Black Country, New Road have been announced as the headliners for the first full-scale return of Hackney’s Visions Festival. Set to take place on Saturday 23rd July, the festival will see a whole host of bands play across the festival’s 5 venues: Hackney Church, Round Chapel, Oslo, Chats Palace, and Paper Dress Vintage. This marks the band’s first gig announcement since the departure of the lead vocalist, Isaac Wood, and then the cancellation of their extensive UK tour that would have been underway now. You can check out full line-up information, as well as look into getting yourself tickets to the festival, here.
We’re delighted to be returning with a full-scale Visions on Saturday 23rd July 2022. pic.twitter.com/Wsa3IojpQb
— Visions Festival (@VisionsFestival) March 23, 2022
After topping our list for 2021’s album of the year with For The First Time, and then releasing another album this February, Ants From Up There, (that honestly might be a contender this time around) things were looking up for the band. But, due to a perfectly justifiable combination of reasons regarding mental health, Wood released an intimate statement on the band’s socials explaining his situation. Despite the band’s claims that they would continue to make music and tour as Black Country, New Road, many fans were left worried about their future. Especially when you keep the cancelled tour in mind. Now, however, some of that tension may have been lightened as they seem to be keeping to their word and getting back on the scene. As of yet, it is unclear as to whether they will be touring as a 6-piece, or try and find a new member to fill the gaps; but by the looks of things, a 6-piece will be the way for a while.
We have some news to share concerning the future of the band. Please read on for information on upcoming shows, but it seems right to pass on this message from Isaac first pic.twitter.com/3HHmSwBDQj
— BlackCountry,NewRoad (@BCNRband) January 31, 2022
As well as BC,NR the line-up seems perfect for those after a day of counter-culture. Niger based songwriter Mdou Moctar will also be heading to Hackney to perform his own interpretations of Tuareg guitar music. French DJ Oklou brings her special blend of ambience and harsh French house. And Dublin newcomer For Those I Love, whose debut album received significant critical acclaim last year will also join the line-up. This is also, only the first wave of artists to be announced for the festival, so watch this space for more updates on line-up news.
While this is only a 1-day festival, the festival has also announced a “special pre-party on 22nd July at Round Chapel, co-headlined by Yumi Zouma and Far Caspian, plus more special guests to be announced”. It’s an interesting idea to announce a single day festival… that is in conjunction with another unrelated party the day before the festival… at one of the festival’s venues… then still call it a 1-day festival. But who am I to judge, more music for us.
