Taking place in the glorious July sunshine, British Summer Time Festival (Friday 1st July) has become the annual fixture for those seeking an eclectic mix of talent and 2016 is no exception. Headlined by Bristol trip-hop pioneers Massive Attack, whose recent sold-out tour of the UK previewed the release of the well-received ‘Ritual Spirit’ EP, the show promises to be an audio-visual feast as the show will see the band bring a new and provocative audio-visual live show to Hyde Park, designed by Robert Del Naja and long-time visual collaborators United Visual Artists. Reuniting with early Massive Attack member Tricky for the first time since ‘Protection’, as well as featuring a visceral collaboration with Young Fathers, ‘Ritual Spirit’ proves that Massive Attack remain at the forefront of innovative and intellectual music, and it is hard to imagine a more fitting headliner for such an important festival.
James King, Senior Vice President, AEG Live comments
“With an incredible archive of music that has stood the test of time and inspired so many, Massive Attack are still providing a heartbeat for the World.
More than that, their music and live performances form a message that makes us stop, think and evaluate when we are so often encouraged not to. With powerful beats, orchestral arrangements, beautiful melodies by incredible vocalists, inspired video art – it’s hard to think of a more important moment for the World to listen to Massive Attack than right now.
The band’s production has always been a shining light in live music and to see their video art across 900m2 of screen on the Great Oak Stage will be a truly breathtaking sight.”
Support comes from the legendary Patti Smith, TV On the Radio and Ghost Poet as well as Massive Attack touring partners Young Fathers.
Massive Attack, Tricky & 3D – Take It There:
Massive Attack, Young Fathers – Voodoo In My Blood:
Joining Massive Attack will be the legendary singer-songwriter, poet, writer and activist Patti Smith. One of the most influential figures to come out of the late 70’s New York scene the ‘ Punk Poet Laureate’ was presented Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Ministry of Culture in 2005 and was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame two years later. Last year saw the 40th anniversary of her seminal album ‘Horses’, which is often cited as one of the best albums of all time. Her second memoir ‘M Train’, the follow up to the awards winning ‘Just Kids’ was released at the end of last year.
Mercury Prize winning Young Fathers are familiar to Massive Attack fans, the Edinburgh trio has supported the band on their recent European tour and will be joining them on stage at Hyde Park. First formed in 2008 the band came to prominence in 2014 when they won the Mercury Prize for their debut album ‘Dead’, their follow-up ‘White Men Are Black Men Too’ was released in 2015 to universal critical acclaim.
TV on The Radio, one of the leaders of Brooklyn’s indie renaissance, is set to make their Hyde Park debut this summer. Hailed by the BBC as “one of the most compelling American rock and roll stories of the modern age”, the band will thrill with their distinct blend of propulsive art-rock and raw soul. TV on The Radio blasted back into prominence in 2014 with their fifth album, ‘Seeds’, helmed by the band’s visionary producer and guitarist David Sitek.
Warpaint are a 4-piece band from California and their unique brand of intricate guitar lines, hypnotic vocals and driving post punk rhythms combine to create a truly unique sound. Since the release of their most recent album in 2014, they have been touring and exploring their own projects including a recently released solo album from the band’s bassist Jenny Lee Lindberg. Currently, the band is finishing up a new album which should come out later this year, and if we’re lucky, they will give Hyde Park a taste of it.
Alun Mainwaring, Head of Events at The Royal Parks, said:
“ The line-up for 2016 just keeps on getting better. Having a huge group like Massive Attack kick off this year’s event
is a fitting start to what promises to be another unforgettable 10 days of entertainment at Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park. The success of this event is so important to us as it raises vital funds which go back into conserving and enhancing this iconic park for all to enjoy.”
This is the fourth year of Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park and whilst SonicAbuse friendly entertainment is largely limited to the Friday, the remaining days see the likes of Florence + the Machine and Kendrick Lamar on July 2nd, Mumford & Sons (joined by Wolf Alice and Alabama Shakes) on July 8th and Take That on July 9th
GENERAL ON-SALE: 9am, Friday 11 March
Ticket Prices:
£59.50 General Admission
£69.50 Priority Entry
£89.50 Premium View
£129.50 Barclaycard VIP Summer
Garden
£149.50 The Terrace
http://www.bst-hydepark.com
facebook.com/BSTHydePark
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