MELTDOWN FESTIVAL 2019
Southbank Centre, London

GET set for the return of the longest-running artist-curated festival in the world, as Meltdown is back at London’s South Bank from August 3-11.

This time Meltdown is in the more than capable hands of musical maestro and producer extraordinaire Nile Rodgers — he of Chic fame — who’s been busy bringing together a smorgasbord of sonic delights.

Ready for a disco wonderland? Want some synth pop rap-rock? How about some R&B and funk/punk or a bit of pop or soul? It’s all there as Rodgers relies on his extensive contacts book to bring a hand-picked selection to the South Bank.

Opening with a free all-day disco that’s sure to get the audience swaying, Rodgers — along with CHIC — is also in action on the opening night, ahead of a whole host of highlights worth checking out.

There’s Thundercat’s funk/punk-tinged jazzy bass beats and sweet vocals, Azekel’s soulful self-confessional R&B sounds — which should suit the intimate nature of the Purcell Room — along with some jangly guitar from Johnny Marr in the main hall.

David A Stewart has been tasked with putting together an all-star band and guest vocalists for his Eurythmics Songbook.

There’s Brazil’s biggest ever pop star Anitta, the expressive sultry-but-strange poppy sounds of Sophie and the sweet synthy J-pop rock of Kero Kero Bonito to name a few.

As ever Meltdown is a magical mystery tour through the mind of a musical maestro and there’s much to enjoy in the eclectic selection that sums up Rodgers almost 50 years at the top of his game. Get ready to freak out!

Until August 11 2019: southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/festivals-series/meltdown.