Until 5 year ago the most notable attraction that resided in the sleepy valley of Loch Ness, was the much fabled monster. That was before Fat Boy Slim had the desire to take his Beach Party up north and show the people of Scotland just what they’d been missing out on.
Norman Cook’s vision became a reality and now the RockNess Festival returns this weekend to Clune Farm with it’s most eye catching line-up to date with The Strokes, Doves, Leftfield and Pendulum to name just a few all headlining. Accompanied, of course by Fat Boy Slim making his customary appearance at the festival he helped create.
Luke Pritchard, of the Kooks has revealed that The Strokes front man, Julian Casablancas is very excited to be performing at RockNess, Pritchard said: “I was at a Julian Casablancas gig recently and all he could talk about was how much he was looking forward to playing RockNess.” Which provided a slight bit jealously in Pritchard, whose band didn’t make the bill, he said: “I seriously wanted to do RockNess as I’d heard it is really cool surrounded by beautiful scenery.” There is always next year Luke.
RockNess initially began life primarily as a dance festival headlined by acts Fat Boy Slim, Audio Bullys and local boy Mylo but with each passing year the still somewhat fresh faced festival has seen it’s line-up follow a path of musical evolution.
This year there has been an influx of indie acts added to the bill, with the inclusion of Friendly Fires, Vampire Weekend and the afore mentioned appearance by The Strokes. RockNess organiser, Jim King is seemingly pleased that the festival has considerably more bands performing this year, he said: “We’re delighted with the RockNess line-up this year it’s the best we’ve had to date. We’re particularly looking forward to having some really great indie bands lined up with The Strokes, Doves, Ian Brown and many more big names performing.”
Further to RockNess having a different sound this year, organisers have taken a leaf out of the Leeds and Reading festival’s book by introducing a live comedy venue. The Howard’s End Pub will be staging stand-up gigs throughout the weekend, the gigs will be compared by cult icon Howard Marks.
Kevin Bridges described as ‘the best Scottish stand up of his generation’ will headlining RockNess’ latest venture. The Glaswegian will be joined at Howard’s End by an array of raising comedic talent including Scottish Comedian of The Year, Scott Agnew supported by Rob Heeney and Canadian Marty McLean as part of RockNess’ inaugural comedy line-up. Festival Director, Jim King is delighted RockNess can offer something over than music, he said: “We’re really excited to be introducing comedy at this year’s festival in Howard Marks’ Pub. The talent we have is some of the best on the circuit and it will bring a fantastic new dimension to what is going to be our best RockNess yet.”
RockNess takes place from June 11th to 13th remaining tickets are available now priced £149, for the weekend. For full details, visit the official website www.rockness.co.uk
Craig Jones
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