The Darkness To Play Stone Free Festival Alongside Headliners Alice Cooper And Rick Wakeman

Kilimanjaro Live and The O2 are proud to reveal that the multi-award winning, multi-million selling band The Darkness have been added to the lineup at the inaugural STONE FREE FESTIVAL. They will be bringing their exuberant rock to the O2 as part of the festival.

 

The band are delighted to be joining the bill; “Multi-million selling saviours of ROCK The Darkness are proud to grace the Stonefree stage, alongside rock legends past and future! Expect the usual mix of mania-inducing vocals, riffs forged from solid steel, and stage costumes to make you feel a bit damp in the naughty area. You are welcome.”

 

After their glorious 2003 single ‘Christmas Time (Don’t Let The Bell’s End)’, which put the band firmly in the frame as a Christmas staple, The Darkness will be releasing their new Christmas single ‘I Am Santa‘ on Christmas Day. It follows their latest album ‘Last Of Our Kind’ which has just been issued along with 4 new tracks. Frontman Justin Hawkins says, “It is the best rock album you will hear this year.  It is the best rock album you will hear until next time The Darkness makes an album. I should know. I’m the singer.”

 

STONE FREE FESTIVAL will be headlined on Saturday 18th by the legendary master of the macabre ALICE COOPER in a UK exclusive. On Sunday 19th the titan of progressive rock RICK WAKEMAN will headline in a WORLD exclusive performance of his flamboyant, 12-million-selling masterpiece ‘The Myths And Legends Of King Arthur And The Knights Of The Round Table’ for the first time since 1975. The STONE FREE FESTIVAL marks the debut solo performances by both artists at The O2.

 

The Darkness’ glamorous rock extravaganza will be joining Cooper and Wakeman, along with prog rock heroes Marillion, guitarist Steve Hackett and Southern rock riffers Blackberry Smoke, across the two days in the main arena, with more artist announcements to come in the New Year. A diverse bill of artists from all areas of the classic rock world will also be performing throughout The O2.

 

Day and Weekend and Rock Royalty tickets for

STONE FREE FESTIVAL are on sale now

Stonefreefestival.com / AXS.com

 

facebook.com/stonefreefestival

@stonefreefest

 

 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

STONE FREE FESTIVAL is a major new festival for the UK bringing a wealth of artists and events together under one roof in June next year. Taking place at the world’s number one music and entertainment venue, The O2 in London, STONE FREE FESTIVAL will feature two 12-hour days of the very best in classic rock music and deliver a host of live performances spread over multiple stages, including many other must-visit events throughout the weekend.

 

Says ALICE COOPER: “Coming to the UK is always like coming home for us, fans in the UK are always high energy, always there.  Headlining the very first STONE FREE FESTIVAL at London’s The O2 in June next year is an example of why we feel so welcome.  It will be my only performance in the UK next year, so that makes it even more special.  And as always with my show you can expect the unexpected!”

 

Says RICK WAKEMAN: “After the success of the ‘Journey To The Centre Of The Earth’ shows last year, I’m over the moon to have the opportunity to perform ‘King Arthur’ for the first time since 1975 with an orchestra and choir. It’s going to be wonderful!”

 

Says Steve Hogarth, lead singer of MARILLION: “Marillion are delighted to be part of the very first STONE FREE FESTIVAL. To be playing the main arena at The O2 on the same bill as Rick Wakeman and Steve Hackett – two of rock’s outstanding and legendary instrumentalists – is a great honour. We looked up to and were inspired by these guys when we were kids, so to share such a big stage with them is fantastic. We promise our fans that this will be a weekend they’ll not want to miss. See you all in June!”

 

Says Steve Hackett: “I’m thrilled to be part of the terrific Stone Free Festival… it’s a great line-up and promises to be THE London Rock Event of next year!”

 

Utilising the full array of facilities at The O2, STONE FREE FESTIVAL is the perfect chance for rock fans to immerse themselves in the music they love in the very best environment. Featuring multiple stages, a huge variety of artists, special acoustic performances, Q&As with headline performers, cinema screenings at the STONE FREE picture show, a vinyl fair, specialist market stalls, classic album playbacks, Rock Royalty VIP packages, craft beers and street food alongside the established award-winning restaurants, this will be the biggest and best festival for classic rock fans, whilst keeping the feel of a specially curated event, created by and for lovers of quality rock music.

 

In keeping with the dedicated nature of the event, STONE FREE FESTIVAL is proud to be working in association with Classic Rock Magazine and Prog Magazine, the premiere worldwide music publications for the music aficionado.

 

With no chance of rain stopping play, no need to camp in a muddy field, state-of-the-art sound, great food and a whole host of transport options STONE FREE FESTIVAL sets the bench mark for a new type of rock festival in the UK – a weekend of Classic Rock that gives fans the chance to delve deep into their greatest passions, experience their favourite artists performing some of their most legendary works, discover brand new acts in a multitude of venues and browse the finest memorabilia all under one roof.

About Linda Heron

London Photographer and News Editor for Planet Mosh.