Calling all rockers and lovers of the Xtreme lifestyle! Woodstock 9 opens its gate on Wednesday at noon in the beautiful Eastern Free State with the Maluti mountains providing a picturesque background.
Conveniently situated halfway between Jozi and Durban, ticket sales are already doing well and a large crowd is expected at the President Brand Park where the music and lifestyle festival will be held.
While there are the usual Woodstock offerings of BMXing, mini bikes and skateboarding, it is the music this year, that will take up most of our attention.
With nearly 100 bands performing, one is spoiled for choice. From the established bands Tonight recommend The Narrow, Wickhead and The Springbok Nude Girls, all of whom will give you uncompromising hard rock and a world-class stage show.
If chick music is your scene, Tasha Baxter, Harris Tweed and Josie Fields are a must. It's also Jo Day's penultimate stage show ever. And she is always good.
The Van Coke Kartel, featuring Fokofpolisiekar's lead singer, Francois van Coke, is possibly the most anticipated band of the festival as most music fans have yet to see the wild rocker's new project.
The Revolution Stage is also a must. "They are not even up-and- coming bands," said organiser Bill Botes of Flag Management.
"They're the coolest bands on the scene." The music ranges from metal heads Bloodline Ltd and Myepic to the cutsey pop of Japan and I. There is also a new group playing on that stage called My Skip Rope Team, who come recommended just because of their name.
For brand-new talent catch the finals of the Battle vir Woodstock on the Durex Stage on Friday night, which is a culmination of a nation-wide search for the best new band.
The main events start on Friday and end on Sunday, but for people arriving on Thursday, they will be entertained by bands participating in Tribute to My Influence.
With this concept, top SA bands are invited to perform inter-pretations of key international songs that have influenced them throughout their careers.
With December 1 being World Aids Day, Durex is giving away 10 000 condoms at the festival.
Festival-goers are reminded to bring blockout and something warm for the evenings. Tickets are available through Computicket.
- Line-up
Jose cuervo outdoor main stage:
- Friday:
4.30pm: Josie Fields
5.15pm: Tasha Baxter
6pm: Fevertree
7pm: Farryl Purkiss
8pm: Cassette
9pm: Evolver
10.05pm: Prime Circle
11.15pm: Springbok Nude Girls
- Saturday:
1pm: Chix with Stix
1.45pm: Gang of Instrumentals
2.30pm: Voodoo Child
3.15pm: Lonehill Estate
4.15pm: Redhouse
5.15pm: New Academics
6.15pm: Battle Winner
7pm: Southworld
8pm: Niemand
9pm: Jo Day
10.05pm: Wickhead
11.15pm: The Narrow
Durex love to live stage
- Friday:
4pm to 11pm: Battle vir Woodstock Final, featuring: Change of View (CT), Failing Forward (CT), Half Price (CT), His Dying Wish (Dbn), Reach (Jhb), Sheepdown (Dbn), We Shall Embrace (Jhb), We the Sage (Jhb), Your Name in Neon (Jhb) and the Battle Wild Card band.
- Saturday:
12pm: Gently Scar'd
1pm: Fire through the Window
2pm: Marike Jager
3pm: Tim Pepper
4pm: Death Valley Blues Band
5pm: Walt
6pm: The Uncut
7pm: Re-Plau
8pm: Redhouse