Simon Rushworth
Just when it looked like new kid on the block High Voltage was struggling to keep pace with rival festivals Sonisphere and Download, the Classic Rock magazine-backed guitar fest has gone and pulled its latest batch of rabbits out of the hat.
And with The Answer and Joe Bonamassa just two of the new acts announced to tread the main stage boards there’s suddenly an exciting new look about the Victoria Park event.
With the legendary ZZ Top and ELP headlining the July event – with guests Heaven & Hell, Foreigner and Marillion boosting the bill – High Voltage had already made a serious mark on the summer festival scene. But now it seems the latest two-day rock shindig is pressing its claims to be judged as a main player in 2010. New bands announced today are Bachman Turner, Gary Moore, The Answer, Joe Bonamassa, Magnum and Down. And there are even more big names mooted to have signed up to what is fast becoming every classic rock and metal fan’s dream.
Here’s a brief look at the latest acts and stay posted to rushonrock for more High Voltage news as it happens:
The Answer (Main Stage) – THE ANSWER are the finest Irish hard rock band since Thin Lizzy, with a string of famous fans including Led Zeppelin legend Jimmy Page and Def Leppard singer Joe Elliott. And having supported AC/DC on their Black Ice world tour, The Answer are no strangers to the big stage.
Bachman Turner (Main Stage) – BACHMAN TURNER is the new venture by rock legends Randy Bachman and Fred Turner. As one half of Canadian rock powerhouse Bachman-Turner Overdrive, the pair co-created such classic ‘70s hits as You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet and Takin’ Care Of Business, selling over 20 million albums. In 1974, both You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet and its parent album Not Fragile topped the US chart. Since reuniting in 2009, Bachman and Turner have been working on a brand new album for release in 2010.
Joe Bonamassa (Main Stage) – 2009 marked Bonamassa’s twentieth year as a professional musician, a huge achievement for a performer just into his 30s. Recently, he was named Best Blues Guitarist in Guitar Player Magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards for the third consecutive year. This phenomenal talent sold out the Royal Albert Hall in 2009 and is set to release a new album, “Black Rock” in March 2010.
Down (Metal Stage) – DOWN is the heavy metal supergroup created by ex-Pantera singer Phil Anselmo with members of Corrosion Of Conformity, Eyehategod and Crowbar. Formed in New Orleans in 1991, Down will be taking a break from recording their fourth album to play at High Voltage.
Magnum (Prog Stage) – One of the great British rock bands with a career spanning five decades. Led by singer Bob Catley and guitarist Tony ‘The Hat’ Clarkin, the band made their reputation as a crowd-pleasing festival act during the glory years of Donington and Reading.
Gary Moore (Main Stage) – One of the all-time great guitarists. Following a series of acclaimed blues albums, the Irishman will perform a rock set at High Voltage featuring classic tracks from his solo career and from his time with rock legends Thin Lizzy.
High Voltage takes place from July 24-25 and tickets are priced £135 (for weekend tickets) and £75 (for day tickets).
There is no booking fee for Classic Rock Presents High Voltage tickets.
Tickets are available from www.highvoltagefestival.com or 24hr cc ticketline 0871 230 5582.