Hyde Park Calling Boss - Toby 'LP'

United Kingdom | by Steve Jenner | 22 June 2006

Virtual Festivals: Very briefly, what is Hyde Park Calling all about?
Toby Leighton-Pope: Hyde Park Calling is about legendary headliners who are themselves an integral part of rock history, in an amazing setting, alongside new and interesting artists who we feel are destined to become classics in their own right. Basically a great weekend in Hyde Park not to be missed by any real music lover.

With just two weeks to go until the event, how smoothly is it all coming together?
I'm very excited - tickets have ben flying out. Both bills are now fully booked and the bands are looking forward to it too.

We hear that Hyde Park Calling is part of an international series of concerts. Do you have any involvement in any of the overseas shows, or are they all self-contained events?
A series of concerts under the banner of "Ambassadors of Rock", sponsored by the "Hard Rock Cafe" brand are indeed happening in three or four different locations around the world. "Hard Rock" is our main sponsor for this festival as part of that series, but no, we are not involved with any of the other "Ambassadors" events.

What do you anticipate will be the greatest highlights?
Obviously Roger Waters performing Dark Side Of The Moon with Nick Mason joining him. The Who promise, as ever, a rip-roaring set. True rock'n'roll. Seeing Razorlight on the same stage as their heroes, The Who... Personally I'm also really excited about seeing Breaks Co-op, Zane Lowe's heavily-tipped band and new acts like Rocco deLucca, the first signing to Kiefer Sutherland's label - it's also rumoured that Kiefer will be at the festival.

Which day are you most looking forward to?
Both of them! But I have to confess, I am a massive fan of The Who, I've seen them play a number of times and they have never disappointed - they are the best rock 'n'roll band in the world.

Was there ever, initially perhaps, scope for Pink Floyd to re-form for the event?
Of course, this was something that we hoped for. We have Nick Mason on the bill with Roger Waters now, and who knows? Maybe Dave Gilmour will make an appearance... Watch this space...

Unlike almost all of their peers, The Who appear to have sidestepped the nostalgia tag that befalls even the greatest bands when they reach a certain age and have maintained their vitality as a powerful force in live rock. How do you think they have achieved this?
Pete Townsend is as raw and as angry a guitar player now as he was when he was 18 years old. There is no "mellowing out" with this performer. He plays at 100% every time; and with Zak Starkey in the band, who Oasis personally asked to tour with them the whole of last year, the band stays fresh and current.

Is it true that The Who invited Razorlight to join them on the bill when they met at Live 8?
The Who have always been big fans of Razorlight - and saw them play at Live8, it was an obvious fit for the Hyde Park Calling bill.

Was the decision to merge contemporary with classic rock acts on the line-up an attempt to turn older fans onto new sounds or was it more about attracting a horde of younger fans as well?
It's about quality music across all ages and generations. I'm really excited about the bill we have put together across the 2 days. Real music lovers will appreciate the eclectic mix, because all of these artists promise a great live experience.

Is there a future for Hyde Park Calling or was it a 'one off'? If there is, how would you like to see the event developing in future?
Yes, there is, we are already in planning for next year and we're having discussions with potential headliners. I can't give you any names right now, but it looks like 2007 will be just as great a bill as 2006.

Hyde Park Calling takes place in London on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd July. Tickets are still available for both days here. Click on the links below for more info...