Massive Attack by Warren Du Preez
Big concert announcements from Massive Attack and Kasabian were among last week’s biggest headlines.
Massive Attack have announced a big hometown concert at Clifton Downs in Bristol next year when there’ll be a strong focus on sustainability and the challenges of climate change.
Taking their lead from climate scientists and analysts from the Tyndall Centre For Climate Change Research, Robert Del Naja and Grant Marshall will be focusing on a number of initiatives for the event, including a localised presale, a commitment to 100% renewable energy, incentivised rail travel and a meat-free arena.
“We’re chuffed to play our home city again and to be able do it in the right way,” they said. “In terms of climate change action there are no excuses left.”
Noel Gallagher has announced four outdoor UK concerts for summer 2024.
The High Flying Birds add to Halifax’s Piece Hall’s growing list of performers next year, that gig on August 1st closing the short run after the other confirmed shows in Cardiff, Wigan and London.
Gallagher is due to start a UK arena tour later this month, all supporting his 2023 solo album Council Skies.
The death of Moody Blues and Wings singer, songwriter and guitarist Denny Laine has been announced by his wife Elizabeth Hines.
“My darling husband passed away peacefully early this morning,” Hines wrote. “I was at his bedside, holding his hand as I played his favorite Christmas songs for him. He fought everyday. He was so strong and brave, never complained.”
Best remembered for his relatively short stint with The Moody Blues which brought one of the sixties’ most recognisable tunes – their cover of Go Now – Laine later joined Paul McCartney as his post-Beatles plans were being formulated, playing a prominent role in the first incarnation of Wings, co-writing the monster hit Mull Of Kintyre in the process.
Kasabian live at TRNSMT Festival 2023 (Gary Mather)
Kasabian have announced a homecoming concert at Leicester’s Victoria Park.
Kaiser Chiefs are set to provide the main support when the gig takes place on July 6th next year, the general sale of tickets starting from 9.30am UK time on December 8th.
“We are truly honoured to be playing Victoria Park in our beloved hometown, with all our people for summer solstice two. We cannot wait to get out there and play the biggest party of the summer with you all. See you in the mosh pit.”
IDLES have continued the build-up to the release of their new album ‘TANGK’ on February 16th next year by posting its latest single Grace.
Joe Talbot said: “The song came from nowhere and everything. It was a breath and a call to be held. The only words or singing that came from our sessions with Nigel and I needed it, truly. All is love.”
A 2024 world tour behind the record is already arranged, and will include summer UK concerts in Cardiff, Halifax, Margate and Cornwall.
Bloc Party will play Crystal Palace Park in London next year in what is set to amount to the biggest headline show of their career.
Playing the fondly remembered debut album Silent Alarm in full along side various other choice cuts, the performance will celebrate the 20th anniversary of their first single, while The Hives, Friendly Fires and Mysterines have also been confirmed on the bill.
“We’ve been having so much fun playing shows over the past year,” Kele Okereke said.