As ever, we’re going to try and cover every single Jäger, New Blood and SOPHIE stage band before Bloodstock kicks off on August 9th. Your chance to check them out and start planning which bands to get there early for!
Trust us when we tell you that this is bound to result in some frustrating clashes because, as ever, there are some great bands on these three stages.
Our thanks to all the bands for taking the time out to answer our questions!
Luke Appleton – Jagermeister Stage, Saturday
Simple things first – where are you from?
I am from Manchester, UK, born and raised.
How long have you been playing in bands?
I first started my music career professionally when I was 14 with a band called Fury UK. My first show was in fact Bloodstock 2008 on the Lava Stage (New Blood Stage). I joined Iced Earth in 2012 and joined Absolva in 2015. I first started my solo acoustic project in 2016.
Describe your music. What makes you unique?
My music comes straight from the heart. When I play in bands, my main genre is metal and that definitely shows on my acoustic work. It’s acoustic… But it’s still heavy!
What’s your live show like? Why are people going to watch you instead of another band?
When you see me perform live, you should expect to see a musician giving you 110% energy every night! Just because it’s acoustic, it doesn’t mean that it’s going to be mellow. I aim to be energetic, powerful and entertaining!
Have you been to Bloodstock before? What did you think?
I have played Bloodstock many times over the past 10 years and also attended as a fan. It is one of my favourite festivals in the UK & Europe!
What sort of setlist can we expect?
You should expect to hear songs from my latest release How Does It Feel To Be Alive? and songs from bands that I am associated with e.g. Iced Earth and Absolva.
Which other bands do you most hope you’re not squished up next to so you can see them play?
As I am playing on Saturday, I would really like to catch Gojira, Orphaned Land and my friends from Aonia. Fingers crossed there are no time clashes with any of them!
What are you working on at the moment?
Absolva are about to tour Europe in October – December including 7 shows supporting the mighty Michael Schenker! I have just finished Iced Earth’s 90 date Incorruptible world tour.
What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen or done at a live show?
So many memories come to mind! Pranking Volbeat in-front of 15,000 people at the end of their European tour would be up there!
Jäger, Hobgoblin Ale, Red Bull, Kingstone Press Cider, Kaltenberg Beer or Bulleit Bourbon? And, yes, we’ll be counting all the votes!
Jäger!
Header image by Kommadore Johnsen
Luke Appleton: official | facebook | twitter | instagram | youtube
