Leeds Festival 2008 Tickets, News and Rumours
Highlights last year included a special night hosted by the uber hip Trangressive label, a rare showing of punk classic ‘American Hardcore’, a list of comedy and cabaret performers to die for and much much more. And this year is already looking to be as much of a success
A godhead of punk, a man of letters, an author, actor, poet, publisher, political activist, HENRY ROLLINS is to appear on the Alternative Stage! A constant presence in the US arts and music scene and a worldwide household name, Rollins comes to the Alternative Stage for a spoken word set that is sure to be the talk of the sites. I can assure you, this man doesn’t disappoint!
Like Rollins, JEFFREY LEWIS is an artist unaware of boundaries. A songwriter, performer (with the Jeffrey Lewis Band), comic book author, poet and spoken word artist, Lewis is fast becoming the modern renaissance man of the US alternative scene. With a huge reputation within the underground, expect these sets to be a highlight of the weekend for many at the dual sites.
There has been a whole plethora of new acts announced for Leeds Festival in the last few days;
Hailing from New York, Mindless Self Indulgence have filled the opening slot on the Main Stage on Friday 22nd August. A band with with a reputation for sweeping hardcore fans off their feet with a mix of Electronic and Punk, MSI are sure to please at Leeds.
Filling up the second Special Guest slot on the Main Stage on Friday 22nd August is Plain White T’s, a band that in recent times has blown away music fans with hits such as “Hey There Delilah” and “Hate (I Really Don’t Like You)”. A Main Stage slot at Leeds seems a sure way to anchor this increasingly popular band’s reputation within the industry.
The Radio One/NME stage at Leeds is set to open on Saturday 23rd August with Pete And The Pirates’, who with their smooth blend of punk and pop are sure to appeal to the majority, and should be able to plug their new album, “Little Death” to an increasing fan base.
Saturday 23rd also has the additions of Tiger Army, The Briggs and Blackhole to the ever-popular Lockup stage. With the release of Tiger Army’s fourth album in the US, 2007 was a banner year for the band and they aim to increase their UK fan-base at Leeds. The Briggs come from six years of continuous touring to bring Leeds Festival goers a taste of what they are all about. Despite Blackhole only forming 18 months ago, they are set to impress. Having toured with the likes of Gallows, Ghost of A Thousand and Everytime I Die, they are set to play a live show that won’t leave you disappointed.
Hi! I’m Beci and I’m pleased to be taking on the task of helping out RockGeek with the running of Strictly Leeds. From April 13th 2008, I am the new administrator at www.strictlyleeds.co.uk and am more than willing to answer questions as well as keep you up to date with all the latest Leeds Festival news.
It’s a shame that we have to say goodbye to Thom (Raggapunk) but I hope that I make a good enough replacement for you guys!
Despite being told that there would be no offical beer for the festival in multiple press releases, it has been announced that Tuborg have signed a sponsorship deal with Festival Republic to become this year’s drinks vendor.
The sponsorship builds on an already impressive roster of summer festivals including Download Festival, 02 Wireless Festival, Hard Rock Calling, Global Gathering, Latitude Festival, and Escape into the Park. The deal further cements Tuborg’s association with great live music, and will establish it as the definitive beer brand for festival goers this summer.
“Carlsberg are very pleased and excited about their new exclusive three year deal with the Reading and Leeds Festivals. These are fantastic music events for the Tuborg brand to establish its ‘official beer’ status and continue to build on its music credentials in the UK,’ said Gareth Roberts, Head of Sponsorship and Media at Carlsberg UK.”
‘We are looking forward to working closely with Festival Republic and being part of a unique and fun experience for the music fans visiting the events over the next three years”.