Gil Scott-Heron to open Liverpool Sound City

Gil Scott-Heronwill make a rare lie appearance on these shores on the opening night of Liverpool Sound City.


The legendary American poet, musician and author will play on Thursday 29th April at Liverpool's Philharmonic Hall opening this year's Liverpool Sound City music festival.

Scott-Heron's music featuring a unique fusion of jazz, blues and soul music as well as his famous politically influenced lyrics and concern with social issues, has led to him being hailed alongside contemporaries like Marvin Gaye and Curtis Mayfield as a true legend of seventies soul and funk. Albums like 'Pieces of a Man' and 'Winter in America' proved to be a vital influence on hip hop and his most well known song, 'The Revolution Will Not Be Televised' continues to be a key song in the rap canon.

2010 has seen Gil Scott-Heron release the acclaimed new album, 'I'm New Here', his first in sixteen years.

Liverpool Sound City Director, Dave Pichilingi said, "We are absolutely delighted to be bringing such a legend to Liverpool and it is wonderful to be able to work with the Philharmonic Hall on such a special event. However, it does not end here. Look out for some amazing acts and names to be unveiled over the next few weeks!"

Tickets for this exclusive show will go on sale at 12pm Monday 15th March, weekend festival wristbands do not include entry for the Gil Scott-Heron show.

This year's line-up is headlined by Paloma Faith, and Speech Debelle, plus acts announced include British Sea Power, The Fall, Delphic, The Blackout, The Maccabees, The Sunshine Underground, Hot Club De Paris, Attack! Attack!, Ian McNabb, Chilly Gonzales, Philadelphia Grand Jury, Teenagers In Tokyo, Naive New Beaters, Wave Machines, Gold Panda, Hook & The Twin, Grosvenor, and more with many more to be announced. For the line-up details day and stage splits, as available please click here.

Tickets are priced at £45 for a festival weekend ticket, with individual concert tickets also available. To buy tickets, click here.

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