THE BLACKOUT, FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND AND ATTACK! ATTACK! TO PLAY MERTHYR ROCK 2011
Organisers of Merthyr Rock have revealed a stellar line up of rock bands for this year’s festival in Wales. The Blackout and Funeral For A Friend are headlining the festival, which takes place in Cyfartha Park on Sunday September 4.
Eight out of the 17 bands already confirmed to play Merthyr Rock have been picked by Welsh rockstars Kids In Glass Houses. Other acts on the Kids In Glass Houses curated stage include Future of the Left, Jettblack, Exit International, Save Your Breath, The Social Club, Spycatcher, Dead Beggars Club and Crossbreaker. They will join the likes of Skindred, Revoker, The Guns, Go-X for the £20 festival. The Sunday line up also features performances from Young Guns, Attack! Attack! and My Passion.
For many years South Wales has been the birthplace of some of the world’s greatest popular music acts. Over the past two decades its rock music scene has exploded onto the global stage. From the Manic Street Preachers, Feeder, Catatonia and the Stereophonics in the 90s, to 21st century acts like Lostprophets, Bullet For My Valentine, Kids In Glass Houses, Funeral For A Friend, and The Blackout, Welsh bands have consistently triumphed in UK and world charts.
Merthyr Rock aims to become a signature event that will raise Wales’ international profile, attract a large audience from home and abroad and inspire and mobilise the local community. The team responsible for Hay Festivals worldwide will work with the local community to bring an international-standard festival to Merthyr Tydfil. Rhodri Jones, Festival Director, said: “Merthyr Rock will be the festival that gives South Wales the occasion to match its rock and roll heritage. Far from being a festival that comes and goes in a weekend, our priority is to create an event that will benefit Merthyr all year round and further build a sustainable music industry in Wales. We are extremely excited… It’s gonna be an honour to headline such a big event in our home town. It’s gonna be a big party and this event is what’s needed to put south Wales back on the festival map. Great line up and great day all round.”
Sean Smith, from The Blackout, said: “We’re so excited to be playing Merthyr Rock. It’s always amazing to play festivals but to headline one that’s in our hometown is mind-blowing. Merthyr had a great music scene when we were growing up and it’s started to grow again with new blood coming up the ranks. This festival will get people not just from the Valleys but from further afield to Merthyr and hopefully put a fan to the flames of the live music scene that we have here.” Bandmate Gavin Butler added: “The plans for Merthyr Rock are very exciting and I’m delighted that the Welsh Government, through our Major Events strategy, has been able to support the event and look forward to its development over the coming years. Merthyr Rock promises to be a celebration of talent from the area and will be a boost to the local economy .”
Gates open at 1pm and close at 11pm. Tickets, from £20, one sale now at www.merthyrrock.com
