REBELLION FESTIVAL CELEBRATES 30TH ANNIVERSARY IN 2026 AS PUNK ROCK TURNS 50

REBELLION FESTIVAL CELEBRATES 30TH ANNIVERSARY IN 2026 AS PUNK ROCK TURNS 50

TAKING PLACE AT BLACKPOOL WINTER GARDENS, 6TH – 9TH OF AUGUST

HEADLINERS THE STRANGLERS, COCK SPARRER, STIFF LITTLE FINGERS AND SHAM 69 JOIN A HOST OF CONTEMPORARY AND LEGENDARY PUNK ACTS

MORE INFO AND TICKETS AT REBELLIONFESTIVALS.COM

Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Rebellion Festival, the world’s largest annual punk event, is set to return August 6th to 9th to its long-standing home, the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.

Initially known as Holidays In The Sun, the Winter Gardens first opened its doors to mark the then 20th anniversary of punk and hosted headliners X-Ray Spex, The Damned and Buzzcocks for the landmark three-day event back in 1996. Another thirty years on and Rebellion Festival is going stronger than ever. Returning again as punk rock celebrates its 50th anniversary on from that initial explosion of energy in 1976, interest in the music and culture shows no signs of dissipating and the last two years have seen the festival completely sell out across the four-day gathering.

“Goodness, 30 years! Over half our lives doing the thing we love most,” exclaims festival organiser Jennie Russell-Smith. “We just can’t wait to celebrate our anniversary with everyone this year. We’re working hard to make sure it’s a wonderful year for all of our supporters old and new. Going into it on the back of two sold out years is both exciting and challenging but as usual we’re going to put the best festival possible on (as we try to every year).”

Every year, Rebellion Festival work hard to curate a line-up that balances festival favourites alongside new talent and bands from every area of the alternative and punk communities, and 2026 is no different.

“We’ve tried to include as many bands as possible who’ve really become part of the fabric and family of Rebellion,” states Jennie. “Stiff little Fingers, Cock Sparrer, Sham 69, The Stranglers, The Bar Stool Preachers, Die Toten Hosen, UK Subs, Cockney Rejects, Slaughter and the Dogs etc, too many to mention them all but they know who they are.

“Diversity and up and coming bands are always foremost in our thoughts so it’s great to have

Millie Manders and the Shutup, Maid of Ace, Split Dogs etc to celebrate with us, continues Jennie. “Most of all we’re looking forward to seeing the people that support us year in year out, there’d be no Rebellion without them and we appreciate them massively.”

These join many other bands already booked to grace the several Winter Garden stages, which include Skids, Buzzcocks, Ferocious Dog, Spear Of Destiny, Ricky Warwick, The Godfathers, Subhumans, Scream, Anti-Nowhere League, Penetration, Bow Wow Wow, Ruts DC, Bad Cop Bad Cop, Adolescents, UK Subs, Discharge, The Chameleons, Au Pairs, The Courettes, The Kids, Riskee and the Ridicule, GBH, The Dickies and many many more.  

Head to www.rebellionfestivals.com for more information and updates and to buy tickets for what is surely going to be the best celebration 50 years of punk rock, and Rebellion’s own big 30th birthday!

DISCOUNTED TICKETS ON SALE NOW: https://www.rebellionfestivals.com/buy-tickets

Family friendly / All Ages event with under 12s FREE (accompanied by an adult)

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/RebellionPunkMuskFestival

Peter Hook & The Light Return To Rebellion Festival 2025

Peter Hook & The Light Return To Rebellion Festival 2025

Following a hugely successful and sold-out Rebellion Festival this August just gone, the organisers are already deep into booking bands for Rebellion 2025, set to return to its annual home of the Blackpool Winter Gardens, August 7th – 10th 2025.

Fans of legendary Manchester bands Joy Division and New Order are in for a treat next year when their bassist Peter Hook returns to the Festival with his band Peter Hook & The Light for a thrilling deep dive through his vast back catalogue.

“Really looking forward to returning to Blackpool once again to play the Rebellion Festival,” says Peter. “The crowd is always amazing, and I’m sure 2025 will be no different.” 

Peter Hook joins a host of punk luminaries already confirmed to bring their power and energy to Blackpool. These now include Hugh Cornwell, The Selecter, HR from Bad Brains, Zounds, DOA, Los Fastidios, Crux, Buster Shuffle, Down By Law, The Undertones, MDC, UK Subs, Paranoid Visions, The Exploited, Riskee & The Ridicule, Voodoo Glow Skulls, 999, Millencolin, Pegboy, Toxic Reasons and many more.

Rebellion Festival 2025 is already hotting up to be one not to miss!

Head to www.rebellionfestivals.com for more information and updates.

DISCOUNTED TICKETS ON SALE NOW: https://www.rebellionfestivals.com/buy-tickets

Family friendly / All Ages event with under 12s FREE (accompanied by an adult)

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/RebellionPunkMuskFestival

Rebellion Festival Stages & Times

Rebellion Festival Stages & Times

REBELLION FESTIVAL 2024 COMING 1st – 4th AUGUST AT THE WINTER GARDENS IN BLACKPOOL

STAGES & TIMES ANNOUNCED!

www.rebellionfestivals.com

Returning this summer over four days from the 1st to the 4th of August at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, Rebellion Festival is respected the world over for bringing together the best in new and legendary punk and alternative bands from across the globe every year.

With the line-up for 2024 having been painstakingly put together and selected over the last few months, Rebellion Festival has now arrived at the point where stage times for the many bands playing across the festival’s multiple stages have been announced and now is the time for ticket holders to start organising what bands they want to see!

Head over to the Rebellion Festival website and check out the band times and stages and start planning your four days of punk rock heaven!


In the coming weeks there will be spreadsheets, clashfinders and other kind people posting their ways of displaying and seeing the many bands.

To see the schedule head over to: https://www.rebellionfestivals.com/line-up

TICKETS STILL ON SALE: https://rebellion.keekmerch.com/ 

From the four iconic, genre-defining headline artists The Stranglers, Sham 69, Cock Sparrer and Stiff Little Fingers, to the young upstarts kicking up a racket in 2024 like The Chisel, The Meffs, Grade 2, Bar Stool Preachers, HotWax, and Meryl Streek, these join many other highlights including Tom Robinson Band, UK Subs, Lydia Lunch, Toyah, Dead Boys, Ruts DC, GBH, Cockney Rejects, The Alarm, and The Men They Couldn’t Hang and so much more.

Since its original inception in 1996 as the then named Holidays In The Sun festival, Rebellion is still a family-run, family-orientated ALL AGES event and children under 12 are admitted free of charge (accompanied by an adult).

Head to www.rebellionfestivals.com for more information.

Instagram: @rebellionfest

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/RebellionPunkMuskFestival

Rebellion Festival 2024 – New Announcements

Rebellion Festival 2024 – New Announcements

REBELLION FESTIVAL 2024 RETURNS 1ST – 4TH AUGUST AT THE WINTER GARDENS IN BLACKPOOL

THE LARGEST INDEPENDENT PUNK FESTIVAL IN THE UK

GOGOL BORDELLO JOIN THE FESTIVITIES!

www.rebellionfestivals.com

Returning this summer over four days from the 1st to the 4th of August at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, Rebellion Festival has once again pulled together a line-up that runs the full length and breadth of worldwide alternative and punk rock culture. From the four iconic, genre-defining headline artists of The Stranglers, Sham 69, Cock Sparrer and Stiff Little Fingers to the young upstarts kicking up a racket in 2024 like The Chisel, The Meffs, Grade 2, Bar Stool Preachers, HotWax, and Meryl Streek, Rebellion Festival displays an ageless and timeless event annually that demonstrates just how big and welcoming our punk rock family continues to grow.

With over three hundred bands and artists playing and performing across the Winter Garden’s multiple stages, Rebellion Festival really does supply something for everyone with an interest in alternative culture. From the very roots of the movement with the proto 60s garage punk of Love guitarist Johnny Echols, performing with his version of the psychedelic legends, to 1970s glam stompers The Sweet who were a huge influence on the first waves of punk, Rebellion Festival goes from the very start to the wholly contemporary, and everything in between.

A recent and thrilling addition to the line-up this year is the eclectic and theatrical Gogol Bordello from the Lower East side of Manhattan, although they feature members hailing from Ukraine, Ecuador, Russia and Ethiopia for a truly worldwide sound. The band are notorious for their relentless touring, and they have lapped the world many times since their formation in 1999. Rebellion is excited to finally have them hitting the festival in 2024.

All this and so much more, these join many other highlights including Tom Robinson Band, UK Subs, Lydia Lunch, Toyah, Dead Boys, Ruts DC, GBH, Cockney Rejects, The Alarm, and The Men They Couldn’t Hang.

Got to Line Up (rebellionfestivals.com) for the full four-day line-up.   

DAY AND WEEKEND TICKETS ON SALE HERE: https://rebellion.keekmerch.com/ 

Since its original inception in 1996 as the then named Holidays In The Sun festival, Rebellion has always aimed to bring together the best punk and alternative music from across the globe, and is still a family-run, family-orientated ALL AGES event and children under 12 are admitted free of charge (accompanied by an adult).

Head to www.rebellionfestivals.com for more information.

Instagram: @rebellionfest

Rebellion Festival – Blackpool, Winter Gardens – 4th-7th August 2022

Rebellion Festival – Blackpool, Winter Gardens – 4th-7th August 2022

Sunday

Is it really Sunday already? We’re only just warming up. Having taken a measured approach to this years post covid proceedings we’ve reached the final day and our party of scribes have eased back on the beers and late nights and are raring to go for one last push.

After another of those exceptional breakfasts, it was straight into the Arena to catch the excellent Thee Acid Tongue hoping that the sound we had witnessed for The Chisel was an isolated incident but sadly once again it was volume over any definition and it really hindered front of house sound. Gone was any subtlety in the guitar sound and it was almost a single low-end blast with the vocal becoming an ear-shattering hum which is such a shame because there were five of us hoping to catch the band live for the first time all agreeing that the sound did them dirty. Note to self (please can they play next year with a good mix – thank you) The band clearly had energy in their performance and if they had a good onstage mix it wasn’t the case out front – shame that because they have some really top tunes so I’d love to have to opportunity to watch them next year on the Pavillion stage chopping out those top tunes they have.

Whilst mulling over the sound in the Arena we headed to the Casbah for some of The Insane at the Casbah where they were playing their first gig in 40 years and the track ‘El Salvidor’ stood out next to their cover of the classic ‘Chinese Rocks’ now every year we like to predict how many bands soundcheck their guitars to the opening riff of ‘Sonic Reducer and how often we get to hear it played this year we had to wait until the final day to hear it even once which must show how the festival is evolving and talking of evolving we now head back to the Literary stage for some chatter that matters and another unique feature of Rebellion.

That was half twelve mid-day but we’re not going to moan about it (too much) we have a busy schedule and we’re onto the next. The Literary stage for some Jeff ‘Stinky’ Turner and his no hold barred stand up. In the brand new conference center that housed the art displays and a moving wall of remembrance, it was also kitted out for interviews and stand up which is where we found ourselves along with plenty of others. With not a single spare seat Turner was to talk us through the life and crimes of a Reject and his firm of equally unhinged nutters. Now, the lead throat of The Cockney Rejects Jeff Turner has wandered through life ducking and diving and along the way upset and been loved by equal amounts of people I’d imagine. I found myself giggling and belly laughing as he doesn’t hold back regaling us with horror stories of touring with the Rejects and growing up in the East End and along the way dismantles many celebrities along the way mainly for faking it and not being stand-up people if you’ve not seen Stand up and be counted then I suggest you do so, partly as a cautionary tale and partly because Jeff is a funny guy and I’m sure he would forgive me for saying this but I find myself laughing with and at him, what a life! He’s honest and keeps it real and when talking about his beloved ‘ammers he chokes back the tears which was wonderful to see and hear as the real human side came out but obviously I can’t condone some of his more violent stories but it was what it was and Jeff owned his darker side along with his warm and caring side which also came through. To be honest the literary stage was packed with awesome turns today from Billy Bragg and Alvin Gibbs to Stuart Pearce the footballer , Steve Diggle and Tom Robinson its a shame I couldn’t stay here all day it would have been fascinating and another wonderful side to this festival that makes it so unique.

Where was I? oh yeah, damn you Jeff Turner making me laugh meant I missed my visit to the pavilion to watch The DeRellas who went down a storm from a few people we spoke to who attended the performance which didn’t help. So many things to see so little time and soooo many clashes.

Anyway, where was I? Our schedule was now in the bin as choosing between who to see and where we were supposed to be was now futile so I missed the almost acoustic performance from Dave Sharp interviews with Alvin Gibbs and Steve Diggle. Buzzcocks outside at R Fest and The Avengers in the Empress. it was time to assess who what where and when so it was Chelsea in the Empress as Gene led the band through a solid set kicking off with a sprightly ‘Evacuate’ and an impressive ‘War Across The Nation’ before finishing the set with the classic ‘Right To Work’. We then maneuver ourselves across the Winter Gardens for former Misfit Doyle who is in the Casbah and was also the first act to take twenty minutes to get onstage which was disappointing. It was a well-choreographed thrash fest from the former misfit and his band who did the whole punk/metal thing as well as expected with frontman Alex Story prowling the stage like a madman helping pass half an hour before we headed back to the Empress for the mighty UK Subs.

It was now the final straight for us this year and we nestled ourselves down the front to witness another fantastic set from Charlie and the boys. They treated the packed Empress to a tight – no fuss – zero bullshit, rapid best-of set that took in UK Subs classics such as ‘I Live In A Car’, ‘Down On The Farm’, and the sing-a-long that has become the subs anthem ‘Warhead’. It’s been a while and the Subs are masters of playing Rebellion and what is required of the established bands and their back catalogue.

There were a few moments during the set that encompassed everything that is held special about the band where crowd surfers caught the eye of Alvin, Carlie, and Steven and it seemed to spur them on and raise the already volcanic temperature even higher creating one of those moments and Charlie fuckin up the lyrics here and there much to the amusement of Steven and Alvin its these glimpses into a world where Charlie has sung ‘Barbies Dead’, ‘Limo Life’ and ‘Emotional Blackmail’ a bazillion times yet caught in the moment it can and does happen. The Subs have become something of an institution and Rebellion stalwarts deserving of their elevation up the bill and on the biggest stage. Tonight they were fantastic, they gave the fans exactly what they wanted and some and provided a real weekend highlight for me -long live the UK Subs.

We decided to zig-zag our way back to the Casbah to catch NYC hardcore legends the Cro-Mags for their set but without John Jospeh I can’t help but feel the intensity and performance was missing something. With him prowling the lip of the stage leaving Flanigan to get on with what he does would have been something to behold. However, the set kicked off with a thunderous ‘We Gotta Know’ and that intensity was raised for ’20/20′ but it was a ten-song set that featured four tracks from the classic ‘Age Of Quarrel’ album. It was great to catch them finally. Get em back in the Arena (with a good sound) alongside Sick Of It All, Bloodclot, Stigma and Agnostic Front and I’ll get in training right now, that would be insane. If only eh Hardcore fans?

Right, this was it one final hurrah! Empress Ballroom for Stiff Little Fingers then the hell outta dodge and the nine-hour bus trip from hell home haha! Again the Empress is packed to the rafters for this performance and again SLF didn’t disappoint. Covid might have delayed and derailed their anniversary celebrations but tonight the band was determined to make up for those lost couple of years and the Empress was about to join them for a huge celebration. Opening with the awesome ‘Suspect Device’ followed by ‘At The Edge’ this was shaping up to be an awesome set already. No bullshit nor fucking about it was down to business and hit after hit rattled off the balcony and around this cavernous and beautiful venue. ‘Nobody’s Hero’ followed by ‘Roots, Radics, Rockers, Reggae’ sounded fresh and as we headed through ‘Strummerville’ towards ‘Gotta Getawy’ it was time for the no-encore encore and a final salvo of ‘Tin soldiers’ followed by ‘Alternative Ulster’ and the band left the stage to rapturous applause and another fantastic Rebellion Festival set. Me I was soaked through and done. My body battery was registering extreme lows and another year was over and an exceptional four days of friends, fun, fantastic music, and everything besides was locked into the goldfish-like memory bank. We discussed highlights of which there were many, regrets of bands we missed and simply couldn’t see, and discussed next year’s wish lists of who should be added to what still is the best punk and alternative festival on the planet. Adios amigos same time same place next Year? Fuckin’ right it is…

If I could be so bold and suggest some bands for next year I’d love to see a return of Clowns from Australia and whilst their at it maybe pack a flight from down under and get Grindhouse, Civic, Stiff Richards, the cosmic Psychos, Coffin on board just for good measure. I’d also get The Lords Of The New Church with Michael Monroe into headline one night there are a plethora of great UK bands we need to see play from The Hip Priest, Deathtraps, Black Bombers, Continental Lovers and Rough Gutts to some from the States like Wyldlife from NYC, Guerilla Teens and about a hundred more I could name but maybe some will be entertained and make Rebellion 2023 better than this year’s event. So without further waffle RPM Online would like to Thank Rebellion Festivals for what must be a terrifying experience yet equally rewarding, James Sherry @ Division PR, Stu Taylor at the Rebellion merch table and all those who put in the hard yards behind the scene and of course all the bands, stall holders and staff at Winter Gardens & R Fest for another truly unique yet excellent festival. Oh, and before I forget, to my traveling companions and roommates for looking after me and making it such a great time, again. Love you long time…respect!

Why not buy tickets for 2023 and come join us by the seaside beside the sea Here

R-Fest Tickets for NHS Workers

R-Fest Tickets for NHS Workers

REBELLION FESTIVAL PRESENTS R-FEST

A NEW OUTDOOR FESTIVAL IN FRONT OF BLACKPOOL TOWER TO TAKE PLACE AUGUST 4-7, 2022, IN ADDITION TO REBELLION AT THE WINTER GARDENS

R-FEST OFFERING FREE TICKETS TO NHS WORKERS!

Rebellion Festival, the largest punk and alternative festival in the world, is returning in 2022 even bigger and better with the launch of new outdoor event R-FEST – the festival within a festival.

Taking place this coming 4th to 7th of August 2022, in addition to Rebellion Festival at its annual home the Winter Gardens, R-FEST will be located slap bang in front of Blackpool Tower on the promenade, directly down from the Winter Gardens.

Although the country and government might have stopped clapping for the NHS, R-Fest want to show their gratitude for everything they did during the pandemic and continue to do, by offering one hundred tickets per day to the wonderful NHS workers.

If you’re an NHS key worker and fancy coming along for a day of music, food and sunshine all you’ll need to do is visit the Winter Gardens box office on Victoria Street, Blackpool this Wednesday 3rd August (12pm – 9pm) and show your NHS ID card to receive a free ticket for the R-Fest day of your choosing.

T&Cs apply: only one ticket per NHS ID can be given for free, though you may be able to purchase additional tickets from the box office. Up to 100 tickets available for each day of the festival – Thursday 4th to Sunday 7th August.

Note: this is a goodwill promotion and as such refunds cannot be issued for existing ticket holders.

The full line-up for R-Fest is.

THURSDAY 4th AUGUST: Levellers, Hawkwind, Misty in Roots, Dreadzone, Ferocious Dog, Beans on Toast, Millie Manders and the Shut Up

FRIDAY 5th AUGUST: The Stranglers, The Undertones, The Skids, From the Jam, Toyah, Jilted John, The Vapors

SATURDAY 6th AUGUST: Gary Numan, Peter Hook & the Light, Pop Will Eat Itself, Spear of Destiny, The Wedding Present, Primitives, Pete Bentham & the Dinner Ladies

SUNDAY 7th AUGUST: Squeeze, Billy Bragg, Tom Robinson Band, Hollie Cook, Buzzcocks, Altered Images, I, Doris

R-FEST will quickly establish itself as the North West’s premier music festival and Rebellion Festival look forward to welcoming many fans that could be experiencing one of their events for the first time. We’re sure they will be welcomed by the Rebellion Family and soon realise why Blackpool is such a special place for our summer gatherings.

R-FEST is a standalone festival and day tickets are available at £50 per day. However, if you are a REBELLION weekend or REBELLION day ticket holder your ticket will get into R-FEST Free Of Charge!

R-FEST is all ages and there is re-entry available.

Rebellion Festival also looks forward to hosting the best punk from around the world in 2022 with the likes of Sham 69, Bad Religion, Circle Jerks, Cock Sparrer and Stiff Little Fingers confirmed to play the Winter Gardens August 4th-7th 2022.

Tickets for Saturday R-FEST are available HERE:

Rebellion Day & Weekend Tickets gets you in to R-FEST and the Winter Gardens full festival and are on sale HERE:

Head to www.rebellionfestivals.com/r-fest for all info and tickets.  

PSYCHEDELIC ROCK ICONS HAWKWIND JOIN THE R-Fest LINE-UP

PSYCHEDELIC ROCK ICONS HAWKWIND JOIN THE R-Fest LINE-UP

REBELLION FESTIVAL LAUNCH R-FEST – THE FESTIVAL WITHIN A FESTIVAL

A NEW OUTDOOR FESTIVAL IN FRONT OF BLACKPOOL TOWER TO TAKE PLACE AUGUST 4-7, 2022, IN ADDITION TO REBELLION AT THE WINTER GARDENS

PSYCHEDELIC ROCK ICONS HAWKWIND JOIN THE LINE-UP ON THURSDAY AUGUST 4TH

Rebellion Festival, the largest punk and alternative festival in the world, is returning in 2022 even bigger and better with the launch of new outdoor event R-FEST – the festival within a festival.

Confirmed to take place this coming 4th to 7th of August 2022, in addition to Rebellion Festival at its annual home the Winter Gardens, R-FEST will be located slap bang in front of Blackpool Tower on the promenade, directly down from the Winter Gardens. The organisers are building an arena with the sea on one side and the town on the other, with a capacity for 15,000 punters and space for bars, food, and band merchandise.

Today, R-FEST can announce that English psychedelic rock legends Hawkwind will be joining R-Fest on Thursday August 4th. Hawkwind replace The Wildhearts, who were originally scheduled to play this slot before The Levellers, but in light of their recent decision to take a break from performing, the pioneering space-rockers have stepped in to take their place.

Hawkwind are an institution who crossover many different genres and fans of music and their set is sure to melt the minds, and the sky, at R-Fest this year!

With Levellers, The Stranglers, Gary Numan and Squeeze all set to take headline positions, they join a host of other artists scheduled to play and R-FEST for the full line-up below.

THURSDAY 4th AUGUST: Levellers, Hawkwind, Misty in Roots, Dreadzone, Ferocious Dog, Beans on Toast, Millie Manders and the Shut Up

FRIDAY 5th AUGUST: The Stranglers, The Undertones, The Skids, From the Jam, Toyah, Jilted John, The Vapors

SATURDAY 6th AUGUST: Gary Numan, Peter Hook & the Light, Pop Will Eat Itself, Spear of Destiny, Chameleons, Primitives, Pete Bentham & the Dinner Ladies

SUNDAY 7th AUGUST: Squeeze, Billy Bragg, Tom Robinson Band, Hollie Cook, Buzzcocks, Altered Images, I, Doris

R-FEST will quickly establish itself as the North West’s premier music festival and Rebellion Festival look forward to welcoming many fans that could be experiencing one of their events for the first time. We’re sure they will be welcomed by the Rebellion Family and soon realise why Blackpool is such a special place for our summer gatherings.

R-FEST is a standalone festival and day tickets are available at £50 per day. However, if you are a REBELLION weekend or REBELLION day ticket holder your ticket will get into R-FEST Free Of Charge!

R-FEST is all ages and there is re-entry available.

Rebellion Festival also looks forward to hosting the best punk from around the world in 2022 with the likes of Sham 69, Bad Religion, Circle Jerks, Cock Sparrer and Stiff Little Fingers confirmed to play the Winter Gardens August 4th-7th 2022.

Head to www.rebellionfestivals.com/r-fest for all info and tickets.  

REBELLION FESTIVAL 2021 CANCELLED

REBELLION FESTIVAL 2021 CANCELLED

 I guess it was edging ever closer so a decision had to be made sooner rather than later but every cloud has a silver lining and get your diary out and pencil at the ready.

REBELLION FESTIVAL 2021 CANCELLED

 

NO INSURANCE, NO GUIDELINES, NO GUARANTEES, NO RE-ENTRY = NO FESTIVAL!

FESTIVAL CONFIRMED TO RETURN 2022 AUGUST 4TH – 7TH AT THE WINTER GARDENS, BLACKPOOL

www.rebellionfestivals.com

 

 

This time last year the organisers of Rebellion, the world’s largest punk festival, were forced to make the heartbreaking decision to cancel the four-day event due to the global pandemic. A year on and the dedicated Rebellion team are absolutely devastated to confirm that yet again, the hugely-anticipated event, due to take place this coming August 6th – 9th with legendary artists such as Circle Jerks, Bad Religion, The Undertones, Tom Robinson and Stiff Little Fingers, at The Winter Gardens in Blackpool, is no longer able to go ahead.

Despite the intention, desire and willingness of Rebellion, the venue, the bands and the local businesses for this year to go ahead, it has become increasingly clear that due to circumstances beyond the festival’s control, it can’t. With no clear guidelines from the government in terms of insurance, guarantees, policies on re-entry, testing and potential vaccine passports, the festival simply can’t go ahead.

Rebellion has been open and transparent throughout this pandemic and were hopeful (but cautious) about this year but required a few essential things to be confirmed for the event to go head. The feeling is that music festivals are being ‘timed out’. No one is saying they CAN’T go ahead, but nothing is in place yet that means they CAN either. That is why the last few weeks have seen many independent festivals take the tough decision to cancel.

All of this, combined with the ongoing global travel restrictions means that Rebellion would not be able to put on the event that they desire, and their audience expects. The Rebellion family is global. Around a third of the people that attend are from overseas and with no touring bands (many agents and bands from overseas have pulled their European tours and rescheduled them for 2022), it would simply not be the festival that Rebellion wanted to stage.

But there is some good news. Rebellion 2021 has been moved to 2022. Both 2020 and 2021 tickets will roll over to 2022. For those of you wanting a refund, visit the website where full details are published. All day tickets will be refunded automatically.

REBELLION 2022 is 4th – 7th August. So put that in your diary! Some surprise headliners have already been confirmed, plus many reconfirmed that were due to play this year. And don’t get rid of your hotel or B&B bookings for this year just yet as there is still hope that some kind of scaled back event this year is possible. Watch this space.

Tickets for 2022 will go on sale on Monday August 9th.

The RETURN OF REBELLION 2022 is going to be massive! The exciting news is the council have agreed for the festival to have the area of the promenade right in front of Blackpool Tower (Tower Headland, on the ‘comedy carpet’). This is an amazing space for an outdoor stage. A straight walk down from the Winter Gardens. Rebellion can double the capacity with this area and have some fantastic plans to make both sites amazing.

To better times. And a colossal Rebellion 2022!

 

For full statement read here: www.rebellionfestivals/news  Head to www.rebellionfestivals.com for more information.

 

Twitter: @rebellionfest  Facebook:  Facebook

 

 

Idles – ‘UltraMono’ (Partisan Records)

Idles – ‘UltraMono’ (Partisan Records)

Let’s not hang about here ‘War’ is the sound of bombs dropping from the sky and panic on the streets. Idles are on it and as a unit won’t be stopped by conventional weapons or pandemics it would seem.  Taking it to the next level after the joy of the Glasto performance and it would seem being taken into the bosoms of the press beast and being hailed as the saviours of alternative post-punk rock and roll all by themselves. Idles have taken it in their stride and just gotten on with it, seemingly oblivious as to the outpouring of adulation currently being heaped upon them.

I liked ‘Brutalism’ and I liked what they offered as the next step on ‘Joy As An Act’ so it was with an intake of breath I pressed play on this their third long-player as the band lock-in and pour out what is inside them onto the black grooves.

 

Frontman Joe Talbot says of “Grounds”: “We wanted to write a song that embodied self-belief, and gave us self-belief – a counter-punch to all the doubt we build up from all the noise we so easily let in. We wanted to make the sound of our own hearts’ marching band, armed with a jackhammer and a smile. We wanted to make the sound of our engine starting. So we did. Thank you.”  Talbot sounds like he knows the score. top tune and instantly recognisable and more honed in, more finely tuned.  Sounds like they know exactly where they’re going with this lark.

If you thought the band had hit the peak on ‘Joy’ and the worm might turn from here on in, well, think again this album is more vibrant, focussed and raging than the previous offerings.  Across all twelve songs, there is a brutality as the band continues the social commentary of their past work, with themes of class, gender inequality, nationalism, community, and toxic masculinity and empowerment and ultimately fighting back.  Its not preachy it poignant and informative that there are people who think just like you!

 

Produced by Nick Launay (Nick Cave, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Arcade Fire) and Adam ‘Atom’ Greenspan (Anna Calvi, Cut Copy), ‘Ultra Mono’ sounds huge. The album also features guest vocals from Jehnny Beth (Savages), and additional guest contributions from Warren Ellis (Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds), David Yow, and Jamie Cullum like it needed any.

The constant touring sounds like it has galvanised the band and they’re locked in as one and the twists and turns of the opening few tracks are epic and brutal but quite beautiful as well.

Safe it isn’t but I’m sure there will be a hipster backlash along anytime soon saying something along the lines of them selling out or commercial this and that and not being the same anymore (not with these lyrics).  Tosh, I say this is where they’ve been striving to get for the last two albums and this is excellent.  Even after a few plays I’m easily enjoying it as much as the previous offerings if not more due to the production and songs being a lot tighter.

I’ve not read any of the reviews yet but I’ve seen the comments to the videos released so far and I like it and it would seem so do the punters (those that matter anyway).  Hopefully when all this pandemic strife is sorted and we can get back to live music being a thing I’m sure these songs will take on a new life as they get performed and dissected more by the public as we break them in.

 

Its a pummeling album and songs like ‘Mr. Motivator’ has taken things to the next level without a doubt.  I’m sure reviews will champion them as the soundtrack to the revolution, Well, the likes of the Guardian and Mirror will and The Mail will hate it. Fuck em!  This album is demanding another spin and I’m already liking it a lot “How D’you like them cliches?”.  To be honest,  Idles have managed to create music that is pretty much universally recognisable which is always a bonus and something bands strive to achieve – sure they borrow bits here and there who doesn’t but the magic when they are in full flight is awesome.

Ultimately ‘Ultra Mono’ is a document of its time and a bloody good one at that.  They look destined to get bigger and bigger.  From their Rebellion Festival appearance to their Glasto triumph and now this release and the raft of enormadomes they will play once it’s safe to do so is proof that alternative music is alive and kicking and screaming.

Crack on Idles I love it.  Some will love join me – some just won’t get it and others will shy away because they’re too popular. fuck that if you can’t love ‘Anxiety’ then why not? Talbot hits the nail on the head lyrically and when he states our government does hate the poor he means it but not to be cool or trendy but because it matters and people need to wake up maybe this is the sound of the fightback.

It’s not all crash, bang, wallop mind.  Well, I say that ‘Kill Them With Kindness’ has a polite intro before Talbot barks his best Iggy Pop. ‘Carcinogenic’ has a lovely throbbing bassline as does ‘Reigns’ as they push the envelope a little further again. A dozen songs later and I’m thinking that Idles have penned a classic of its kind it’s easily their best twelve songs thus far (no seriously) Check it out.  Stream it (if you have to) buy it on tape if you’re hip but turn the volume up for others to hear and sing along. ‘Ultra Mono’ might only have just been born but it sounds like a band has grown in stature and become a real force to be reckoned with – alternative music always needs bands like Idles so let’s enjoy them here and now – Buy it!

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Author: Dom Daley

REBELLION 2020 – CANCELLED

REBELLION 2020 – CANCELLED
KEEP YOUR TICKETS SAFE!!
I guess they hoped against hope and the inevitable had to happen but Team Rebellion has given a full and comprehensive press release that shows their class.  A full and frank release goes over and above and shows they had the fans at heart and let’s keep our fingers crossed that come next August this year’s washout will be a distant memory.
“We are absolutely heartbroken to have to announce that it’s not possible for this year’s Rebellion to go ahead.
Please keep your WEEKEND TICKETS as they will get you into Rebellion 2021.
All-day tickets will be refunded.”
“We have been monitoring the situation and looking at all options and whilst we were genuinely very optimistic 2 months ago and honestly thought that this would all be done and dusted half a year ahead, it’s clear that as each day passes things are taking a lot longer to go back to any sense of ‘normal’. All the indications are that mass indoor gatherings will not take place for some time to come. Obviously ticket sales have ground to a halt since the lockdown so the conclusion we’ve come to is that even if the Winter Gardens is allowed to open in August, we won’t be able to put on the same standard of festival that you’ve all come to know and love. We are already losing key bands and there would be people that had bought tickets that either can’t travel (if overseas travel is still banned) or choose not to travel and it’s unfair on them too. Further, we’ve listened to bands, fans and crew and the feedback has tended to move from an optimistic and positive response with people wanting it to happen to many of us now reluctantly accepting that it’s not the best thing to do for our communities health and well-being. So for those of you that wanted us to cancel, we feel we’ve done the right thing but for those of you that wanted us to carry on you can rest assured that we looked at every available option on how long we could keep going before we had to make an awkward decision. Putting on a festival of this size is a huge undertaking and our lives have been on hold with regards to pre-production and ticket sales so to be honest we’re running out of time now to make this happen anyway.
REBELLION 2021 is BOOKED!! – AUGUST 5th – 8th
Next year is our 25th Anniversary and we are planning an incredibly special event. We aim to come back bigger and better and put on the party that we are all going to be craving. It is not possible to have the same line up so we will be starting again for 2021. However we’re mindful that many people keeping their tickets bought them off the back of this year’s line up so we will do our best to re-book as many bands as we can subject to availability, budget and our plans for 2021.
PLEASE HELP SUPPORT YOUR FESTIVAL
Cancelling this year’s event is obviously very damaging. We do not have ‘backers’, we do not have ‘sponsorship’ – Rebellion is a truly independent festival. The venue is not ours. Our only income is from ticket sales and out of that we must cover all our expenses which as you can imagine are massive for a festival this size. We’ve had good years and we’ve had bad years, but we’ve always bounced back from the losses and if we break even then we’ve lived to see another year! But this is unprecedented – we’ve had all the expenses from August to May but if we have to refund everyone’s money it will frankly be devastating. There is a number of ways that YOU can help REBELLION
1) KEEP HOLD OF YOUR TICKET AND USE IT FOR 2021 – You will be getting in to next year at this years prices! You can save up to £45 (depending on when you bought your ticket) by using this year’s ticket to get you in to next year’s event. This will help minimise the amount of refunds we need to do. So no need to buy another ticket. Keep your weekend ticket safe for 2020 and turn up to wristband exchange next year and you’ll get in.
2) BUY A TICKET FOR 2021 NOW! – Tickets are ON SALE NOW for 2021, if you haven’t got a ticket for this year and weren’t coming, an early purchase of 2021 would really help. Our ‘EARLY BIRD’ prices last from TODAY until August 31st and we will be hitting our ‘mid price’ from Sept 1st onwards which is a lot earlier than usual. So now really is the best time to buy.
3) FREE ‘VIP’ PASSES – The first 300 tickets we sell for 2021 will go into a raffle and we will be drawing 50 winners that will receive a VIP PASS for 2021 which will get you all sorts of exclusive access and goodies.
We’ve already been overwhelmed by offers of support and generosity with suggestions to set up a funding page etc. We hope that things don’t get that bad. We are uncomfortable asking for anything as we know times are going to be hard for many. However, for those of you that are asking and are in a position to, you could DONATE YOUR 2020 WEEKEND TICKET. It would make a massive difference to the future of Rebellion and the type of festival and stages we can offer next year if you didn’t use your 2020 weekend ticket and just bought a new one. There will be a goodie bag to say THANKS for anyone that turns up to WRISTBAND EXCHANGE next year with BOTH weekend tickets showing that they had one they could have used but chose to donate that and support Rebellion by purchasing a new ticket. We certainly don’t expect this and know many can’t afford to but for the many people that have contacted offering ways to support, this is probably the easiest and fairest.
For those of you that neither want to come next year or are not in a position financially to support us then of course REFUNDS are available and the information regarding how that works can be found in detail on our WEBSITE – www.rebellionfestivals.com.
We know that many of you go to many different festivals and gigs. We don’t view any other event as a ‘rival’ event to us. We see all live events as one big family that feeds each other with our passion for music. We would urge any of you that also have tickets for other shows that are cancelled to try and avoid refunds if possible. This virus is going to have such a devastating impact on the economy and on businesses and individuals and one of the worse industries to be hit will be the entertainment industry and especially LIVE MUSIC. Many of us in this industry are getting NO SUPPORT from the government. There is no ‘grant’ if you don’t have rateable high street premises, there’s no furloughing if we’re not on PAYE and there’s no support for being ‘self-employed’ if you take money out of the business only when it’s in profit via dividends and there’s no insurance that is going to cover us for cancelling. REBELLION certainly isn’t covered by an insurance policy for this. We’re taking a hit. So many promoters, agents and bands will slip through the net regarding support. Unlike sports events which get huge revenues from TV sponsors, Live Music will be hit terribly. Our only ‘sponsors’ are the people that buy tickets and come to the gigs. Please support all our colleagues at other festivals and shows if you can by minimising REFUND REQUESTS and getting back out and buying tickets for future events as soon as we’re all allowed out again.
ONE LAST THING – Rebellion 2020 is cancelled. Tickets are valid for 2021. That will not change. But what IF the lockdown is lifted by August and many of you choose to come to Blackpool as your Hotels are booked? It would be crazy to not have some event on. Therefore, we’ve kept the dates saved with the Winter Gardens for the possibility of a scaled back event if there was any possible way we could pull this off. This might not be something we can make a decision on until much nearer the time and the type of event, the amount of days, stages and if some of it could be outdoor etc would all have to be decided and turned around quickly. If this were possible it would be a completely separate ticketed event and not be a REBELLION FESTIVAL but an alternative show within the parameters of what would be allowed to happen legally and safely. It’s a long shot and has no bearing on the decision to cancel this year which has been made.
This has been the hardest thing to ever write or publish. Both emotionally and also logistically. We’ve been working tirelessly behind the scenes to work out all the procedures for a cancellation. It’s actually a lot harder to cancel a festival than it is to put one on! So, for everyone that has been moaning about us taking too long to cancel, it’s not as simple as you think! We have many ticket outlets, many price points for the tickets and so lots to get in place before we can just say ‘it’s off’. We also need to let the venue, 350 bands and agents know and all our staff, crew and suppliers as it’s not right that the first they hear about it is via Facebook. There’s also massive implications for doing this and despite what you all think we’re a small family team who’s experience is in putting punk gigs on. Therefore, making sure that everything is legal, compliant and transparent also takes time. So – we did listen to your views and that helped us make the decision to cancel. We’ve since been putting everything in place to make this a smooth process. If there’s anything you guys aren’t happy with or think we could / should have done better or differently then please go easy – we’re in unchartered territory and we’re doing the very best we can.
For now, all we ask is that you all remain safe and healthy and we hope to see as many of you as possible in 2021. Your support as ever is appreciated and never taken for granted. We love you.”
Team Rebellion xx