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The Boss works into the night

And arrive he did, last, but by no means least; The Boss took the Main Stage at Hyde Park Calling 2009. Let me make that London Calling as Bruce Springsteen and his E-Street Band launched their set with a stonking rendition of the 1969 Clash hit. Stately in beat but unmistakably punk in message and tone, this was the perfect opener for the 45,000 strong, mostly local crowd As the opener gave way to rapturous applause and a seamless transition into Badlands, the stage was set for what promised to be one of the Boss’ best performances to date.

Flanked on each side by the menacing black bandanas of Steve Van Zandt and Nils Lofgren, Springsteen’s mood was visibly euphoric and the band bristling with energy, despite having headlined the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury less than 24 hours earlier. “The E-Street Band have travelled thousands of miles to fulfil one solemn vow – to rock the house” preached the Boss.

The set showcased a fantastic cross section of the legend’s back catalogue including his first hit Rosalita, Youngstown from the Ghost of Tom Joad album, rarities such as Seeds and Trapped before bringing us bang up to date with amazing renditions of Outlaw Pete and Working on a Dream. Bobby Jean kicked off a round of requests from the audience and Bruce didn’t disappoint with his trademark collection of signs and scraps of paper from the front rows, showing each one to the band before tearing into some of the fans favourites.



In a reciprocal gesture of musical kindness, Springsteen was joined on stage by The Gaslight Anthem’s lead singer Brian Fallon for a rendition of No Surrender which surely must hint at some future collaboration between the two. Continuing the high spirits, a version of Waitin' On a Sunny Day was nailed as the sun shone and the entire crowd’s arms continued to wave.

As the light faded over London and the pink hue of sunset outlined the clouds, The Boss was still going strong and showed no signs of stopping with what, to my mind, was his best ever rendition of the iconic Jungleland. He even made light of the fact he tripped up the stairs by demanding that next time he would need an elevator on stage!

The set was almost three hours long and the encore came to its zenith with rousing versions of Glory Days and Dancing In The Dark – proving that he is not only a working class hero but that Bruce Springsteen and The E-Street band are one of the most enduring and hardest working acts around today – it really was a privilege and a treat for all who were there.

Well that just about wraps it up for another year, but wait, there is still another seven days of live music in Hyde Park – from The Serpentine Sessions through to Blur and the highly anticipated Wireless Festival next weekend – go on, you know you want to!

Neil Young surprises Hyde Park

What a day. After spending several hours out in the blissful sunshine, dark clouds started brewing and the skies briefly opened, but it never stopped the crowd from wanting more. Oh, and Paul McCartney popped by for a little sing song with Neil Young... Here's what else went on in the build up to that.

By the time The Pretenders were on the main stage Hyde Park had started to fill out. Switching between old and new, the band saved the best until last with a run in of Brass In Pocket and I'll Stand By You.

Following Chrissie Hynde (left) and her gang was Steven Gene Wold, otherwise known as Seasick Steve (below). Getting the whole audience on their feet and into the groove with his authentic folk-blues sound, regaling stories of past experiences with added humour. By the time he got around to Started Out With Nothing everyone was smitten.

Shifting our attention to the Pepsi Max Stage, East London's Alberta Cross were showing their hometown what a glorious, warm and fuzzy mix of blues, folk and alternative country they have to offer. Followed by the beautiful bluegrass folk up-and-coming West Londoners Mumford And Sons, somewhere between Laura Marling and Noah And The Whale. While Johnny Flynn (left), brother of Jerome Flynn (remember Robson & Jerome?), showed just how talented he is, switching between ukulele, guitar and violin. Like the traditional English folk of James Yorkston, with added fiddle and brass from his supporting band The Sussex Wit.


By the time Ben Harper & Relentless7 were on the festival was heaving. Who could be a more perfect support for the legendary headliner Neil Young than Fleet Foxes, who already cite him alongside The Beach Boys and The Zombies, all of which can be heard buried amongst their lush harmonies and upbeat indie folk. Their hour long set allowed for a near full rendition of their self titled debut album alongside early releases Mykonos and English House. Joking with the crowd, lead singer Robin Pecknold quipped “my dad took me there [Hard Rock Café] for an Aerosmith cheeseburger.”

In the build up to tonight’s headline act, the crowd were going crazy, for all the fantastic artists over the day, nothing could top the anticipation for Neil Young. Everyone vying for their spot so they could see the legend. And he didn't disappoint, opening with big hitter Hey Hey, My My (Into The Black) before giving crafted renditions of Heart Of Gold, Old Man and the poignant Needle And The Damage Done, followed by tour-de-force Down By The River and 1989 anthem Rockin’ In The Free World.

There was some entertaining banter between songs, once quipping "are there any alcoholics out there", which received a rapturous response the crowd hands aloft before he replied “then this ones for you” launching straight into Spirit Road.

But the best was saved until last, reappearing for the encore Neil Young and his band began playing The Beatles classic A Day In The Life, before quickly being joined by Paul McCartney who joined in on the verse.

This was the first time the two of them had sung on stage together, despite it being featured in Young's set for several years. You could tell they both enjoyed it, the fact that they had massive grins on their faces and hugging each other before Macca bowed to Neil Young. But it still didn't stop the crowd chanting for more.

Will there be any more collaborations on Sunday? Will Bruce Springsteen be joining The Gaslight Anthem or vice-versa, we'll just have to wait and see.

The Killers close a spectacular day of music in Hyde Park

Having spent the afternoon enjoying some fantastic live music from the likes of The Kooks, Howling Bells, Metric and Passion Pit, the first night of Hard Rock Calling 2009 has just come to a close – and what a night it was.

We’ve just finished watching a simply breath-taking set from Las Vegas’ very own The Killers. The band opened up with Human, which sounded even better live than it does on CD, with the always extravagant Brandon Flowers on top form as ever. His unique voice carried effortlessly across Hyde Park to the hordes of fans who had been waiting so long to see the performance, and collectively, the band were as tight as a nut.

The start of the set was dominated by spectacular renditions of tracks from their latest album Day & Age, including A Dustland Fairytale, The World We Live In, and a belting version Spaceman.

At one point, Flowers paused to tell the audience about the origins of The Killers, explaining how several years ago he responded to an ad placed by guitarist Dave Keuning, who was looking for a band at the time. This was followed by what he told us was the first fruits of their labours, erupting into the spectacular Mr Brightside, which sent everyone absolutely crazy.

There was also sing-along classics All These Things That I Have Done, Smile Like You Mean It and Somebody Told Me, all of which served as reminders as to just why The Killers really are one of the hottest acts to come out of America for a long time.

For an encore, the band whipped out the anthemic Bones, a deliciously bassy rendition of Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine, before ending on crowd-pleaser When You Were Young.

It was a truly incredible end to a fantastic day of relentless rock, and The Killers left the crowd cheering for more, despite wowing us all with a set that was over 90 minutes long. The good news is that this is only the start of Hard Rock Calling 2009, with loads fantastic more music taking place over the next couple of days in Hyde Park.

Sunday will see the legendary Bruce Springsteen playing to a sold-out audience, and Saturday is all about Mr Neil Young, who will be headlining a day that is going to include performances from Seasick Steve, Ben Harper, Fleet Foxes, The Pretenders, and many, many more.

It’s going to be awesome – see you tomorrow.

Relive Hard Rock Calling this Friday

The Bands Play On!

Sunday in Hyde Park started well and even a few drops of rain didn’t discourage the revellers from making the most of what promised to be the third day of world class live music.

The day kicked off with music from Rudy Vaughn, Beauvoir–Free and a cracking little set from London six-piece Goldheart Assembly (pictured) on the Bandstand. The boys entertained the white picket-fenced garden with their catchy melodic pop songs and stunning five-part harmonies – certainly a band to keep an eye on in the coming months.

Meanwhile, over on the main stage, The Gaslight Anthem (below) were showcasing their own unique blend of blues, rock and punk. During The ’59 Sound, probably their most recognisable song, the crowd were treated to a little Brucie Bonus when a certain Mr Springsteen gave fans a taste of things to come by lending a hand on vocals and guitar. Pretty special news for the guys seeing as The Boss is widely acknowledged as one of the most enduring influences on their music.

After a quick dash to the Pepsi Max stage, we found 60’s psychedelic pioneers The Pretty Things (right) proving that they’ve still got what it takes to pull crowd, despite three of their number’s free bus pass eligibility! Fresh from claiming their Mojo ‘Heroes’ award, they seemed to enjoy every minute and wowed the crowd with blistering guitar solos and pounding drums on such classics as Don’t Bring Me Down and Alexandra, the latter having found fame after featuring as one of the songs in Norman Wisdom’s 1969 film, "What’s Good For The Goose".

As the day warmed up, so did the acts – and it was James Morrison’s (left) turn to grace the Main Stage. It was all sunshine, smiles and hands in the air as he produced crowd pleasing versions from his bag of hits including You Do Something and Wonderful World. Mr Morrison also managed to funk-up his set when he ended on a great cover of Bill Withers’ Use Me. As this was happening, Rhode Island folk rock trio The Low Anthem (below) were ripping through their Deep South influenced set list on the Pepsi Max Stage. The band ended with a new song which floated across the crowd with the help of a harmonica, double bass, oboe and lilting harmonies that would melt the heart of any detractor.

There was a definite swell in the crowd gathering at the main stage as The Dave Matthews Band struck up their inimitably tight and catchy musical arrangements. They displayed their usual passion and energy which only briefly abated for Dave’s inter-song anecdotes and sips of coffee from his travel mug! They even found time to slip in a cover of Led Zeppelin’s Stairway to Heaven which managed to get the crowd really fired up in anticipation of what was to come.

The day also saw fantastic performances from Joshua Radin, The Boy Who Trapped The Sun and Starsailor to name but a few, however, for some, there was only one man who could suitably wrap up such an auspicious weekend of musical delights. His name seemed to be on everybody’s lips, not least all of the day’s other acts – waxing lyrical about The Boss and citing backstage glimpses which really served to whip the crowd into a frenzy of anticipation. The best was yet to come.

Hard Rock Calling kicks off in style - the weekend has officially begun

It’s Friday night in London Town. The sun is shining, the atmosphere is electric, and Hyde Park is rapidly filling to the brim with rock-hungry fans, all ready to kick start an awesome three days of tenacious rock. Yes music lovers - the weekend has officially begun.

We arrived at the Park today and enjoyed some stonking sets from the ever-growing crowd here in London’s back garden. We saw Chew Lips launching Hard Rock Calling in style, and witnessed Passion Pit sending everyone wild over on the Main Stage earlier this afternoon.

All of this was followed by a phenomenal set from Australia’s Howling Bells who sounded absolutely incredible. The band got everyone going with tracks including Low Happening and Treasure Hunt, before launching into a fantastic rendition of hit single Into The Chaos, which sent the Hyde Park crowds absolutely crazy (oh, the irony). Lead singer Juanita was on top form, and sounded as good as she looked – truly superb. The rest of the band weren’t half bad either.



Over on the Pepsi Max Stage, we’ve seen some great performances so far from Air Traffic and Silversun Pickups, and currently the mighty Metric are just finishing off what has been an incredible performance to a packed-out tent.

A couple of hours ago we bumped into the lovely Kooks backstage, who are literally starting their set over on the Main Stage right now. Then it’s all about The Killers, who are gonna send everyone crazy when they close this place later tonight. It’s surely going to be a fantastic evening.

Three days of awesome rock is now officially in full swing – it’s gonna be a good one. See you down the front – we’ll be the ones with our hands in the air.

CHECK OUT THE FULL LINE-UP

The full line-up and stage times have been revealed and you can view them here.

ECHO & THE BUNNYMEN ADDED TO LINE-UP

On the same night as 2000s pop heroines The Killers play Hard Rock Calling, Eighties Indie heroes are set to play their majestic but haunting songs as headliners on the second stage. 

They will top the bill on the Pepsi Max Stage with Metric and Silversun Pickups also performing.

MORE ACTS CONFIRMED FOR HARD ROCK CALLING 2009!

Hard Rock Calling 2009 has confirmed more exciting artists to an already incredible line-up. Taking place in London’s Hyde Park on Friday 26, Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 June, Hard Rock Calling is London’s ultimate festival. Joining The Killers on Friday 26 June will be Howling Bells, Metric and Silversun Pickups. Saturday 27 June sees the addition of The Magic Numbers, Johnny Flynn, Mumford and Sons and Priscilla Ahn. Whilst on Sunday 28 June, James Morrison, Starsailor, Joshua Radin and Low Anthem have all been confirmed.

Friday 26 June
Joining headliners, The Killers, will be the Australian indie rock band Howling Bells. Their debut album received worldwide critical acclaim with NME giving it 9/10 and are set to support Coldplay on their North American tour this year. Howling Bells are definitely one of the hottest bands around right now and a perfect addition to Hard Rock Calling. The Pepsi Max Second Stage sees New Wave indie rockers Metric, fronted by the captivating Emily Haines and Silversun Pickups who have supported both the Foo Fighters and Kaiser Chiefs on recent tours.

Saturday 27 June
With Neil Young setting the bar for the day, confirmed for the Pepsi Max Second Stage are English indie rock band Magic Numbers who have achieved much success since their formation in 2002. Not only did their debut album gain Top 10 status, but it was also short listed for the coveted Mercury Music Prize. Recently appearing alongside Depeche Mode and Sonic Youth on Later With Jools Holland, singer/songwriter Priscilla Ahn is one of today’s most unique and exciting artists and this will be her first festival appearance in the UK. Forming in 2007 English folk band Mumford and Sons are creating quite a buzz, rising out of London’s folk scene with other artists such as the actor, poet and songwriter Johnny Flynn, both will be playing the Pepsi Max Stage.

Sunday 28 June
Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band will be closing this year’s Hard Rock Calling with a little help from Brit Award winning songwriter James Morrison, who will be hitting the main stage on Sunday. The Pepsi Max Stage sees the addition of Hard Rock favourites Starsailor who recently headlined the Road To Hard Rock Calling shows in the US. They have also been named as Hard Rock’s 2009 Annual ‘Philanthropic Artist of the Year’ in recognition of the band’s outstanding contribution as a visible ambassador for Hard Rock. Also confirmed for the Pepsi Max Second Stage is Joshua Radin, whose songs has featured on many hit TV shows in the US and is capturing the public’s attention both in the States and the UK. Having performed at all the hottest festivals in America such as South By South West, Coachella, Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza Hard Rock Calling is delighted to confirm Providence’s folk rockers The Low Anthem to the Pepsi Max Second Stage. With the three band members collectively playing over 20 instruments this band is definitely one to watch.

A limited number of tickets have now been released for Friday 26 June and Saturday 27 / Sunday 28 weekend tickets are also now available.

Hard Rock Calling 2009 is undoubtedly the hottest ticket this summer. This is a festival like no other, bringing only the greatest music right to your doorstep.

KILLERS TICKETS RELEASED

WEEKEND TICKETS NOW ON SALE

Hard Rock’s Ambassador of Rock Tour is proud to offer you an exclusive joint Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen ticket to Hard Rock Calling. For details to purchase the last tickets for this legendary event in Hyde Park on June 27th and 28th click here. The two day ticket will be available at a specal price of £85 and will sell out fast!

3RD NIGHT UNVEILED - THE KILLERS TO HEADLINE

For the first time ever, Hard Rock Calling is being extended to a three-day event. Hard Rock Calling will now kick off on Friday 26 June, with The Killers headlining the Hyde Park stage with support from The Kooks.

TICKETS ON PRESALE FROM THURSDAY - REGISTER HERE NOW

The Killers’ recent, third, album ‘Day & Age’ received mass acclaim and has already sold 1 million copies in the UK since its release last November.  The Las Vegas band’s Hyde Park set will include recent singles Human and Spaceman, as well as hits from previous albums including Mr Brightside, Somebody Told Me, When You Were Young, Read My Mind and All These Things That I Have Done.  

The Killers have, since their first arrival on UK shores in 2003, fast made a name for themselves as one of the most exciting live bands on the planet.  On top of this, their recent UK tour sold out in record time, so the announcement of this Hard Rock Calling headline show will be fantastic news for fans eager to see the band this summer.

Britain’s very own The Kooks will be joining The Killers as main support on Friday 26 June. With their 2008 release 'Konk' going straight to number one, their performance at Hard Rock Calling will their first festival appearance of the summer and a culmination of their memorable hits and newer tracks.

Neil Young headlines Sat 27 June in Hyde Park

We are delighted to confirm that Neil Young will headline Saturday 27 June at this year's Hard Rock Calling event in London

BUY TICKETS NOW

Joining him as special guests at this prestigious festival are Fleet Foxes, Ben Harper & Relentless7, Seasick Steve and The Pretenders - with more artists to be announced soon.

Undeniably one of the most influential artists in American music Neil Young is set to release his much-anticipated new album ‘Fork In The Road’ on 6 April on Warner Music. 

Chrissie Hynde commented on playing on the same bill as Neil Young at Hard Rock Calling: “We would play a garden shed to be on a bill with Neil Young but Hyde Park – summer – with ‘The Loner’? This is what makes a thousand hours on tour buses all worthwhile. This is why people get in bands.”

As part of Hard Rock’s 2009 Ambassadors of Rock Tour, fans will have the opportunity to win a V.I.P. weekend in London for Hard Rock Calling, and trips to other exciting Ambassador of Rock stops around the world, by entering the global sweepstakes on hardrock.com.

Hard Rock featuring Bruce Springsteen - SOLD OUT

Tickets for Hard Rock Calling's Sunday 28th June concert with headliner Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band sold out on Friday 13th Feb, in less than an hour!

Other artists performing on the day include multi-million album selling Dave Matthews Band and New Jersey’s The Gaslight Anthem.

Bruce Springsteen to headline Hard Rock Calling 2009

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will perform at Hard Rock Calling 2009 in Hyde Park, London on June 28th

Main support comes from multi-million album selling American rockers Dave Matthews Band – with their hybrid of jazz, folk and a distinct pop sensibility resonating through capacity stadiums in the United States.  They will be joining Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band on Sunday 28 June with full supporting line-up to be announced.

New Jersey’s newest and hottest sons, The Gaslight Anthem, will also be joining the lineup on June 28th.  Currently in the midst of a world tour, The Gaslight Anthem are the hottest ticket around and have been cited as the best new band fans will hear  in 2009.

Hard Rock Calling is now established as one of the most important London events on the UK musical calendar. Past years have seen Aerosmith, Eric Clapton, Roger Waters, The Police and The Who create what is now identified as the most prestigious and ‘must be at’ open air music event in the UK.

When Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band take to the stage at Hard Rock Calling on 28 June 2009 they will be just yards away from the original and iconic Hard Rock Cafe on Old Park Lane, which opened in 1971 and continues to serve guests from all over the world every day.

Hard Rock owns the world’s greatest collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock will return to host its temporary Cafe in the main arena at this year’s Hard Rock Calling, serving 50,000 guests its famous menu as they wine and dine in true Hard Rock style, with a similar serviced offered to VIPs backstage. Hard Rock Calling is part of Hard Rock’s Ambassadors of Rock Tour, a global concert series that benefits charities around the world.

2009 Festivals to Remain in Hyde Park

We are thrilled to announce that Hard Rock Calling will remain in Hyde Park, viewed as the most prestigious outdoor events site in the UK.

Several bidders were invited by Royal Parks to submit a formal tender proposal. Live Nation's ten year history with Royal Parks has seen many unforgettable events being staged in Hyde Park and this will continue through to 2011 with the award of the new agreement between Live Nation and Royal Parks.

2008 saw many memorable events in Hyde Park including the Nelson Mandela 90th Birthday Concert and Live Nation owned festivals Hard Rock Calling and the O2 Wireless Festival.

Get ready to join us in Hyde Park again in 2009!

The Road to Hard Rock Calling 2009

Hard Rock Calling will be back Summer '09. Keep an eye out for our announcement of the 2009 festival dates. Or register now for news and updates by email. 

Last year saw such legendary performers as Eric Clapton, The Police, The Bangles and KT Tunstall (pictured). 2009 promises to be every bit as special. We can't wait to unveil our amazing line-up. 

Want to relive some of the memories from the 2008 festival? Visit the gallery for images of your favourite artists performing live.

Love Rock? Love Live Music?

If you can't wait until Summer 2009 to check out the very best rock music at the Hard Rock Calling festival in Hyde Park, then why not check out some great live music at a venue near you! Live Nation, organisers of the Hard Rock Calling festival promote live music all year round. Visit our website and search for your favourite artists to see who's on tour right now www.livenation.co.uk. 

You can also sign-up to the Weekly Live Nation email newsletter, packed full of touring artists, shows going on sale soon and presales - giving you the chance to buy concert tickets before anyone else. 

Don't forget to register for Hard Rock Calling 2009 festival updates now.