ROCKINGHAM PRESS RELEASE ~ THERE’S A NEW AOR SHERIFF IN TOWN….
A major new festival is about to land in the UK this autumn. This new endeavour is all set to deliver twenty-two bands in total, including a band that hasn’t played a gig since ’83, six that have never played in the UK, nine that have never played the proposed venue and a further three that haven't been to the UK in over a decade.
Rockingham is all set to take place at Nottingham’s Rock City over the weekend of the 24th to 26th October. Alongside Rock City, Dave Herron has booked and assembled a stellar line up of melodic rock goodness that should guarantee a healthy turnout.
Having been a fan of the genre for many years, Herron is no stranger to the world of Melodic Rock; utilising his vast experience and contacts to put together a bold and exciting line up, but that’s not all as Dave Herron explains, “you can expect a few surprise guest appearances throughout the weekend.”
\With its roots in the past, but its eyes firmly on the future, Rockingham is primed to become a permanent fixture on the UK festival circuit for the foreseeable future.
LINE UP:
FRIDAY 23rd
TOM KEIFER
As part of Cinderella, Keifer should be familiar to any self-respecting rock fan. This is his first visit to the UK as a solo artist and anticipation is high. Expect a mix of Cinderella classics and solo material.
ECLIPSE
Alongside HEAT, Eclipse is riding high as part of the new breed of AOR. If you caught them in the UK recently, then you’ll know what to expect: High-octane hard rock, delivered by a frontman who knows how to handle an audience.
ROBIN BECK
Robin’s been no stranger to these shores in recent years, bringing a series of stunning shows to the UK last year. Robin’s last album was her finest since her debut and she’s currently at the pinnacle of her career.
ROBERT TEPPER
From Rocky to Cobra and beyond. The king of soundtracks will be among many acts making their UK debut at Rockingham. With Tepper, Bush and Peterik in attendance it really will be 80’s soundtrack heaven.
ROMEO’S DAUGHTER
They are the finest female fronted AOR act the UK has ever produced. As a live act they never fail to deliver and are sure to set the bar high.
SERPENTINE
A new singer and a bold new sound, Serpentine are out to prove that this is their definitive line up. Their “Circle Of Knives” album sees them producing the goods in the studio, so expect nothing else from their live performance.
SANTA CRUZ
Loud and proud, these Finnish riff masters will be the perfect festival openers. If Skid Row and the Gunners are your kinda bands, then make sure you’re down the front for these bad boys.
SATURDAY 24th
GOTTHARD
Despite the tragic event that saw the enigmatic Steve Lee lose his life, Gotthard have kept his memory alive by doing what they do best, tearing it up live. There are a few select bands from the last few years that garner such high praise from the AOR cognoscenti, Gotthard are one of them.
DAN REED NETWORK
If ever a band deserved to be lauded from high then Portland’s finest are that act. They’ve toured with Bon Jovi and The Stones and their recent Download performance was magical. In another world they would have been huge, so get ready to mix it up some twenty-two years after they last appeared at Rock City.
JIM PETERIK
ELECTRIC BOYS
Roll out the Funk ‘o’ metal carpet and get ready to ride it all the way back to the late eighties as Sweden’s finest exponents of the genre take to the stage. They could be the festivals silent assassins, so take nothing for granted and miss them at your peril.
LAST AUTUMN’S DREAM
They maybe a vehicle for Michael Erlandsson these days, but take nothing away from LAD as they’ve an impressive back catalogue to draw from.
VEGA
Always a popular attraction, Vega is the great white hope of the AOR world. With three CDs worth of quality material to choose from, the only problem will be picking the right set.
CARE OF NIGHT
Swedish soft rock newcomers, Care Of Night, delivered a fine debut earlier in the year, the kind that the Westcoast genre was built on. If you’ve had a heavy night after the previous evening’s entertainment, then these boys will be the perfect openers.
SUNDAY 25th
DOKKEN
Back in ‘85/6 Dokken were riding the crest of a wave over in America. Their first four albums are rightly regarded as some of the finest of the era. They’ll be the perfect end to a fabulous weekend.
DAVID GLEN ISLEY, ALAN KRIGGER and CRAIG GOLDY OF GUIFFRIA
A Guiffria less, Guiffria? Well it’s done House Of Lords no harm for the last ten years. With David Glen Isley, Alan Krigger and Craig Goldy in attendance, they’ll be sure to do you right.
VALENTINE
Ex Zinatra keyboard player Robbie Valentine makes his UK debut as a solo artist and his brand of flamboyance is sure to light up the evening.
STAN BUSH
Backed by the rock band, Bailey, Stan Bush makes a welcome return to the UK for his first visit in over a decade. You can expect a jam packed set list, one that will cover all the bases.
ROYAL HUNT
The last time Royal Hunt appeared at a UK festival they damn near stole the weekend. A pompous, bombastic approach will have them appealing to many. With DC Cooper at the helm, a good time is almost guaranteed.
AMMUNITION
Having just stolen the show at the recent Vasby Rock festival, this collaboration between Age Sten Nillsen (Wig Wam) and Erik Martensson (Eclipse) is sure to be a must watch occasion. Their new album is one of this year’s highlights, after this performance you’ll understand why.
ISSA
AORs most popular pin up girl has just released what is arguably her best album. Her recent live performances have seen her in good form; this performance should be no exception.
NO HOT ASHES
An exclusive for the Melodicrock.com readers and that’s the addition of Irelands finest to the bill. Fresh from supporting FM on their recent UK tour, No Hot Ashes will deliver a pleasant set of jaunty AOR.
I think you’ll all agree that Rockingham Festivals AOR credentials have been fully endorsed by having such an array of talent on show. Fans and ticket buyers would also be wise to watch out for announcements of official pre and after shows in the coming months via the festivals Facebook page.
Dave Herron sums up the impending weekend perfectly, “It’s gonna be one hell of a party, with plans for 2016 already taking shape.”
TICKETING DETAILS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
