10 bands to watch at Hop Farm Festival
- By Greg Rose -
- Jun 28, 2012
Hop Farm festival hits Paddock Wood this weekend, and everyone from Maximo Park to Bob Dylan, Suede to Tom Vek is on the line-up. It's the fifth year of Hop Farm and they've pulled out all the stops to get a diverse bill - here's who to see if you're down at the farm...
10. Suede
The reformed 90s antiheroes are playing the hits, and it's incredible how many have stood the test of time. Expect ridiculously fun pop songs with an edge and a frontman who knows how to work a crowd.
9. Tom Vek
The hugely innovative Tom Vek is making a rare festival appearance at Hop Farm. He manages to fly under the radar, despite consistently making some of the most danceable, innovative indie around.
8. Maximo Park
The survivors of noughties landfill indie, Maximo Park are back with their best record since their debut. Led be the irresistably intense Paul Smith, expect high jumps and higher jinks from the north east's finest band.
7. Damien Rice
A long time has passed since 'Cannonball' burst Damien Rice momuntarily into the mainstream, but there's far more to the songwriter than that. His songs come alive in the live arena, and a sunset set is sure to be special.
6. Ray Davies
The sun is shining, you've got a cold drink in your hand, and Ray Davies is playing 'Waterloo Sunset'. If that isn't your idea of a perfect afternoon, there's a kink in your thinking.
5. British Sea Power
Criminally underrated purveyors of the most intelligent - and sometimes downright daft - rock music of the past decade, this inventive collective is ready-made for picking up new ears in a Hop Farm festival jaunt.
4. Bruce Forsyth
You read that right! The Strictly stalwart is making his festival debut - not just as a performer but as an ettendee. No idea what he's going to do, but there's sure to be the odd catchphrase. Altogether now...
3. Benjamin Francis Leftwich
There's a whole host of rising stars joining the old hands on the Hop Farm festival line-up, and Benjamin Francis Leftwich may just be the pick of the bunch. Look out for Marcus Foster and the Tallest Man On Earth too if Ben is your cup of tea.
2. Bob Dylan
All of the musicians on the bill will undoubtedly be honoured to share the stage with Bob Dylan, arguably the most influential artist of them all. If you want the Dylan of the 60s stay in and watch a DVD. If you want the real thing, don't be put off by the growling voice, let yourself enjoy his creative reinterpretations of some of the greatest songs ever penned.
1. Patti Smith
Reportedly still as vital onstage as in her punk heyday, Patti Smith has new material, new anger and new impetus to unleash on Hop Farm. Add to that her seminal back catalogue and you've got a guaranteed festival gem.
Look out for our Hop Farm festival review coming soon.
By Greg Rose. Content Manager. Tweets @greglrose and blogs at greglrose.com
