Bestival Organiser Rob Da Bank Opens Up About Stevie Wonder Booking
|
|
|
|
Friday, 23 March 2012 |
Written by Elliott Batte
|
|
Radio 1 DJ and Bestival Organiser Rob da Bank has spoken out over his decision to draft in soul-singing legend Stevie Wonder for his festival – and described it as a ‘curveball booking’.
Wonder will headline the festival’s final night when it rolls around on September 9th, and will probably attract a huge number of people to the four-dayer – but is obviously a rather unusual choice for the festival, even though its known for its diverse choice in musical acts. So, speaking to NME, Rob da Bank has opened up about what made him pursue and secure the signature of Stevie Wonder.
“I've been thinking about booking him for a while, maybe even a couple of years. We've been talking on and off for about a year and in the last six months the correspondence has been pretty steady. He's an iconic act and there were a lot of hoops to jump through, but we're dead chuffed to get him. I've always been a huge fan, I grew up listening to him.
“I think it's a bit of a curveball, miraculously until we announced it yesterday (March 22nd), I don't know anyone had found out. It's come as a bit of a surprise to people. It's nice to announce something unexpected. The reaction has been great, better than I thought it was going to be actually. I knew it was a good booking, but it seems like the Bestival faithful have really taken to it.”
He also went on to talk about the booking of New Order, a similarly unexpected but big-name act who’ll be performing at Bestival.
“I'm a huge fan of New Order. I'm a huge fan of the Manchester scene they kick-started and they're still going strong. The reaction to their comeback shows has been amazing and they're an iconic act. I think they fit the Saturday headline slot perfectly. They've got so many hits, it'll be great.”
When asked whether Peter Hook’s decision to not join New Order on tour had affected him, he replied: “Yeah it does. I've not booked bands before on the strength of them not being the original line-up, but it's not like the band's called 'The Real New Order' or something. It's the name, it's the singer. It isn't perfect, but there are so many bands now that haven't got a member. Look at The Cure; Robert Smith is the only original member. I swallowed that early on because I knew sonically it would be OK.”
If you’re in need of tickets to the festival, check the link below. Bestival takes place from September 6th-9th.
Click here to Compare & Buy Bestival Tickets at Stereoboard.
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
We don't run any advertising! Our editorial content is solely funded by lovely people like yourself using Stereoboard's listings when buying tickets for live events. To keep supporting us, next time you're looking for concert, festival, sport or theatre tickets, please search for "Stereoboard". It costs you nothing, you may find a better price than the usual outlets, and save yourself from waiting in an endless queue on Friday mornings as we list ALL available sellers!
Let Us Know Your Thoughts
Related News |
Wed 02 Jul 2025
Durand Bernarr, Hajaj, Mica Millar & More Join Line-up For Stevie Wonder's BST Hyde Park Show
Fri 21 Mar 2025
Stevie Wonder Tickets For Summer UK Shows Of Love, Light & Song Tour On Sale 10am Today
Mon 17 Mar 2025
Stevie Wonder Announces Summer UK Shows For Love, Light & Song Tour
Mon 17 Mar 2025
Stevie Wonder Joins Line-Up For This Summer's Lytham Festival
