1) How do you find the outdoor festival experience compared to regular touring?

RTB - "1.Well, to be honest, outdoor festivals can be hit or miss sometimes! Me, personally, I prefer the smaller venues where there is more control of the surroundings, but some of the festivals I've played in my time have been magic (!) and, from what I've been told, Bloodstock is one of them, so I'm sure it will be special!"

2) How do UK festivals and fans compare to those in other parts of the world?

RTB - "To me all festivals are basically the same, it's just the weather, the crowd, and the music that changes! This is the first UK festival we've done and it's going to be a pretty unique situation, so I'm really looking forward to it! The UK fans were always a really good crowd in the old days, and I hope they're still the same!"

3) What can we expect from your Bloodstock show?

RTB - "Let's see....???? It'll be very interesting and as I said, with Scott being up there with us unique too, so I hope it'll be very special... There are two types of music in this world?? Right? Good and bad!! We're all about the good !!! Cheers to everyone and I just hope you enjoy us!"

With just 4 weeks to go - Bloodstock HQ are putting together the final touches to this years 10th Anniversary festival which promises to rock the very foundations of Catton Hall this August.

The metal mayhem commences midday Thursday when campsites Asgard, Midgard, Valhalla and Hel open to the footfall of 12,000 metal heads giving plenty of time to set up camp before the Village Green and Sophie Lancaster tent opens at 5pm.

Thursday night is PARTY night with METAL COMEDY HOUR followed by Welsh death metal bastards DESECRATION - Thrash Maniacs ‘HOSPITAL OF DEATH’, Bloodstock’s infamous Metal Karaoke, The 4 DJ’s of the Apocalypse - and all this just to warm you up for a full on 3 day assault of 100% UNADULTERATED HEAVY F#*KIN METAL !


FRIDAY 13TH FANCY DRESS COMPETITION FREDDY Vs JASON






















We couldn’t let Friday 13th slip by without giving you all the chance to really show your gruesome potential - Werewolves, Zombies, Vampires or anything else blood and gore your imagination allows will be a welcome sight this eve. The winners will receive tickets to Bloodstock 2011.


JAGERMEISTER ACOUSTIC STAGE

Our very good friends at Jagermeister make a welcome return this year with the Acoustic Stage and all new Ice Bar so you can literally chill out with some light refreshment while taking in the more intimate performances from some of the bands performing over the weekend.


BLOODSTOCK PHONE APP
































Iphone, Android, Java and Blackberry versions available for sale

For the first time you will be able to buy our very own heavy metal mobile app to keep you up to date with everything happening on site at Bloodstock. There are iphone, Blackberry, Android and Java versions available, which cover the vast majority of handsets. The app will have the following features - Full set times for ALL stages - Interactive site map, breaking news before, during and after the event, a personal itinerary option to ensure you don’t miss anything you want to see over the weekend, exclusive photo’s, podcast’s and video’s and just loads of useful festival information to keep you up to speed with all that is happening on site.

We will keep you informed of when the apps will be on sale in the next few days...


3 DAYS - 3 STAGES - INTERNATIONAL METAL MARKET COMEDIANS - METAL KARAOKE - 4 DJ’s OF THE APOCALYPSE FAIRGROUND - REAL ALE - AND LOADS MORE METAL MAYHEM .


bands so far

RONNIE JAMES DIO STAGE

TWISTED SISTER, OPETH, CHILDREN OF BODOM, FEAR FACTORY, MESHUGGAH, BLOODBATH, DEVIN TOWNSEND, CANNIBAL CORPSE, GOJIRA, BEHEMOTH, AMORPHIS, GWAR, SONATA ARCTICA, OBITUARY, KORPIKLAANI, GORGOROTH, DORO, ENSIFERUM, EDGUY, RAGE, HOLY, MOSES, ROSS THE BOSS (WITH SCOTT COLUMBUS), ONSLAUGHT
EVILE, SUFFOCATION, BLACK SPIDERS, LEAVES EYES, ANDROMEDA, BONDED BY BLOOD, SNAKEBITE .



SOPHIE LANCASTER STAGE

POWERWOLF, BENEDICTION, STEELWING, ENFORCER,WITCHSORROW, REGARDLESS OF ME, KILLING MACHINE, THE PROPHECY,PURIFIED IN BLOOD, MORDECAI, DESECRATION, HOSPITAL OF DEATH, OF NO CONSEQUENCE.



BLOODSTOCK UNSIGNED STAGE

SPLINTERED SOUL, ZOCALO, ECHOS FALL, SILOS, LORDAERON, TEMPESTORA, UNDER BLACKENED SKIES, MORGUE ORGY, EXTREME O.D, FURYO, HEKZ, ISHMAEL, MUTANT, NEONFLY,OLD CORPSE ROAD, ORESTEA, STONE CIRCLE, TRACES, BETRAEUS, GRIEVE, ACHREN, BURN THE HIVE, SENTURIA, CREDIT TO DEMENTIA, LITHURGY, SHRAPNEL, AGHAST, THE WHORES REISM... and loads more to be announced


BUY YOUR BLOODSTOCK FESTIVAL TICKETS NOW VISIT www.bloodstock.uk.com

OR CALL SEETICKETS 24 HOUR TICKET LINE ON 0871 230 5584

TICKETS CAN ALSO BE PURCHASED FROM OVER 60 HMV HIGHSTREET STORES THROUGHOUT THE UK

Hello and welcome to the Bloodblog. Although I shall remain nameless, you can think of me as someone very close to team BLOODSTOCK, who’ve asked me if I would mind sharing my excitement with the users of bloodstock.uk.com. Keep checking the site for my random ramblings, as I share with you my excitement of what might be the best three days of metal the UK has ever seen.

So today I got the latest, updated artwork for BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR 2010. Although I’ve been working on the event since last year, it’s not until I saw this today that it actually hit me - what an incredible weekend the 13th - 15th August is going to be! Look at this! LOOK!
































I don’t think this country has ever seen such an incredible gathering of metal! While it may be true that I have slightly more info - I happen to know who the TBA that will BA on the 15th June is – I think there’s enough on here already for any true fan of metal. JUST LOOK AT THAT POSTER AGAIN:
































I would usually expect to go to some great effort to see this many awesome bands, probably over the course of three years, trudging through a cocktail of small sweaty venues with overpriced beer and a variety of different weather patterns. Often that would include suffering through support bands I could not care less for, or, worse still, watching an amazing support playing to no one ‘cos everyone’s outside in the smoking area waiting for the headliner.

Well now I can see all of them over a few days of hot sunshine, while drinking reasonably priced real ale, no one’s going to miss any bands ‘cos of their nicotine habit and in the unlikely event I don’t like something on the main stage I’ve two other stages to choose from. What’s more, there’s no missing last trains or waking up trapped on a bus in a garage somewhere - you just stumble to your tent after wearing yourself out at the Karaoke. We, dear reader, are spoiled. This year, BLOODSTOCK has it all. Look:
































MESHUGGAH – they hardly ever play, so when they do it's an event in itself. When they kick into “Bleed” there will not be a single jaw left undropped. And DEVIN TOWNSEND! His ONLY UK SHOW of 2010 is at Bloodstock! The dude is a genius and I’m as excited about his between song banter as I am about the set - if he ever decides on a career change I think he’d do well at Stand-up.

BEHEMOTH - have you seen these guys lately? They’re living up to their name, truly one hell of a live beast. And the latest AMORPHIS album - stunning, I really can’t wait to see these guys. OBITUARY? That’s the first gig I’ll admit to going to back in 1994, they pretty much got me into the extreme end of metal. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a John Tardy spoken word set - how awesome would that be?!?! If he did the voice I mean…

Plus some really cool up and comers - BLACK SPIDERS, WITCHSORROW, STEELWING - although the masses may not know it yet, these are the headliners of the future, and kudos to BOA for giving them a break.

AND HAVE YOU LOOKED AT THAT SUNDAY LINE UP?!?! CANNIBAL CORPSE… BLOODBATH! They’ve done like one gig ever and they’re coming to BLOODSTOCK?!?! This is awesome! And… ah fuck it look at the poster:
































I can’t stop looking at it. And I can’t stop thinking about what it’s going to look like once the TBA 15th June is replaced with the final headliner’s logo. To call it the cherry on the cake would be an understatement. It is going to make that poster look so damn sexy you’re going to want to love it in a way that no human has ever loved paper before.

Until then though, I’ll leave you with this nice piece of eye candy. You may recognise it from somewhere.

Three years ago we (Sight of Emptiness) met Chris Broderick while he was on tour with Nevermore, when we played at UK's Bloodstock Festival´s Main Stage, following us winning the Bloodstock Unsigned 2007 worldwide online Competition. We told him we were from Costa Rica and he said he really wanted to visit there one day", said Eduardo Chacon, singer for Costa Rican act Sight Of Emptiness. Now not only will SIGHT OF EMPTINESS get a visit from Megadeth in their home country, including Broderick as Megadeth's new lead guitar player, BUT they have also been asked to be the opening act at the upcoming May 9th show at the Autodromo La Guacima.



Commented the group: "Playing with Megadeth in our home country is obviously a dream come true for us, their legacy and great music has been a huge inspiration for us as a band over the years. Personally, I´d dare to say the reason I picked up my guitar in the first place, was because of Dave Mustaine. This will definitely be one of the highlights of my life", said Rafa Castro, lead guitar player for Sight Of Emptiness.

This will not be the first time Sight Of Emptiness is chosen as the opening slot for an elite international act in Costa Rica. They have previously been handpicked by both Dark Tranquility and Amon Amarth. Also, they have shared stage with such big names as Lacuna Coil, In Flames, Arch Enemy, Testament, Firewind and Andy Sneap´s Sabbat (producer of the latest Megadeth album “Endgame”).

"Megadeth´s concert in Costa Rica will be our biggest show to date for sure. We have such a great following here in Costa Rica and the word is spreading internationally as well. We just released locally our second album, mastered by Jens Bogren (Opeth, Soilwork, Bloodbath, Katatonia, Symphony X) at Fascination Street Studios, which was self funded as we are still unsigned", the band continued, “Well, we´ll see for how long we will stay unsigned after this show….”

SIGHT OF EMPTINESS: 'Absolution of Humanity' (Album Teaser) - EPK 2010 from Sight of Emptiness on Vimeo.

In 2008 the band were nominated in two categories at the yearly ACAM Awards in Costa Rica, equal to ASCAP in the US. They walked away with winning the "Artist Of Greatest International Exposure" award, beating out pop and jazz mainstream bands in Costa Rica. First time in costarican history that a metal band ever won this award.

Costa Rica has lately become the mecca of heavy metal in the Central America, hosting Metallica, Iron Maiden(2) and now Megadeth in just a few days.

An EPK (Electronic Press Kit) for "Absolution of Humanity", the second studio album from the Costa Rica-based melodic extreme metal band Sight Of Emptiness, can be viewed at www.sightofemptiness.com

With just 4 weeks to go , we are close to selling out on VIP tickets with only a few left so anybody that wants a VIP ticket we urge you to buy now and avoid disappointment. VIP tickets give you access to the backstage hospitality area for the whole weekend where you might even be lucky enough to meet one of your favourite bands, a goody bag full of surprises, your very own toilets and showers and a much quieter camping experience for those of you who really do need your beauty sleep, and of course the VIP car park is just a stones throw from the VIP camping area.



Thursday Night is PARTY night set to start with a bang with the infamous 4 DJ’s of the Apocalypse, then for a Bloodstock FIRST we introduce a comedian set to put you all in a great mood ahead of the weekends bands !! To thrill the crowds we have the ever sexy and very entertaining FUEL GIRLS who are going to set the night on fire (not literally we hope) with their full on stage show, this we have been promised will involve some crowd participation so don’t be shy  To cool you all down we then have a set from the 4 DJ’s followed later in the evening by a full stage show by the well known circus madman...DOC INSANE!!! To finish the night we expect you ALL to be at your vocal best for the most quality FULL ON METAL Karaoke event of the year! Spandex, Denim & leather is a must for this one 



Expect a weekend full of wall to wall entertainment including Bloodstock’s famous Metal Karaoke, the International Metal Market, Stunt shows, Guitar Hero competitions, fairground rides, the Bloodstock legendary Unsigned Stage showcasing the best of new & unsigned talent and not to mention the BEST 100% Metal Line up on the main stage the UK has EVER witnessed. Over 70 METAL bands across 3 stages including many UK EXCLUSIVES, the weekend promises to be the ONLY metal event of 2009 you absolutely must not miss!

Full Weekend with camping tickets and day tickets are still available as are a very limited amount of VIP tickets - so what are you waiting for!

Tickets are priced at:

£ 95.00 Full Weekend
£ 45.00 Day Ticket

GO TO- www.bloodstock.uk.com

LINE UP SO FAR:
EUROPE, CARCASS, ARCH ENEMY, BLIND GUARDIAN, CRADLE OF FILTH,
SATYRICON, APOCALYPTICA, AMON AMARTH, SAXON, KREATOR, SODOM, MOONSPELL,KATATONIA, ENLSAVED, TURISAS, MUNICIPAL WASTE, CANDLEMASS, ANATHEMA, DIE APOKALYPRISCHEN REITER, ENTOMBED, EQUILIBRIUM, INSOMNIUM, THE HAUNTED, GIRLSCHOOL, WOLF, SABATON, MILLION DOLLAR RELOAD, BATTLELORE, BEHOLDER, UNCLE ROTTER, PYTHIA, CELESTY, ARTHEMIS, THE ROTTED, TRIBE, GODSIZED, AGBOTT, ANTERIOR, XERATH, VENTFLOW, BISON HAMMER, BLOODSHOT DAWN, DIVINE CHAOS , SNAKEBITE, ALTERNATIVE CARPARK, BLINDFOLD ASIDE, GODS OF HELLFIRE, GREEN RIVER PROJECT, VALLENBROSA , SOLSIKK,THEY WILL RISE, NEFARIOUS, NYE, SWITCHBALADE SCREAM, INTERNAL CONFLICT, EIBON LE FURIES, SANCTORUM, INNER EDEN, SOWER, PRIMITIVE GRAVEN IMAGE, BIOMORTAL, LEFT TO BLEED, SEVERED HEAVEN, OMT... plus more tbc


Regards

Bloodstock Team

Blimey, is it really only a matter of weeks before we all start packing again for the UK’s most brutal metal gathering set in the quiet ..“Cough... not for long” and picturesque village of Catton in the heart of England - BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR

Well now’s the time to also keep your ears and eyes well and truly open... pay attention or you’ll miss out. Over the next few weeks we’ll be shouting from many heavy metal roof tops belonging to the likes of Scuzz TV, Metal Hammer, Terrorizer, Rock Radio and many of your other favourite music mags, radio and TV music channels offering up some mighty prizes in celebration of another amazing Bloodstock festival experience. We’ve got a staggering number of X-box and play station consoles including Guitar Hero games and the Guitar Hero Metallica World Tour kits up for grabs. We also thought that for those Bloodstock virgins with no prior experience ... we’d put together a video teaser to give you a taste of what’s to come. Check out the latest Bloodstock youtube.

Don’t forget to keep tuning in to our mighty Podcasters Mongo, Gimli, Angel of Metal and Mike/aka Prozz who have been embraced by an army of listeners – break yourselves in gently boys and girls – go to www.bloodstock.podomatic.com .

With a capacity of just 10,000 and our strongest line up in Bloodstock history, tickets are flying out faster than ever... don’t say we didn’t warn you - if you haven’t bought your ticket yet at just £95 for 3 full days of metal across 3 stages with loads of added entertainment throughout the weekend.... WHAT THE F! #K YOU WAITIN FOR!

LINE UP SO FAR:
Europe, Carcass, Arch Enemy, Blind Guardian, Cradle of Filth, Saxon, Amon Amarth,
Satyricon, Apocalyptica, Anathema, Enslaved, Entombed, Candlemass, Municipal Waste,
The Haunted, Katatonia, Die Apokalyptischen Reiter, Kreator, Equilibrium, Turisas, Wolf, Battlelore, Sabaton, Girlschool, Moonspell, Million Dollar Reload, Beholder, Arthemis, Celesty, Pythia, Gods of Hellfire, Internal Conflict, Nefarious, The Green River Project, They will Rise, Vallenbrosa, Inner Eden, Solsikk, Alternative Carpark, Godsized, Sanctorum, Tribe ...with many more to be announced

14 – 16 AUGUST 2009
CATTON HALL, WALTON ON TRENT, DERBYSHIRE

FULL WEEKEND TICKET - £95.00 + booking &postage fee

Regards

Bloodstock Team

Well our hearty metal brethren - we are all working into the wee small hours here at Bloodstock HQ putting together some of the finer touches to make this years festival the most brutal metal experience in history. With just a few slots left for the main stage we’ll have some more announcements coming very shortly. But in the meantime here are just a few updates for you not to be missed.

NEW BLOODSTOCK CLOAKROOM
We’ve just released the New Bloodstock Cloakroom tickets to allow you to secure your personal valuables on site over the whole weekend – don’t lose your valuables, keep them safe and secure all weekend. Although the number of Cloakroom tickets are limited so buy in advance from the Bloodstock shop to avoid disappointment.

BLOODSTOCK PODCAST’S - Get a taste of all that’s to come this August 14 – 16 2009.
Join the hoards of Metal Heathens who are tuning into the heaviest metal listening on the planet. Check in to the latest Bloodstock PODCAST’S hosted by the mighty Mongo, Gimli, Angel of Metal and Mike/aka Prozz as they tirelessly bring you the best of Bloodstock old and new. Featuring their favourite tracks from this years bands as well as an impressive compilation of the cream of the Unsigned. With a mix of Interviews news and gossip of all that’s to come, as well as the odd competition to win tickets to the best metal party of 2009. Don’t want to miss out on the most brutal metal from the UK’s No.1 Metal festival? GO NOW TO www.bloodstock.podomatic.com WARNING! Not for the faint hearted.

BLOODSTOCK UNSIGNED STAGE - update
The METAL2THEMASSES finals are upon us between May and July with venues from around the UK and Ireland playing host to the absolute BEST the unsigned metal scene has to offer all vying to get a slot on this years Unsigned Stage – the competition this year is incredibly tough as there are so many bands deserving of a slot - we just know you’re gonna be blown away by the sheer quality of the Bloodstock Unsigned stage this year.

SOPHIE LANCASTER STAGE - update
The Sophie Lancaster stage will offer up loads of entertainment well into the early hours. The Fuel Girls will help to warm up the party on the Thursday evening, Doc Insane’s offerings of nails, blood and gore – not for the queasy among you! With The 4 DJ’s of the Apocalyspe and the Infamous Metal Karaoke for those with mighty lungs you can party to your hearts content.
GUITAR HERO - Let the power of your voice join forces with the might of the sticks and the nimble fingered Gods of Shredding on the Sophie Lancaster Stage. If you believe you can scream out some vocals, spin some riffs or Explode on the drums, here is your chance to impress in the Bloodstock Guitar Hero METALLICA 2009 competition extravaganza. Some great prizes up for grabs here.

Tickets are selling faster than ever so if you haven’t got yours yet don’t miss out on the biggest Metal Party on the 2009 UK calendar –TO BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW CLICK HERE .

LINE UP SO FAR:
Europe, Carcass, Arch Enemy, Blind Guardian, Cradle Of Filth, Fear factory, Saxon, Amon Amarth,
Satyricon, Apocalyptica, Enslaved, Candlemass, Municipal Waste, The Haunted, Katatonia, Die Apokalyptischen Reiter, Kreator, Equilibrium, Turisas, Battlelore, Sabaton, Girlschool, Moonspell, Million Dollar Reload, Beholder, Arthemis, Celesty, Pythia, Gods of hellfire, Internal Conflict, Nefarious, The Green River Project, They will Rise, Vallenbrosa, Inner Eden, Solsikk, Alternative Carpark.

14 – 16 AUGUST 2009
CATTON HALL, WALTON ON TRENT, DERBYSHIRE

FULL WEEKEND TICKET - £95.00 + booking &postage fee


Regards

Bloodstock Team

www.bloodstock.uk.com
webmaster@bloodstock.uk.com

Check-out the latest video from The Clan Destined; the critically acclaimed side-project from Sabbat and ex-Skyclad front-man Martin Walkyier. The Clan Destined video to the track "A Beautiful Start To The End Of The World" is taken from their debut c.d. entitled "In The Big Ending...", which has recently been released by Lime Records (Lime CV013). "In The Big Ending..." was recorded and produced by legendary guitarist/producers Andy Sneap and James Murphy at Sneap's world-renowned Backstage Studios. Much of the video footage was filmed at Bloodstock Open Air 2007, with the very kind support and assistance of Vicky Gregory and the rest of the Bloodstock Open Air team.



The Clan Destined video was directed, filmed and edited by the award-winning Blue Dog Films; who as you will see made an excellent job of taking Walkyier's initial concept and transforming it into an outstanding visual masterpiece. The Clan Destined are currently busy working on writing the music to their follow-up c.d., and are also looking forward to a future live appearance at Bloodstock Open Air.

Please visit their official website www.theclandestined.com or myspace page www.myspace.com/martinwalkyier for further information .

Regards

Bloodstock Team

STAMP - OUT - PREJUDICE - HATRED + - INTOLERANCE - EVERYWHERE
The Bloodstock Team are very proud to announce their 3rd Stage (previously known as the Lava Stage) will be renamed this year ‘The Sophie Lancaster Stage’.

They felt this would be a fitting tribute to a young girl who was brutally attacked along with her boyfriend in 2007 while walking through her local park in Bacup, Lancashire. Sophie and her boyfriend were singled out not for anything they had said or done, but because they looked and dressed differently. Unfortunately Sophie later died in hospital following the injuries from this vicious and unprovoked attack.

Bloodstock organiser Paul Gregory said “It is our hope that renaming the stage will help to keep Sophie’s memory alive and raise awareness to our society that this kind of brutal behaviour will not be tolerated”.

Sophie’s family have set up THE SOPHIE LANCASTER FOUNDATION. Through the Foundation they hope to provide training to professionals in order to raise awareness of the prejudice and violence faced by people from alternative subcultures. The foundation will develop and deliver workshops tackling the issues and challenging pre-conceptions. They will work towards offering advice and information to whoever may need it. This foundation will continue the campaigning in the same dignified manner adhered to since the attack on Sophie and her boyfriend Rob though the S.O.P.H.I.E. Campaign.

Sophie's brother, Adam Lancaster said “What happened horrified more people then we could ever know, not just the attack but the pointlessness of it all. We thank you for your thoughts and wishes and look forward to being involved with Bloodstock in 2009."

Two acts that will perform on the stage include female fronted Goth / Metal band ‘Pythia’ who were brought together by a love of gothic literature and Metal. PYTHIA are a group of classical and metal inspired musicians who believe that music is a lifestyle that should be lived only by the brave and true of heart. Bloodstock also welcome back crowd favourites ‘BEHOLDER’, who on their latest release ‘Unleash The Hell’, have written and recorded a track dedicated to the memory of Sophie entitled – ‘You’ll Never Take Us Down’. With BEHOLDER’S wild antics, powerful material and their strong support of the Sophie Campaign, it promises to be a fitting tribute.

BEHOLDER – www.myspace.com/beholdernews

PYTHIA - www.myspace.com/pythiamusic

If you wish to make a donation to THE SOPHIE LANCASTER FOUNDATION you can find out how to do this by visiting www.myspace.com/inmemoryofsophie

For the latest news on the Bloodstock festival line up and buying tickets go to www.bloodstock.uk.com

Regards

Bloodstock Team

Administering a mighty mid-morning shot of symphonic adrenalin, Swedish metallers, Cloudscape deliver a high-octane wake-up call of captivating proportions.

Clinging to a can of Carlsberg for essential onstage sustenance, enthused frontman, Mike Andersson proposes a toast to the crowd before the band resume their trademark technical blizzard of sublime soundscapes and guitar-fuelled melodrama. Despite a momentary meandering of appreciation illustrated by an errant voice in the crowd who utters an eloquent, “Fuck off” in reply to Andersson’s tremulous falsetto, the audience are, for the most part, utterly enthralled.

Resplendent in a Slash-like ensemble of velvet shirt and skin-tight black leather, bassist, Hans Persson unleashes a mighty succession of thunderous riffs as Andersson wields the mike stand with glittering, stadium rock showmanship. By turns majestic and anthemic, “Will We Remain” features immaculate, face-melting axemanship while “Darkest Legacy” is slick with cinematic ambience. Andersson’s lavish, almost operatic tones soar effortlessly above a mind-bending array of otherworldly electronica. Showcasing both tireless stamina and agility throughout, Andersson’s vocal capacity makes for a truly compelling performance.

Poignantly emotive yet packing sufficient heavy metal artillery to largely escape the much abhorred power genre, Cloudscape are epic theatricality incarnate.

Author: Faye Coulman

This years Bloodstock Open Air festival has already been tipped to be THE heavy rock /metal festival of 2008 not to be missed. 10,000 metal heads will descend on the picturesque village of Walton On Trent, in Derbyshire expecting to rock out to the finest metal line up the UK has ever witnessed.

The campsite opens Thursday at 12 noon giving you plenty of time to set up camp for when the festivities begin. The Guitar Hero 3 Tent and Lava Stage and bar will be open on Thursday at 12 noon to welcome you all. Here you will enjoy all the revelry of Metal Karaoke, a couple of surprise bands to warm you up for the weekends metal onslaught as well as head banging to the tunes of the infamous 4 DJ’s of the Apocolypse … all this until the early hours.

To follow on from this - Friday, Saturday and Sunday will see the main stage treat you to the most quality metal line up of 2008. Headline acts - Opeth, Dimmu Borgir and Nightwish with Special Guests Helloween, as well as Iced Earth, At The Gates, Soulfly and Soilwork, to name just a few.

UK EXCLUSIVE - Sunday night headliners ‘Nightwish’ will close the festival with a spectacular performance as they are bringing their entire pyro’s light show never before seen in the UK.

We have the cream of the UK unsigned metal acts on the Scuzz Underground Stage ready to shock your senses, and for those of you who just want to catapult yourselves into space we also this year have fairground rides, the International Metal Market plus Guitar hero 3 Champion competition madness and much much more

Full weekend tickets with camping are just £85. Limited day tickets are on sale at just £45. Tickets on sale through our secure online shop at www.bloodstock.uk.com plus selected HMV stores around the UK - _you can also purchase from SEE tickets, Ticketwebb, Piccadilly, Gigantic, Ticket Factory and Last minute or call the 24 hour ticket hotline: 0871 2200260

Band line up:

Friday: OPETH, HELLOWEEN, SOULFLY, PRIMAL FEAR, DESTRUCTION, AKERCOCKE, TYR, PRAYING MANTIS, EVILE, SAINT DEAMON,

Saturday: DIMMU BORGIR, ICED EARTH, SOILWORK, NAPALM DEATH, MOONSORROW, COMMUNIC, SWALLOW THE SUN, ELUVEITIE, MOB RULES, CLOUDSCAPE

Sunday: NIGHTWISH, AT THE GATES, OVERKILL, AS I LAY DYING, KATAKLYSM, GRAND MAGUS, ALESTORM, CROWNING GLORY, HEAVENS BASEMENT


BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR
Date: 15th 16th 17th August 2008

Venue: Catton Hall, Walton on Trent, Derbyshire

Tickets - Full weekend Tickets with Camping - £85
Day tickets - £45
Child tickets £35

Make sure you Purchase your Car parking Ticket !!



Regards

Bloodstock Team

www.bloodstock.uk.com

.

Merchants of Metal

“It helps me, being the eternal optimist – a requirement for any mad idea,” comments Paul Gregory, founder and promoter of Bloodstock festivals. Faye Coulman documents the unprecedented success of the UK’s most prestigious extreme music event to date

While the likes of Glastonbury and Download annually sate mainstream appetites, heavy metal enthusiasts were left wanting where live entertainment was concerned, until the birth of Bloodstock in 2001. Forged from a mutual appreciation for heavy metal, organisers Paul Gregory and Vince Brotheridge were struck by a marketing concept which was at once creative and commercially viable.

“We chose to bring little known acts from Europe to perform at a UK festival instead of them performing at smaller venues in London,” Paul explains. “Our talent-luck for bringing bands from Europe for their UK debut is where we gained our reputation.”

Since the festival’s distant origins as an indoor event in 2001, Bloodstock witnessed fifty per cent expansion each year thereafter, which culminated in the launch of Bloodstock Open Air 2005. Though the UK is largely esteemed the homeland of heavy metal, prior to the advent of B.O.A, Britain was the only European country without its own major, open-air metal event. Paul and Vince have now fully established and conquered their highly specific niche in the music industry. The pair’s business awareness and artistic vision was successfully reconciled in the form of promotions and website design body, AMust4music. An acclaimed artist, mf Paul’s numerous cover art projects provided ready-established connections with a range of reputable acts, including classic rock legends, Saxon. His dark, iconic designs also constitute the focal point of both Bloodstock’s promotional web features and merchandise. Ever innovative in marketing approach, Paul remarks: “We are always looking at developing new merchandise and have bespoke artwork year on so as to not bore with the same old same old.”

In close proximity to conveniently placed sources of accommodation and local eateries, The Assembly Rooms, situated in the heart of Derby, presented the ideal venue choice for the original indoor festival. Despite the initially crippling costs, Bloodstock 2001 received rave reviews from both local and national press, as well as an enthusiastic reception from 700 fans. “We were always confident,” Paul reflects, “but it’s been a hard road with a lot of casualties.”

The capacity of the indoor festival, capable of hosting 2,500, presented a considerable limitation given the sell-out success of Bloodstock 2004. In 2005, plans for open-air expansion, to be run alongside the original indoor event, were announced. Given the festival’s limitless scope for international talent and diversity, it seemed only appropriate that Bloodstock should embody the vast, outdoor characteristics of its European counterparts. Long-time friend and business associate, Thomas Jensen, of Germany’s Wacken festival, extended his marketing expertise to the prospective venture. Catton Hall, in South Derbyshire, satisfied the problematic search for an outdoor venue, given its suitably secluded location and capacity of 10,000. Paul and his cohorts’ tireless dedication precipitated a marketing triumph born of overseas ideology coupled with the loyal, intimate values of the regional metal scene. mf

“Bloodstock started with a team of people with an idea to put on a festival of the music they all loved,” Paul affirms. “We have a loyal fan base that help with the festival’s ever-growing need for helpers. Our motto: ‘By the fans for the fans’ are not just words.”

In 2005, an interview with Metal Hammer accurately identified the source of Bloodstock’s marketing ingenuity. Paul told the magazine: “I think a lot of promoters are only going to book things that are sort of big at the time. That’s where we’ve got our niche,” he stated before concluding: “We’re not followers, we’re leaders.”

Not since the greatly mourned departure of Donington’s Monsters of Rock festival had the British metal scene anticipated a live event of such gargantuan import. While Bloodstock continued its annually staggering rate of expansion, the promotions team endeavoured to raise the profile of the festival by every conceivable means. In addition to the team’s marketing scheme, corporate titan, HMV rendered tickets readily available to the public, displaying promotional flyers and posters nationwide. Together with leading rock and metal cable and satellite TV show, Scuzz, Bloodstock received a tremendous publicity boost. As many aspiring entrepreneurs will appreciate, Bloodstock’s early promotional measures, though inventive in strategy, suffered considerable financial limitation.

Of the team’s enterprising origins, Paul reminisces: “I believe we did quite a good job in our early promotion efforts given our lack of knowledge at the time. We mf had street teams, advertising, obviously, in all the metal magazines and local papers. We had a very limited budget, which at the time was almost zero.”

In light of his own seasoned expertise, he urges fledgling promoters to: “Work on the basis that nobody has ever heard of your festival. Street teams, advertising, radio, television if you can get it and mostly be creative - think out of the box.”

Despite the extraordinary success enjoyed by Bloodstock 2007, Paul remains steadfast in his prevailing ethos of self-promotion and dedication to the local metal scene. Media exposure was extended also to the unsigned sector of the festival via an Internet facility, which allowed for the uploading of music videos created by aspiring artists. Undoubtedly the promotional core of the thriving operation that is Bloodstock, the official website offers still further marketing opportunity for both upcoming promoters and musicians.

Perhaps the organisation’s greatest initiative thus far, “Metal 2 The Masses” 2008 aims to further media exposure for both Bloodstock and more minor sectors of the industry alike. Promoters are requested to purchase a franchise of “Metal 2 The Masses”, producing an invaluable association with the reputable name of Bloodstock Open Air. Online voting for various groups of unsigned artists, presented by each independent promoter, begins in June. It is anticipated that the venture will do much to raise the profile of live metal in its entirety, providing promotion for Bloodstock while establishing a sound basis for future developments in this sector of the industry. mf

Although Bloodstock occupies a specialist niche, fellow subcultural industry professionals have proved consistent in their support of the organisation. In breakthrough year 2005, Metal Hammer music magazine cited Bloodstock as Britain’s best independent metal festival. Acclaimed extreme metal publication, Terrorizer, also revealed Bloodstock as the No.3 Biggest Musical Event, based on the results of a readers’ poll held in 2006. As anticipation for the 2008 festival nears its dynamic climax, Terrorizer’s June edition hails Bloodstock as one of the metal scene’s most celebrated forthcoming events.

“Bloodstock hasn’t strayed from its original ethos as a metal meeting for metalheads…” the article enthuses. “Those European metal superfests oughta start worrying; Bloodstock is bringing metal home

If so, you've just got to compete for the title of....……… "Bloodstock Open Air Festival 2008 - Guitar Hero 3"


Ok………..this is your big chance to show the world that Guitar Hero 3 and all that axe wielding talent you have wasn’t just for Christmas. If you’re the next legend just waiting to be discovered and idolised and can answer yes to the following questions then do not hesitate to let us guide you along the path of guitar glory.

• Ever wanted to show what you can do with your guitar?

• Are you an expert exponent of Guitar Hero 3?

• Got what it takes to win a regional heat and earn your place at the final, taking place at the UK’s biggest Metal Festival?

• Think you can be the overall winner and play in front of a crowd of thousands with a real band behind you?

For all budding lead guitarists who just know that they fully deserve the ultimate Rock God prize, a ridiculous bag of related goodies and products PLUS VIP Festival tickets, then this is the competition for you.

Bloodstock Open Air Festivals has joined forces with GUITAR HERO 3 to bring you an unbelievable opportunity to compete for this annual Title and Prize. We already have several hosts lined up to work with us as we put on the mother of all shows at dedicated Guitar Hero 3 events around the country. If your Rock Society, Student Union, Club or venue wants a piece of the action, please get them to contact us at the numbers below .

All bases are covered with official GH3 products and equipment provided at Heats held at locations across the UK in May/ June 2008 as we search for our first Guitar Heroes. We’ve got Ticketing partner tixmob.com on board who provide a revolutionary, electronic, convenient and green method to enter with a unique ticket reference number purchased via mobile phone. So all we need now is YOU!

Any enthusiastic venues that want to play host to GUITAR HERO 3 in partnership with Bloodstock Festivals should make contact as soon as possible.

From 2 April you can enter the competition and get all the vital details, terms and conditions on www.bloodstock.uk.com


For more information

Competition and Venue Details : Jason 07891 399 672 or webmaster@bloodstock.uk.com

Media Enquiries : Clive 07882 352 742 or clive@bloodstock.uk.com

For Full Festival news and performer details, please log onto www.bloodstock.uk.com

As the dark days of winter draw in, there’ll be no time for hiding away or hibernation for the Bloodstock team as we continue to assemble what promises to be the festival’s best ever line-up. Already for BOA 2008 we’ve confirmed legendary outfits Opeth, Dimmu Borgir, Primal Fear and the recently reformed At The Gates alongside newer talent in the shape of Moonsorrow, Swallow The Sun, Communic, Evile and Eluveitie. If that lot has whetted your appetite, let’s just say that we have many further exciting announcements coming your way in the next few weeks that’ll have you polishing your tent pegs in furious anticipation of August 15th…


ROCK SOCIETY

The new Rock Society memberships which were launched on October 31st have been selling fast, so for those of you still ‘thinking about it’, now is the time to get over to Bloodstock Store and sign up fast as there are just 150 available!

For just £20 a year, Rock Society members receive:

1. Laminated Rock Society pass with your name and number on it.

2. 10% discount on all Bloodstock merchandise and tickets purchased online. (Discount applies until 15th December 2007).

3. 10% Discount on all Bloodstock merchandise purchased at the festival. You’ll need to bring your Rock Society pass with you to claim your discount.

4. Backstage tours at Bloodstock 2008.

5. Your name on the `Thank you` page in the official Bloodstock programme.

6. Early priority entry to the festival signing area.

7. Option to renew a week before anyone else.

8. Access to the Bloodstock Rock Society forum where you can chat with new members like yourself as well as our lifetime members who have supported Bloodstock since the beginning.

Official Rock Society passes will be sent out by post within ten days of purchase and you’ll need to bring these with you when attending Bloodstock 2008.


BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR 2008 TICKETS

Tickets for Bloodstock Open Air 2008 are currently on sale and you still have until December 15th to take advantage of our massive pre-Christmas discount which holds tickets at just £61 each. Tickets purchased after this date will be priced at £85, so early bird buyers will save a massive £24!

Bloodstock tickets make great Christmas presents too!


Click HERE to buy your Bloodstock tickets NOW!

Regards

Bloodstock Team

www.bloodstock.uk.com

A quick HELL-OO from Sight Of Emptiness, we just arrived back in Costa Rica. We got delayed a few days, due to the Hurricane hitting Mexico. We were supposed to have a layover there, so our first flight was cancelled. Some of us had to stay an extra day in Amsterdam (what a great place)!



Our time in England, and especially the Bloodstock festival, was amazing. Everything went by so fast and we are still jetlagged and showlagged. We played in front of a great crowd, met some great people, great musicians, drank some great beer and did not get any great sleep! Of course we are going to give you guys a longer story about all the great things we have been experiencing, but for now here are a few photos and comments from each band member.

Bloodstock Festival Setlist:
Truth Of A Lie
In Death State
Chapter Of Hatred
Visions
Witness Of Your Murder
Desolation Whispers
Death In Fire (Amon Amarth Cover)

Roberth
An experience I will not forget easily. Im part of Costa Rican Metal history here...no other band has play at an Open Air in Europe so far, so Im happy as hell. When I was in the stage I almost couldnt believe that this dream was a reality, the crowd went nuts and that help me to give my best.
The bands that impressed me the most:
Arch Enemy and Testament.

Freddy
I was really nervous, but as soon as I put my feet on the stage I feel a good vibe. During show I give all the best. The crowd support made me feel so happy and gave me more confidence.
The bands that impressed me the most:
Nevermore was the highlight for me since 2 of my favorite guitarrist play with the band.

Diego
A dream come true, very excited cuz of the response of the crowd.
The bands that impressed me the most:
Arch Enemy was the best band.

Rodrigo
Even though a lot of people were at the camping area, the turn out and the crowd reaction surpass my expectations. To top it all the threatment we recieved from the organizers was top notch all the way throught.
The bands that impressed me the most:
Nevermore over all, the most professional show were In Flames, Dark Tranquility and Arch Enemy. Fintroll and Epica were unexpectecly good

Eduardo
Since I was a little kid I kind of knew that music was gonna take me to great places and was going to make my dreams a reality. Here I am, just returning England, recovering from the first one. The show went awesome, too many things in my mind before and after...but thanks to our Tour Manager Niclas, doubts and questions were solved and answered within minutes.
Showtime my dear amigos, strange sensations invaded my body...good karma all around, great weather, plus lots of metalheads around supporting a band that for their first time was presenting their art to an audience hungry of good metal. For now I will like to say: Im happy as hell and living the style of life Ive been fighting for since metal become a vital part of me.
The bands that impressed me the most:
Nevermore, In Flames, Testament, Arch Enemy and Dark Tranquillity.

More to come once we get some sleep...SOE