SZIGET 2009 Press release
Sziget 2009 12-17 Aug 2009, Budapest, Hungary

Sziget 2009 - The best week of the year

Whilst the global recession is still raging with no end in sight, there is one thing we can count on to dispel the ubiquitous gloom of the credit crunch. One carefree party-filled week of joyous self-abandon that is the Sziget. This year what is, was, and always will be the crown jewel of European festivals will be is running from 12-17 August 2009, introduced by two warm-up days. Already some major names have been confirmed, with even more yet to come.

Right from day one there is going to be a truly legendary party as Tankcsapda celebrates the band's 20th birthday. Laci Lukács has promised the biggest concert in the band's history on 10 August 2009, launching the festival on Day - 1. The "Big Tankcsapda Day" will start in the early evening with warm-up bands, followed by the "Tanks" with sets and lights designed exclusively for this occasion, performing assorted hits from the last 20 years and - if the rumours are true - a brand new song as well. All this is free with the 'camping ticket'. Regular tickets are otherwise 5.000 Ft. While Day Zero is still wide open to exciting possibilities, our favourite festival’s steadfast audience is certain to experience a mammoth line-up of album promotional concerts.

Performing on the main stage is none other than The Prodigy. Their latest, fifth studio album "Invaders Must Die" is a huge hit in Hungary and around the world. It went straight in at number two on the Hungarian MAHASZ chart and is leading the European Billboard TOP 100.

Norman Cook, also known as the legendary Fatboy Slim will be leading a riotous party showcasing his brand new fifth album. And even the artist fresh out of rehab might find it hard to resist the lure of the Dreher fuelled 'Sarki Fény' (Carbonated Vodka).

Placebo recently announced their new album, "Battle for the Sun" will be released on June 8th 2009. Hungarian fans will have a chance to check out the new album live at Sziget this year. - "We've made a record about choosing life, about choosing to live, about stepping out of the darkness and into the light," explains frontman Brian Molko. "Not necessarily turning your back on the darkness because it's there, it's essential; it's a part of who you are, but more about the choice of standing in the sunlight instead. I'm very optimistic about the future. I'm in a positive frame of mind and a good head space. It's very exciting."

There are already confirmed opening bands on the main stage. Rocking the crowd in extravagant British acid-rave sci-fi punk style is The Klaxons. The most successful group of the Californian punk movement The Offspring will be bringing their inimical sound, as will the chaotic break-beat heavy Gareth McGrillen and Rob Swire lead Pendulum. One of the most popular bands of the indie-rock scene of the 2000's Bloc Party will be blasting off, blending musical inspiration from the Sonic Youth, The Cure and Joy Division. And Brit indie-pop sensation The Ting Tings will be making sure all of Hungary knows their name. This year's festival won't pass without a Ska superstar either, returning for the third time the Spanish Ska-P will keep festivalgoers bouncing.

The World Music Stage has never introduced so many fresh acts as it is in 2009. Amongst the best known names, one of the biggest sensations will be the debut concert of Claxico from Arizona. The style of this veteran formation is a fusion of indie-rock, alternative country and mariachi music. Performing for the first time in Hungary is the Congolese So Kalmery that created a unique sound known as ‘brakka’ from blending central-African styles, reggae and guitar based dance music. North-African and Spanish flavours mingle in the electronic-based music of the 08001 cult collective from Barcelona, whilst French-Algerian Speed Caravan creates the most radical and fastest lyre music of all time.

Also one of the latest bands is Figli di Madre Ignota, whose brass 'Spaghetti Balkan' promises to bring the festival's highest energy party. There are of course returning favourites. From the members of the Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club we can once again enjoy Guajiro Mirabal, Jesus Ramos and Manuel Galban; and those partial to roots-reggae will be delighted by Tiken Jah Fakoy from the Ivory Coast. And this is only the beginning. Our next news release will reveal just as many delicacies from the World Music Sziget.

Budapest, February 15 2009

Gergo Salamon, Sziget Cultural Management http://www.szigetfestival.com




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