like this in your inbox by signing up for IQ Index, IQ’s free email digest of essential live music industry news.
Huge European festival weekend ahead
A number of big-hitters feature in IQ‘s latest round-up of festivals taking place across Europe over the next few days.
In the UK, the Bank Holiday weekend sees a packed schedule including the return of Reading & Leeds (23-25 August), headlined by Blink-182, Fred Again.., Liam Gallagher, Lana Del Rey, Gerry Cinnamon and Catfish and the Bottlemen.
This year’s lineup also includes acts such as 21 Savage, Raye, Two Door Cinema Club, Fontaines D.C., The Prodigy, Skrillex, Sonny Fodera, Pendulum, Bleachers, Spiritbox, Jorja Smith and The Last Dinner Party.
Catfish and the Bottlemen, who announced their first UK stadium headline shows earlier this week, with performances at Cardiff Principality Stadium (1 August) and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (3 August) booked for 2025, will also headline Edinburgh Summer Sessions at the Royal Highland Showgrounds in Scotland on 24 August.
All Points East (APE), which kicked off last week with Kaytranada, Loyle Carner and Mitski, wraps up from 23-25 August with LCD Soundsystem and The Postal Service & Death Cab for Cutie. The Saturday event is held under the Field Day banner, topped by Justice and Charlotte de Witte.
Also on the APE bill at London’s Victoria Park are the likes of Jai Paul, Pixies, Floating Points, The Decemberists, Phoenix, Gossip, Lany, Jockstrap, Joy, The Kills, Say She She and Sleater-Kinney.
Held in Daresbury, Cheshire, dance institution Creamfields (22-25 August) will star Calvin Harris, Chase & Status, Martin Garrix, Alesso, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Fatboy Slim, Tiesto, Peggy Gou, Sub Focus, Eric Prydz, Hardwell, Charlotte de Witte, Armin van Buuren, Pete Tong, Fisher, Michael Bibi, Steve Angello and Gorgon City, among others.
Meanwhile, in France, Rock en Seine (21-25 August) in Saint Cloud starts tonight with a standalone show by Lana Del Rey. The festival will also welcome stars such as Fred Again.., LCD Soundsystem, Måneskin, PJ Harvey, Massive Attack, Pixies, The Offspring, Loyle Carner, Jungle, 2ManyDJs, Baxter Dury, Kasabian, Inhaler, Gossip and Loyle Carner.
Montpellier’s Palmarosa Festival (23-25 August) has a bill featuring Phoenix, Gossip and Tom Odell, plus acts including The Kills, The Hives, Soulwax and The Vaccines, and Nice Jazz Fest (20-23 August) showcases Nas, Jungle, Phoenix, Sampha and more.
The first weekend of Switzerland’s Zurich Openair (23-24 August) boasts names including Sam Smith, Martin Garrix, Raye, Macklemore, Louis Tomlinson, Armin van Buuren, Loyle Carner, Zoe Wees and Milky Chance.
Elsewhere, The Cult, Die Antwoord, The Darkness, The Libertines, Crystal Fighters and Soulfly are among acts slated for Portugal’s Vilar de Mouros (21-24 August), and Tiesto, Zara Larsson and Alan Walker top the bill at Feelings (23-24 August) in Bergen, Norway.
Back in the UK, Portsmouth’s Victorious Festival (23-25 August) is headed by Fatboy Slim, Jamie T and Biffy Clyro. Other artists on the bill include Snow Patrol, Idles, Louis Tomlinson, Jess Glynne, Courteeners, Pixies, Sugababes, The Lathums, Holly Humberstone, Becky Hill, Wet Leg, James Bay, Arlo Parks, Soft Play and Yard Act.
CarFest (23-25 August), which takes place at Laverstoke Park Farm, Hampshire, is topped by Richard Ashcroft, Olly Murs and UB40 ft. Ali Campbell, with support from Deacon Blue, Johnny Marr, Sam Ryder, Beverley Knight, Jake Shears, Kula Shaker, Reef and Damian Lewis.
Performers at Northamptonshire’s Shambala (22-25 August) will include Bob Vylan, The Congos, The Beatbox Collective, Sampa the Great and Brushy One String, while Camper Calling (23-25 August) will bring artists including Travis, Jessie J, Groove Armada, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, The Zutons, Professor Green, The Bluetones, Norman Jay and The Sherlocks to Ragley Hall, Warwickshire.
Americana and roots music and culture festival The Long Road (23-25 August) in Stanford Hall, Leicestershire, will feature a UK exclusive headline show from the legendary Don McLean. Russell Dickerson will also headline the event, with the supporting cast including Chapel Hart, Ron Pope, Paula Cole, American Aquarium, Gangstagrass, Campbell Jensen, Gina Larner, Brittney Spencer, The Red Clay Strays, Colbie Caillat, Randall King, Flatland Cavalry and Pokey LaFarge.
And Blur’s Alex James’ farm in the Cotswolds’ will host Big Feastival (23-25 August), headlined by Becky Hill, Ministry of Sound Classical, Snow Patrol. The bill also features the likes of Joel Corry, Ella Henderson, Johnny Marr, CMAT, Hak Baker, Natasha Bedingfield, Jax Jones, Cat Burns and Cian Ducrot.
Get more stories like this in your inbox by signing up for IQ Index, IQ’s free email digest of essential live music industry news.
Festivals update: Rock en Seine, Roskilde, Open’er
Some of Europe’s biggest festivals have added to their lineups as the 2024 summer season gets underway.
Notable events taking place across the continent this weekend include Best Kept Secret in the Netherlands, Rock am Ring and Rock im Park in Germany, Primavera Porto in Portugal, Sweden Rock Festival, Orange Warsaw Festival in Poland and Parklife in the UK.
Meanwhile, France’s Rock en Seine, which is set for 21-25 August at Domaine national de Saint-Cloud, outside Paris, has announced 38 new acts, joining headliners Lana Del Rey, Fred again.., LCD Soundsystem, Måneskin, Massive Attack, PJ Harvey, The Offspring and The Smile.
Del Rey, who headlines the opening night, will top a 100% female line-up, supported by Rori, Towa Bird and Pomme. Other fresh additions include Kae Tempest, Venna, Sofie Royer, CVC, Joy (Anonymous), Loverman, New West, Rachel Chinouriri, Nell Mescal, BINA, Soft Launch, Monobloc, Vox Low and Yoa.
Also featuring are Durry, Emily Jeffri, Aili, Dynamite Shakers, Martha Da’ro, The Scratch, Astral Bakers, Merryn Jeann, Rallye, Dog Park, Madam, Nina Versyp, Clara Kimera, 135, Please, Geagea, Menades, Past Life Romeo, Bada-Bada, Lisa Ducasse and Joe la panic.
Elsewhere, there has been a change at the top at Denmark’s Roskilde, which runs from 29 June to 6 July, with Charli XCX stepping in to replace Kali Uchis on 5 July. SZA, Doja Cat, Foo Fighters, J Hus, PinkPantheress, 21 Savage and Skrillex are among this year’s headliners.
“Charli XCX sets new standards for hyperpop, and we are pleased to add an international name of such high calibre”
“Charli XCX sets new standards for hyperpop, and we are pleased to add an international name of such high calibre,” says Roskilde programme director Anders Wahrén.
Charli XCX has also joined the bill at Poland’s Open’er alongside Don Toliver and Hozier, who has been confirmed as the 3-6 July event’s final headliner. Foo Fighters, Dua Lipa and Doja Cat also top the lineup, with other acts including Måneskin, Disclosure, Ashnikko, 21 Savage, Ice Spice, Air, Loyle Carner, Michael Kiwanuka, Floating Points, Kim Gordon, Tom Morello, Sampha and Slowdive.
Croatia’s biggest open-air music festival InMusic, which was forced to cancel last year’s edition, has released the full lineup for its 2024 return from 24-26 June. The Zagreb event will be topped by The National, Hozier, Paolo Nutini and the Smashing Pumpkins. Also set to perform are Röyksopp, Gossip, Viagra Boys, Dogstar, Bombay Bicycle Club, The Gaslight Anthem, Squid and Sleaford Mods, among others.
The legendary Montreux Jazz Festival has unveiled the free programme for its 58th edition, which will take place on the shores of Lake Geneva, Switzerland, between 5-20 July 2024.
With more than 500 activities on 15 stages, the free programme is largely dedicated to promoting emerging artists and represents more than 80% of the festival’s total offering. Highlight include Kenya Grace, Good Neighbours, Sid Sriram, Marcel Dettman, Jazzbois, Venna, Dargz, Elmiene and Black Coffee.
“After careful consideration and evaluation of various factors, we have decided that this is the right time to close this chapter”
In addition, daily workshops will include members of Deep Purple and Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason sharing their memories of Montreux in the 70s, as well as jazz artists such as Lakecia Benjamin, Faraj Suleiman and Roni Kaspi, while a workshop and four events will be dedicated to iconic French artist Serge Gainsbourg on 14 July.
The free events will run alongside the main festival lineup, which will star the likes of Raye, Sting, Massive Attack, Kraftwerk, Janelle Monáe, PJ Harvey, Smashing Pumpkins, Jungle, Duran Duran, Rag’n’Bone Man, Yussef Dayes, André 3000 and Alice Cooper.
Also in Switzerland, hip-hop festival Openair Frauenfield, scheduled for 11-13 July, will feature acts including Nicki Minaj, 21 Savage, Offset, Don Toliver, Apache 207, Gunna, Ice Spice, Skepta, Shirin David and D-Block Europe.
However, Weihern Openair has come to an end after 10 years. The Swiss festival traditionally took place in St Gallen in mid-September, after the main season.
“This decision was not easy for us, but after careful consideration and evaluation of various factors, we have decided that this is the right time to close this chapter,” says a statement.
Glastonbury has dropped its full 2024 lineup, complete with stage times
The association behind the event had reportedly run into deficits over the past two years due to declining visitor numbers.
“One of the main reasons is that at the end of the festival season we were unable to motivate enough people or visitors to come to the Weihern to enjoy music,” says Kajo Bischof, organising committee member of the Weihern Openair Association, as per FM1 Today. “We noticed that the demand to go to festivals at this time of year has dropped significantly.”
Plus, the UK’s Glastonbury festival has dropped its full 2024 lineup, complete with stage times. Late additions to the 26-30 June programme include James, Tems, Femi Kuti, Seasick Steve, Jamie Webster, the Staves, the Skatalites, Jalen Ngonda, the Vaccines, Johnny Flynn, Soft Play, Rachel Chinouriri, The Zutons and the Birmingham Royal Ballet. Dua Lipa, Coldplay and SZA are this year’s Pyramid Stage headliners.
Lastly, London concert series BST Hyde Park has fleshed out this year’s supporting cast, with Hans Zimmer, Seal, Zucchero, Katherine Jenkins and Matteo Bocelli joining headliner Andrea Bocelli on 5 July.
In addition, Gary Clark Jr, Cannons, Somebody’s Child, Red Rum Club, Keo, The Meffs, Daydreamers and Nieve Ella bolster Kings of Leon’s 30 June show with previously announced special guests Paolo Nutini and The Vaccines. Plus, MARINA, Anitta and ALTÉGO will perform before Kylie Minogue’s headline set on 13 July, and Maisie Peters, Alec Benjamin, NMIXX, and KIRE will support Stray Kids on 14 July.
Get more stories like this in your inbox by signing up for IQ Index, IQ’s free email digest of essential live music industry news.
Lineups latest: Electric Picnic, Knotfest, Sziget
Festivals around the world have been adding the finishing touches to their lineups as the 2024 season rapidly approaches.
Ireland’s Electric Picnic finally dropped its bill last Friday, featuring Noah Kahan, Calvin Harris and Kylie Minogue as headliners.
The sold-out festival will take place at Stradbally Hall in Stradbally, County Laois, between 16-18 August. Other artists will include Gerry Cinnamon, Kodaline, Raye, Faithless, J Hus, Kasabian, Nas, Peggy Gou, Teddy Swims and Tom Grennan.
Minogue has also been revealed as the opening night headliner at Hungary’s Sziget, set for Budapest from 7-12 August, with Fisher and Barry Can’t Swim also added to a lineup that boasts the likes of Stormzy, Fred Again.., Sam Smith and Martin Garrix.
Sziget has also confirmed the list of performers for its rap and hip-hop stage, the dropYard, with names including Kojaque, P Money, Rushy, Bladerunnaz DJs, D-LOW, Gray, Joe Unknown and Kybba.
In addition, the former Europe Stage will now be known as Ibis x ALL presents The Buzz, showcasing international bands that have achieved significant success in their home countries but are not yet widely known internationally. Acts will include Royel Otis, Jeremias, Dead Poet Society, Íñigo Quintero and Artemas.
Denmark’s Roskilde has completed the lineup for this year’s festival with the addition of 15 music acts including Action Bronson, Shygirl, Musa Keys, Scarlxrd, Evian Christ, Porij, Ana Lua Caiano, Muskila, Sega Bodega, Strictly Silk and Zzzahara.
They join an existing bill including 21 Savage, Doja Cat, Foo Fighters, Ice Spice, Khruangbin, Jungle, Kali Uchis, Kim Gordon, J Hus, Jungle, Nia Archives, PJ Harvey, PinkPantheress, Romy, Skrillex and Tyla, among others, from 29 June to 6 July.
“It is important for us to provide space for new talents and to offer a platform and reinforce the voices of those who can contribute to creating change”
The festival has also added new names to its art and activism programme, including Solidarity With Palestine, graffiti artist RAMS, and performance artist Andie Flores.
“Roskilde Festival is created to make a difference for others, even far from the festival’s experiences, art, and concerts,” says programme director Anders Wahrén. “It is important for us to provide space for new talents and to offer a platform and reinforce the voices of those who can contribute to creating change. We must be the amplifier that we have the opportunity to be. To inspire, and instil hope.”
Elsewhere, Slipknot will celebrate the 25th anniversary of their self-titled debut album with homecoming event Knotfest Iowa at Water Works Park in Des Moines on 21 September. The one-night-only event will mark the first time in four years the band have returned to their hometown, and will also star Till Lindeman, Knocked Loose, Hatebreed, Poison the Well and GWAR.
Moreover, Knotfest Iowa will include emerging acts such as Vended, Dying Wish, ZULU, Twin Temple, Holy Wars and Swollen Teeth.
In the UK, Loyle Carner’s 17 August headline set at All Points East in Victoria Park, London, will feature support from André 3000, Lianne La Havas, Flying Lotus, Cymande, Glass Beams, Berlioz, Nubya Garcia, Songer, Lola Young, MRCY, Dana and Alden and Bricknasty. They join previously announced special guests Nas, Ezra Collective, Sainté, Joe James, ENNY and Navy Blue.
Also in London, BST Hyde Park will welcome special guests Brandi Carlile, Anna Calvi and Paris Paloma as support to headliner Stevie Nicks on 12 July.
Elsewhere ULTRA Worldwide has unveiled Steve Angello, Afrojack, Alesso, Ben Nicky, RL Grime, NGHTMRE, SLANDER and Knock2 as headliners for the sixth edition of ULTRA Beach Bali. Scheduled for 6-7 June, ULTRA Beach Bali will take place at beachfront pool club Café Del Mar in the resort village of Canggu.
Plus, FKP Scorpio is curating the cultural programme for Germany’s IFA Sommergarten – the centrepiece of leading technology and industry trade fair IFA Berlin. The event will include the 6PM Season Festival in collaboration with Dreamhaus on 6 September, while on 7 September, FKP will present concerts by Faithless, Kosheen. Stereo MCs and Incognito.
Get more stories like this in your inbox by signing up for IQ Index, IQ’s free email digest of essential live music industry news.
Festivals ’24 update: Glastonbury, Primavera, Flow
As the 2024 festival season draws closer, a host of leading events have offered updates on what’s in store this summer.
Glastonbury, which will be headlined by Dua Lipa, Coldplay and SZA, has begun releasing its full lineup, stage-by-stage.
This week, it unveiled the bill for The Glade, including live performances from Faithless, Goldie, D:REAM, Eva Lazarus, Nubiyan Twist, K-Klass, Henge and Afriquoi, alongside DJ sets from Fatboy Slim, Camelphat, Layla Benitez, Groove Armada, Gok Wan, Carlita, Chris Stussy, Mall Grab and Desiree.
Set for Worthy Farm, Somerset, from 26-30 June, the UK festival, whose founder Michael Eavis received a knighthood for services to charity and music at Windsor Castle yesterday (23 April), sold out its final resale – comprising a “very limited” number of tickets for which the balance was not paid – in 22 minutes on Sunday. Remaining coach packages were snapped up in just 18 minutes three days earlier.
In addition, Amazon Music has announced it will return to Barcelona for a third year to exclusively livestream select performances from the 22nd edition of Primavera Sound from 30 May-1 June at Parc del Forum. The streaming service will provide access to a weekend full of live music on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channels on Twitch.
The festival will be broadcast in both Spanish and English across two channels of original content, and a third channel which will be simulcast with subtitles, from 6.30pm BST each day. Acts will include Pulp, Vampire Weekend, Justice, Lana Del Rey, The National, Disclosure, SZA, PJ Harvey, Mitski, FKA Twigs and Charli XCX. New for 2024, Amazon Music has also created an exclusive viewing deck overlooking the Amazon Music Stage.
“The public will have the opportunity to experience an incredible journey through music”
Elsewhere, the latest additions to Rock in Rio Brazil’s 40th anniversary, slated for 13-15 & 19-22 September, include James, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Penélope and Pato Fu. The artists will perform on 14 September, which will be headlined by NX Zero.
“It will be a day for varied tastes on the Sunset Stage. Pop rock, blues, indie rock and emo rock will set the tone for the space’s curated narrative on this date,” says Zé Ricardo, artistic VP of Rock World, the company behind Rock in Rio and The Town.
“The public will have the opportunity to experience an incredible journey through music, from the emotional return of the band Penélope alongside Pato Fu, to the energy and powerful sound of Kingfish’s blues. We will also go through James’ greatest hits, who is a true alternative rock institution, and close the night with a wonderful show full of NX Zero hits. It will be an unforgettable day.”
Elsewhere, the third wave of acts for Flow Festival Helsinki‘s 20th anniversary features Halsey, Janelle Monáe, Vince Staples, Auruora, Barry Can’t Swim, Amaarae and Yves Tumor, who join a lineup headed by Fred Again.., Raye, Pulp, Idles, The Smile and PJ Harvey from 9-11 August.
Pitchfork Music Festival London, scheduled for 5-10 November, has released the first wave of artists set to perform throughout the week, including Tierra Whack, Arooj Aftab, CASISDEAD, Sega Bodega, Kae Tempest, Empress Of, Billy Woods, Moor Mother, Drugdealer, Snow Strippers, Shame, Marika Hackman, Pom Pom Squad, Friko and Chanel Beads.
EFG London Jazz Festival has also announced the first names for its 2024 edition, set to take place from 15-24 November. Performers will include the likes of Pat Metheny, Anouar Brahem, the LSO x Cassie Kinoshi’s seed., Jazz Voice, Marisa Monte, Rumer, Jamie Cullum, Dawn Richard x Spencer Zahn, Veronica Swift and Robert Glasper across various London venues.
“We are very excited to return with the 32nd edition of the EFG London Jazz Festival once again presenting a diverse lineup of brilliant artists, projects and exciting performances showcasing the dynamism and creativity of the music we love,” says festival director Pelin Opcin. “This first lineup announcement is only a portion of the festival and the overall programme will continue being the platform for creative music, new work, unique collaborations and showcasing the strength of UK’s jazz community.”
“The epic scale and quality of product C3 produces will elevate our entire music landscape”
Plus, Festival2Funky, the annual three-day celebration of Black music and arts, returns for its 11th year across 24-26 May in Leicester’s West End, topped by Lady Leshurr, Natasha Watts, Pressure Busspipe, The Beatnuts, Children of Zeus and DJ Day Day.
“We are delighted to be bringing Festival2Funky back for its 11th outing and are proud to present a diverse and inclusive festival with cross-genre collaborations, experimental fusions, a vibrant network of artists, and dedicated LGBTQIA+ event,” says Vijay Mistry, MD of 2Funky Arts. “There are events for all ages and interests, from those familiar with the music scene to those who want to learn and discover something new. It’s a great opportunity to see some world-class artists whilst supporting new and emerging talent in the area.”
And Dot To Dot Festival has released the third wave of artists for this year’s lineup with 28 new names for the multi-city event in Bristol and Nottingham on 25-26 May, respectively. The artists include Len, Saya Gray and Charlotte Plank, who are set to join festival headliners Jockstrap and Wunderhorse, alongside the likes of The Magic Gang, Antony Szmierek, The Bug Club, Hovvdy, Infinity Song, Jgrrey, Panic Shack and Picture Parlour.
In the US, meanwhile, Huntsville, Alabama will welcome the inaugural South Star Festival to John Hunt Park on 28-29 September. The event featuring 20 artists across two stages, with headliners Blink-182 and Gwen Stefani alongside Shinedown, Beck, Jane’s Addiction, Sublime, Goo Goo Dolls, Jimmy Eat World, TLC, Ludacris, Juvenile and the 400 Degreez Band, Big Boi, Gin Blossoms, Pete Yorn, Candlebox, Vanessa Carlton, Winona Fighter, Bully, Dexter & Moonrocks, and Billy Allen + The Pollies.
“The fact that C3 Presents is jumping headfirst into the development of our music ecosystem and the investment they’re making into Huntsville speaks volumes about our current reputation and trajectory towards being a world class music city,” says City of Huntsville music officer Matt Mandrella. “Year one of the South Star Festival boasts a mind-blowing array of superstar talent that is sure to appeal to a broad audience and inject millions of dollars into our local economy.
“The epic scale and quality of product C3 produces will elevate our entire music landscape. Artists talk to each other about their experiences, and it’s obvious these artists have all heard good things about Huntsville.”
“We get to programme a festival that is not only multigenerational but shows an incredible range of genres and musical subcultures”
Now in its 16th year, San Francisco’s Outside Lands, the largest independently owned festival in the United States, is slated for Golden Gate Park between August 9-11. Produced by Another Planet Entertainment and Superfly, its 2024 headliners include Tyler, The Creator, The Killers, Sturgill Simpson and Post Malone.
Other artists include The Postal Service, Grace Jones, KAYTRANADA, JUNGLE, Snoh Aalegra, Gryffin, Young The Giant, ScHoolboy Q, Chappell Roan, Reneé Rapp, Victoria Monét and The Last Dinner Party.
“Every year we start with a blank canvas and because of the diverse and sophisticated palette of Bay Area music fans, we get to programme a festival that is not only multigenerational but shows an incredible range of genres and musical subcultures,” says Allen Scott, co-founder of Outside Lands and head of concerts and festivals at Another Planet Entertainment.
Finally, Brunch Electronik will launch its debut American edition at Exposition Park in Los Angeles on 6 July. Acts include DJ Harvey, Maya Jane Coles, Colyn, Will Clarke, Stavroz, and Manics. Brunch Los Angeles will be held in partnership with LA-based underground event collectives Minimal Effort and SBCLTR.
Established in 2013 as a Sunday afternoon weekly party in Barcelona, Brunch Electronik has since hosted events in cities such as Madrid, Paris, Lisbon, Lima and São Paulo, as well as launching its debut festival in Barcelona last year.
Get more stories like this in your inbox by signing up for IQ Index, IQ’s free email digest of essential live music industry news.
Festival bills ’24: Paléo, Lolla Berlin, Pukkelpop
Switzerland’s Paléo and Lollapalooza Berlin in Germany head the latest festival lineup announcements for 2024, while Belgium’s Pukkelpop is celebrating a speedy sellout.
Paléo Festival Nyon returns from 23-28 July with a bill headed by Sam Smith, Burna Boy, Booba, Mika, Sean Paul, Major Lazer Soundsystem, Gazo & Tiakola, PLK, Nile Rodgers & Chic, Patti Smith, The Blaze, Paul Kalkbrenner, Aurora and Royal Blood.
Expanding its musical horizons with a mix of pop, rock, rap, dancehall, Afrobeats, reggae, electro, opera and funk, the event will welcome 130 artists in all. Its Village du Monde (Village of the World) will focus on the Balkans, featuring around 20 acts.
Set for 7-8 September at the German capital’s Olympic Stadium and Olympic Park, Lollapalooza Berlin will be headlined by Sam Smith, Martin Garrix, Burna Boy, Seventeen, The Chainsmokers, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, Shirin David and CRO.
Other acts will include Loyle Carner, Nothing But Thieves, Meduza, Tom Grennan, Kenya Grace, Elderbrook, Joel Corry and Alok.
That same weekend will also see Goodlive’s Superbloom take place at the Olympic Park in Munich, which has unveiled its expanded lineup. Joining Calvin Harris on the bill are Burna Boy, Shirin David, Jorja Smith, Milky Chance, Loyle Carner, Loreen and Chappell Roan.
Previously confirmed acts included Sam Smith, The Chainsmokers, CRO, Louis Tomlinson, RIN, Provinz, Tokio Hotel, Nothing But Thieves, Kenya Grace and David Puentez. For the first time, there will also be readings by renowned authors, including Ilona Hartmann and Phia Quantius, with two crime podcasts also represented.
“Ticket sales are going well: we are certainly further ahead than this time last year”
Meanwhile, Pukkelpop, which will be held in Hasselt between 15-18 August, sold out all combination tickets in less than 48 hours, according to organisers.
The event will star the likes of Fred Again.., Stormzy, Sam Smith, Queens of the Stone Age, The Offspring, Charlotte de Witte, Goldband, Raye, Inhaler, Sugababes, The Vaccines, Skrillex, Jorja Smith, The Smile and Denzel Curry.
Also in Belgium, the resurgent Gent Jazz Festival is expanding from ten to 13 days and has confirmed André 3000 among this year’s performers. The 5,500-cap series runs from 5-20 July and will also feature names such as Diana Krall, Laufey, Jamie Cullum, Air, Alexis Ffrench, DJ Shadow, Nile Rodgers & Chic and Rodrigo y Gabriela.
Ghent-based promoter and booking agency Greenhouse Talent took over the international jazz festival last year after previous organiser – the non-profit Jazz en Muziek – went backrupt at the end of 2022.
“For us, the expansion is an essential intervention to guarantee our survival,” organiser Pascal Van De Velde tells De Standaard. “It is difficult for a festival in our niche and with our capacity to break even, and we did not want to save on costs. So we found the solution in extra days: this allows us to spread the basic costs of the festival.
“Ticket sales are going well: we are certainly further ahead than this time last year.”
AIF reports that 21 UK festivals have now announced a postponement, cancellation or complete closure in 2024
Elsewhere, Smash’s Fuji Rock, which will grace Japan’s Naeba Ski Resort in Tokyo from 26-28 July, has added Peggy Gou and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds as headliners alongside Kraftwerk. Other new additions include Remi Wolf, Hiromi’s Sonic Wonder, Denki Groove, Kid Fresno, Man With a Mission, Sampha, Teddy Swims, Macaroni Empitsu, The Spellbound and Kim Gordon.
And AEG’s BST Hyde Park in London has revealed Morgan Wallen as its final 2024 headliner. The country music superstar will perform on 4 July, completing a lineup which also includes SZA (29 June), Kings of Leon (30 June), Andrea Bocelli (5 July), Robbie Williams (6 July), Shania Twain (7 July), Stevie Nicks (12 July), Kylie Minogue (13 July) and Stray Kids (14 July).
However, trade body the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) reports that 21 UK festivals have now announced a postponement, cancellation or complete closure in 2024.
Cotswolds-based Nibley Festival has announced that this year’s event will be its last, shortly after Bradford’s Bingley Festival announced that its 2024 edition will not go ahead.
Promoters of both festivals have cited rapidly rising production costs as the reason why running their event is no longer viable. Portsmouth rock and metal festival Takedown also recently postponed to 2025, citing “challenging trading conditions” among other factors.
AIF warns that, without intervention, the UK could see over 100 festivals disappear in 2024 due to rising costs and has reiterated the need for temporary support from the UK government to lower VAT from 20% to 5% on ticket sales for the next three years.
“It’s with grave concern that we again sound the alarm to government upon passing this critical milestone,” says AIF CEO John Rostron. “UK festivals are disappearing at a worrying rate, and we as a nation are witnessing the erosion of one of our most successful and unique cultural industry sectors.
“We have done the research: a reduction of VAT to 5% on festival tickets over the next three years is a conservative, targeted and temporary measure that would save almost all of the festival businesses that are likely to fall by the wayside this year and many more over the years to come. We need this intervention now.”
Get more stories like this in your inbox by signing up for IQ Index, IQ’s free email digest of essential live music industry news.
Festivals ’24: Tomorrowland, Parklife, Afro Nation
Tomorrowland, Kendal Calling, Parklife and Afro Nation Portugal are among the latest raft of major festivals to drop their 2024 lineup announcements.
The 20th anniversary of Tomorrowland Belgium will take place in De Schorre over two weekends from 19-21 and 26-28 July. Held under the ‘LIFE’ theme, more than 400 acts including Armin van Buuren, Amelie Lens, Bonobo B2B Dixon, David Guetta, ANNA, Vintage Culture, Tale Of Us, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Solomun B2B Four Tet and Swedish House Mafia will appear across 16 stages.
In addition, Paradise City Festival has confirmed Bonobo, Marlon Hoffstadt, Maribou State and Lola Haro B2B Marcel Dettmann between 28-30 June at Ribaucourt Castle, Perk, Belgium. Organisers are also introducing a a seventh stage, dedicated entirely to chill-out, downtempo and ambient performance.
Meanwhile, Nicki Minaj, Dadju & Tayc and Lisandro Cuxi have been added to Afro Nation Portugal, joining the likes of Rema, Asake, J Hus, Tyla, Ninho, Omah Lay, Major League DJZ, Uncle Waffles and Focalistic on Portimao beach on 28-30 June.
The second wave of names also includes Musa Keys, MFR Souls, Ch’cco, Yumbs,Tango Supreme, Tman Express, Sfarzo Rtee, Nicky Summers and Brooke Bailey.
“We have the perfect ingredients for a fantastically celebratory weekend”
The UK’s Kendal Calling has announced five headliners for its return to Lowther Deer Park in the Lake District from 1-4 August. Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Paolo Nutini, The Streets, Paul Heaton with guest singer Rianne Downey, and Keane top the lineup, which will also feature a unique DJ set by The Charlatans frontman Tim Burgess and retired footballer Gary Neville.
Sugababes, Declan McKenna, The Reytons, The Snuts, Kate Nash, Pale Waves, Katy B, CMAT, Lottery Winners and Heather Small also join the bill. More than 60% of tickets have already been sold ahead of Monday’s general sale.
“After the week we have had, bring on the summer,” says Kendal Calling co-founder Andy Smith. “It is with much joy and excitement we share with you the biggest Kendal Calling lineup to date. From the incredible Paolo Nutini closing the Sunday night and Keane, Sugababes, Paul Heaton & Rianne Downey and Katy B gracing our fields for the first time, joined by old friends Noel Gallagher and his High Flying Birds and The Streets closing the Friday and Saturday night respectively, we have the perfect ingredients for a fantastically celebratory weekend.”
Manchester’s Parklife on 8-9 June will star Doja Cat, Disclosure, J Hus, Kaytranada, Becky Hill, Peggy Gou, Four Tet, Anne-Marie, Sugababes, Camelphat and previously announced European exclusive debut of Fisher & Chris Lake present Under Construction.
The Heaton Park event will also feature Digga D, Mahalia, Rudim3ntal, Nia Archives, Hybrid Minds, Patrick Topping, Barry Can’t Swim, Folamour, Dom Dolla, CASISDEAD, Wilkinson, Shy FX: Specials, Interplanetary Criminal, Sammy Virji b2b Interplanetary Criminal, Kenya Grace, ANOTR, PAWSA, TSHA, Girls Don’t Sync, Max Dean, Hedex, Bou, Uncle Waffles, Skream, Jyoty, Loco Dice and Sub Focus, among others. Early bird tickets rapidly sold out after the introduction of a “festival-first” reduction on ticket prices in December 2023.
“We’ve built up such a beautiful community from the people who put the festival together, the artists who perform on our stages and the people who come along”
Truck Festival will be headlined by Jamie T, Wet Leg, The Streets and Idles. Set for Hill Farm, Oxfordshire, other acts will include The Kooks, Declan McKenna, Yard Act, Holly Humberstone, Sea Girls, Black Honey, Peace, The Snuts, Soft Play, The Mysterines, Sundara Karma, English Teacher, The Magic Gang, Willie J Healey and Bob Vylan.
“When we sit down to plan Truck every year, we treat the weekend like the ultimate summer party – complete with friends, amazing moments and the artists we love all in one place,” says head of marketing Sam Harris. “To welcome long-awaited headliners like Jamie T and The Streets to Hill Farm is a true honour, whilst having Wet Leg headline their very first festival with us is going to make for a very special weekend.”
The Vaccines, Future Islands, Lankum Jockstrap, Ash, Caity Baser, CMAT, The Darkness, Waxahatchee, Corinne Bailey Rae, David Ducovony, BC Camplight, Marika Hackman, and Baby Queen are among 25 new music additions to the Latitude bill.
Duran Duran, Kasabian, Keane, London Grammar and Sara Pascoe headline the event in Henham Park, Suffolk from 25-28 July.
Love Saves the Day will return to Bristol’s Ashton Court on 25-26 26 May, headed by CamelPhat, The Streets, Rudimental and Sub Focus present Evolve. Other confirmed names include Girls Don’t Sync, Shy FX: Specials, Wilkinson, Groove Armada, Ben Hemsley, Hedex, Bou, Eliza Rose, Shanti Celeste and Saoirse.
“We are always honoured to kickstart the festival season with Love Saves the Day,” says festival director Tom Paine. “We’ve built up such a beautiful community from the people who put the festival together, the artists who perform on our stages and the people who come along every year for a good time – it’s absolutely amazing, and we can’t wait to be back at Ashton Court for 2024.”
“When we’re thinking about our bookings, the line-up has always been put together with the fans at the core of our decision-making”
Placebo and James Arthur are the latest additions to Bristol Sounds – joining Skindred, The Breeders, Gentleman’s Dub Club and The Skints which runs from 22-30 June. The harbourside concert series has expanded from five days to seven for 2024.
“Bristol Sounds is fundamentally a festival for the people of Bristol, and each year we like to curate a programme that will catch the attention of everyone and anyone,” says promoter Conal Dodds of Crosstown Concerts. “It’s such an eclectic mix of genres and gigs, you’re guaranteed to have a great time. When we’re thinking about our bookings, the line-up has always been put together with the fans at the core of our decision-making, and we can’t wait to watch the crowd’s reactions as their favourite artists take to the most incredible stage in the city.”
Skepta has revealed the full lineup for the inaugural Big Smoke Festival, the new one-day music event heading to Crystal Palace Park on 6 July.
The grime MC has curated two stages personally and will headline the Big Smoke stage with his only UK performance of 2024. He will be joined by The Streets, Mahalia, JME, Lancey, K-Trap, Odumodublvck, The Den featuring Frisco, Flowdan, Sir Spyro, Infamousizak, Manga, Thafirst and a special guest to be announced. The Más Tiempo Stage will see sets from the likes of Loco Dice, Uncle Waffles, Syreeta and Kitty Amor.
And Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in North Wales will feature Bryan Adams, Simple Minds, Paloma Faith, Kaiser Chiefs, Jess Glynne, Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Madness, Paloma Faith, Tom Jones, Gregory Porter, Katherine Jenkins and Manic Street Preachers & Suede between 18 June-13 July.
“At long last, we’re thrilled to bring Doja Cat to Roskilde Festival”
Denmark’s Roskilde, set for 29 June-6 July, has unveiled Doja Cat as part of its lineup. The rapper was due to play to play the festival in 2020, prior to the onset of the pandemic.
“At long last, we’re thrilled to bring Doja Cat to Roskilde Festival,” says head of programme Anders Wahrén. “In 2020, she was a star in the making, and in the meantime, she has arguably become the most hyped and popular rapper in the world. The years of waiting to bring her here is finally coming to an end.”
Alongside previously confirmed acts such as Foo Fighters, Kali Uchis, Skrillex, and PJ Harvey, Roskilde has added Ice Spice, J Hus, Jane’s Addiction, Jungle, Khruangbin, Brutalismus 3000, Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, Lankum, Medina and Nia Archives (UK), to name a few.
Elsewhere in Denmark, Camila Cabello, Janelle Monáe, Beth Hart and MØ have bolstered the Tinderbox bill, which already boasts the likes of Lenny Kravitz, Future Rave aka David Guetta and MORTEN, Bryan Adams, RAYE, Avril Lavigne, Kaizers Orchestra, and James Arthur. Tinderbox takes place in Odense from 27-29 June.
“We’re very excited to be able to present Camila Cabello in Denmark for the first time,” says festival booker Nikoline Skaarup. “She’s been part of shaping the global pop scene of today and bringing new music traditions into pop culture with a string of irresistible releases. Janelle Monáe too has constantly been pushing the limits for popular culture and throughout their career shed light on important cultural and social issues while crafting some of the best music we’ve heard.
“To be able to present these two artists alongside Beth Hart and MØ – who’ve also been and still are voices of their generations – makes it a very rewarding day to be a festival booker.”
Get more stories like this in your inbox by signing up for IQ Index, IQ’s free email digest of essential live music industry news.