Sparks heading for Scotland

PRESS RELEASE [b]Sparks To Set Isle of Skye Music Festival Alight[/b] Iconic pop legends add further weight to the festival’s stunningly eclectic line-up. The Isle of Skye Music Festival is today delighted to announce that the often-copied, seldom-equalled Sparks will take to the Main Stage on Saturday 17th June alongside previously announced acts, the uber cool Fun Lovin’ Criminals and Brit Award winner KT Tunstall. Today’s announcement further solidifies the diverse billing of the event, which takes place at Ashaig Airstrip, Broadford on Friday 17th and Saturday 18th June 2006. Having emerged victorious from the early 70’s LA club scene, Sparks have enjoyed a career which to date has proffered a staggering 20 album releases. The classic 1974 glam opus ‘Kimono My House’ led to huge success in the UK, where the single ‘This Town Ain’t Big Enough For Both Of Us’ graced the sharp end of the charts, earning the duo a number two hit. Russell and Ron Mael have subsequently continued to stay ahead of the pop-pack through albums as diverse as ‘Whomp That Sucker’, ‘Pulling Rabbits Out Of A Hat’ and ‘National Crime Awareness Week’. Their glam electronic theatrics have influenced a cavalcade of the British music scene’s leading lights, with Morrissey, Franz Ferdinand and the Kaiser Chiefs all citing the idiosyncratic siblings as hugely influential. 2002’s ‘Lil Beethoven’ was lauded by both critics and fans alike, illustrating Sparks’ effortless ability to transcend current audio offerings in the production of tracks which are completely unique and continue to impact and inspire – in short, another masterpiece. Whilst many bands would be delighted to have even one such tour de force under their belts, Sparks’ 2006 album ‘Hello Young Lovers’ caused Uncut to say “It’s so great, the rest of pop music might as well shut up shop” and the Daily Telegraph declared “Sensational – right now no one else in the world is making music like this” Live, Sparks are one of the most awe inspiringly original acts to have left American shores, their recent tour leaving critics the world over agog at their enduring scale and magnificence and prompting the Independent on Sunday to encourage music fans to ‘revel in the Mael’s mix of wit, drama and music you can dance to.’ Sparks’ festival performances are extremely rare so ensure you don’t miss your opportunity to catch living legends in what is sure to be the most talked about set of the weekend! Artists Announced To Date (Not in order of appearance) Friday DJ Mes Ralph Lawson 20:20 Soundsystem Erol Alkan Whomadewho Mylo Justin Robertson Saturday Fun Lovin’ Criminals KT Tunstall Sparks The Cuban Brothers The Upper Room Skye Edwards Aberfeldy The Peatbog Faeries The Young Knives Festival organisers would like to encourage attendees to truly revel in the festival spirit and join the event’s camping community. All ticket packages offer great value for money: • Weekend tickets are fully inclusive of both on site parking and camping costs. Camping is provided onsite, however a number of campsites appear around the island, for those who would like to explore further afield. • Day tickets include park and ride to and from the site. • A free loop shuttle bus service will operate during the course of the festival running from the festival site to Broadford and the festival site to the Kyle of Lochalsh. The event website, as well as providing all up to date line-up information also provides excellent transport and accommodation advice. Music fans can visit it at www.skyemusicfestival.co.uk and sign up for festival updates. Last year’s festival sold out, so be sure to snap up your tickets quickly to avoid disappointment! The Isle of Skye Music Festival Ticket Details June 16th & 17th 2006 Ticket Prices: Day Tickets £40 Weekend Tickets £75 Tickets are available online at www.ticketweb.co.uk and by phoning 08700 600 100 More exciting announcements and further details of onsite activity will follow shortly. Watch this space for the second stage line-up details and news of onsite activity. Sign up for festival alerts at www.skyemusicfestival.co.uk