First bands named for RockNess 2012

The first big names for this year’s RockNess Festival have just been announced.

Confirmed to play on the shores of Loch Ness this summer are Mumford & Sons, Biffy Clyro, Justice, Ed Sheeran and Noah and the Whale.

RockNess was the winner of the NME Awards 2011 ‘Best small festival’ and organisers are promising again to bring some of the top names in rock, electro and indie to the region.

Festival director Jim King commented: "I’m so happy with the list of acts we’re announcing today that I now just can’t wait for the first tent peg in the ground and for the party to start.

"It was only a matter of time before we got lucky and were able to welcome Biffy Clyro back to Loch Ness.

"Since their debut they’ve gone on to become one of the biggest rock bands in the UK and on home turf you know they’re going to produce something extra-spectacular."

Biffy Clyro now have a string of fist pumping anthems behind them after a decade on the live music circuit and five albums and their latest on the way.

The Ayrshire trio’s unique sound on platinum selling albums ‘Puzzle’ and ‘Only Revolutions’ is well honed – a mix of off-kilter tempos, thumping guitar riffage and soaring vocals.

Band members Simon Neil, Ben Johnston and James Johnston said they were delighted to be heading to the Highlands.

In a statement, they commented: ‘’We are thrilled to be returning to RockNess in June, and this time we’ll be headlining.

"The location is amazing and the enthusiastic crowd made for a memorable experience in 2009, so we’re counting down the days until our return in 2012.’’

Ed Sheeran is currently one of the UK’s most critically lauded new artists not to mention biggest domestic successes.

He already has a triple platinum album, three sold out tours and a clutch of award wins and nominations – including four that sees him leading the way at this year’s Brit Awards.

His RockNess appearance will follow hot on the heels of a much anticipated and soon-to-begin three month US tour.

With their shiny, radio ready melodies, Noah and the Whale have moved into mass appeal territory with three consecutively impressive albums, including most recently ‘Last Night on Earth’.

Mr King said: "There’s so much quality across the rest of the bill from Ed Sheeran who’s arguably the biggest rising star of the last 12 months with Wretch 32 on to absolute legend Nile Rodgers.

"He will be bringing his seminal band Chic to the main stage in what will be for me a highlight of the festival.

"This announcement is just the start.

"We have heaps of great bands and DJs still to be revealed and the comedy headliner this year is an absolute corker."

RockNess 2012 takes place June 8 to 10, by the village of Dores. Tickets went on sale today at 9am. For more details go to www.rockness.co.uk.

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