Rock royalty lined up for Oxegen

The word legend is overused but Slash is the real deal. He’s one of the greatest guitarists of all time and the man responsible for some of Rock’s most iconic solos on tracks like ‘Sweet Child Of Mine’ and ‘Paradise City’. Slash’s band will play songs from his hit solo album as well as classic tracks from both Guns N’ Roses and Velvet Revolver. His epic performance and set list at Glastonbury last summer went down in 2010 festival history. Oxegen fans should get ready for an even greater performance this July.

Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All (OFWGKTA) have gone from underground sensations to the hottest new act in the USA in just a few months and they’ve even graced the front cover of Billboard Magazine. The 11 strong hip-hop crew’s energy and uncompromising lyrics have seen them compared to Eminem. Their visceral combination of beat and verse makes OFWGKTA an Oxegen must-see.

With less than 80 days to go, Oxegen’s Festival Director John Probyn believes the latest line-up additions will add to the growing sense of anticipation among fans: “We think this announcement offers something really special for all our fans. Whatever your taste in music, be it pop, rock, hip-hop or RnB, Oxegen delivers. It’s that eclecticism and quality that make it such a vibrant and exciting festival. Personally, I’m really looking forward to seeing Slash play – the man is genuine rock royalty.”

Metronomy’s new album ‘The English Rivera’ was only released last week but is already considered a genuine contender for album of the year. The album’s enjoying heavy rotation at Oxegen HQ so everyone is thrilled they’re Punchestown bound.

Manic Street Preachers are back at Oxegen for the first time since 2009. Classic songs such as ‘Motorcycle Emptiness’, ‘A Design For Life’ and ‘La Tristessa Durera’ helped define a generation. Their latest album ‘Postcards From a Young Man’ reached No.3 in the album charts.

They conquered the world with their debut eponymous masterpiece in 2008, now Glasvegas are back with their incredible new album Euphoric /// Heartbreak \\\. t’s a leap beyond their trademark wall-of-sound into glittering new towers of electronic rock ‘n’ roll - bigger, bolder, brighter and infinitely more personal.

Peter Doherty follows up his successful reunion shows with The Libertines last year with a solo tour and a return to Oxegen. His debut solo album ‘Grace/Wastelands’ offered further proof of his exquisite song writing abilities.

The Saturdays represent ultimate pop perfection. The gorgeous five-piece have enjoyed an incredible run of success with eight top ten singles and they’ve a new album expected this summer.

Taylor Momsen is best known for playing Jenny Humphrey on hit TV show Gossip Girl. So the ferocity of her band The Pretty Reckless could raise an eyebrow from those expecting a pretty, blonde teenager to gravitate toward straight-up pop song-writing! With Momsen’sinky vocals, pummelling riffs, and swaggering attitude, their album ‘Light Me Up’ sounds a bit like what might have happened had Led Zeppelin been fronted by “a chick.”

Ke$ha exploded onto the scene when her debut single, ‘Tik Tok’, topped the US charts for 9 consecutive weeks, selling over 5 million copies. She followed that up with another No.1 in the shape of ‘We R Who We R’ and grabbed herself a ‘Best New Act’ gong at The MTV Europe Music Awards.

After an amazing run at South by Southwest 2011, London singer-songwriter Eliza Doolittle returns to Oxegen. Her self-titled debut album proved a huge hit in both the Ireland and the UK. Her single ‘Pack Up’ reached No.6 on the Irish charts last summer which coincided with her performance on the main stage last year.

Oxegen are also bringing fans one of the brightest rising stars in rap - Professor Green. His debut album ‘Alive Till I’m Dead’ was a standout record from last year and featured the killer club and chart smashes ‘I Need You Tonight’ and ‘Just Be Good To Green’, the latter featuring a certain Ms Lily Allen. Professor Green’s next album is due for release in late summer.

Another rap talent tearing up dance-floors in 2010 was Example. He delivered guest vocals on the aforementioned Professor Green’s single Monster and enjoyed more chart success with No.3 hit ‘Kickstarts’. 2011 looks set to be another big year for Example - his new single ‘Unorthodox’ was the most played song on BBC Radio 1 last week.

Completing this week’s announcement are Cherri Bomb, who might just be the youngest band to ever play Oxegen! Made up of four teenage girls with a hard rocking attitude, they’ve supported Smashing Pumpkins and are attracting a huge buzz stateside.

Tickets for Oxegen 2011 are on sale now and you can secure yours with a €100 deposit. For full details, see www.oxegen.ie.