Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas & peaceful New Year.
Keep Rockin’ in 2012 and we will see you in 2013!

Your Oxegen Team

Over the last three years, MCD has contributed approximately€400,000 to charities, community groups and sports clubs as an expression of gratitude to the local community for the overwhelming support they give Oxegen and to help ensure that the local area benefits from the festival.

This year, the largest beneficiary will be Naas St Vincent de Paulwho will receive €15,000.  Among the other groups receiving significant donations are Barretstown, Naas Care Of The Agedand Nas Ni Ri Community Centre.

The world renowned festival has made its home in Punchestown since its debut year in 2004.  Indeed, various groups from the surrounding area play an invaluable role over the festival weekend.  Naas, Eadestown and Ballymore GAA clubs provide stewards for local residences while local Scouts help campers set up tents on arrival and also aid staff in the recycling of tents and the big clean-up operation at the end.

Commenting on the donations, Kate Conway of St Vincent de Paul Naas said:

“The funds donated on the back of the annual Oxegen concert will provide invaluable support to families in need in the local community.  Given the current economic problems, fundraising is very difficult and the demand for support has never been greater. Oxegen provides invaluable support to the local economy and further support by the very generous donations made to charities and local community organisations”

Oxegen’s festival director John Probyn comments:

“Oxegen would not be possible without the on-going co-operation and support of the local community.  We hope that the donations help each of the recipient groups to continue to enrich the lives of the local community.”

Allan Shine, CEO of North Kildare Chamber recognises the economic boost that Oxegen gives to Kildare:

“The Oxegen festival has become synonymous with Kildare.  It brings a much needed boost to the local economy, especially the hospitality sector.  The festival continues to raise funds for local charities and the Chamber congratulates the festival organisers for their efforts.  Having this festival in Kildare for 8 years is an excellent achievement”

In 2011, Oxegen featured superstars Beyoncé, Coldplay, The Foo Fighters and The Black Eyed Peas in a line-up that was voted the best in Europe.

Following Oxegen 2011, the following donations will be distributed:

Details of Oxegen 2012 will be announced at a later date.

Last year, with your help we triumphed in the ‘Best Line-up’ category, this time round we’re up for ‘Best Major Festival’.

Our headliners Coldplay, Foo-Fighters and Arctic Monkeys are all up for Best Headliner too!

You can vote here
As an incentive, The Festival Awards are offering everyone who votes the chance to win a Dream Summer Of Festivals. One lucky fan will scoop two tickets to every winning festival at this year’s awards!

You’ve got until 6th December to register your choices. They’ll be announced at the awards bash in Holland on 11th January.

Thanks so much for your support!

There’s also 100s of incredible pics from across the weekend in our photo galleries – check them out here and tag anyone you know!

Below is a round-up of reaction to Oxegen 11 – from the media, from the artists and most importantly from you, the fans. Kind of makes you want to be right back there … now where did I leave that De Lorean?

What The Media Said:

‘Whether you spent the weekend worshipping at the feet of the Queen B, or strolling down memory lane with Primal Scream, 2011 was arguably the most exciting year for OXEGEN – goers yet.’ – Hot Press

‘”It is with a weary heart, a hoarse voice and very sore feet that I will leave this morning. Roll on 2012. Oxegen rocked.” – Jennifer O’Brien, The Sun

“There really was something for everyone – the ravers, the indie kids, the pop pickers, the nostalgists and even the socialist punks.” – Irish Independent

“Ireland’s Hottest Music Weekend…World’s Greatest Fans.” – The Star

“… I reckon that Oxegen 2011 offered the best line-up so far. Each night seemed to top the last, with the Black Eyed Peas, Foo Fighters, Beyonce and Coldplay giving it socks. The National, Paolo Nutini, Fight Like Apes and Brandon Flowers were just some of the other first class performances of the weekend. A hugely diverse ranges of acts meant that there really was something for everyone this year.” – Jennifer O’Brien, The Sun

‘It’s one of Europe’s best loved festivals – and once again Oxegen proved a huge hit with music fans and some of the world’s biggest celebrities.’- ‘Many acts were left stunned by the response they received from the world’s fest fans, while a host of A-listers jetted in to sample a festival Irish-style.’ – The Star

‘2011 will be remembered as the year of the surprise collaboration – Tinie Tempah bust a rhyme with The Script, Fergie rocked out with Slash and Christy Moore joined Coldplay for signature tune ‘Ride On’. Throw in stellar shows be the National, Two Door Cinema Club, The Vaccines, Primal Scream and Foo Fighters and you get one of the most thrilling Punchestown weekends yet. Here’s to 2012’ Hot Press

“Gods smile as festival closes on a high note’ ‘Stunning sets from headliners Coldplay and Beyoncé send revellers home on a high” – Ken Sweeney, Irish Independent

“It was such a testament to the strength of the bill that both acts [Beyoncé & Coldplay] headlined separate nights at Glastonbury two weeks ago and are going straight on after each other on the main stage tonight in Punchestown” – Barry Egan, Sunday Independent

‘Queen B Beyoncé pulled a Bootylicious finale last night to steal the show at Oxegen. The Pop diva thrilled 70,000 fans with a blazing performance, even upstaging headline act Cold play.’ – Paul Martin, The Mirror

‘Oxegen ’11 turned out to be another truly remarkable three days of music’ Hot Press

“As far as rapper Example was concerned it was the Irish fans who were the real stars of the weekend. He tweeted after his set: “Oxegen = Best Gig of 2011”- The Star

“The atmosphere was just like the weather. Bright and sunny. Everyone was friendly and clearly up for a good time. The 80,000 bon vivants on site yesterday and the day before were having the time of their lives” – Barry Egan, Sunday Independent

“There was no way I was going to miss her (Beyoncé) at Oxegen on Sunday night…and wow, what an evening it was. Incredible choreography and a voice to match, Miss Knowles aka Sasha Fierce, showed the thousands who had turned out to see her – as well as other performers at the event – just what makes her the global superstar she deservedly is.” – Irish Daily Mail

“The Black Eyed Peas brought the love to the rain soaked Oxegen last night with a spectacular 1 million stage show.” – The Sun

“Overall it was a superb weekend, letting Oxegen retain its title as one of Europe’s top music festivals.” – The Irish Examiner

What Oxegen’s Artists Said:

“Oxegen!! One word: AWESOME! Thanks for singing in the rain!! We had a blast!!! – Danny, The Script

“You guys all showed up in fine form tonight…We’re so happy to be back home. There’s a reason why everyone loves this country” – Danny O’Donoghue, The Script

“It was one of the most memorable gigs of my career”- Dave Grohl, Foo Fighters

“Ireland is one of my favourite countries to play. You all have so much fun and so much soul.” – Beyoncé

“Hello Oxegen! Please excuse my Gaelic… Dia is Muire duit a chairde? Cad e an sceal? How are you doing?” Chris Martin, Coldplay

“I performed here last year …and the Irish fans were just so incredible. I jumped at the chance to come back to Oxegen.” Tinie Tempah

“Oxegen festival there is no way I could want to go home right now!” Eliza Doolittle

“It’s great to be back in Ireland…welcome to the rock show. We’ve got a lot of songs and we’re going to play until they look at us and say ‘Stop, stop, stop” Dave Grohl, Foo Fighters

“It’s been wicked. We’ve been all over the world but just love coming back to Ireland. This has been amazing Oxegen. And we will remember it for a long time to come.” - Two Door Cinema Club

“We played here four and half years ago. It was very special and it’s great to be back with you. This is a great festival with great people – we hope to be back to see you many times.” My Chemical Romance

“I love playing to an Irish crowd – I used to come as a fan so to be playing here is unreal.” – Una Healy, The Saturdays

“Sorry I’m a bit out of breath here, I’m having fun up here. Are you having fun today Oxegen? Make some noise for yourself because I’m having the time of my life up here.” – Professor Green

“Oxegen rockin…wow Ireland always rocks.” – Will.I.Am, Black Eye Peas

“Oxegen is everything you could hope a festival would be”- Kimberly Wyatt ,Her Majesty & The Wolves

“We’re going to penetrate your ears Oxegen”. ….“You guys look fantastic…there are some great bands playing Oxegen. Wow. This is a really awesome festival – All Time Low

And What You Said:

“It’s brilliant craic and the music hasn’t even started yet’ – The Sun

“This is the highlight of the year! “ Aoife O’Grady, Dublin – Daily Mirror

“It’s savage craic here – I’d hate to be missing what we’re enjoying!” Finian McGovern, Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan – Sunday World

“We heard about this festival about two weeks ago and we just had to come.” Kate Shedden and Brennan Huntly who came all the way from Australia for Oxegen – News Of The World

“It’s been great. We’ve been having great craic with our neighbours on the campsite…Everyone has just been so happy.” Clare McQuaid and Victoria Quinn, Donaghmore, Co. Tyrone – The Irish Times

“This year we wanted to visit a well known festival so it was here or Glastonbury. But getting in a visit to Dublin first decided us on Oxegen” Pete Hunt, Ascot England – Irish Independent

“We wanted to arrive early and start the party. The atmosphere is already amazing” Fiona Buckley, Cork – Irish Independent

“Oxegen was fab, Beyonce was amazing! Coldplay and Christy Moore – where would ya get it!” Fan tweet – Irish Independent

“Best weekend of my life. Foo Fighters were just unbelievable and Christy Moore with Coldplay brought a tear to my eye.” Fan tweet – Irish Independent

“This is the highlight of our year” Aoife O’Grady, Dublin – Irish Independent

“We will definitely be back next year. The atmosphere, the bands, everything was great,” Lorna O’Neil, Kilkenny – Irish Independent

Beyoncé was, quite literally, crowned the queen of Oxegen last night after delivering a show stopping performance. Arriving on stage resplendent in a sequined costume, Ms Knowles was accompanied by an y all-female backing band and a shock-squad of pneumatic dancers.

Kicking it off with ‘Crazy In Love’, Beyoncé was given a rapturous reception by the excited crowd.

“Ireland is one of my favourite countries to play. You all have so much fun and so much soul”.
The crowd went wild when she launched into ‘Single Ladies’ , throwing their hands in the air to its iconic dance. She told them:

“I just want you all to know at the back, that I can see you” she said as the crowd chanted Olé, olé, olé .
Genuinely awed by the crowd screaming and chanting her name, the diva declared “[There’s] so much love out here”.

Her medley of Destiny’s Child hits, including ‘Bootylicious’, ‘Say My Name’ and ‘Survivor’ served as a stunning reminder of just how many hits she’s amassed.
Her anthem to female empowerment ‘Girls Run The World’ drew a huge response from the ladies in the audience. However, one cheeky audience member had prepared his own response to the question Who Runs The World? with a sign that read “Men Do”!

During her rendition of ‘Halo’, Beyoncé came down into the pit to shake hands with fans. She held her microphone out to a male fan, who was lucky enough to sing the line “You’re my saving grace” to the megastar. A star-struck fan handed Beyoncé a garland of flowers, which she wore for the remainder of the performance and held as a ‘Halo’ as she descended back into the pyramid set from which she emerged.
It is safe to say, she surpassed all expectations and hype that surrounded her visit to Punchestown.
The excitement didn’t end there for Oxegen fans, as Coldplay were next up on the Main Stage. Although Beyoncé was a hard act to follow, Coldplay proved they were more than worthy of their status as Oxegen’s finale headliners.

Festoon lighting led the way on the site road as Coldplay made their way to the stage. The sky darkened as night approached, but the headliners’ set lit up the stage. Patterns of fluorescent UV paint covered the guitars, drum kit, piano and speakers, the stage glowed throughout the set, matching the neon laces on Chris Martin’s trainers.

An explosive pyrotechnic display introduced the group to the stage, which they opened with ‘Hurts Like Heaven’. Butterfly shaped confetti was blasted from the stage and beach balls were introduced to the crowd during the group’s rendition of ‘Lost’.
Fans were delighted when the frontman unexpectedly greeted them in Irish saying:
“Hello Oxegen! Please excuse my Gaelic… Dia is Muire duit a chairde? Cad e an sceal? How are you doing?” Although he had the lines written on his hand to ensure he got the words right, his pronunciation was pretty impressive.

The crowd gave a tremendous cheer as the group introduced Kildare local Christy Moore for an incredible version of Christy’s classic, ‘Ride On’. Christy and Chris’ voices complemented each other beautifully through their interesting harmony of the track.
“In all the years the Oxegen festival has been going in Co. Kildare, it’s never has its local son come on and sing … been fans since we were kids. He is coming on to sing our favourite song of all time. Please welcome Christy Moore”.

‘Rule the World’ prompted a huge crowd sing-along with Martin saying “Let’s make this an Oxegen to remember. From the front to the back…1..2..3..Oh, oh, oh, oh, ooooooooohhh” and he conducted the audience.

Signing off their epic set list Chris Martin gave a round of thank yous “Thanks Christy. Thanks to everybody who took care of us. Thanks to everyone in the field. In the front, the back, the middle and the sides. Thanks for giving us the best job in the world. Thanks for giving us U2. We’ll see you soon we hope!”

Closing the set just as they opened Coldplay left the stage to another display of fireworks, rounding off their set perfectly and ending on a high!

Foo Fighters played a huge amount of their hits, both old and new including ‘Bridge
Burning’, ‘Rope’ , ‘Pretender’, ‘Learning To Fly’, ‘Times Like These’ and ‘Best of You’.
Frontman Dave Grohl gave an electric performance, telling the crowd;

“It’s great to be back in Ireland …. Welcome to the rock show. We’ve got a lot of songs and
we’re going to play until they look at us and say stop, stop, stop”.

Fans were delighted by the seemingly never-ending array of hits being bashed out by the
Foos! Audience members swayed, danced and sang along to every tune.

Deadmau5 appeared on-stage dressed as a ghoul, surrounded by an incredible DJ box,
which played host to some of the best graphics of the weekend.

He took off his ghost-sheet to reveal his famous Deadmau5, mirror-ball head and whipped
the crowd into a frenzy within the first few minutes of his set! The accompanying light show
was a dynamic visual treat.

The excitement for today’s performances is palpable, it seems almost everyone is talking
about Beyoncé’s arrival. Tonight looks likely to be a whopper finale for Oxegen, with
headliners Pendulum, Primal Scream and Coldplay to finish off an unbelievable festival
weekend.

Yesterday’s warm weather could be responsible for the love-in that occurred between the
stars at Oxegen, as fellow performers were out in force to support each other’s gigs.

Brandon Flowers, Professor Green and The Pretty Reckless all bused it down to
watch Beady Eye on the Main Stage, as did Saoirse Ronan!

Dave Grohl and Beady Eye were also spotted checking out The Pretty Reckless on the
Heineken Green Spheres Stage before their respective gigs.

Liam Gallagher was at his belligerent best yesterday afternoon. The front man asked
the ‘mad for it’ crowd:

“Are there any hippies in the audience….are there any millionaires?”,he then went on to
play their track ‘Millionaire’, followed by ‘Four Letter Word’ and ‘Beatles and Stones’.

Just before leaving the stage Liam jumped into the pit and shook hands with the audience
and told photographers “You take a mean photograph”.

There was also a multitude of sensational covers played on a balmy Saturday afternoon at
Oxegen.

Plan B went for an eclectic mix on the Main Stage, including Ben E. King’s classic ‘Stand
By Me’, Seal’s ‘Kiss From A Rose’ and Eminem and Dr Dre’s ‘Forget About Dre’. His smash
hits ‘She Said’ and ‘Writing On The Wall’ provoked massive sing-a-longs from the crowd.

He also did a cover of fellow Oxegen star Paolo Nutini’s ‘Coming Up Easy’.

Eliza Doolittle was taken aback when she spotted a very eager fan in the front row:

“This guy here has something written on his chest, I’m a bit scared to read it out…it
says ‘Marry me Eliza’ …How about we get to know each other first after the show, then I
can give you an answer”?

‘Skinny Genes’ got a great reaction from the 2FM Hot Press Academy crowd as did her
rather appropriate cover of Bill Withers’ ‘Lovely Day’ and Bruno Mars’ ‘Grenade’.

She jumped off the stage and ran up and down the front of the pit shaking her awed fan’s
hands.

As a farewell to her crowd, she said, “Oxegen festival there is no way I could want to go
home right now”

The crowd were going wild before Professor Green came out on the Heineken Green
Spheres Stage…jumping and chanting “We want Prof”!

When he appeared on-stage, Professor Green was jumping around so much that he
stumbled momentarily and said:

“Sorry I’m a bit out of breath here, I’m having fun up here. Are you having fun today
Oxegen? Make some noise for yourself because I’m having the time of my life up here”.

He wowed the crowd and performed his own version of Travi McCoy and Bruno Mars’ No.1

‘Billionaire’.

Cheryl Cole is rumoured to be en route with her friend and manager will.i.am from The Black Eyed Peas.

Last year Beyoncé watched her hubby JayZ rev up the Oxegen crowd and this year could see a role reversal with Jay-Z rumoured to be accompanying Beyoncé on Sunday.

Keep your eyes peeled for Westlife’s Shane and Mark rubbing shoulders with Danny from The Coronas and MTV favourite Laura Whitmore.  They’re all coming down Friday!

Irish Rugby star Cian Healy will be Djing in Red Bull Electric Ballroom under the alias Church and Gordo on Saturday.  His team mates will be out in force to witness his DJing skills. Expect to see Tommy Bowe, Jamie Heaslip and Brian O’Driscoll with his wife Amy Huberman rocking out to their mate’s tunes.

Glamorous Irish models Georgia Salpa and Nadia Forde will also put in a pretty appearance this weekend.

As well as handing out bin bags to help campers recycle, they’ll be manning ‘Bin Your Empty’ stations throughout the campsites. Fans can watch the BYE team get all creative with their empty cans as they turn them into some amazing sculptures and other art!

•Fitted with 12v power for charging phone/camera/MP3 player. Most phone chargers are available to purchase from www.lockerhouse.co.uk or on site (subject to availability).

•Lockers will hold small items such as wallets, cameras, passport, prescription medication, mp3 players and phones etc.

•Open and security managed 24 hrs a day.

•CCTV is also fitted for added security of your belongings.

•Lockers are approximately 250mm wide x 155mm deep x 100mm high.

Once you have booked you will receive an electronic voucher which will enable you to register swiftly at the Lockerhouse Box Office which you will find adjacent to the lockers on site – saving precious time to see more bands, take more photos and party longer!

Added to this, Dublin creative collective Synth Eastwood will also be creating a one-off optical show for the occasion. Synth Eastwood bring their unique GIF shoot to the stage, taking pictures of the crowd throughout the day and animating them live that night.

Greenspace also features panoramic views of the festival from the open air terrace. Full lineup is below.

For more info on Heineken Greenspace as well as all the latest news on Oxegen visit www.heinekenmusic.ie

If you haven’t already heard the Oxegen podcast – download it now. Blare it and get yourself into the festival mood while trying to shove that sleeping bag into your rucksack!

For all the best music and behind the scenes action, make sure you tune in to Oxegen Radio. You’ll be able to listen online 24hrs a day via the radio player on oxegen.ie. Oxegen Radio is now live on www.oxegen.ie

Tickets for Oxegen 2011 are on sale now from €99.50. For full details, see oxegen.ie.

The schedule looks like this, with more big names expected to be added over the weekend.

FRIDAY

Peter Hook
The Saw Doctors
Royseven
House of Pain

SATURDAY

Two Door Cinema Club
The Minutes
Bressie
Cashier No.9

SUNDAY

Ryan Sheridan
Ocean Colour Scene
Friendly Fires
Fight Like Apes
The Pierces

Stay tuned to hotpress.com or call around to the tent for details and times as they’re announced.

Their signing with dance label R&S Records prompted the launch of an indie subsidiary for the label – Planet Function. Album ‘Dreamers Stadium’ was recorded with their dream producer Chris Potter (The Verve’s Urban Hymns, The Rolling Stones , U2). Designer Storn Thorgerson, who has done work Pink Floyd, 10cc, Led Zeppelin and, most recently, Muse and Biffy Clyro, for designed the cover work for the album.

“We couldn’t be happier with Dreamers Stadium,” says Denny. “We set out to write strong, uplifting songs that make people feel good and we know we’ve achieved that. Now we just want to get out there and play and, hopefully, inspire kids like our idols inspired us.”

The Plea perform on Vodafone stage on the Friday at Oxegen.

All material is original and is written by the band members themselves creating this unique and infectious sound that has gained the attention of music critics in such a short space of time.

In 2010 the band started to develop and record new material at the legendary Windmill Lane Studios in Dublin. TouchWood have been continually busy writing more material over the last year and have also been playing various gigs and events.

After winning Kildare County Council Platform V Battle of the Bands, TouchWood will play Oxegen this July.

Mark Baker’s work is instantly recognizable by his extremely detailed style of painting, his unique mode of expression, and the likeness to his subject. A fan of U2 and Thin Lizzy, his works have been signed by Bono, The Edge, and Philomena Lynott. Other fans include Debbie Harry, Christy Moore and Shane MacGowan.

Popular with many collectors, Mark’s paintings are represented in numerous private collections. Mark will be having a solo exhibition in 3 Bedfordbury, Covent Garden, London , this Oct 25^th – Nov 7^th. He has exhibited in many group exhibitions alongside artists such as Ronnie Wood and now again with Niall O’Loughlin, ‘Irelands Leading Celebrity Cartoonist’.

Widely regarded as the No1 caricaturist in Ireland , Niall O’Loughlin enjoys sell-out exhibitions and has appeared on numerous radio and TV shows including the Late Late Show and completed commissions for many well known celebrities from both Ireland and abroad.

Check out www.markbakerart.com, www.nialloloughlin.com, www.facebook.com/markbakerart and www.facebook.com/pages/Caricatures-by-Niall-OLoughlin/112453592146069 for more info.

Mark Baker – “ Irelands Premier Portrait Artist”, and Niall O’Loughlin “Irelands Leading Celebrity Cartoonist” art exhibition at Oxegen.

With support from a hugely loyal following and the band released their debut EP ‘Take Everything’ which was very well received, while their second single ‘Still Broke Enough’, with its hooky guitar riffs, gritty vocals, driving beat and wealth of teen spirit may well become a teenage anthem to rival ‘Teenage Kicks’  by The Undertones.

They cite, as their influences, such classic bands such as Thin Lizzy and Joy Division and more recent artists such as Oxegen headliners The Strokes and White Lies and just about everything in between.

Catch The Kaptials on the Sunday of Oxegen at 2fm Hot Press Academy stage.

Fashion forward festival goers can Give it Welly in style this weekend thanks to ReachOut.com the online service for  young people, dedicated to taking the mystery out of mental health.

The ReachOut.com team will be on hand with spray cans at the ready to give your wellies the ultimate graffiti make over for a small donation.   Each person to “Give It Welly” will go into a giant welly draw for a chance to win two enviable VIP tickets with Tipi camping for Oxegen 2012.  “Give ItWelly” promises to be a vibrant array of colour and creativity, bursting with pre-festival energy.

ReachOut.com is an online service for young people, dedicated to taking the mystery out of mental health, removing  taboos and bringing mental health issues out into the open. The “Give ItWelly” campaign aims to strike a chord with festival-goers, to raise awareness and funds for this vital online resource.

While travelling in the States he was inspired to begin writing his own songs. His debut EP ‘Brand New Day’ clearly has a strong American flavour, yet his lyrics are more closely connected to home as he writes from the heart about everyday life events.

In his music you will find mixed elements of acoustic folk and soft rock combined to create vibrant original melodies with heartfelt deep lyrics resulting in catchy well written songs.

Catch Glenn Cal on Friday of Oxegen at Vodafone stage.

Take the hook-happy ‘80s new wave of the Smiths, Depeche Mode, the Cure and U2, add to it the classic-rock story-telling humanity of Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty and Bryan Adams and leaven with the other-worldly charisma of Michael Jackson, and you begin to understand the palette Neon Trees are working from.

Their debut album ‘Habits’ reached No.1 on the Billboard Heatseekers Album Charts. Catch Neon Trees act on the Sunday of Oxegen at Heineken Green Spheres.

They have toured the country and played the west, the midlands, the south and extensively in Dublin. The upcoming months are chocobloc for the band, with an EP just released and further studio time booked in, this band are going places, fast!

Fox.E and the Good Hands play Oxegen after winning Kildare County Council Platform V Battle of the Bands. They play 2fm Hot Press stage on Sunday the 10th of July.

Propaganda will play the OX Box Stage in the Blue Campsite from 2pm-5am Thursday and from 10pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday to keep the party going well into the early hours!

It’s going to be a busy weekend for the Propaganda DJs, as they will also be putting in a major appearance at the Heineken Green Spheres tent. They’ll close the Heineken Green Spheres tent on Saturday night after Brandon Flowers. It looks set tol be the biggest Indie extravaganza ever seen!

Plus at the special request of Oxegen artists, the Propaganda DJs will be back to service the VIP Section through the medium of music all throughout the weekend! Propaganda will also be selecting the tunes during the change-over times on site across the entire weekend, so expect to be dancing to some seriously decent choons, even when the bands aren’t on stage.

The massive OX BOX cinema screen in the blue campsite will also show a range of brilliant movies from 4pm-10pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Films include Avatar, The Social Network and The Hangover!

OX BOX STAGE SCHEDULE

Thursday
2pm – 2am: DJs

Friday
12pm: The Life of Brian
2pm: The Social Network
4pm: Avatar
10pm- 2am: DJs

Saturday
12pm: The Hangover
2pm: This is Spinal Tap
4pm: The Life of Brian
10pm- 2am: DJs

Sunday
12pm: The Hangover
2pm: The Life of Brian
4pm: 24 Hour Party People
10pm -2am: DJs.

Readers Wives now return with their second full length album titled ‘Rachel’s Apartment’. Readers Wives will perform their new material on the 2FM Hot Press Academy stage the Friday of Oxegen.

‘Dynamite Steps’ is the fifth Twilight Singers album, but the group’s first in five years. Catch them at Oxegen at the 2fm Hot Press Academy stage on Sunday.

The Pierces album ‘You & I’ is a record as sweepingly, dramatically melodic as it is true to The Pierce’s innately cool, singer-songwriter roots.

The Pierces play 2fm Hot Press Academy stage on the Sunday of Oxegen.

Kitty Daisy & Lewis’ performances have been inspiring audiences, building up an impressive fan base from the likes of Amy Winehouse, Chris Martin and Eagles Of Death Metal to Dustin Hoffman and Ewan McGregor and have had sold out tours opening for Coldplay, Razorlight, Richard Hawley, Jools Holland among others.

Their self-penned second studio album ‘Smoking In Heaven’ takes the solid roots of their first album but then pushes the boundaries taking in the best of musical influences while still keeping that elusive Kitty Daisy & Lewis treatment.

With Hooky taking lead vocals and playing bass for The Light, his son Jack Bates also fills in on bass with David Potts on guitar whilst the line up and family affairs completed by cohorts Andy Poole on keys, Paul “Leadfoot” Kehoe on drums and Hooky’s production partner,

The Light’s debut EP “1102 / 2011” was released in May this year. Catch Peter Hook & The Light, A Joy Division Celebration on the Friday of Oxegen at Heineken Green Spheres.

GROUPLOVE perform for the first time at Oxegen this July.  Their forthcoming debut album ‘Never Trust A Happy Song’ will be released in September.

Whipping Boy’sr 1995 album ‘Heartworm’ received masses of critical acclaim and tracks like ‘Twinkle’, ‘Morning Rise’ and ‘We Don’t Need Anyone Else’ regularly charted in Dave Fanning’s end of year Fab 50. Released just a few months after the Radiohead masterpiece ‘The Bends’, for many Irish fans this is every bit its equal but it never quite brought Whipping Boy the mainstream success their talents deserved.

Having released their third studio album ‘Hope’ in April, the group have been busy touring and supported fellow Oxegen act My Chemical Romance on their World Contamination Tour in February.

They play the Main stage at Oxegen on the Friday.

2011 saw The Riptide Movement share the stage with Bob Dylan at the London Feis and rock out to 35,000 people at the RDS stadium in Dublin with BonJovi. Catch their electrifying live show at Oxegen.

If you prefer to come and “do it yourself” straighten irons and hair dryers are available to rent for your convenience.

We will provide hair & beauty treatments to ensure you are festival chic over the weekend.

If you wish to add a bit of theatre to your look, you can choose from one of the numerous dramatic flash eyelashes available which includes free application or maybe some smoky eyes by the pamper team.

The Pink Pamper will be situated beside the showers at the blue campsite and beside the showers at the green campsite.

Prices start from €10. The salon will be open on from Friday through to Sunday for all your pampering needs. This year no bookings will be taking, it will be a first come first serve basis.

Find out more on Facebook!

And, for the first in festival history, there’ll be Silent ‘Slow Sets’ at hourly intervals throughout the night! So you might just get a little ‘curt’ if you’re lucky!

If you’ve never been before, this is how Silent Disco works:

Disco delinquents are given a set of wireless headphones and two separate DJ’s broadcast to them live via dedicated FM channels.

Each night there will be a running order of competing genres on each channel, eg: Classic Rock Anthems Vs Ultimate Dance Classics, the best of Irish Rock Vs the best of British Rock, RnB Vs Ultimate 80’s.

Remove your headphones momentarily to take in the amazing-ness of people moving romantically, alone, to silence!

The Silent Disco tent is not just excellent for the ears- you may also treat your eyes to a visual feast from noon each day of the festival.

Friday Folly allows you to breakfast with your favourite Family Guy cartoons. Would you choose Glee or Footloose, Dirty Dancing or The Sound of Music? Find out at Sing-along-Saturday.

Finally back by popular demand….Sunday Mass. Five classic Father Ted episodes followed by confession – down with that sort of thing, careful now!

All this and washed down with matinee movies running from 16.00 to 18.00, Saturday and Sunday, equals the perfect escape from hectic band schedules!

Look out for the hire locations in the Red and Blue Campsites and at the Coach drop-off point over the weekend. You can also return them to the designated stations in both the Red and Blue Campsites.

Check out their website: www.bigyellowtrucks.co.uk

Just like all the bars in the main arena at Oxegen, the new campsite bars will open their doors for business at 12 noon each day and cease trading at 10pm each night.

You can purchase six packs or trays of Heineken, Coors, Fosters and Stonehouse Cider. All products will be pre-chilled.

And, if you purchase Heineken, you can store your beer in the Heineken Campsite Cold Rooms. You can drop your crate into a Cold Room at any time throughout the festival until 2AM, completely free of charge.

The prices are in line with high street off licence prices. Check out the product list and prices for the campsite bars below.

Please note, you must be over 18 to purchase alcohol and ID will be required.

“Sorry doesn’t feel enough to say, I am devastated for my fans that I know have been waiting to see me and working hard for tickets. I was so excited about the summer and I’m as upset as you all are. But unfortunately these things happen. I have to remain positive and I promise I will make it up later in the year.”

The festivals affected are:
Paris: Orange Rock Corps
T In The Park
Oxegen
T4 On The Beach
Wembley: Orange Rock Corps
i-Tunes Festival
Lovebox
Radio Aire Party In The Park
Key 103 Summertime Live
Summer Sonic Japan
Digester Event Stockholm

After supporting Hurts on their U.K. tour and winning a Q Award for Next Big Thing, she released her debut single, ‘Ain’t Nobody’ in 2010, with her first album, Light After Dark, following in earlier this year. She makes her Oxegen debut this July.
Keywest

They have performed all over the world and have toured with with the Flaming Lips, Interpol, Pulp and The Killers. In 2004, Time Out madeBritish Sea Power Live Band Of The Year at their annual awards.

Having spent the last few months wowing audiences across America with their live show, including tastemakers at this year’s SXSW, Braids now set their sights on Oxegen for their debut performance in Punchestown.

Made up of dense, complex atmospherics and an effortless melodic sophistication, her debut album, ‘Seven Rainbows’, was completed in just 22 short days with no money from any record label. Even so, the quality in the songs was and is obvious, so much so that labels were queuing up for the rights to release it.
Alice has already toured with fellow Oxegen acts Eels, Noah & The Whale and The Twilight Singers. ’Seven Rainbows’ is due for release on the 4th of July, just days before Alice Gold’s debut performance at Oxegen.

Oxegen have teamed up with Tangerine Fields to come to the aid of anyone who had already purchased a MyHab for 2011.

We will provide a two-man tent and mattress for all those affected.

To avail of this offer, Oxegen fans need to contact bookings@tangerinefields.co.uk and provide their Myhab proof of purchase. Once on site, head to the Green Campsite, where your pitched and ready to go tent awaits!

To

Myhab Ltd.
www.myhab.com
Email: more@myhab.com
Address: 8th Floor, 80 Cannon Street, London, EC4N 6HL.

In addition, Oxegen would also suggest that you contact the National Consumer Agency for the best advice on your consumer rights.

Consumer Helpline
Lines open Monday -Friday, 9am-6pm
Head office: +353 1 402 5500
Fax: +353 1 402 5501
Address: 4 Harcourt Road, Dublin 2, Ireland

Please note if you have purchased online by credit card your credit card company may have a refund policy already in place.

Oxegen will do everything we can to assist fans.

Bressie’s debut solo single entitled, ‘Can’t Stay Young (Forever)’ has been getting some good airplay and the forthcoming album should be with us later in the summer.

Bressie’s no stranger to Oxegen – The Blizzards’ performance in 2009 won Best Live Performance at that year’s Meteor Music Awards.

Friday July 8 is also the official release date for the new Saw Doctors single, Be Yourself in Ireland , USA and Burkina Faso

RTE Radio 1 have playlisted Be Yourself on the station this week, check out the new video:

After Oxegen the Saw Doctors will revisit their Swami’s Shrine in the Academy, Middle Abbey Street for a show on November 12th!

www.facebook.com/sawdoctors
www.sawdoctors.com

Firstly, you will be able to use your Oxegen ticket to avail of a 10% discount at any Schuh store from 27th June – 24th July, so you can either get your pre festival boots or treat yourself afterwards to a shiny new pair of shoes – nice!

Schuh are also bringing their award winning Schuh Welly Exchange back to Punchestown. The Schuh Welly Exchange gives fans the chance to do something for charity, help the environment and bag a free pair of wellies.

It’s simple – you enter the Schuh Tent, hand over your muddy, impractical shoes in exchange for a brand spanking new pair of wellingtons (from sizes 3-12).

All shoes exchanged at Oxegen will be donated to The Newlife Foundation. They’ll either re-sell or recycle the footwear, raising money for their charity. The Newlife Foundation care for disabled and terminally ill children as well as offering practical support for carers and providing funds for medical research.

The Schuh Welly Exchange will also help reduce the tonnes of unwanted shoes that will inevitably end up in landfill sites once the festival season has come to an end.

The Schuh Welly Exchange is non-commercial and not for profit. For more info on the Newlife Foundation, visit: www.newlifecharity.co.uk

The Rubberbandits

Over 7 million YouTube views since December, 100,00 itunes downloads and a chorus thats ringing out in street corners from Sunset Strip to Notre Dame – “F*ck your Honda Civic, I’ve a Horse Outside”Accompanied by a video that has been at various stages the most viewed video in South Africa, the most tweeted video link in the world and the topic of op ed pieces everywhere from the New Dehli Times to CNBC to the Spectator. Horse Outside was the song that made Christmas 2010 in Ireland better than bearable , it’s one of those songs that taps into everyones inner need to sing more songs about Horses, and of course the triumph of the little guy in the nasty world of love.

Having clocked up over 100 Live dates this year from London to Mullingar to New York and every point in between already this year, the Rubberbandits showed with follow up video and single “I wanna fight your father” that they were no one trick pony and with their debut album dropping in October there’s lots more to come from Limerick City’s favourite sons.

Long before the Horse got them global attention (MTV in the USA just finished shooting a pilot with them), songs like Bag of Glue, prank phone calls like The Pear and of course the TV sketches like Maderia Cake and the The Guide to Limerick had earned Blindboy Boat Club and Mr. Chrome massive underground fame

Their live show is a rip roaring music and comedy adventure and this summer they will bring it to the Reading, Leeds and Latitude festivals in the Uk in between visits to the USA, France and Germany showing that the Bandits along with trusty sidekick Dj Willie O’Dea Jay are going global !

See the Rubberbandits at Oxegen on the main stage Sunday Morning and in the Olympia Theatre on October 8th

The Oxegen line-up has been rated as the best in Europe this summer and includes two of Glastonbury’s headliners, Beyoncé and Coldplay as well as Reading & Leeds headliners The Strokes and My Chemical Romance, V Festival headliner Arctic Monkeys, Isle Of Wight’s Foo Fighters and Wireless’s The Black Eyed Peas and The Script.

Beyoncé and Coldplay were the unquestioned highlights of Glastonbury at the weekend leaving both critics and fans in awe:

The Guardian awarded Beyoncé a 5 star review saying: “Fireworks, slick choreography and all the hits – Beyoncé didn’t put a foot wrong during her Glastonbury headline set… A great, sassy frontwoman who knows how to lead a call and response, she ended the festival with a real party spirit.”

Coldplay were equally impressive. The Telegraph said: “Coldplay threw in every rock showbiz trick: fireworks, lasers, confetti, balloons. But it was the thrilling dynamics of their gear-shifting songs and simple singalong melodies that carried the night, lifting spirits so high not even mud could bog us down.”

This follows hot on the heels of Foo Fighters incredible headline performance at Isle Of Wight festival last week. Metro hailed their epic performance:

“Despite it being five years, a hefty hiatus …. Dave Grohl and Co still produce a set so good, it’d be worth cryogenically defrosting for… Grohl promised to play until they were “thrown off” and, when on such masterful form, there wasn’t anyone among the 65,000 gleeful ticket-holders willing to let them shuffle out early. Though, running with a skin-poundingly brilliant rendition of ‘Best Of You’, they surely couldn’t have had much left in them? The answer? An explosive rendition of ‘All My Life’ that was likely to give the front row vertigo”.

With so many huge stars about to descend on Oxegen. Excitement among fans has now reached fever pitch! The festival will feature the best breakthrough talent, multi-million selling artists and the world’s most passionate music fans….Oxegen is all your summer festivals in one!
So check out the line-up below to find out where your favourite bands will be playing over the weekend. Plus look out for a few new names that we’ve just added today including Tame Impala, British Sea Power, Clare Maguire and The Rubber Bandits.

The stage times for Oxegen 2011 will be revealed later this week – keep an eye on oxegen.ie to stay up to date!

Tickets for Oxegen 2011 are on sale now from €99.50. For full details, see oxegen.ie.
For Age Restrictions and all Terms & Conditions see: www.oxegen.ie/tickets

Their impromptu guerrilla style retail experience will service festival goers
with everything from the ‘essentials’ to the weather dependent to the downright festival ‘must haves’. Situated within the confines of the main arena,

Pennys will trade from 12pm each day and until 1am on Friday and Saturday and 12amon Sunday.

www.facebook.com/PenneysIreland

The very last Oxegen Top 10 for this year will be broadcast this Sunday night, Sunday 26th June from 8pm.

To vote, simply choose your favourite song from the list below.

Email your name, address, phone number and song to radio@oxegen.ie to be in with a chance of winning! The poll will close at 12pm Friday 24th June.

Ts&Cs: You must be aged 17 years or older to be eligible to win the prize.

Afrojack – Take Over Control

Airborne Toxic Event – Sometime Around Midnight
Alex Metric – Open Your Eyes

All Time Low – Damned If I Do

Arctic Monkeys – “I Bet You Look Good on The Dance Floor”

Beady Eye – Millionaire

Beyoncé – Crazy In Love

Big Country – Look Away

Bipolar Empire – Feel That You Own It

The Black Eyed Peas – Where is The Love
The Bloody Beetroots – Awesome

Brandon Flowers – Crossfire

Bright Eyes – First Day Of My Life

Brother – Darling Buds Of May

Bruno Mars – Grenade

Calvin Harris – Bounce

Chase & Status – Time

Cherri Bomb – Spin

City And Colour – Sleeping Sickness

Coldplay – The Scientist

Consumer Love Affair – Heart Of Hearts

Crystal Castles – Baptism

Deadmau5 – Ghosts N Stuff
Diplo – Blow Your Head
Eels – Novacaine For The Soul

Eliza Doolittle – Skinny Genes

Example – Changed The Way You Kissed Me

Fenech-Soler – Stop and Stare

Fight Like Apes – Something Global

Foo Fighters – Everlong

Frankie & The Heartstrings – Tender

Friendly Fires – Live Those Days Tonight

Fun Lovin’ Criminals – King Of New York

Glasvegas – Daddy’s Gone

Her Majesty & The Wolves – Goodbye, Goodnight

House Of Pain – Jump Around

Hurts – Stay

Imelda May – Johnny Got A Boom Boom

Jenny & Johnny – My Pet Snakes

Jessie J – Price Tag

Jimmy Eat World – Pain

Ke$ha – We R Who We R

Leftfield – Open Up

Manic Street Preachers – Design For Life

Miles Kane – Come Closer

The Minutes – Black Keys

My Chemical Romance – Helena

Maverick Sabre – Let Me Go

Metronomy – The Bay

Mona – Trouble On The Way

The Naked & Famous – Punching In A Dream

The National – Terrible Love

Noah & The Whale – L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N.

Ocean Colour Scene – The Day We Caught The Train

Odd Future – Sandwitches (Tyler The Creator)

Paolo Nutini – Coming Up Easy

Pendulum – Watercolour

Peter Doherty – Broken Love Song

Plan B – She Said

The Pretty Reckless – Miss Nothing

Primal Scream – Movin’ On Up

Professor Green – Just Be Good To Green

Royseven – Dance

Ryan Sheridan – The Dreamer

The Saturdays – Ego

Saw Doctors – I Usta Love Her

The Script – Breakeven

Slash – Back From Cali

The Strokes – Last Night

Steve Aoki – I’m In The House

Sven Vath – Set My Heart On Fire

Swedish House Mafia – Save The World

Tiga – Mind Dimension

Tinie Tempah – Pass Out

Two Door Cinema Club – Something Good Can Work

The Vaccines – If You Wanna

Weezer – Buddy Holly

Renowned for providing multi-sensory music experiences, the Heineken Green Spheres stage continues to raise music fans to paranormal musical levels with its stellar line up.

This year, Heineken will be offering the festival’s biggest music fans a chance to get closer to the magic with a series of pit pass giveaways for the Heineken Green Spheres arena. For further details of how to win, fans should stay tuned to www.heinekenmusic.ie.

Following a year that’s included gigs around the country with Cut Copy; The Go! Team; Holy Ghost; and Foals, the Heineken Green Spheres stage is testament of Heineken’s commitment to delivering great music events.
In addition to the Heineken Green Spheres stage, music fans will be able to enjoy Heineken served extra cold from all the bars, the return of Heineken Green Space and a few more surprises still to come, stay tuned to Heinekenmusic.ie for further updates.

Heineken Green Spheres Line-Up
Friday 8th July: Leftfield, Calvin Harris, Example, Whipping Boy, Bressie, Her Majesty & The Wolves, The Riptide Movement, Gypsies On The Autobahn and more to be announced.

Saturday 9th July: Brandon Flowers, The Vaccines, Professor Green, The Pretty Reckless, Cashier No.9, Fox Avenue, Propaganda DJs.

Sunday 10th July: Primal Scream, Chase & Status, Crystal Castles, Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All, Ocean Colour Scene, The Saturdays, GROUPLOVE and more to be announced.

Check out www.oxegen.ie/competitions for the full low down!

Check out the video to see what these fans think will be the essential artists not to miss!

Now, we want you to tell us who you want to see most.

Film a short piece to camera giving us your must see Oxegen artist and your reasons why. The more creative and quirkier the better (but keep em’ clean!)

The Prize
Upgrade your tickets to a VIP Luxury camping package courtesy of our good friends at Tangerine Fields: a spacious dome tent with everything you need for a cosy camping experience including 2 new sleeping bags and a robust double air- bed, already pumped up for action!

Good Luck!

Terms and conditions.

Competition is open to Over 17s only.

Myhab Ltd.
www.myhab.com
Email: more@myhab.com
Address: 8th Floor, 80 Cannon Street, London, EC4N 6HL.

In addition, Oxegen would also suggest that you contact the National Consumer Agency for the best advice on your consumer rights.

Consumer Helpline on Lo-call 1890 432 432* or (01) 402 5555
Lines open Monday -Friday, 9am-6pm
Head office: +353 1 402 5500
Fax: +353 1 402 5501
4 Harcourt Road
Dublin 2
Ireland

Please note if you have purchased online by credit card your credit card company may have a refund policy already in place.

Oxegen will do everything we can to assist fans.

Kind regards,

Oxegen

The first, from much of the public, would probably be to think that the single they are currently hearing on the radio is the first thing by him that they had ever heard.

The second response, from a critically informed and knowing fanbase, is more complex, based on a compelling and diverse body of work spread over 4 albums since his debut “Lycanthropy” in 2003.

However, even if you think you know Patrick Wolf from his previous work it’s likely that, precisely one minute and 20 seconds into “The City”, his new single and the opening track from his next album “Lupercalia”, you will re-evaluate his entire oeuvre. There’s the Memphis horn riff, oddly reminiscent of the Stones in their 1970’s heyday. There’s the relentless exuberance as the song moves effortlessly with the breathless surge that only the best and most enduring pop songs display. Quite simply it’s the confidence of an artist operating at the peak of his powers. It seems Lady Gaga is not alone in joining the cognoscenti who have known all along that Patrick Wolf is not just an insanely gifted artist, but someone who is now ready for the mainstream, albeit under his own terms.

The time couldn’t be better. For too long pop music had fallen out of the hands of the maverick, the neurotic outsider who could do little else but create, bringing their skewed sensibilities to the stage in a celebration of otherness that lies at the heart of the best pop. We laugh at much of the 1980’s but they gave us Prince, Soft Cell, The Associates, The Smiths, Madonna and Pet Shop Boys. We malign much of the 1990’s but are currently rediscovering the genius of Suede, Pulp and Blur. Patrick Wolf embodies the spirit of all of these legends in that he does things his own way; it’s a path that’s not always linear but which can’t help but embrace the inspiration garnered from the twists and turns of an extraordinary life.
27 years old Patrick Wolf was born in South London, still lives there and his new album is so informed by his specific area that one track is titled “Bermondsey St” – although, just as The Smiths took a resolutely Northern aesthetic and made it global, so too does Wolf with his particular patch of the capital.

Born into an artistic family, Wolf started recording songs when he was twelve, a year after he made a theremin and two years before he would join the legendary Leigh Bowery’s inflammatory art pop unit Minty. This was not a typical 14 year old. Having already started his musical education with violin lessons and by joining a church choir, it was perhaps no surprise that Wolf would go on to busk in a string quartet and form an experimental trio called Maison Crimineaux, which would lead to his first record deal and the release of his first self-titled EP in 2002.

During the recording of his first album (which gained him an instant international following) Wolf also studied composition at the Trinity College of Music and also made guest appearances playing viola with artists including Arcade Fire, Owen Pallet and Chicks on Speed.

Patrick’s second album “Wind In The Wires” was released in 2005, by which time he had built up a devout, obsessive following. NME hailed Wolf as a, “genuine star”, championing the album effusively, and marking it at an impressive 8/10.

That same year he began recording what would be his most critically acclaimed and commercially successful album to date, “The Magic Position”, which was released in 2007. Described by The Guardian as exhibiting a “delirious joie de vivre”, the album saw Wolf’s stature rise even further, setting the scene for his most audacious and confessional work to date.

His fourth album “The Bachelor” was released in 2009 to huge acclaim. Paid for by fans via the Bandstocks website, critics spanning the globe hailed the album as a triumph. “The Bachelor”, like so many romantic yarns before it, is epic – and a whispered breath away from sheer perfection” – 9/10 Clash Magazine.

At this time Patrick was also asked by the iconic American artist Nan Goldin and the Tate Modern to compose and perform the original soundtrack for Golden’s legendary film “The Ballad Of Sexual Dependency”.

Goldin is only one of a number of amazing artists with whom Wolf has collaborated over the years; these include Florence Welch, Eliza Carthy, Marianne Faithfull, Tilda Swinton and, most notably, Patti Smith.

And now comes his brand new album “Lupercalia” which is already being hailed as his best work to date. An unusual array of instruments emerge; the duduk, cristal bachet, glass harmonica and ondes martenot all combine with orchestral woodwind, brass, choral and string sections recorded at the legendary Air Studios to produce a body of work that sounds like the album Wolf has been waiting all his life to make.

Speaking in a recent interview, Wolf explains how the lyrics to this album are “hugely confessional” Having found both love and a related sense of deep fulfillment last year, “Lupercalia” records this continuing journey of discovery and the newly found redemptive feelings he has been experiencing. It seems that a refreshed outlook on life and a profound optimism has propelled him to new creative heights, contradicting the view that abject suffering always makes the best art.

The album was prefaced last year by the single “Time Of My Life”, of which The Guardian wrote: “Not only is this ‘Pick of the Week’ it’s shimmying up the Singles of the Year list. There’s not a lot to say about Wolf’s song-writing skills here that doesn’t end in gushy superlatives. This is many kinds of wonderful.”

Patrick Wolf’s current single “The City” was BBC Radio 2’s most played track recently and looks set to break Wolf out from his major cult status into the mainstream. His new album “Lupercalia” is released on June 20th and is already been heralded as one of the most important and innovative releases of the year.

Having worked with artists as diverse as Florence Welch, Eliza Carthy, Marianne Faithfull, and Patti Smith, Patrick Wolf’s iconoclastic music has seen him spread his prodigious talents into a number of fields.

But it is as a songwriter and solo musician that Wolf has made his biggest impression with each of his albums gaining more critical plaudits and recognition than the last.

A limited edition single “Time Of My Life” was released at the end of last year and heralded this new sound for Wolf, fusing an innate sense of song-writing genius with a resoundingly commercial thrust. The Guardian wrote:

“Not only is this ‘Pick of the Week’ it’s shimmying up the Singles of the Year list. There’s not a lot to say about Wolf’s song-writing skills here that doesn’t end in gushy superlatives. This is many kinds of wonderful.”

“The City”, with its almost 1970’s Rolling Stones-like horn riff and relentlessly euphoric feel, is an even more direct introduction to Patrick Wolf’s new direction and, as such, will firmly propel him into the bigger arena that the scale and ambition of this new music already inhabits.

“Britain’s most innovative, radical and creative pop star” The Observer

“Luxuriant and joyous pop with an overriding message of love conquering all”

NME Albums of 2011 preview

“All hail the crown prince of alt-pop, then, who makes a dashing return with new material that’s romantic, urban and urbane” Metro

20 DAYS TO OXEGEN 2011 – TICKETS ON-SALE NOW!

5) Bruno Mars – have seen him play intimate gigs but the Lazy song + Oxegen sunshine will just be epic
4) Deadmaus – gonna bring the party to the roof or the stars as it may be

3) House of Pain – The retroness is gonna bring back mega vintage smileage
2) My Chemical Romance – Last time I saw them at Oxegen they made that year for me especially when they played Welcome to the Black Parade – I think they’re still so underrated as a live act – looking forward to their Oxegen performance this year
1) Paolo Nutini – has to be the ultimate for me this year… I know that when I see him play Oxegen will have landed for me – Pencil Full of Lead will send me into Oxegen overdrive

Nikki Hayes
Presenter “Spin Hits”
Mon – Fri 9:45am-12:45pm

The single ‘Mindfighter’ was a recent Song of The Day pick on popjustice and with its pulsating drumbeat and bubbling synths looks set to be a huge hit both in the charts and in clubland.

He’s also supported countless international DJs in some of top venues in Dublin and Ireland over the years.

Diplo’s Mad Decent imprint serves as a blank palette to showcase the myriad different sounds he’s come across while touring around the world and in 2010, Rolling Stone magazine hailed Diplo as one of ’40 Reasons to be Excited About Music’.

Diplo is also part of duo Major Lazer – their huge dancehall hit ‘Pon de Floor’ provides the backbone for Beyoncé’s latest mega-hit ‘Run The World (Girls)’.

The Foos had endless energy as they cherry-picked from all five albums.

”Grohl promised to play until they were “thrown off” and, when on such masterful form, there wasn’t anyone among the 65,000 gleeful ticket-holders willing to let them shuffle out early. Though, running with a skin-poundingly brilliant rendition of ‘Best Of You’, they surely couldn’t have had much left in them? Even their frontman seemed genuinely surprised. “How the f**k are we going to follow that up?” he smiled to wild cheers. The answer? An explosive rendition of ‘All My Life’ that was likely to give the front row vertigo”.

Beady Eye frontman Liam Gallagher donned the most colourful costume of the festival, sporting a union-jack coat. Maybe one not to take to Oxegen! According to NME’s Festival Blog Beady Eye really got the crowd behind them: “the vibe was raucously victorious for audience and band alike. The fans because they’d survived the downpours and made it to the penultimate set of the weekend, Beady Eye because they were kicking off their first season of festival shows”. Oxegen here they come.

The Metro gushed about Chase and Status, they wrote; “The real surprise standout tune from the weekend came not from the Main Stage but in the Big Top … when Chase and Status unleashed ‘Blind Faith’ on a pumped up, semi-naked crowd ready to tear down the stage. Such was the ferocity of the crowd’s reaction to the dance duo’s set they had to stop playing for ten minutes to get everyone to calm down”.

NME reports that “Hurts cranked up their glorious synth-soul to 11”, adding that frontman Theo Hutchcraft likes to add a bit of drama to his performances, “he throws the mic stand about … and dramatically flings white roses into the crowd … Pop, performance and poetry all in one. Hurts brought the works; an opera singer, string quartet and dancers – not to mention their collection of mightily impressive songs. Their afternoon show bristled with brilliance”.

Click here for all your Camping Tips!

Oxegen act Metronomy’s music video for new single ‘The Bay’ was inspired by Will Smith’s video for ‘Miami’!

Speaking to NME, where ‘The Bay’ video is available to watch, singer Joe Mount said “I basically wanted to re-do Will Smith’s video for ‘Miami’, but in Torquay, and weirdly David (Wilson – director) sent us a treatment which was pretty much that exact idea. It was meeting of minds, a glorious meeting of minds.”

Mount grew up in Torquay and the video highlights some of the local scenery. Songs on Metronomy’s new album ‘The English Riviera’ are also about Torquay.
“Yeah, I’ve ended up talking about the area a lot with this album. I hope I’ve made it look a bit more swish. We could just go where we wanted for the video too, the tourist board just laid everything on. I guess they must need the publicity.”

Metronomy, whose live shows often include dance routines and light shows, perform the Friday at Oxegen this July.

Fellow Oxegen act Bright Eyes‘ new video is also available to view on NME. The video, to accompany their new track ‘Jejune Stars’, can be seen here. The track comes from their live EP, due for release on the 4th of July.

Bright Eyes will be on stage at Oxegen a matter of days later, on Sunday 10th of July.

Deadmau5
I’ve never managed to see Deadmau5 live before which is a mortal sin! This is definitely going to be one of the highlights of Oxegen 2011 – miss this set at your peril!

Primal Scream (Screamadelica)
‘Screamadelica’ is a classic album, and getting to see them play it live is going to be amazing! It’s hard to believe that it’s 20 years old, but it still sounds brilliant.

The Minutes
They’re one of the best Irish bands around at the moment, and I’m loving their debut album ‘Marcata’, so they’re a definite for me. They’ve improved massively over the years, and I think a lot of people are going to be astonished at how good they are.

Crystal Castles
Never an act that you should miss when you have a chance to see them. They’re blistering live, so you might want to bring along some soft French cheese to stick in your ears just in case!

Slash
You have to don’t you! Guns N Roses and Velvet Revolver are guilty pleasures, and he’s been a guest on my show twice – what a gentleman. Don’t discount his solo or Snake Pit material either – RAWK!

Dan Hegarty – The Alternative To Sleep! – Night-Time 2FM
Monday to Thursday: 11pm – 1am

Speaking from his ship via Skype, Captain Morgan commented, “I’ve heard a lot of great things about music festivals in Ireland and by the sounds of things Oxegen is the best of the bunch. With only 4 weeks to go, I’m practising my best dance moves and breaking in my new wellingtons so that I can party in style with all my fans! It looks set to be a truly memorable weekend!”

The Captain Morgan area at Oxegen is strictly over 18’s only and ID will be required for entry. Details of the acts and times of shows at the Captain Morgan Oxegen area will be announced on the Captain Morgan Ireland Facebook page over the coming weeks.

The ‘Price Tag’ singer’s new look stole the show, as she stepped out on the red carpet in an uber-glam Dolce & Gabbanna sequined gown and elegant wavy new hairdo. We can’t wait to see what she’ll be wearing onstage at Oxegen!

Our snazzy new Oxegen sitemap for 2011 is now available! It’s an essential piece of kit to get the most out of your festival. Whether you’re looking for a particular stage, the nearest food outlet or just the toilets, the map will help you find it.

Click on the map to enlarge.

The track ‘Party’ has also been produced by Kanye West as well as hip-hop producer Consequence. This is the fifth track to emerge from the much anticipated album ‘4′ after the singer’s new single ‘Best Thing I Never Had’ was released online only last week. First single ‘Run The World (Girls)’, ‘Until The End Of Time’ and ‘1+1′ have previously appeared online.

The formal release of the new studio album ‘4′ is due out on June 28th and with only 29 days to go until Oxegen, it looks like we’ll have a whole lot of new Beyoncé material to listen to.

Nutini has admitted that the new album has a different vibe to the last, with a lot more electric guitar. He also explained that he is looking to “evoke the feeling [he] wants to get across” with the material in the hope that if he feels comfortable with what he is performing, his fans will “really enjoy the gigs”.

Swedish House Mafia’s new track ‘Save The World’ is at No. 17 in the UK and just one spot down in Ireland at No. 18.

Ryan Sheridan’s debut album ‘The Day You Live Forever’ places at No.5 in the Irish Album Charts.

In terms of Oxegen Headliners: The Black Eyed Peas‘ track ‘Don’t Stop the Party’ is at No. 16 & 30 in Ireland and the UK. Beyoncé’s ‘Run The World (Girls)’ holds No. 19 in the Irish single charts and No. 29 in the UK. And Foo Fighters have two records in the UK charts – their ‘Greatest Hits’ record is at No. 31 while their eight studio album ‘Wasting Light’ holds the No. 18 position also charting at No. 37 in Ireland.

Irish Single Chart
No. 1 Pitbull Feat. Neyo, Afrojack & Nayer ‘Give Me Everything’
No. 7 Bruno Mars ‘The Lazy Song’
No. 16 The Black Eyed Peas ‘Don’t Stop The Party’
No. 18 Swedish House Mafia ‘Save The World’
No. 19 Beyoncé ‘Run The World (Girls)’
No. 20 Jessie J ‘Nobody’s Perfect’
No. 28 Jessie J feat B.O.B ‘Price Tag’
No. 35 The Saturdays ‘Notorious’

UK Single Chart
No. 1 Pitbull Feat. Neyo, Afrojack & Nayer ‘Give Me Everything’
No. 5 Bruno Mars ‘The Lazy Song’
No. 11 Jessie J ‘Nobody’s Perfect’
No.17 Swedish House Mafia ‘Save The World’
No. 21 The Saturdays ‘Notorious’
No. 24 Jessie J feat B.O.B ‘Price Tag’
No. 29 Beyoncé ‘Run The World (Girls)’
No. 30 The Black Eyed Peas ‘Don’t Stop The Party’
No. 35 Chase & Status feat Delilah ‘Time’

Irish Album Chart
No. 5 Ryan Sheridan ‘The Day You Live Forever’
No. 7 Bruno Mars ‘Doo-wops & Hooligans’
No. 12 Jessie J ‘Who You Are’
No. 17 Imelda May ‘Love Tattoo’
No. 19 Imelda May ‘Mayhem’
No. 37 Foo Fighters ‘Wasting Light’
No. 38 Noah & The Whale ‘Last Night on Earth’

UK Album Chart
No. 5 Jessie J ‘Who You Are’
No. 7 Bruno Mars ‘Doo-wops & Hooligans’
No. 11 Chase & Status ‘No More Idols’
No. 18 Foo Fighters ‘Wasting Light’
No. 19 Noah & The Whale ‘Last Night on Earth’
No. 31 Foo Fighters ‘Greatest Hits’
No. 36 Friendly Fires ‘Pala’

A must for all his fans, the issue of Hot Press with Paolo on the cover and an exclusive interview and photo-shoot inside goes on sale on Thursday June 2nd.

The band had tweeted some of the lyrics of the song to fans through series of clues. The full lyrics can now be seen here. Drummer Will Champion posted the news along with the message:

“We’re about to play a bunch of summer festivals so it’s as good a time as any to put out a new song. ‘Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall’ will be available from download stores on Friday 3rd June at 12pm (BST), except in the UK where it’ll be released on the stroke of midnight between Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th June. We’ll also stream it here on Friday”.

Visit coldplay.com this Friday at midnight to see the new single streamed before anywhere else. Also check out Coldplay‘s new neon artwork for their upcoming track ‘Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall’!

Lyrics for the album were reportedly inspired by old-school American graffiti, which explains the up to speed artwork and the band’s choice to pose in front of a graffiti-scribbled wall, wielding spray cans. Chris said “The ideas come from the New York graffiti art of the Seventies”. The band revealed their new artwork plus shots of their brave new look yesterday, it’s definitely going to get the Coldplay fans talking!

Only problem was, Paul couldn’t whittle his choices down to just 5…
“It’s hard to pick just five so I may exceed the quota a little. We’re playing on the Sunday and we’re actually in Germany for a show on the Saturday, however, if I was there for the entire weekend, here’s who I’d go and see….

Friday:
Tinie Tempah- I’m only recently converted to his music, but I love it and he seems like the sort of bloke you’d like to hang out with too!
Calvin Harris- We were on before them last time we played Oxegen so I’d like to hear what they’re up to these days.
The Script- I’m ashamed to say that I’ve never seen them live, so I need to address that oversight and watch their set!

Saturday:
Beady Eye- Just for the rubber necking, cos I’m really not sure what to expect live.
Two Door Cinema Club- What a success story, another big Irish band I’ve never seen live but would love to.
Airborne Toxic Event- I’ve missed them in the Academy a few times but heard amazing things, so I’d defo go and see them.

Sunday:
The National-’Nuff said.
Bright Eyes- I listened to a few songs on youtube and really like the music but I’m not sold on it yet, so I’d like to see it live to make up my mind.
Crystal Castles-Getting such great reviews and publicity at the moment so I’m going to go and see what it’s all about.

Sorry for going over! It’s impossible to whittle it down. As I’m just there on the Sunday, I think I’ll be running around like a mad man between stages trying to see as much as possible and lending support to the other Irish acts/friends on that day like Bipolar Empire and Fight Like Apes. It’s going to be a long day, and a longer night!”

Your t-shirt design should reflect what Oxegen means to you and capture the vibrancy and excitement of the festival. Entering couldn’t be easier, simply create your design and upload it! www.oxegen.ie/competitions

Your entry will appear in our gallery on oxegen.ie and fans will have the chance to vote for their favourites. So remember to tell all your friends!

The winning designer will receive a host of amazing prizes, including:

2 x VIP camping tickets for Oxegen 2011.
Exclusive back-stage tour, where you so you can see all the behind the scenes goings on at Oxegen – you might even bump in to a few famous faces!
We’ll also get one of your t-shirts signed by the stars at Oxegen as a memento.

Click here for more details!

No ballroom is complete without a decadent selection of drinks and the Red Bull Cocktail Bar will be mixing the finest of cocktails to get the ballroom swinging.

Don a red Fedora, Trilby or Boa on Fancy Dress Friday to get into the true spirit of the Electric Ballroom. Surprises and prize giveaways will be announced over the coming weeks but dust off your tux and get your debs dress out of the wardrobe in the meantime!

Over the last ten years, Red Bull has been a key feature at an array of global gatherings including Oxegen, Sonar, Notting Hill Carnival, Movement – the Detroit Electronic Music Festival, Splash! Pygmalion and Spring and continues to showcase cutting edge music from all around the world and gives music lovers a glimpse of the Red Bull music vibe.

Oxegen has always been synonymous with the biggest names in electronic music, having hosted icons such as LCD Soundsystem, Felix Da Housecat, 2 Many Djs, DJ Shadow, Deadmau5, Calvin Harris and David Guetta down the years. Now, The Red Bull Electric Ballroom will bring fans the most exciting and diverse line-up yet seen at Oxegen.

Headlining Friday night is Sven Väth, Germany’s most acclaimed and accomplished DJ/producer and the godfather of the techno scene. Since his career began in 1982 Sven Väth has been at the forefront of innovations in dance music. He’s been a member of several groups, founded label Harthouse and influenced a whole generation of DJs.

His Cocoon Nightclub in Frankfurt is a mecca for fans of all things minimal and his 14+ hour sets are the stuff of legend. His 1995 album ‘Accident in Paradise’ is a landmark of contemporary dance and was chosen by Mixmag as one of the top-50 dance albums of all time.

The Bloody Beetroots are just about the hottest electronic act in the world right now! Their ever-evolving live set has morphed from a high-energy, two-person DJ set to a full-on frenzy-inducing live band. Perpetually clad onstage in their signature Venom masks, the electro revolutionaries blur the lines between fashion/art/music to stunning effect. With an attitude firmly rooted in punk rock, The Bloody Beetroots have become impossible to ignore.

They’ve remixed tracks for The Chemical Brothers, Wu-Tang Clan, The Kills and Metallica to name a few. Catch their amazing live show when they headline The Red Bull Electric Ballroom on Saturday!

Dutch DJ supremo Afrojack will headline Sunday night. His collaboration with Pitbull, Neyo and Nayer, ‘Give Me Everything’ is currently at No.1 in the UK singles chart and No.3 in the U.S Billboard Hot 100. His reputation as a producer has seen him receive remix requests for Lady Gaga’s ‘Alejandro’ and Madonna’s ‘Revolver’ for which he took the 2011 Grammy Award in collaboration with David Guetta.

Tiga has remixed tracks by Soulwax, the xx, Fever Ray, Boys Noize, Scissor Sisters and Felix da Housecat. His debut album ‘Sexor’ won Dance Recording of the Year at the 2007 Juno Awards.

Crookers 2010 album ‘Tons of Friends’ could not be more accurately titled. It features Will I Am, Róisín Murphy and Kelis to name but a few. Crookers have remixed U2, Britney Spears and the Lady Gaga and Beyoncé hit ‘Telephone’.

Diplo’s collaborations with M.I.A, including the 2008 mega-hit ‘Paper Planes’, have made him one of the most in demand producers around. His production credits include Santigold and Missy Elliot, while he’s remixed works by Beck, Radiohead, Britney Spears and countless others.

Diplo’s Mad Decent imprint serves as a blank palette to showcase the myriad different sounds he’s come across while touring around the world and in 2010, Rolling Stone magazine hailed Diplo as one of ’40 Reasons to be Excited About Music’. Diplo is also part of duo Major Lazer – their huge dancehall hit ‘Pon de Floor’ provides the backbone for Beyoncé’s latest mega-hit ‘Run The World (Girls)’.

Steve Aoki’s ‘Pillowface and His Airplane Chronicles’ won him the ‘Best Mix Album’ at The Billboard Awards in 2008. 2011 sees Steve Aoki embark on a huge international tour, returning to Oxegen after a massive performance last year.

Irish electronic musician Shit Robot (Marcus Lambkin) He released his debut album ‘From The Cradle To The Rave’ in 2010 to positive reviews from the likes of NME. It features contributions from Alexis Taylor of Hot Chip and James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem. For his live show Shit Robot will perform ‘inside’ a specially created screen featuring custom designed visuals.

Alex Metric’s ‘In Your Machine’ EP saw him crowned “remixer of the year” by XFM. ‘Deadly On A Mission’ did yet more damage with quirky, offbeat vocals backed with fuzzy, cracked-at-the-edges synths and huge, singalong choruses. Alex has also graced the soundsystems of almost every major club in the world over the past twelve months.

Fake Blood is a British DJ and producer who made his name as one half of ‘The Wiseguys’, a British hiphop/bigbeat band that enjoyed massive chart success with ‘Ooh La La’. He’s remixed for Little Boots, Mike Snow and Noah & The Whale.

Fenech Soler’s single ‘Stop and Stare’ was a recent BBC Radio 1’s ‘Record of the Week’ and their remix work includes ‘Hollywood’ by Marina & The Diamonds. Lead vocalist Ben Duffy also featured on the Groove Armada track ‘Paper Romance’.
Maverick Sabre is garnering acclaim for his wave of hip-hop inspired soulful folk vocals. Having already won over a diverse fan-base, from the crowds at SXSW in Texas to stints on recent national tours with Plan B and Chase & Status.
Justin Robertson has remixed dozens of high-profile music artists as himself or as The Prankster, fronted the group Lionrock and has released albums and singles of original music under his own name and the name Revtone.

Retro/Grade make Italo-inspired electro music. The London duo of Tom Neville and Serge Santiago are set to release their debut album ‘Motion’ later this year. The single ‘Mindfighter’ was a recent Song of The Day pick on popjustice and with its pulsating drumbeat and bubbling synths looks set to be a huge hit both in the charts and in clubland.

Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs swings between overt musicality and scarily on-point

dancefloor sensibility, ripping up clubs around the globe with his live show of bizarre instruments, glitter cannons and of course… dancing dinosaurs.
Vogue is a model and one of the rising stars of the Dublin club scene. She’s resident DJ at Gossip in Dublin and has recently joined the team at Phantom FM.

Bitches With Wolves have exploded onto the Irish dance scene and have already supported Fatboy Slim and Calvin Harris with shows in support of Hercules and Love Affair and Erasure lined up this summer. Bitches With Wolves adopt an anything-goes attitude filled with darkly delicious music, high shoulder pads and even higher hair.

Ireland and Leinster rugby hero Cian Healy is set to DJ at Oxegen once again this year, only this time at Red Bull Electric Ballroom. Under the alias DJ Church, Healy and DJ partner Gordo were the only act to play two sets at Oxegen last year..

FM104’s Freaks From Dublin is Dublin’s number 1 dance show. The show has been championing the airwaves for just over ten years with DJ and host Al Gibbs.
Philth is one of the finest DJ talents on Dublin’s clubbing scene and made his name in the early noughties as one of the outstanding long-running resident DJs of the now-finished Backlash. He’s also supported countless international DJs in some of top venues in Dublin and Ireland over the years.

For more information on Red Bull Electric Ballroom go to www.redbull.ie or find us on facebook.
The Red Bull Electric Ballroom Line-up

Friday: Sven Väth, Tiga, The Shit Robot Show (live), Maverick Sabre (live), Justin Robertson, Vogue, Bitches With Wolves and more to be announced.
Saturday: The Bloody Beetroots (live), Diplo, Steve Aoki, Retro/Grade, Philth, Freaks From Dublin, Church & Gordo and more to be announced.
Sunday: Afrojack, Crookers, Fake Blood (live), Alex Metric, Fenech Soler (live), TEED, Al Gibbs and more to be announced.

Tickets for Oxegen 2011 are on sale now from €99.50. For full details, see oxegen.ie.

For Age Restrictions and all Terms & Conditions see: www.oxegen.ie/tickets