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MAIN NEWS CHANNEL 2008 www.02wirelessfestival.co.uk en 2008 Live Nation (Music) UK Thu, 29 Jul 2010 20:03:34 GMT Thu, 29 Jul 2010 20:03:34 GMT 5 SUNDAY 6TH JULY FESTIVAL ROUND-UP Despite the rain the final day of the festival was a huge success with powerful performances from the headline acts The final day of Wireless 2008 drew a sell-out crowd, who despite the showers, enjoyed every minute. - In the headline spot, taking a bow, Counting Crows closed the festival. There might not have been a completely dry person in Hyde Park but it didn't seem to bother a soul. A dramatic show from lead singer Adam Duritz was an impressive note on which to close the event; in a charged performance, the 44-year-old gave it his all. But the most emotional moment came when he stood still, shut his eyes and sang Colourblind, with tears streaming down his cheeks. In full concentration, the audience witnessed a man sympathising with his lyrics and singing with sincerity. Wearing O2 ponchos, waterproofs and the odd bin liner, a huge and predominately Aussie crowd converged on the main stage for Powderfinger's first ever London festival appearance. As lead singer Bernard Fanning paid tribute to the Spanish Euro Cup winners the sun miraculously broke through the clouds and an almighty cheer sounded. Playing a host of all time favourites like 'My Kind of Scene' and new songs from their latest album 'Dream Days at the Hotel Existence' the crowd responded well when Bernard acknowledged a request from the audience to play 'Bless My Soul' which he confessed they hadn't played in a while. Ending with one of their most popular hits, 'My Happiness', it was all arms in the air and probably the biggest collective antipodean sing-a-long Hyde Park has ever seen! The talented Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals took to the stage and thanked Counting Crows fans for patiently waiting down the front. Ben's unique voice was as pure and magical as ever and he kept the audience nicely chilled out with a series of songs from his new album Lifeline. The other stages were equally a source of fantastic live entertainment. Closing the O2 stage, Galactic with Lyrics Born and Boots Riley played a blinding set and really got the small but enthusiastic crowd dancing in their wellies. Amy Morrison General Mon, 07 Jul 2008 23:00:00 GMT 2008-07-08T00:00:00 03a99913-0d41-4695-ae4a-7e89efa4e8b5 1 SATURDAY 5TH JULY FESTIVAL ROUND-UP It was an all day and night party on Saturday wrapping up with the party D.J himself, Fatboy Slim Saturday night and Fatboy Slim proved he can still throw a party like no-one else. The superstar DJ played a rocking set - Opening with a remix of 'Praise You', he bounced around with a beaming smile throughout the set. Highlights included a brilliant mash-up of the Stones track 'Satisfaction' and his 1998 hit 'The Rockafeller Skank'. The atmosphere was electric, with a packed crowd dancing and waving their hands in the air for hours. Rounding off the set with a version of 'Crazy In Love' mixed with 'Praise You', Fatboy asserted his status as the world's No.1 party DJ. Underworld, meanwhile, attracted so many people to the SanDisk tent that various entrances to it were closed on health and safety grounds. The band were on storming form and kept the tent suitably sweaty. Surprise of the day for many of the audience was Bootsy Collins, his brand of P-funk came at the perfect moment - the mood was set beautifully for a party and despite the wind, the atmosphere was just right. Earlier in the day Sam Sparro played 2 sets, one intimate and one on the huge Sandisk stage - both adoringly received by his fans. Meanwhile, on the main stage, Robyn got a massive crowd reaction for her rendition of last summer's #1 smash 'With Every Heartbeat'. The real commotion was going on in the Sandisk tent where Australian band, Cut Copy were causing tops to be removed and shapes to be thrown. Lights, Music, Action. What more can we say? Amy Morrison General Sun, 06 Jul 2008 23:00:00 GMT 2008-07-07T00:00:00 cac9bb18-32e2-4fe2-9219-e868d92de1c7 2 FRIDAY 4TH JULY FESTIVAL ROUND-UP The Happy Birthday tune was played during the Morrissey set as the crowds in Hyde Park enjoyed their own 4th July celebration! Morrissey played a belter on Friday night at Wireless. - "When you walk through a storm, hold your head up high", he proclaimed before launching into 'The Last Of The International Playboys'. Performing new material from his forthcoming album 'Years of Refusal', he also treated the adoring audience to Smiths tracks including 'Vicar In A Tutu', 'Stretch Out And Wait' and 'Ask', ending his set with a rendition of The Smiths 'How Soon Is Now?' and 'What She Said'. The audience were postively rapturous, and during his renditions of unfamiliar material, such as 'Mama Lays Softly On The River Bed', there was still a quiet concentration as he sang, the tightness of the band lending even these new songs a particular intensity. Earlier, also on the main stage, Beck previewed a number of tracks from his forthcoming album 'Modern Guilt'.  Dressed in black, the star still brought out his biggest hits for the festival, including 'The New Pollution', 'Loser', 'E-Pro' and the incredible opener, 'Devil's Haircut'. All in all, a class performance from a class act. Meanwhile, over at the Sandisk tent, The National played to an adoring audience, with Matt Berenger playing the role of tortured front man, breaking considerable emotional sweat as he dug deep for 'Music', and its vocal "I'm so sorry for everything", before a final Mr November fair blew everyone's socks off with its musical power. Over by the big red bus - the Bella Union Stage - Liela Moss, lead singer of The Duke Spirit charmed the crowds massed in the Serpentine garden. With appearances from over 33 bands, there was lots for festival-goers to choose from throughout the day, including sets from Dirty Pretty Things, The Wombats and Siouxsie. Amy Morrison General Sun, 06 Jul 2008 23:00:00 GMT 2008-07-07T00:00:00 bf78a0be-f16d-4823-b1c0-378b3b2928b4 3 THURSDAY 3rd JULY FESTIVAL ROUND-UP Jay-Z, Mark Ronson, Hot Chip and the rest of the line-up wowed crowds on the opening day... Jay-Z ditched the Oasis songs and played a blinding greatest hits set on Thursday night at Wireless. Blazing though his hits, including '99 Problems', 'Hard Knock Life', 'Dirt Off Your Shoulder', 'Oh My God', 'Big Pimpin' and 'U Don't Know'. With 30,000 fans chanting "HOVA!", Jay-Z obviously felt comfortable, calling London "my second home" ; he even used the big screen to display a fluttering Union Jack during 'Public Service Announcement'. Earlier, also on the main stage, Mark Ronson introduced a series of guest vocalists for his set of covers, including Tim Burgess (Charlatans), and rappers Plastic Little and Charlie Waller of The Rumble Strips. Perhaps his most talked about guest vocalist was Lily Allen, who appeared upbeat and in good spirits - she joined Ronson on stage for two songs. Earlier in the day, the weather had been changeable, but the gods of music prevailed, and by the time Hot Chip took the stage in the early evening, the clouds had parted and it remained dry for the rest of the night. Amy Morrison General Sun, 06 Jul 2008 23:00:00 GMT 2008-07-07T00:00:00 00f00d75-21b0-40fa-b73c-1264aee39e87 4 SAY BOLLOCKS TO POVERTY Say Bollocks to Poverty at O2 Wireless Festival with ActionAid For the second year running ActionAid will be giving Wireless festival-goers the chance to say Bollocks to Poverty and help people speak out against global poverty.  Take a break between your favourite acts and wander over to their chill out area, complete with comfy bean bags, table football and giant Jenga, to pick up some Bollocks to Poverty freebies and find out how to get involved. Anything goes, from putting on your own gig to doing a sponsored skydive… ActionAid works directly with millions of poor people around the world. They don’t just hand out aid, they give people the power and resources to change their own lives for good. This time round, the focus is on hunger and helping people all over the world fight for their right to food. To find out more log onto <a href="http://www.actionaid.org.uk/bollocks">www.actionaid.org.uk/bollocks</a> Sophie Crosby General Sun, 08 Jun 2008 23:00:00 GMT 2008-06-09T00:00:00 268a949d-a651-4042-8514-cbadc32f42a3 1000000 STAGE LINE-UPS REVEALED New additions to the bill including exciting new artists on the Bella Union Stage. The five stages have been revealed packed with the hottest new bands and the biggest names in music alongside some great comedy and a host of other entertainment throughout the site.  In addition, the long weekend will host a special stage in association with leading independent label, Bella Union. This stage will feature both Bella Union artists and associated acts from like minded independent labels and is sure to be a draw for the educated music lover. The Bella Union Stage features new artists such as BURNING LEAVES, PETER VON POEHL and PAUL MARSHALL, alongside well known independent artists such as DUKE SPIRIT, LONEY DEAR, ADEM, EMMY THE GREAT, SEMIFINALISTS and an array of rising-stars such as EL GUINCHO, WILDBIRDS and PEACEDRUMS. The Main Stage will be the domain of our headliners, hip hop supremo JAY-Z, MORRISSEY making his only UK festival performance, DJ superstar FATBOY SLIM and global rock stars COUNTING CROWS. Across the four days, this incredible quartet of world famous names will be joined by an immense supporting cast. See MARK RONSON AND THE VERSION PLAYERS, funk legend BOOTSY COLLINS, reggae legend EDDY GRANT or dance's golden boys HOT CHIP for evidence of the strength in depth here but also look out for the return of CORNERSHOP to live action, Sweden’s pop princess ROBYN and the genius that is BEN HARPER AND THE INNOCENT CRIMINALS to really understand just how exciting things will be on the biggest stage over the weekend. The SanDisk Stage is the home of some very special performances. See UNDERWORLD's set on Saturday if you're looking for the ultimate techno show, the hugely praised HERCULES AND LOVE AFFAIR making a debut headline performance on Thursday or THE HOLD STEADY, darlings of the likes of Uncut and Mojo, taking the headline baton on Sunday. That still leaves THE NATIONAL on headline duty on Friday proving that their moment is imminent following the critical mass gained by their current 'The Boxer' album, a ubiquitous presence on magazine 'Best of 2007' lists. Then there are the new bands making 2008 their own. THE COURTEENERS, the 'Manc Messiahs' according to NME and making waves across the UK, DOES IT OFFEND YOU, YEAH?’s frenetic live mash ups, chart smashing BLACK KIDS and the welcome return of DELAYS to name but  a few. The Tuborg Stage continues the theme of special with some hotly tipped names across the weekend. HEARTS REVOLUTION are hotly tipped by NMEwhilst PETER AND THE WOLF's double bass driven pop has seen praise from the likes of The Independent and Dazed and Confused and GET CAPE, WEAR CAPE, FLY continue to impress on their successful second album. A headline set from punk legends THE NEW YORK DOLLS is a must see whilst, on Sunday, the stage swaps music for comedy for some of the day but the names are equally impressive. A collection of some of the new generation of US comedy, the presence of PABLO FRANCISCO, JIM JEFFREYS, GABRIEL IGLESIAS, JO KOY and JAMIE KENNEDY on Sunday’s bill is a chance to get the drop on your friends and see future massive names now. The O2 Stage In Association With MTV.co.uk brings a clutch of brand new acts and potential future headliners to the Park. ELLIOT MINOR have already scored a duo of Top 20 singles and are looking sure to be a big name by the year end whilst PETE AND THE PIRATES are beloved of Radio 6 and starting to get noticed across the board. With Liverpool's HOT MELTS, London MC AKALA and the highly rated HOWLING BELLS amongst the line-up, the stage looks set to be a first destination for those keen to see the stars of tomorrow today. With the welcome return of Top 5 artists, AUDIO BULLYS and hotly tipped dance act CAGED BABY the best music across all genres will be on the stage throughout the weekend. Amy Morrison General Mon, 12 May 2008 23:00:00 GMT 2008-05-13T00:00:00 e38c4f16-440e-495c-9773-c59beb1e29d8 1000000 DOZENS OF GREAT NEW ACTS ADDED TO THE BILL New artists have been added to the line-up for each day of the O2 Wireless Festival. Artists including The Wombats and Black Kids have been added to the line-up to support Morrissey on Friday.  On Saturday, Cornershop, Booka Shade and more have been addeed. Supporting Jay-Z on Thursday will be Saul Williams, Santogold and other great new acts. Joe Purdy, Magic Christian and Galactica amongst others, will be rocking with the Counting Crows on the final day of the festival. CHECK OUT THE LINE-UP, SO FAR, <a href="http://www.o2wirelessfestival.co.uk/lineup/index.aspx">CLICK HERE</a>. This is by no means the end of the bill so keep checking back for more new names on each day as well as news on all the non musical entertainment planned for the site, details of which will be announced soon. /lineup/index.aspx Amy Morrison General Thu, 17 Apr 2008 08:00:00 GMT 2008-04-17T09:00:00 5aaa82ce-4285-42a2-8382-bcff8c0e6556 1000000 JAY-Z ANNOUNCED AS HEADLINER The biggest, the baddest, the best rap supremo...Jay-Z is set to headline the first night of this year's O2 Wireless Festival. The final headliner for this year’s O2 Wireless Festival can be revealed. Hip-Hop supremo, former CEO of Def-Jam and Roc-A-Fella Records, 7 Grammy award winning, 25 Grammy Nominated, a star of film, owner of Roca-Wear, JAY-Z is the biggest, the best, the baddest and he is here on the Main Stage for what will undoubtedly be one of the performances of the year. A thrilling live performer, a true living legend, it is our huge pleasure to announce this very special headline set for the opening night of this year’s O2 Wireless Festival. Sophie Crosby General Mon, 07 Apr 2008 08:00:00 GMT 2008-04-07T09:00:00 c4970243-d6d3-4adb-83a9-494d8095ec9e 1000000 PUNK, ROCK, POWER - NEW ADDITIONS TO FRIDAY'S BILL Joining Morrissey are two punk legends, a Brit nominated act, one of the UK's most fiercely supported bands, and an act tipped to be one of 2008's hottest names. We are pleased to announce a series of stellar additions to the bill on Friday that, aside from the man himself, MORRISSEY, already includes BECK's only UK festival performance and a set from US rising stars THE NATIONAL. Joining Morrissey on the 4th July are two punk legends, a Brit and Mercury nominated UK act, one of the UK's most fiercely supported bands, and an act tipped across the board to be one of the names of 2008. With a Top 20 debut album in 'Through The Windowpane', a Mercury nomination for that album and a BRITS nomination for Best British Live Act of 2007, GUILLEMOTS have firmly established themselves as one of the UK'S brightest new bands. Second album, the recently released 'Red', saw the band score their debut Top 10 album placing confirming the promise that had first been noted in the BBC 'Sound of 2006' poll where critics placed them in the Top 5 of bands most likely to for the year. Noted for their innovative performances, including a full orchestral performance for the BBC Electric Proms scored by lead singer and head Guillemot Fyfe Dangerfield, this show can only serve to increase Guillemots profile. Punk legend, emphatic performer, the voice that defined post punk, SIOUXSIE is all of these and many more. Having worked with Morrissey on a single, 'Interlude' in 1994, today brings them back together. Through her career with the Banshees and The Creatures, prior to that her involvement in the notorious 'Bromley Contingent' that followed The Sex Pistols and appeared with them on that Bill Grundy show, to her current solo work, Siouxsie has been a cultural icon and constant inspiration to generations of musicians and young people. With last year's solo album, 'Mantaray', Siouxsie demonstrated that she remains a powerful presence within the UK music scene and her current tour, her first since 1999, has seen her continue to find new fans and write a new chapter in one of the most compelling stories in rock n roll. DIRTY PRETTY THINGS come to O2 Wireless Festival in fine form. Currently working on the follow up to their gold certified, UK Top 5 album, 'Waterloo to Anywhere, Carl Barat's band retain the loyalty of a huge and devoted fanbase. Singles 'Bang, Bang, You're Dead' and 'Deadwood' emphasized Barat's knack of penning classic singles and, live, Dirty Pretty Things are vital. Possessed of a mercurial relationship with that fanbase, their shows are riotous and celebratory and this performance promises to be more of the same. In his teenage years, Morrissey was the President of their fan club, now the NEW YORK DOLLS appear on the stage today at his invitation. With two of the surviving original members, vocalist David Johanssen and guitarist Sylvain Sylvain, leading the band New York Dolls are a punk inspiration and have had a huge influence on the careers of our headliner, Blondie, The Ramones, Guns N Roses, Motley Crue and a host of others. Still able to outrage and still able to rock, this is a real legends moment at O2 Wireless Festival. LIGHTSPEED CHAMPION stands as probably the tip for success in 2008. With NME and Observer Music Monthly covers, performances on The Culture Show and at the NME Awards, and lashings of critical praise for debut album, 'Falling Off The Lavender Bridge' Dev Hynes has emerged from the break up of his band Test-icicles as the leader of a new generation of artists. With a catalogue of personal and beautiful songs at his disposal from that debut, this show is sure to be yet another moment in the continued rise to prominence of Lightspeed Champion. Amy Morrison General Wed, 02 Apr 2008 08:00:00 GMT 2008-04-02T09:00:00 09d34835-b8fc-4eee-b46d-d0c9d28be97d 1000000 HYDE PARK HERE WE COME Morrissey to headline 02 Wireless Festival 2008 on Friday 4th July! O2 Wireless Festival is proud to announce that MORRISSEY will be headlining Friday night - adding to the previously announced stunning line-up. Joining Morrissey will be a US artist with his own illustrious history, BECK, and rising stars, THE NATIONAL. MORRISSEY is playing his only UK festival date exclusively for O2 Wireless Festival. A name recognised across the globe with a career spanning over 20 years and acclaimed throughout the world as a songwriter and lyricist of the very highest quality, Morrissey comes to Hyde Park at his very best. His recent greatest hits album demonstrated the enduring power of the former Smiths frontman, showcasing a collection of only Top 20 singles. The man himself is all set for the show and has this to say about his first open air show in London: "What is classical is what we all agree on, and I think we all acknowledge Hyde Park festivals as important events. I am honoured to be asked to headline on July 4th, marking my 26th year haunting British music, and following the Hyde Park greats. I promise a thundering bill of tight nerves and suavity and all your favourites..." BECK has been a constant innovative presence in popular music since the 90's when his 'slacker' anthem 'Loser' first introduced us to an artist of staggering talent. Last year's 'The Boxer' saw THE NATIONAL rise from cult heroes to likely show stoppers. Presale tickets for Friday are on <a href="http://www.o2blueroom.co.uk/Music/Wireless2008/">02 presale</a> from 9am today, then on Live Nation presale Wednesday 26th March at 9am. Amy Morrison General Tue, 25 Mar 2008 09:00:00 GMT 2008-03-25T09:00:00 05628e7e-794c-4c35-97cf-f0a557f1188c 1000000 MORE BANDS ADDED TO SUNDAY'S BILL The Hold Steady and Delays join the line up <div>We're proud to announce more additions to the bill for Sunday 6th July. In addition to the previously announced headliners COUNTING CROWS, BEN HARPER AND THE INNOCENT CRIMINALS and POWDERFINGER, we now have THE HOLD STEADY and DELAYS joining a very special Sunday in the heart of London.</div> Sophie Crosby General Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT 2008-02-19T00:00:00 222a89ac-dccd-4356-9621-3a6fe20cd46c 1000000 SUNDAY NIGHT HEADLINERS UNVEILED Counting Crows, Ben Harper and Powderfinger set to delight festival-goers on the closing night of the 2008 event Sunday night at O2 Wireless Festival looks set to be a stormer as some of the worlds most loved bands take to the stage. COUNTING CROWS are a global phenomenon with a host of multiple platinum albums and Top 10 chart placings worldwide. From initial hit single, ‘Mr.Jones’ to 2005’s ‘Accidentally In Love’ from the Shrek 2 soundtrack which saw the Californian band perform at the Academy Awards, Counting Crows have been a huge presence in the music world. This show will be the band’s only UK festival performance in 2008.  In addition to this, we are delighted to confirm that BEN HARPER and The Innocent Criminals will be bringing their brand of stunning musicianship and lyricism to the stage on Sunday. And if that weren't enough, we  can also confirm that POWDERFINGER - massive in Australia, and now globally reknowned with their "Mission:Impossible" soundtrack, are also set at the head of the bill on Sunday. With the addition of these amazing US and Australian special guests, all playing full sets of old and new material, Sunday at Hyde Park will be a truly fantastic day. Sophie Crosby General Mon, 18 Feb 2008 09:00:00 GMT 2008-02-18T09:00:00 e7cda640-5a67-4b3b-b5e1-5ce75341368e 1000000 FATBOY SLIM TO PLAY 02 WIRELESS FESTIVAL The King of big beat, Norman Cook, will headline a storming Saturday night in London's Hyde Park Saturday night looks set to be a stormer, with our headliner a globally famous artist, DJ and producer...Norman Cook.  Already, two stunning support acts have also been confirmed: Underworld and Bootsy Collins will be helping to build the vibe to an incredible pitch. Fatboy Slim, will take to the Main Stage on Saturday night to unleash his arsenal of Top 10 singles and earth-quaking beats for a show that, past experience suggests, is not to be missed.  For one night only, Hyde Park will become the biggest beat boutique on the face of the planet and Fatboy Slim will be at the controls for a show that is sure to go down in history as a must see. Sophie Crosby General Wed, 13 Feb 2008 11:45:00 GMT 2008-02-13T11:45:00 0a3a5b22-8ef9-4889-99dc-4af37242a65b 1000000 02 WIRELESS FESTIVAL IS BACK! A fourth year in Hyde Park for London's coolest festival Across four days and four stages every day, the festival will see the some of biggest names across the worlds of rock, pop, dance and all points in between, play alongside the best up-and-coming acts at a festival unique in the UK calendar. This year sees the return of the second and third stages with more surprises to be announced as we get closer to the long weekend.  Last year saw such acts as Kate Nash, CSS, The Cribs, The Pigeon Detectives and Robyn take to the smaller stages, names that are now synonymous with magazine covers, Top 10 hits and massive selling albums. Sophie Crosby General Thu, 07 Feb 2008 11:45:00 GMT 2008-02-07T11:45:00 cb3147fe-e498-4c2a-9861-7021bb30b481 1000000