Amp It Up!

Over four different nights, a number of rock superstars will be performing in one of the most beautiful open air venues worldwide – the Pinede Gould Arena. This is the first time organiser Mark Shaw has put on a festival of this magnitude and, having attracted some of the biggest names in rock, it promises to be a very special event.

On 25th July, Simple Minds will go against convention and treat their fans to a set that features some of their greatest work from their first five albums. Both rare and intimate, Simple Minds enthusiasts can listen and sing along to “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” as Jim Kerr, Charlie Burchill and other band members belt out their favourite tunes.

The veritable king of the French rock scene and Telephone founder Jean-Louis Aubert will be performing on the following night on 26th July. This multi-talented award-winning singer, songwriter, guitarist and producer has been an integral part of the national music scene for some years, having sold almost nine million records.

Rock aficionados should head down to the venue on the 27th July as Michael Schenker plays on stage, fresh from his “Temple of Rock” world tour. While Schenker will be backed up by a range of international artists – Francis Buchholz, Herman Rarebell, Doogie White – it is original Scorpions guitarist Uli Jon Roth who will get fans' blood pumping. See the two reunite on stage in guitar heaven!

Rock legends Status Quo will bring the house “Down Down” when they play on the festival’s closing night, 30th July. The distinctive British band has been playing around the world for four decades and has revolutionised the rock genre. Status Quo say they are “looking forward to the Antibes Rock Festival… great fans, great scenery, great wine!”

The four finalists of the regional Rock Revelations competition will also get a chance to perform at the show-stopping event and the winner will be able to jam alongside Aubert himself. In the running for the prize are Flow Ink, The Running Birds, GCM & The Warriors and JDO (Jus d’Orange), who will battle it out tonight at Nikaia in Nice.

Tickets are priced between 40 and 85 euros, depending on which set you’re desperate to see. Get online and buy your tickets before they’re all gone at: ampitupfestivals.com.

Elsa Carpenter