Kraftwerk added to T in the Park line-up

By BRIAN FERGUSON
Published on 13/02/2013 07:31

ELECTRONIC music icons Kraftwerk have been added to the bill of Scotland’s biggest music festival, it emerged today.

T in the Park has secured a coup with the only UK festival appearance confirmed by the German pop pioneers, currently wowing critics with their ongoing run of shows at the Tate Modern gallery in London.

The iconic group, who made a famous appearance at the MTV Europe Music Awards in Edinburgh a decade ago, have joined Grammy winners Mumford & Sons, Rihanna and The Killers on the line-up for Balado.

It will be their first appearance at the three-day festival, which is set to announce a clutch of other big-name acts in this year’s line-up in the next few days.

Earlier this week it emerged that T in the Park had been named best international festival at a major music awards ceremony in Los Angeles.

Organisers have promised that Kraftwerk - whose music famously spans five decades - will be bringing their spectacular stage show to the festival, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this July.

The band’s live performances are renowned for blending music, art and the latest visual technology and helped win them a place in the official Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last year.

Kraftwerk appeared at the MTV show in Edinburgh just months after releasing their first new album since 1986, which won them a whole new generation of fans.

Festival director Geoff Ellis said: “Kraftwerk are a truly seminal band. Their revolutionary sound altered the face of contemporary music and paved the way for so many artists across so many musical genres.

“They are a massively influential group and an incredible live act, and we are hugely excited to welcome Kraftwerk to T in the Park for the first time this July, in what will be a very special moment in our 20th year celebrations.”

Emeli Sandé, The Script, Two Door Cinema Club, alt-J, Paloma Faith, Jake Bugg, Of Monsters & Men and Azealia are already confirmed for this summer’s line-up.

The next batch of tickets is due to go on sale on 22 February.

George Kyle, head of sponsorship at Tennent’s, T in the Park’s backers, said: “The festival continues to attract the very best in musical talent, and I’m sure Kraftwerk will treat fans to a memorable performance. Anticipation is already building for what is going to be a tremendous weekend and we’re very much looking forward to the 20th event.”