Northern Kin 2019 Line Ups
HERE'S THE MAIN STAGE NORTHERN KIN LINE UPS. SECOND STAGE BANDS TO BE ANNOUNCED VERY SOON.
GREAT LIVE MUSIC & SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
FRIDAY HEADLINER
STEVE HARLEY & COCKNEY REBEL
We are delighted to welcome the legendary rock icon Steve Harley, to Northern Kin Festival, as Friday headliner, along with his fantastic band, Cockney Rebel.
Harley has written and recorded twelve albums in a stellar career spanning over 40 years, and still plays to sell-out audiences in many countries world-wide. Acknowledged as one of Britain’s finest and most charismatic live performers, he loves touring, as much as the audiences love seeing his brilliant live shows. “I love it more now than ever. I cannot imagine stopping it. It's what I do, play and sing”, he says.
” Mojo magazine states, “Harley creates rock songs that are proud, lyrical and full of yearning”, while his old friend ROD STEWART has called him "One of the finest lyricists the UK has ever produced" and The Sunday Express rightly acknowledged him as “Britain’s best-kept Live secret; a consummate performer at the top of his game”,
Among those who have benefited from Steve's charity performances have been HUNTINGDON HALL, Worcester; CHAILEY HERITAGE SCHOOL FOR HANDICAPPED CHILDREN; NORDOFF-ROBBINS MUSIC THERAPY Charity; THE BRIDGE PROJECT (for those with learning difficulties), SUFFOLK, and GUITARS AGAINST LANDMINES. Steve has been an Ambassador for the Mines Advisory Group for several years and has lead two treks, one around Cambodia and another across Death Valley, to help raise funds towards landmine clearance.
He presented his own show for BBC Radio 2, Sounds of the Seventies and has been involved in racehorse ownership since 1984, as racing is his main pastime.
Playing a long list of classic hits, including 'Mr Raffles (Man, it was Mean)', 'Judy Teen', 'Here Comes The Sun', 'Mr Soft', 'Sebastian', and the world-wide hit and UK No.1, 'Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me)', which has been confirmed by the Performing Rights Society as one of the most-played singles in British Radio history, plus an eclectic mix of great tracks from his career recordings; this will be a very special performance to headline the Friday night.
FRIDAY
THE BLOCKHEADS
Without doubt, The Blockheads are one of the finest bands touring, and still have four of the original founding members from the classic 1977 line up. Keeping alive the wonderful music of the late, great, Ian Dury, The Blockheads are now fronted by one of Ian's best friends, Derek 'The Draw', the band's vocalist and wordsmith.
These legendary Brit-Funkers will be playing all the classics and some new material. Who can forget anthems including ‘Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll’, ‘Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick’, ‘Reasons to be Cheerful Pt. 3’, ‘Billericay Dickie’ – the list goes on.
Put on your new boots and panties and get your dancing feet ready!
FRIDAY
MAD DOG MCREA
Mad Dog Mcrea blend a unique mixture of folk rock, pop, gypsy jazz, bluegrass and ‘shake your ass’ music. From self-penned songs of adventure, drinking, love and life, to traditional songs of gypsies, fairies, legless pirates and black flies – Mad Dog never fail to capture their audience with their infectious songs.
In constant demand and having played just about every festival and two-bit, jibe-arsed dive in Christendom, Mad Dog Mcrea are, in every sense of the word, a live, band. Matched with the unshakable dedication of their massive and “loyal-to-the-hilt", fan base – Mad Dog Mcrea are more than just a very popular, festival act – with five albums under their belts - they are serious and acclaimed recording artists too.
The famous purple happy bus is fired up and ready for action, and there’s room for you – jump aboard!
As Mike Harding himself said “It’s always a joy to me when something jumps up and smacks you between the eyes – Mad Dog Mcrea did that to me”
FRIDAY
JOHN COGHLAN'S QUO
John Coghlan joined Francis Rossi and Alan Lancaster in their newly-formed band ‘The Spectres’ in 1962. The group went through a series of name changes, including Traffic Jam, before becoming Status Quo in the late 60s, when Rick Parfitt also joined the line-up. In the years that followed, a string of chart-topping albums and an almost endless stream of hits included ‘Pictures of Matchstick Men’, ‘In My Chair’, ‘Paper Plane’, ‘Caroline’, ‘Down Down’, ‘Rain’, ‘Wild Side Of Life’, ‘Rockin' All over the World’, and many more. For Quo fans and critics alike, this time is often regarded as Quo’s “Classic” period.
Since leaving Quo John has worked with many noted and diverse musicians, including Phil Lynott, Roy Wood, Chas Hodges, Noel Redding (ex-Jimi Hendrix) and Eric Bell (ex-Thin Lizzy).
In 2013 and 2014, John rejoined Francis Rossi, Rick Parfitt and Alan Lancaster for the two sell-out Status Quo Frantic Four Reunion Tours, selling out all over the UK and Europe and reigniting the excitement of the early days of Quo.
During the late nineties John Coghlan’s Quo was formed and through various line-ups has enjoyed regular gigs all over the UK and Europe. The prime aim is to recreate an authentic “70’s Quo Sound” in keeping with John’s time with Quo. Mark Taylor, from MetalTalk.net, sums them up perfectly:
“John Coghlan's Quo take you on a joyous journey of his golden past in one of the most celebrated and much-loved rock bands the UK has ever produced. A night of beer-raising, feelgood factor Status Quo classics”
SAT HEADLINER
THE ALARM
The Alarm released their new album, EQUALS, earlier this year and is their first album since 2010’s Direct Action. It is a barnstorming collection of 11 songs that act as a retrenchment of old values and a poignant reflection of the tough times Mike and his wife Jules have been through in recent years. Having recovered from lymph cancer in 1996, Mike was diagnosed with a rare form of leukaemia in 2005 and, after an initial recovery, he suffered a relapse in 2015. To compound an already terrifying situation, Jules, who plays piano and sings backing vocals, was diagnosed with breast cancer just after. All band activity was put on hold as the pair underwent treatment and it is only now, with both in remission, that The Alarm are firing on all cylinders again.
The emotional repercussions, though, are all too evident in the spirit of life-affirming optimism in the face of adversity that runs through EQUALS. “The songs were built out of what I had become,” says Mike. “I learnt a lot about myself and my relationship with Jules, and it's all there in the music. I didn't set out to write about what we were going through. All I had were these incredibly strong feelings that I found myself putting into words and writing down onto my phone without even thinking they might form the basis for songs.”
A resurgent 2017 saw the release of US documentary movie Man In The Camo Jacket and the BBC’s While We Still Have Time. EQUALS is the latest chapter in an inspirational story that has seen The Alarm sell six million albums while clocking up 17 Top Fifty singles in the UK.
Formed in 1981 in the Welsh seaside resort of Rhyl, the original band broke through on the back of the singles ‘Unsafe Building’, ‘The Stand’, ‘Sixty Eight Guns’ and ‘Where Were You Hiding When The Storm Broke?, their music a passionate blend of amped-up acoustic guitars, harmonica and Mike's stirring voice. A string of successful albums saw them bracketed alongside U2, The Waterboys, Simple Minds and Big Country as part of Eighties rock's distinctive Celtic fringe. After an emotional swansong at Brixton Academy in 1991, the original members went their separate ways.
The lingering allure of his old group proved hard to resist, however, and Peters entered a new millennium back at the helm of The Alarm. With Mike's health now 'back on an even keel' and Jules in remission, The Alarm are looking forward to promoting Equals with characteristic vigour. Peters wouldn't want it any other way. Not long after his second diagnosis, he founded a charity foundation, Love Hope Strength, and has since registered over 170,000 individuals to the International Bone Marrow Donor Registry. A man who refuses to be beaten, his drive in adversity is truly something special. “The endgame of any creative period is always to share the results with an audience,” says Mike. “The turbulence of the last few years has shaken The Alarm’s world to its core but we have survived the challenges and are now ready for the next steps, which is performing the music live with our fans adding to the experience. Myself and the band are primed and ready to give everything we have to make this year a life affirming experience for all our fans.”
We are very excited to welcome true music legends to the Northern Kin stage to round off a great weekend of live music.
SATURDAY
RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS
There has never been anything quite like The Red Hot Chilli Pipers, from their formation in 2002 and a cameo appearance at T in the Park in 2004 with the Darkness to opening the main stage in their own right in 2014. The past fifteen years has seen the Red Hot Chilli Pipers become the most famous bagpipe band on the planet..ever! Bagpipes with attitude, drums with a Scottish accent and a show that carries its own health warning.
The bands achievements have reached incredible heights with their groundbreaking fusion of traditional Scottish music and rock/pop Anthems, which they proudly call “Bagrock”. The Red Hot Chilli Pipers are a genuinely unique experience and have never been more in demand for their infectious style of feel good music, which appeals right across the age range, to people all over the world.
Tracks include ‘Insomnia’, ‘Gimme All Your Lovin' , ‘Thunderstruck’, ‘Everybody Dance Now’, ‘Amazing Grace’, ‘Fix You’, ‘Chasing Cars’, ‘Wake Me Up’, ‘Don’t Stop Believin’ and ‘We Will Rock You’. Back at Northern Kin by popular demand, come along and you’ll see why.
SATURDAY
FEROCIOUS DOG
Ferocious Dog have rightly been described as England’s best folk-punk band. They tour relentlessly and most of their gigs are sold out. During 2017 the band played slots at some of the UK’s and European favourite festivals. Headlining a few of them along the way, they were on fire, playing to some of the largest audiences of their career across Europe.
Ferocious Dog are a full-on six-piece band that encompass folk infused with rock, reggae and Celtic vibrations. The combination of instruments creates a palette of sound that offers infinite variations: going in hard to get the audience up and moving, or slipping into melodic passages and dub-like fusions. The songs are deeply personal and their fans can really identify with the words.
They’re back at Northern Kin by popular demand, so expect a very special and high-octane live performance.
"Live experiences don’t get much better and they have the songs to go with it". Louder Than War, Guy Smallman.
SATURDAY
LINDISFARNE
Legendary 70s folk-rock pioneers, Lindisfarne, return to Northern Kin Festival by popular demand, after a fantastic set there this year. With a classic five-piece line up of long-time members, fronted by original founder-member Rod Clements on vocals, mandolin, fiddle and slide guitar, we are delighted to welcome them back to Northern Kin Festival.
With a repertoire of unforgettable songs like Meet Me On The Corner, Fog On The Tyne, Lady Eleanor and Run For Home and a reputation for live performance that is second to none, Lindisfarne’s power to galvanise festival and concert audiences remains undimmed and is guaranteed to get you on your feet and singing along. Welcome back to Northern Kin!
SATURDAY
HOLY MOLY & THE CRACKERS
2017 and 2018 have been huge years for Holy Moly & The Crackers. The ever-evolving folk-alt-rock band from Newcastle Upon Tyne released their new album ‘Salem’ in July 2017 on their own Pink Lane Records label, and the album received acclaimed reviews from R2 Magazine, Folk Radio UK, The Crack, Clash, No Depression, Blown Speaker and has been championed by BBC Introducing and RadioX.
Following the album release, HMATC have toured the UK twice, selling out venues across the country, and made successful debuts across Europe, as well as continuing their success on the festival circuit. They’ve pulled off an accoladed appearance at Glastonbury, and graced the main stages at many major festivals.
'Salem's' lead single, the barnstorming indie-rock anthem ‘Cold Comfort Lane’, was included on major Spotify playlists including Fresh Finds, Fierce Femmes & New Noise, then found significant sync success, with 'Cold Comfort Lane' used by E4, BT Vision, Capital One, Ultimate Ears, KIA Sportage Cars and the end credits track for the 2018 summer blockbuster movie Oceans 8.
2019 brings Holy Moly & the Crackers back out on the world stage with a brand new album in the Spring, an enhanced confidence and an army of growing fans. Come along for the ride - the craziest party in town always has room for one more...
SATURDAY
ARTIST TO BE ANNOUNCED VERY SOON
SATURDAY
URBAN VOODOO MACHINE
The Urban Voodoo Machine play ‘Bourbon Soaked Gypsy Blues Bop’n’Stroll’. Dressed in black and red (and there’s a LOT of them), their music sounds like a great night out in a dangerous part of town, fusing junkyard blues and stinging rockabilly with mariachi horns, fiddles, sinister cabaret and punk rock tangos.
They’ve played Glastonbury, Download, Latitude, Bestival, Hard Rock Calling and toured with The Pogues and New York Dolls. The UVM have become one of the greatest live acts in the country – terrifyingly bizarre, hysterically funny; a riot for the eyes and sensation for the ears: a sing-a-long, drink-a-long, clap-a-long affair.
Magazines and newspapers have lauded them for their “mariachi-influenced blues, whiskey-soaked country rags and punkabilly-style rave-ups” (The Washington Post), becoming one of the few bands that could appear on Clive Anderson’s Loose Ends on BBC Radio 4 and Britain’s biggest heavy metal festival Download in the same year and win at both. You’re in for a live music treat….
SATURDAY
ORPHAN COLOURS
After the indefinite hiatus in 2013 of UK alt country outfit Ahab, song writer Steven Llewellyn went on to form his own band with the help of Ahab originator Dave Burn. Being firmly a part of the London country scene made it easy to get involved in collaborations with members of bands like Danny & The Champions of The World, who’s drummer Steve Brookes, became a permanent member of Orphan Colours in 2014, along with long term bass player Graham Knight.
Llewellyn and Noah & The Whale guitarist Fred Abbott met whilst he was in the midst of auditioning lead singers for his solo project and the two found common ground in their appreciation of Tom Petty and Jason Isbell. When Abbott heard Llewellyn’s demo’s for the new Orphan Colours project, he immediately signed up.
The band have some impressive credentials with Llewellyn and Burn having already honed their songwriting craft during their tenure with Ahab, who swiftly built a reputation as an unmissable live act and being championed by BBC 2 DJ ‘Whispering’ Bob Harris. Not to mention Abbott’s Noah & The Whale world tours and having played a number of notable shows, including The Royal Albert Hall, Coachella, Lollapoloza, Green Man and Glastonbury as well as appearing on shows such as the Late Show with David Letterman, Later… with Jools Holland and The Graham Norton Show
With gleaming commercial success, critical acclaim and rock solid underground credibility so firmly ensconced in their DNA, Orphan Colours have nothing to prove. Prepare for a fantastic sound that manages to mix some of the best elements of rock’n’roll, blues and Americana.
SATURDAY
DRIVEN SERIOUS
The influences, styles and musical development of the individual band members are truly eclectic, creating a sound that is lyrically driven, with high energy and soul. It would be easy to pigeon-hole Driven Serious into the Folk-Rock category, but the diversity of the percussion, acoustic and electric guitar, punk feel and poetic and sensitive sentiment of some of the songs, always guarantees a journey for the audience. You will never have heard anything quite like Driven Serious.
