aaamusic | On 05, Jul 2012

The Futureheads to play Durham Cathedral as headline act of Durham Streets Summer Festival

The contrast between the taut energy of their recent set supporting the Red Hot Chilli Peppers at The Sunderland Stadium of Light, and an ‘a cappella’ show within the walls of Durham Cathedral could not be more marked.

Yet, it’s happening, and The Futureheads today announced this special one-night-only gig in their native North East. They will be playing songs from their recent ‘voices only’ album “Rant” for 800 fans at Durham Cathedral on Saturday, August 25^th as part of the Durham Streets Summer Festival 2012.

Ross Millard, vocalist and guitarist with the band explains: “We’ve always been a four-part harmony group; it’s been a massive part of the genetics of this band. A couple of years ago we did an ‘a cappella’ version of a Kelis song for the Radio 1 Live Lounge. And it was such a buzz to perform live just with four voices. There’s nothing to hide behind.

“That’s why performing in spaces such as Durham Cathedral are so appealing for this sound. Cathedrals are built in order to carry sound to the far reaches of the space, to let the vocals soar. They’re acoustically perfect for the beautiful, polyphonic, constantly moving pieces of music that we’ll be performing here in Durham.”

Kate James, Visit County Durham Festivals and Events Manager said: “Year on year, thousands of people come to Durham to enjoy the ‘Streets’ Festival and I think we’ve put together the strongest line-up yet.

“Music has always been a big part of ‘Streets’. This concert by the Futureheads will be quite simply, stunning. It’s something specific to Durham and offers an experience far removed from the usual festival scene. I can think of no better venue to hear vocal performance than in our magnificent Cathedral. To combine one of the north east’s finest bands, in the UK’s favourite building will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for everyone that attends.”

The Futureheads concert on Saturday evening will be the centrepiece of four days of performance and entertainment in and around the streets of Durham including folk concerts, a cinematic singalong, and dazzling street theatre.

The Durham Streets Summer Festival is part of a packed calendar of annual events which take place in Durham across the year and celebrates the joy of the performing arts bringing expressive entertainment to Durham’s historic streets and providing opportunities for residents and visitors to participate.

Barry Hyde, lead vocalist with the band, has enjoyed touring with the songs from ‘Rant’, a mix of classic folk songs; Futureheads favourites given a new twist; and cover versions of pop classics: “The human voice is so expressive and you can create some amazing chords and rhythms. We chose songs that lent themselves to that. I would describe it as modern symphonic folk music. Maybe.

“Regardless, this is an absolutely incredible venue to play, and we’re very excited about it. We’re very much looking forward to playing to our ‘home’ crowd, as part of the Streets Festival in Durham.”