Brussels Summer Festival 2018
14 to 18 August, Brussels will once again vibrate with the rhythm of the summer festival. Since 2002, Belgian and international artists have joined each other on the stages of the Place des Palais, the Mont des Arts, the Place des Musées and the Madeleine to play to an eager crowd. A more condensed and more intense edition due to the cost of security having risen, this festival will only be five days instead of the usual ten. But fear not, they have saved no expense in making it up to festivals goers – the acts announced are looking good.
Performers:
30 Seconds to Mars
A headlining act, actor/singer Jared Leto will lead the multi-platinum selling band 30 Seconds to Mars in their return to the stage. The band, comprised of the brothers Jared and Shannon Leto and Tomo Miličević, has been hailed as one of the most exciting live acts in the world, which was reflected by the single’s live debut earlier this year, with a ground-breaking appearance at the MTV VMA awards.
Les Négresses Vertes
Spearheading the French alternative scene in the 80s, Les Négresses Vertes are making an appearance at this summer’s festival. Having reformed on the thirteenth anniversary of Mlah, their first album that set fire to the world with two smash hits “this summer” and the huge “Zobi the Maharaja “. The green Négresses is a band that is giving only a handful of concerts this summer, yet this one is on their schedule.
Raphael
The news for his first collection return to the Sea, published by Gallimard, Raphael released last autumn.Now, a new album co-directed with Gaetan where he ponders deeply about his travels and experiences is in the works. Author of a concert noted at the Madeleine, Raphael comes back to this summer to the pleasure of many fans.
Fink
Playing under a pseudonym, Fink is one of the emblematic figures of the English prestigious label Ninja Tune. Guitarist, singer, producer and DJ, this touch-and-go artist, native of Cornwall, has published no less than two albums. His Fink Sunday Night Blues Club Vol. 1 features strong influences of blues which reconnects with his folky sound.
Orelsan
Orelsan has succeeded the comeback of the past year with the party is over, his third Solo album. His loyal beat maker Skread chains a formidable tune that is then enriched with lyrics that are funny, realistic, poetic and disillusioned. After a full-featured concert at Forest National on March 23, Orelsan has his sights set on the Palace Square..
Therapie Taxi
Therapy Taxi, the group that everyone is talking about, unpacks its unbridled pop! They are currently number 1 of the Ultratop with their hit song for which they have signed a collaboration with Belgium’s own Romeo Elvis – who will also be performing at the festival.
Jasper Sterverlinck
The absolute angelic voice, Jasper Sterverlinck returns to the spotlight. Announced as a return to the Roots, his new album “Night Prayer” released on March 23rd, was preceded by the poignant single “Here’s to Love”. Becoming the anthem of hope of the show of Waarmste Week, on Studio Brussel, “Here’s to Love” has helped to raise more than ten million in favour of charitable associations.
Sonnfjord
Sonnfjord, a band lead by the enigmatic singer Maria-Laetitia Materne, entrances audiences with the electro/Pop singles “Dust and Shapes” and “lights”, with an announcement of a new EP for April 20.
Hervé Salters
And a man at the helm of General Elektriks for fifteen years, Hervé Salters has just released his new album “Carry No Ghosts” where his mix of funk, hip-hop and electro is particularly formidable. Renowned for the energy of its fiery live performances, General Elektriks is planning to play it for festival goers on August 17 along with a whole set of classics and favourites.
These are just a few of the myriad of awesome bands, musicians and performers available at this year’s BSF. Tickets are currently available for the different days of the festival, or a pass for the full festivals worth.
