Twice platinum selling British indie heavyweights Athlete are confirmed to perform at Shrewsbury Fields Forever Festival this September – in what is promised to be their biggest and strongest line up yet.
Since bouncing to prominence seven years ago with the spirited, electro-tinged, indie-pop of their Mercury-nominated debut, ‘Vehicles and Animals’, Athlete have established themselves among the UK's finest songsmiths.
The south east Londoners have sold more than a million copies of their three hit albums (the other two being 2005's Tourist and 2007's Beyond the Neighbourhood). Packed out venues across the land; picked up an Ivor Novello award; and topped both the UK's album and airplay charts whilst going platinum – twice.
The Mercury Award nominated band has had numerous chart success, such as ‘El Salvador’, ‘You got the style’ and the massive single ‘Wires’. Wires was written about lead singer Joel Pott's newborn baby who was rushed to intensive care after a premature birth, and in 2006 it won them the Ivor Novello Award for "Best Contemporary Song". The band frequently reflect life experiences in their music.
"We've definitely experienced the joys of life," says Potts, "whether it's all those things Athlete have achieved, or the birth of our kids. But, like anyone, we've had really difficult times too."
In the last few years, the band have lost close relatives, seen friends' marriages fall apart and experienced miscarriages.
"The week [Athlete's 2005 hit single] Wires came out, myself and Joel both found out our partners had miscarried on the same day," remembers keyboard player Tim Wanstall. "Until something like that happens, you don't really realise how fragile life is. And it definitely influences the way you look at the world afterwards."
Athlete will be joining Saturday’s main stage line up alongside festival headline act Maximo Park, current chart favourites The 1975 and arguably the most successful band in recent years to hail from Shropshire – The Sunshine Underground. Also announced are dance acts – Sister Bliss of Faithless, Fatboy Slim favourite DJ Sonny Wharton and oldskool house legends K Klass who will be performing a special live set.
They will be part of around 100 acts to play across the three day alternative/indie music, comedy and art festival – with the Sunday Jestival, new to last year, bringing the event to a close. The family friendly festival, with optional camping, has grown over the two previous years, attracting 7,000 people in 2012, and with 2013 tickets selling 10 times faster than previous years, it promises to be the biggest yet.
Mr Edwards added: “The 2013 festival is undoubtedly our biggest yet, with an unprecedented amount of ticket sales before we even announced any acts. People are starting to return year on year but new faces will help us create what will be our best festival yet. We still have some pretty big acts to announce yet, including the Sunday Jestival tent.
“Athlete are just one of those bands that got so big everyone instantly recognises one of their hits. We have been trying to secure them for a years, but are really glad they perform part of this year’s line-up, our best yet.”
To book tickets or for more information about the festival go to: www.shrewsburyfieldsforever.com, find us on twitter @ShrewsburyFest or like us on facebook www.facebook.com/ShrewsburyFestival
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