F1 Grand Prix lineups go from strength to strength
Singapore Grand Prix is the latest Formula 1 event to secure a blockbuster lineup for 2024, headlined by Kylie Minogue, OneRepublic and Lenny Kravitz.
The motor racing event, set for 20–22 September at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, will offer more than 100 hours of entertainment across 12 stages.
Disclosure, The Corrs, Kool & The Gang, BabyMonster, Tones And I, James Murphy (DFA/LCD Soundsystem), Tones And I, Dean Lewis and Kelis are also set to perform, with single-day walkabout tickets starting from $128.
F1 Grand Prix lineups have gone from strength to strength since the company was acquired by Live Nation shareholder Liberty Media in 2017.
Earlier this month, the British Grand Prix at Silverstone offered four days of live music, headlined by Kings Of Leon, Stormzy, Rudimental and Pete Tong, at no extra cost to ticket holders.
“The inspiration and the intent has come from Formula 1 being under new ownership”
The famous motor racing circuit even reconfigured its music arena for an increased capacity of 60,000, plus enhanced viewing and a bigger stage.
Silverstone director of music Jamie Scott told IQ last year that “the inspiration and the intent has come from Formula 1 being under new ownership,” says Scott. “Clearly, the entertainment value is an important aspect now with other races [too].”
Indeed, the inaugural F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix took place last year with artists including J Balvin, Journey, Keith Urban, Steve Aoki, will.i.am, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Bishop Briggs and Swedish House Mafia.
In May, Miami’s Grand Prix took place with performances from Ed Sheeran, John Summit, Steve Aoki, Don Omar and Kaskade.
While the upcoming Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2024, set for 5–8 December at the Yas Marina Circuit, has already announced Eminem, Muse and Maroon 5.
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Lenny Kravitz to headline UEFA final kick off show
US rock star Lenny Kravitz has been announced as headliner of the UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show presented by Pepsi at Wembley Stadium in London.
The performance will air in more than 200 countries and territories globally on 1 June, minutes before the European club football showpiece between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.
Since 2016, the opening ceremony has welcomed acts such as Dua Lipa, Imagine Dragons, Camila Cabello, Alicia Keys and Marshmello.
“This year’s UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show presented by Pepsi will bring fans to their feet as legendary rock and roll icon Lenny Kravitz takes the stage to deliver one of his signature performances ahead of this year’s UEFA Champions League final,” says UEFA marketing director Guy-Laurent Epstein.
“It’s going to be such an exciting event ahead of a final that means so much to so many”
The Kick Off Show will air through local broadcasters and the official UEFA YouTube channel. Pepsi has released a short film titled Wembley Is Blue | Lenny Kravitz x UCL Final Kick Off Show by Pepsi today to build anticipation ahead of the event.
“As a brand with a rich heritage in both music and football, we are proud to bring together once again, in the host city, millions of viewers from around the world and one of the most iconic names in music for an electrifying performance live from iconic Wembley Stadium in London,” says Eric Melis, VP of global brand marketing – Pepsi at PepsiCo.
“The UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show presented by Pepsi will be headlined by a legend in the music industry who adds unparalleled dynamism and energy to the show.”
Kravitz, who releases his new album Blue Electric Light on 24 May, adds: “I’m really looking forward to my performance for the UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show presented by Pepsi in London, a city which holds a special place in my heart. It’s going to be such an exciting event ahead of a final that means so much to so many. We can’t wait to show you all what we have in store.”
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Montreux Jazz Festival launches worldwide hotel tour
Switzerland’s renowned Montreux Jazz Festival has partnered with luxury hotel chain Fairmont Hotels and Resort Group to launch the 2020 Fairmont World Tour, a concert series taking place across the group’s 13 global properties.
The tour, which features nu-soul artist Jalen N’Gonda and soul-inspired artist Bobby Bazini, kicks off on 29 January in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, before visiting cities in North America, Asia and Europe, ending on 7 March in Montreux, Switzerland.
Both artists form part of the non-profit Montreux Jazz Artists Foundation (MAJF) and performed at Montreux Jazz Festival 2019.
The Fairmont partnership is the first project for the newly created Montreux Media Ventures, which launched in December with the aim of keeping the festival’s spirit alive all year round, creating custom content for corporate clients, labels and brands.
“The Montreux Jazz Festival is proud to bring emerging musical talent to audiences all around the world, in a series of exclusive intimate and enriching experiences,” comments Montreux Jazz CEO Mathieu Jaton.
“The Montreux Jazz Festival is proud to bring emerging musical talent to audiences all around the world, in a series of exclusive intimate and enriching experiences”
“This global musical adventure highlights Fairmont’s hospitality excellence, as well as our shared passion for music and commitment to supporting the next generation of artist.”
A Fairmont representative says the group “is thrilled to scale up its partnership with Montreux Jazz Festival”, following a pilot European tour in 2018, which saw Jalen N’Gonda performing at four Fairmont hotels.
“With these exclusive live music activations in partnership with Montreux Jazz Festival, Fairmont will bring young, raw, next generation musical talent to Fairmont guests and visitors around the world.”
John Lennon, Yoko Ono and Ramones are among famous artists to have performed at Fairmont hotels over the years.
More information on the Fairmont World Tour can be found here.
Montreux 2020 will take place from 3 to 18 July, with headliners including Lionel Richie and Lenny Kravitz. Read IQ’s feature celebrating 50 years of Montreux Jazz Festival here.
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