As we edge closer to 2015, there will be some good news along soon in the form of festival announcements. This week has saw the release of several important billings for June’s Isle Of Wight festival, including such high profile acts as the legendary Fleetwood Mac, modern day blues purveyors The Black Keys, The Prodigy, Pharrell Williams and Paolo Nutini. With IOW’s line up awaiting the rest of its subsequent bill , we look ahead and discuss the speculation as to who will be gracing fields and tents in both the UK and beyond in 2015.
There are a lot of events scheduled to take place next year and where better to start than with the UK’s biggest festival, Glastonbury. Motown legend Lionel Richie is currently the only act confirmed to be playing, occupying the Sunday afternoon legends slot. Acts that are rumoured for the festival vary from headliners such as AC/DC; who have already made clear their plans to tour in the upcoming year, Main Stage veterans Muse and the notoriously enigmatic Prince. Noel Gallagher has also explicitly stated an interest in making the trip to Worthy Farm this year.
The dual bills of Reading & Leeds have already begun to announce acts, with organisers following Glastonbury’s lead from last year with a surprise Metallica booking. Other acts which have been made available thus far include several artists that will undoubtedly be present at many festivals over the course of the summer, such as Jamie T, Wilkinson, Run The Jewels and the recently reformed Refused. One interesting suggestion that has been put forward for R&L is that this year’s events’ will feature a performance from a reinvigorated incarnation of The Libertines.
Liverpool Sound City have began to trickle out their 2015 announcement confirming headliners Belle & Sebastian and Flaming Lips. The latter are also confirmed for the internationally-renowned Austin Psych Festival which has re-branded to Austin Psych Fest Presents Levitation for 2014. A sterling line-up including Primal Scream, Tame Impala, The Black Angels, The Jesus and Mary Chain and Fat White Family dropped this week.
In terms of headliners for various festivals throughout Europe it appears that it may be a very productive year for the returning Foo Fighters, whose mega gigs throughout the summer hint to further bookings.
The Foos are currently slated to headline both Rock Werchter and Pinkpop with the aforementioned Muse, who have also signed on for the ever popular Bilbao BBK.
Whilst on the subject of Spanish festivals, it is important to note that Primavera Sound recently confirmed two very strong acts in the form of the newly reformed Ride and The Strokes, who are likely to appear on a slew of bills throughout the summer.
Other acts that are strongly considered to be playing a multitude of events in the coming year include Alt-J, Slaves, Future Islands, The Amazing Snakeheads, Belle & Sebastian, St Vincent, Royal Blood, Circa Waves, Florence and the Machine, Father John Misty and The Courteeners.
If what is being speculated thus far comes to fruition, next year should be a very entertaining festival season.
