Returning Sheffield indie giants Reverend & The Makers have signed up to the inaugural Tramlines event, along with a host of others.
Tramlines is the brainchild of three very distinct musical talents, yet were born within miles of each other. Jon McClure, Matt Helders (Arctic Monkeys) and dancehall producer Toddla T may make very different music but they all share a distinct civic pride.
Taking place at venues across Sheffield, Tramlines is a unique new event that aims to bring some of the biggest names around to the Northern city. Yet alongside this the festival will promote new talent, with Tramlines seeking to unearth the next Arctic Monkeys.
Announced earlier this year, the first ever Tramlines event will have a star studded cast. Each of the curators has agreed to perform, with Jon McClure previewing the new album by his group Reverend & The Makers.
The band released their debut album ‘State Of The Nation’ in 2007, but last year McClure sensationally split the group and retired from the record industry. Within weeks, though, the gobby frontman was back in action and the group are due to release their new album later this summer.
In a spectacular coup, Reverend The Makers will be joined by legendary Liverpool group The La’s, who will reform for a rare show. In a statement Jon McClure said “As soon as I heard about the festival, I was desperate to get on board. I knew we’d need something special, so I talked to Drew and Lee and they agreed to reform the La’s at the event. That was my big (but not only) festival surprise.”
“On top of that, though, I wanted to showcase some of the great bands coming out of Sheffield, so as well as myself and the La’s you’re gonna see some Sheffield bands that deserve to be seen.”
“It’s gonna be legendary.”
Joining the fun is dancehall producer Toddla T, who will curate a night of dub, bassline, hip hop and much more at the End Of The World. Matt Helders meanwhile will play a rare solo show, with the Arctic Monkeys man set to be joined by the likes of The Rascals and Milburn’s Joe Carnell.
With a host of extras planned, including panels and workshops across the city, Tramlines looks to be a superb addition to the festival scene.
Tramlines takes place between July 24th – 26th.
