New Model ArmyThis year celebrating their 30th anniversary, New Model Army continue to show the same spirit of independence, determination and focus since their formation in Bradford in 1980. They released their 11th studio album Today Is A Good Day last September.
Transglobal UndergroundThe first Glastonbury appearance in nearly a decade from Transglobal Underground, fusing dance and dub with sounds from around the world. Their recent Best Of album received rave reviews and re-ignited the public’s love for the band, earning them a nomination from Songlines Magazine, for best compilation of 2009.
Newton FaulknerBrit nominated, million selling, virtuoso guitarist, singer-songwriter Newton Faulkner. His already gold-selling second album, Rebuilt By Humans, debuted at number three in the official charts and he’s been selling out venues across the country.
KeaneKeane have announced plans to play a surprise acoustic set on the Avalon Stage. Says Keane frontman Tom Chaplin. "We really wanted to get involved with the 40th anniversary celebrations so, at the last minute, we've decided to play an acoustic set on the Avalon Stage. Keane will take to the stage at 4.35pm on Sunday. They'll finish their (no doubt storming set) about an hour later. "And then," says Chaplin, "we'll get straight out there to enjoy the rest of the festival!"
The WoodentopsWith a stunning new album in the bag, indie guitar legends and dance floor innovators The Woodentops have reformed and returned to the scene. In October 2009 they played a super-stellar comeback show in London’s prestigious Queen Elizabeth Hall.
Lou RhodesMercury nominated British singer songwriter Lou Rhodes makes her first return to Avalon since performing with Lamb. Lou recently released her third solo album, One Good Thing.
Goldheart AssemblySix young men from London, some of whom have beards. Their epic acoustic-ish music, as seen on their debut album, Wolves And Thieves, has led to rave reviews and sell out shows.
Gabby Young & Other AnimalsGabby Young is a wildly flamboyant singer whose brassy-backed, jazz-edged songs are starting to inspire a fervent young fanbase. Tipped by The Guardian in their One To Watch in 2010 feature.
Hobo Jones & The Junkyard DogsGodfathers of the musical genre Skunk, a mix or skiffle and punk. Hobo Jones & The Junkyard Dogs are festival favourites and one of the most unusual and energetic acts playing in the UK today.
The Lightning SeedsThe Lightning Seeds was the brainwave of scouse producer and guitarist Ian Broudie. They took a break in 2000, as Ian concentrated on solo work, which later included the classic Three Lions, but are reforming for some summer festival dates. The band also have 10 fine songs on the new album Four Winds and another Best Of to be released.
Alabama 3 AcousticDelta blues from Alabama 3 acoustic featuring acoustic and unplugged stripped down versions of Alabama 3’s songs.
Charlie WinstonCharlie Winston is an English singer-songwriter, now based in Paris, who’s single Like A Hobo became a hit in France and has seen him become huge artist there. His recent tour saw advance sales of 40,000 tickets.
Steve Harley & Cockney RebelSteve Harley & Cockney Rebel are most famous for Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me) a No.1 from 1975 and now one of the most played records in British broadcasting. Steve’s penned numerous other hits, co-wrote Phantom Of The Opera, starred in West End Theatre, worked tirelessly for charities including Childline and been a Radio 2 presenter.
The UnthanksMercury nominated, Northumbrian folk band The Unthanks count Radiohead, Elvis Costello and Robert Wyatt, amongst their admirers. The British counterpart to the leftfield folk leanings of Sufjan Stevens, Bonnie Prince Billy, Tom Waits and Fleet Foxes. They were included in The Guardians Best Albums of the Decade.
The Avett BrothersThe Avett Brothers are a folk-rock band from North Carolina made up of two brothers Scott and Seth Avett, together with Bob Crawford. They combine bluegrass, punk and pop and have become hugely popular and critically acclaimed in the US.
The WurzelsThe Wurzels’ appearance on the Avalon Stage a couple of years ago was one of the must see events of the Festival and led to a press feeding frenzy. They return to put some fun back into music and with a new album, A Load More Bullocks.
Nick HarperSinger-songwriter Nick Harper has emerged from the paternal shadow of his legendary father Roy Harper, to become one of the finest guitarists of his generation. His soaring vocal range and propensity for epic songs place him somewhere between Rufus Wainwright and Jeff Buckley.
Tom Williams & The BoatFeted by the likes of Steve Lamacq and Huw Stephens, Tom Williams & The Boat were winners of a slot on Avalon, following their appearance in Glastonbury’s unsigned band competition. Perfect guitar pop, replete with a wry lyricism.
GomezMercury and Brit award nominated Gomez, bring their unique bluesy, folk, rock and experimental sound to Avalon. Pretty much indefinable, the band's sound has always be eclectic owing to their vast influences ranging over most music genres and the fact that they have three vocalists and four songwriters.
The Saw DoctorsIn the last eighteen months, Ireland's Saw Doctors have blazed back phoenix-like from almost two decades of unsung glory. Out of the blue, their rambunctious cover of The Sugababes' About You Now rocketed to No 1 in Ireland, restoring them to their rightful place as that nation's best-loved good-time band.
Imelda MayRockabilly sensation Imelda May was crowned Irish Female Singer of the Year at the Meteor Awards, Ireland’s equivalent of The Brits. Here album Love Tattoo has gone double platinum in Ireland, but its live where she shines best.
Judy CollinsLegendary folk icon Judy Collins, over nearly 45 illustrious years has released more than 40 albums, has had numerous Top 10 hits, Grammy nominations and gold and platinum selling albums. Don’t miss this contemporary of Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen and Joni Mitchell.
Teddy ThompsonSon of folk-rock legends Richard and Linda Thompson, acclaimed singer-songwriter Teddy Thompson has had a busy year, including opening for Elton John.
Adrian Edmondson & The Bad ShepherdsLed by the comedian best know for The Young Ones and Bottom, Adrian Edmondson & The Bad Shepherds play classic punk songs on folk instruments. Not as a gag, but because they really like the noise. In 2010 they were nominated for ‘Best Live Act’ at the Radio 2 Folk Awards.
Kirsty AlmeidaA wondrous mix of murder lullabies, blues-folk beauty, voodoo tunes and bitter-sweet songs backed up by a rocking band and horn section.
Ellen & The EscapadesOverall winners of this year’s Glastonbury Unsigned Band Competition, the wonderful Ellen & The Escapades have also been tipped as a band to watch by The Guardian. Gorgeous folky pop and beautiful bittersweet melodies.