Summer festivals show their metal with return of 'monsters of rock'

Published on Saturday 24 May 2008 20:18

THEY were more than acceptable in the 80s, and now they're back and ready to rock again. This summer's music festivals are dominated by the return of some of the "monsters of rock".

The Download festival in Donington Park next month leads the way with appearances from bands such as Kiss, Judas Priest, Motrhead, Saxon and Testament. Scots needn't go that far for a little heavy metal nostalgia, with a double-header from Def Leppard and Whitesnake, both touring with new material for the first time in decades, at the SECC on June 17. Iron Maiden will play Twickenham in July and Metallica appear at the Reading Festival in August. AC/DC may also be touring the UK later in 2008 after the release of their first studio album in eight years.

Andy Copping, vice-president of concert promoter Live Nation, said: "It's suddenly very cool, whereas before people wouldn't dare admit to liking this music. More and more people want to relive what they were doing 25 years ago and it's really taking off for these 1980s acts."

Copping believes old and new fans alike will not be disappointed. "For the most part these bands are just unbelievably good live – they put on big, big shows."

Music industry sources point to many reasons for the resurgence, including the recent popularity of vintage band t-shirts. Kiss, the US group fronted by Gene Simmons, have also made several guest appearances on cult cartoon show Family Guy.

But the real reason for the revived popularity of these rock legends may lie with something much more modern – video game Guitar Hero requires players to strum along to classic rock tunes using a plastic 'axe' and has introduced a whole new demographic to the music of big hair and tight jeans.

"Guitar Hero has had a big impact in bringing these songs to a new generation," said Paul Brannigan, editor of rock magazine Kerrang!