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Rhythm of the city

THE ICONIC PAUL Weller will bring his sharp look and catalogue of hits to Dubai’s Desert Rhythm Festival on Friday, October 31.

The notoriously grumpy singer, formerly of The Jam and Style Council, will headline the one-day event at Festival City – drawing on hits such as ‘Sunflower’, ‘You Do Something to Me’ and some of his older material from The Jam.

Support will be provided by Bob Marley’s band The Wailers, Caribbean veterans Kassav and all-girl punk popsters Vix ‘n’ The Kix. Representing Dubai will be the city’s own Juliana Down and winners of the Back 2 School battle of the bands, teenage ska outfit Ghandi’s Cookbook.

Paul Weller released his ninth solo album, ‘22 Dreams’, this summer – claiming, “I thought the time was right to make the sort of album I wanted to make. Instead of worrying about anyone else, I wanted to really push the boat out. I think the result is going to surprise some people.”

The 21-track album was recorded in Weller’s hometown of Woking, in the London suburbs. It features an illustrious roster of guest musicians including Noel Gallagher and Gem Archer from Oasis, Blur guitarist Graham Coxon and Steve Cradock from Ocean Colour Scene. Upon its release, ‘22 Dreams’ was met with rapturous critical acclaim and went to number one in the UK albums chart, Weller’s third album to do so.

Together with Bob Marley, The Wailers have sold more than 250 million albums worldwide. As well as working with Marley, the Jamaican band has played collaborated with artists including Sting, The Fugees, Stevie Wonder and Carlos Santana.

The two Barrett brothers – Aston ‘Family Man’ and drummer Carly – joined The Wailers in 1969 alongside Marley, Bunny Wailer and Peter Tosh. Wailer and Tosh left shortly after, leaving the Barretts to assume The Wailers’ mantle before achieving international fame with Marley’s breakthrough album ‘Natty Dread’.

Carly was murdered in 1987 but bassist Family Man – so called because he has fathered more than 50 children – has kept Marley’s torch burning and will bring some of the world’s favourite reggae tunes to Dubai.

Kassav will undoubtedly get the Desert Rhythm crowds into the party atmosphere, as they showcase their unique brand of ‘zouk’ music. Zouk means ‘festival’ in West Indian creole, and Kassav have been the leading proponent of this genre for almost three decades.

Hailing from Guadeloupe and Martinique, the band recently released its fifteenth solo album, ‘All U Need Is Zouk’. Overall its members have released roughly 60 solo and live albums.

Vix ‘n’ the Kix come from the birthplace of heavy metal, Birmingham. Lead singer ViX was in successful 1980s punk outfit We’ve Got A Fuzzbox…And We’re Gonna Use It, and is now joined by Trix, Slix and Chix for her new act. Vix ‘n’ the Kix are currently touring the Middle East promoting new album ‘Moon On A Stick’, which involved noted producers Mark Wallis (U2, The Smiths, Travis) and Conny Bloom (Hanoi Rocks, Sonic Circus).

Juliana Down are one of Dubai’s most established bands, having supported the likes of Muse, Velvet Revolver and Justin Timberlake on their visits to the Middle East. The five-piece plays dark and emotive tunes and has toured internationally. Keep reading City Times for an interview with lead singer Dia in the next few days.

This year’s Desert Rhythm Festival will have a Halloween theme, with a best outfit competition once doors open at 2pm. There will also be a big arts and crafts area, as well as a Playstation tent for youngsters – festival entrance is free to those six and under.

Meanwhile, the suspended bar will once again elevate festival goers 50 metres up in the air, where they will enjoy the best view of the festival grounds and admire the flashing lights of the dance tent underneath them while savouring their drink.

EVENT DETAILS

Desert Rhythm Festival, Dubai Festival City, on Friday, October 31

Tickets cost between Dh250 and Dh550. For further information or to book tickets, visit www.desertrhythmfestival.com.

adam@khaleejtimes.com