Live Nation Middle East yesterday announced the international musical artists to headline Gulf Bike Week 2012 at the Festival Park, Dubai Festival City, are none other than: the legendary ten-time Grammy nominee heavy metal band Megadeth, Grammy nominated and four-time American Music Awards winner Daughtry, and Mega British indie rock band Razorlight.
Performing first on 18 October 2012 will be Megadeth with support acts from Dubai’s very own resident rock bands Absolace and Sandwash. Daughtry and Razorlight will perform on 19 October 2012 with support from Juliana Down.
Tyler Mervyn, Managing Director, Live Nation Middle East, said: “After a year hiatus from the Gulf Bike Festival Live Nation is thrilled to once again be working with Clarion and ecstatic to announce the concert series lineup for Gulf Bike Week 2012. We recognize that there is been a major void in Live Rock and Metal music scene in Dubai, and put together this lineup with that in mind, and feel that the concerts will appeal to everyone; bikers, rockers or otherwise.”
Sally Edwards, Director Dubai Calendar at Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment, said: “With the previous success earned by Mecom Forums, a Clarion Events partner, and Live Nation Middle East with Gulf Bike Week, we are pleased to support the organization in putting on an outstanding event this October. One of our key objectives is to develop, promote, facilitate and support the retail and events sectors in the Emirate, ensuring year-round attractions and extended reasons to visit Dubai, its festivals, malls, souks and high-street. Megadeth, Daughtry and Razorlight are among the elite musical rock artists of the world and having Live Nation Middle East tie these performers with the biking and off-roading sub-culture at Gulf Bike Week is sure to be a highlight for the month of October in Dubai this year, whilst encouraging both organizations to outdo themselves next year.”
Formed in 1983, metal legend Megadeth, who are celebrating their 20th anniversary to their epic Countdown to Extinction album, will take centre stage in Dubai to perform songs from their latest album ‘Th1rth3en’ which was released last year and debuted at No.1 on The Billboard Hard Rock Albums Chart. In addition, the band will perform songs from its previous albums that earned them global adoration and ten Grammy nominations for Best Metal Performance and seven Platinum Certifications.
David Ellefson, Megadeth, said: “We are thrilled to be playing Dubai in October 2012. With the recent ‘Th1rt3en’ album and current ‘Countdown To Extinction’ 20th anniversary tour under way we will have a fantastic selection of songs for you at our concert. Until then….keep on ‘Thrashing till Megadeth!'”
Coming from humble beginnings and shooting up to superstardom over the past six years, American Idol finalist Chris Daughtry and his band have travelled the world selling out arenas playing number one hits that include ‘It’s not over’, ‘Home’, ‘Feels like tonight’ and ‘No Surprise’.
Also appearing, as a festival headliner is UK Indie Rock band Razorlight. Having sold four million albums and winning NME Best New Band Award in 2005, Razorlight is set to electrify rock fans across the UAE with a number of hits, including ‘America’ that went straight to number one and turned the band into an international phenomenon with airplay success across Europe and beyond.
Johnny Borrell, Lead Singer, Razorlight, said: “We’re excited about the show in Dubai. Playing live is what Razorlight do best and it’s great to be in a part of the world we’ve never visited before, and even better to be at a bike festival. It’ll be a fantastic day.”
Gulf Bike Week 2012 is revving up to be the biggest and best motorcycling and off-roading event in the region. The event is guaranteed to be fun for the whole family with plenty of exciting activities that include stunts, music, a motorcycle parade, the biggest motorcycle and off-road vehicles exhibition in the region and a wide array of food and drinks for both adults and children. Day passes for entry excluding the concerts are available for the festival at 50 AED, and can be purchased at the door.
Tickets can be purchased online from Sunday, 23 September 2012, 10:00 am onwards, starting at AED 295 from www.livenation.ae and in store at Virgin Megastore outlets across the UAE.
Organised by MECOM Forums a Clarion Events partner, and Live Nation, Gulf Bike Week will be held from 18 – 20 October 2012. For more information on Gulf Bike Week 2012, please visit: https://www.gulfbikeweek.com
Upcoming Megadeth Shows:
Sep 20 Pepsi Center WTC, Mexico City, Mexico
Sep 21 Arena VFG, Vallarta Poniente, Mexico
Oct. 18 Festival Park, Dubai
Countdown To Extinction 20th Anniversary Tour
Nov. 09 – Providence, RI @ Lupo’s at the Strand
Nov. 10 – Huntington, NY @ Paramount Theatre
Nov. 11 – Worcester, MA @ The Palladium
Nov. 13 – Wallingford, CT @ Oakdale Theatre
Nov. 14 – Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom
Nov. 16 – Atlantic City, NJ @ House Of Blues
Nov. 17 – Niagara Falls, NY @ Rapids Theatre
Nov. 19 – Stroudsburg, PA @ Sherman Theater
Nov. 20 – Columbus, OH @ LC Pavilion
Nov. 24 – Myrtle Beach, SC @ House Of Blues
Nov. 25 – Charlotte, NC @ Fillmore
Nov. 26 – Atlanta, GA @ The Tabernacle
Nov. 28 – Kansas City, MO @ Midland Theatre
Dec. 01 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Great Saltair
Dec. 02 – Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory
Dec. 04 – Reno, NV @ Grand Sierra Theatre
Dec. 06 – Las Vegas, NV @ House Of Blues
Dec. 07 – Pomona, CA @ Fox Theatre
For an updated Megadeth’s 2012 tour schedule click here.
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‘David Ellefson’ ‘Dave Mustaine’ And I Study Scripture Together [Feb. 2012]
Megadeth – Th1rt3en [CD review]
‘David Ellefson’ ‘There Are A Lot Of Artists Who Are Very Open About Their Faith’ [March 2012]
‘Megadeth’ At France’s ‘Hellfest’; Video Footage Available [June 2012]
Behind -The-Scenes Footage: ‘Megadeth’ At Belgium’s ‘Graspop Metal Meeting’ [June 2012]
‘Megadeth’ Taps Producer ‘Johnny K’ For New Album [Aug. 2012]
‘Megadeth’ Kicks Off ‘Countdown To Extinction’ 20th-Anniversary Tour In Colombia [Video] [Sept. 2012]
‘Megadeth’s’ ‘Countdown To Extinction’ Album Remastered And Expanded For 20th-Anniversary Edition [Sept. 2012]