Hard Rock Calling preview

• 15th Jun 2008

It's the middle of June and bands up and down the country are putting the finishing touches to their preparations for festival season, indeed at this very moment, those of rock persuasion are busy head-banging and opening beer bottles with their teeth at the Download Festival 2008 at Donnington. With well over 150 festivals on this year's schedule, it's impossible to preview them all but one stands out above the rest – Hard Rock Calling.

Why does it stand out? Well, The Police are closing the festival and it's the last time anybody anywhere will be able to see the band as they are splitting up (again) afterwards. If that's not a good enough reason for you, how about this one? Eric Clapton, who you can normally only see at The Royal Albert Hall these days, is making a rare festival appearance in headlining the Saturday night.

John Mayer, who has collaborated with Clapton in the past, is coming over from the states to play and fellow American Jason Mraz follows up his recent album release with a slot on the Saturday line-up.

There's something for everyone – more contemporay music fans will flock to see KT Tunstall and Arno Carstens, whilst indie fans will be able to catch The Charlatans and Starsailor and those with retrospective tastes can witness The Bangles and The Stranglers performing their legendary tracks.

There are still a great number of acts to be announced, but for the line-up so far, go here: link

You can get Day Tickets, VIP experience tickets, Hot tickets or weekend tickets. More information can be found here: link

Hard Rock Calling takes place in London's Hyde Park on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th June 2008.