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Gig Of The Week: High Voltage

Gig Of The Week: High Voltage

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at 08:15am July 18 2010

WHO: High Voltage Festival

WHERE: London Victoria Park

WHEN: July 24 and 25

‘Custom built by rock fans for rock fans’ goes the quote – and that’s no hype. Because this festival has been created by the promoters with one thought in mind: what would we like to see, and how would we like to be treated?

Over the days, across three stages (Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and Prog), there’s an entire spectrum of excellent bands. The giants such as ELP, ZZ Top,  Black Label Society, Transtlantic, Marillion and Down. There’s the reunion of the original Argent line-up. There’s Uriah Heep doing the whole of their classic album Demons And Wizards (with guest guitarist Micky Moody). And Martin Turner’s Wishbone Ash doing Argus in its entirety. There are the young talents like The Reasoning, Touchstone, New Device and Lethargy getting the chance to impress. There’s the chance to see Joe Elliott and Ian Hunter together in the Down ‘N’ Outz. And there’s also the chance to pay a fitting homage to Ronnie James Dio with the last ever Heaven & Hell performance.

You’ll also have the chance of getting official souvenir edition CDs on the spot of performances from seven bands on the bill: ELP, Marillion, Asia, Argent, Focus, Uriah Heep and Martin Turner’s Wishbone Ash. This is being done by Concert Live, the instant music specialists.

But there’s a lot more going on beyond the three stages. For a start there’s Eagle Vision pop-up cinema, showing some of the best rock and metal documentaries, and also playing host to Q&A sessions with both Rick Wakeman and Randy Bachman.

The famed Ace Café relocates to the festival, serving up some fine rock ‘n’ roll and also a display of rare hot rods and classic motorbikes. There’s also an exhibition of vintage cars and bikes, out together by the Classic Car Club. You can also enter an air guitar competition, overseen by Air Guitar UK, and visit the Ronnie James Dio Tribute Gallery.

It’s gonna be two special days of all round, essential rock entertainment.

Find out more at www.highvoltagefestival.co.uk