Trapped
in this cold and grey springtime in London, we can’t be blamed for
our minds being firmly planted on thoughts of July in Barcelona:
sunshine, cocktails, sand, sea and heavy metal.
For the fifth time,
masses will descend into the heat of summertime Spain to be treated
to some of the greatest hard rock and heavy metal acts on offer. In
the short time it’s been running, the festival has climbed to a
level which rivals the most well established events on the summer
circuit.
There’s no shortage of
big names with Ozzy Osbourne, Scorpions and Kiss taking
the headline slots on the Thursday, Friday and Saturday. There’s
enough showmanship in those three bands alone to make this a weekend
to remember but it doesn’t stop there. On the back of the release
of the widely acclaimed Firepower, Judas Priest will be
stopping off in Barcelona after a series of dates across the US,
Canada, Mexico and elsewhere in Europe. Another big treat is coming
to the festival in the form of Helloween and their ‘Pumpkins
United’ tour. Original members Michael Kiske and Kai Hansen have
joined forces with the current band line-up to deliver a set list and
show which is absolutely unmissable for super-fans and casual
listeners alike. Megadeth will also be visiting Barcelona as
part of their run of summer festival dates, with both original
members Dave Mustaine and David Ellefson now making up half of the
foursome.
There’s plenty on offer
for those of us who are firmly stuck in a pre-90s state of mind with
appearances from Uriah Heep, Stryper, Vixen, Axel
Rudi Pell, Tankard and Accept all on the cards and Tygers
Of Pan Tang bringing some much needed NWOBHM to the mix. With
Twisted Sister having come out to play for the final time in
2016, fans mourning the loss of one of the greatest shows in heavy
metal history will be excited to witness the return of the sheer
force that is Dee Snider with his solo band.
Another highlight
slightly lower down on the bill is sure to be Ross the Boss of
Manowar fame. Those lucky enough to grab tickets and make it
to the 2016 edition of Keep It True festival can attest to the
absolutely electric atmosphere that filled the hall throughout their
set. We’re hoping for a repeat this July!
Amongst a vast array of
more modern bands – Dimmu Borgir, Amaranthe, Dark
Funeral, Korplikaani, Lacuna Coil, Dark
Tranquility – are a couple of newer acts solidly paying tribute
to those gone before. In the very recent past, we could have expected
Motörhead to be blasting away in the Spanish heat, headlining
as they had done for so many years. Sadly, we don’t have that
privilege anymore. In the absence of three of the loudest, filthiest,
fastest and best we’ve ever known, Bömbers
and Motörhits
will be flying the Motörhead flag high above Barcelona and are not
to be missed!
The
countdown begins now, we’ll see you there. Don’t forget your
sunscreen!
Info and tickets at www.rockfestbarcelona.com/en
Writer: Louise Dornan
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