The View can practically write their own ticket to play at T in the Park every year, the festival’s director has said. Announcing this year’s main headliners as Arctic Monkeys, Coldplay and Foo Fighters, Geoff Ellis named the Dundee band as one of the best of the rest.
Speaking at Tuesday’s launch in Glasgow, he said, “If they said we want to play every year it would be really hard to say no. They’re a great live act and I think they’re better now than they’ve ever been because they’re more focused.
“Everybody likes a shambolic kind of band in the early days because it’s a bit rock ‘n’ roll, but they’ve screwed the nut. Going back to all the great bands like The Stones, they’ve all had their moments but they’ve all got absolutely focused.”
He continued, “Not many bands sell out Barrowlands twice, the Caird Hall and the Aberdeen Music Hall. They’ve come back very strong and they’ll be one of the strongest acts on the bill in terms of pulling a crowd.
“It’s set up for them to compete with the likes of Tinie Tempah and Plan B those outside of the headliners for who gets the biggest crowd on the day.”
This year’s headliners are Arctic Monkeys, Coldplay and the Foo Fighters.
Liam Gallagher will make his debut at Balado with his new band, Beady Eye. Oasis played at the first T at Strathclyde Park in 1994, alongside another band announced yesterday the re-formed Pulp.
The 18th T in the Park, which runs on July 8, 9 and 10, also includes American pop-punkers Blink 182.
Ellis continued, “We’re delighted with our artist announcement Foo Fighters are at their best in front of a big crowd and have always had a great affinity with the Scottish crowds.Brilliant”It’s eight years since Coldplay played here. I remember when they first played here, Yellow was just breaking, they played the King Tut’s Tent, about 2000 people sat outside drinking a pint of lager it was brilliant!
“They texted me after the gig to say they were watching it on the delayed highlights and it looked great.
“Arctic Monkeys have had their heads down writing and recording their new record. I think this album’s going to be something special. I’m led to believe it’s going to be a knockout piece of work they’re perfect headliners for us.”
He also pulled a major rabbit out of the hat when he announced Welsh legend Tom Jones.
“I think he’ll be fantastic the album’s great. I hope he’ll play some tracks from that but obviously it’s going to be a big hits set. I’m sure it’ll be the Green, Green Grass of Balado and we’ve got Blondie as well … plus previous headliners The Manic Street Preachers.”
He also revealed new dance/hip-hop acts, including a farewell appearance by British hip-hop pioneer Mike Skinner of The Streets. The Slam Tent is also back to celebrate 15 successful years at the festival.
Ellis added, “I can’t wait to open up the campsite gates in July and welcome back the T in the Park community. Bring on Balado 2011!”