News

Paul Weller For Summer Madness

• 12th May 2010

The legend that is Paul Weller will be heading to the spectacular Isle of Wight for some Summer Madness as he tops the bill at this exclusive all day gig on Sunday 29th August. In addition to the Modfather, this star-studded summer Sunday will also feature the ultra-cool Brand New Heavies, Irish songstress Imelda May, local heroes, The Bees, mod rockers The Chords and critics’ favourite Twisted Wheel.

Now in it’s second year, Summer Madness, is renowned for its eclectic line-up and relaxed, boutique vibe. Set against the stunning backdrop of Carisbrooke Castle, this exclusive event is the perfect way to spend the bank holiday weekend – as along with the first class music comes top-notch bars, catering and facilities that are a million miles away from the run-of-the-mill festival norm!

With a very special addition to the bill yet to be announced, the 10,000 strong Summer Madness crowd are set to celebrate the final throws of the great British summertime in style.

Finding fame first with The Jam, then with The Style Council before enjoying phenomenal solo success, Paul Weller is an icon of British music. His awesome back catalogue of hits, including the anthemic, Town Called Malice, soulful classic You’re The Best Thing and the musical masterpiece You Do Something To Me, provided a soundtrack that defined a generation, meaning the Summer Madness crowd are in for a real treat.

Acid jazz meets funk in the form of the Brand New Heavies who will also be taking to the Carisbrooke Castle Fields stage. The band are no strangers to chart success with tracks Midnight At The Oasis, Never Stop, Dream On Dreamer and Apparently Nothing all riding high in the charts.

Dubliner Imelda May got her first big break when she was ‘discovered’ by Jools Holland, and after performing on the hallowed Later stage, she went on to play with everyone from Van Morrison to the Scissor Sisters. Imelda’s unique, rich vocal style is a sultry mix of blues and rock which has translated into legions of fans both at home and abroad making her a welcome addition to the Summer Madness line-up.

Next up to entertain the crowd are Isle of Wight natives, The Bees who burst on to the scene with their acclaimed, Mercury Music Prize nominated debut album Sunshine Hit Me. Since then, the proud islanders – who hail from Ventnor – have been busy with another two studio albums under their belt, touring with the mighty Oasis and taking on producer responsibilities for other artists. The crowd are in for a real treat as the band performs this very special homecoming gig.

After forming in 1979, The Chords were at the forefront of the mod revolution enjoying both success and critical acclaim. After recording a lauded Peel Session for Radio 1, the band went on to produce hits including Maybe Tomorrow and The British Way Of Life. In a Summer Madness exclusive, the original line-up has reformed especially for the gig.

Twisted Wheel have been hailed by critics as ones to watch and have been championed by everyone from Liam Gallagher, who described the band as “a breath of fresh air”, to headline act Paul Weller who invited them to join the bill of his 2009 tour. History is repeating itself as the band once again join the same bill, bringing their old school gritty rock ‘n’ roll to the Isle of Wight.