Another year, another Slam Dunk announcement.Pop-punk fans in Leeds have been speculating for weeks about what the line up for Slam Dunk 2018 will be with rumours flying back and forth of different names.From Jimmy Eat World to Sleeping With Sirens to Woes, everyone was guessing who the possible headliner could be.Well now it can confirmed that two of the bands mentioned above, Jimmy Eat World and Sleeping With Sirens, are in fact on the setlist with Jimmy Eat World being 2018's headliner on the main stage.So if you don't know anything about the bands in this years current line-up, here's the run down:
Jimmy Eat World -
Slam Dunk 2018 headliner comes in the form of Arizonian emo/alternative band Jimmy Eat World. This band broke out in a big way in 2001 due the singles from their album, Bleed American, like Sweetness and the, of course, iconic The Middle (if you haven't heard this song then shame on you). This headline spot may indicate a new album release next year but we'll have to wait and see for now.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKsxPW6i3pM
Taking Back Sunday -
An also equally important band during the 2000s than any emo kid at heart knows. Taking Back Sunday broke out in a huge way in 2006 with their album, Louder Now, thanks to the huge single MakeDamnSure. Whether this indicates a new album release next year or if their performance will only be a set of their 2016 release, Tidal Wave, as well as the classics is yet to be confirmed.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ldjbjwim4k
Sleeping With Sirens -
With the huge commercial success and buzz of Gossip it's no surprise that Sleeping With Sirens are on this year's line-up. They last played Slam Dunk in 2013 and their return next year will no doubt be a highlight of the weekend. While their name on the list may cause slight outrage amongst some festival goers next year (but to be honest there's always someone who gets angry at a line up, you can't please everyone *sigh*) but their appearance will surely be pleasing to their ever loyal fanbase.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Z6MLTCjqDA
State Champs
Another band who's appearance at Slam Dunk has also been greatly anticipated by fans since they were last on the line-up in 2014. Having confirmed that they've completed their third album, hopefully with it being released beforehand, there's no doubt that they'll treat us to their new material. You wouldn't want to miss it for that, nor would you want to miss one of their live shows.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsQYBKL6CrI
Four Year Strong -
There seems to be a lot of familiar names on this year's line-up poster, Four Year Strong were the third to last band on the Key Club Stage in 2016 so could this be a possible hint of a headline on one of the other seven stages at Slam Dunk? Possibly. A new album too? Let's hope. It'll be a great set either way.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Goov4F6B5gg
Trash Boat -
It's been a big year for Trash Boat since their debut album, Nothing I Write You Can Change What You've Been Through, was released last year so it only seems appropriate to bring them back to Slam Dunk. It's a bit of homecoming tradition, and a possible hint of new material, so keep your eyes peeled. Go along to support a great UK pop-punk band.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4fls7nnxmITickets are available now.Update - 25/02/18 - Slam Dunk Festival has now expanded it's line -up.Co-headlining with Jimmy Eat World will be pop-punk legends, Good Charlotte.
A spokesperson of Slam Dunk said; "In the biggest line-up to date, Slam Dunk Festival 2018 will see pop-punk titans Good Charlotte and Jimmy Eat World perform their debut performances in a highly-anticipated co-headline sets."In addition to this, PVRIS, Twin Atlantic, Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, Taking Back Sunday, Creeper, Thursday, Every Time I Die, Counterparts, Four Year Strong, Knuckle Puck, Crown The Empire, Real Friends and so many more to be announced will make Slam Dunk Festival 2018 the only place to be this summer."It's also been announced that The Audition, who haven't performed live in over six years, will performing exclusively at the festival in May.Danny Stevens, vocalist of The Audition, said; "“We couldn’t more excited to be coming back to Slam Dunk Festival.""We were part of the festival in the early years and the Slam Dunk shows and club nights in Leeds before that. To have our first show together as this group in nearly 10 years is really something special.”
UK pop-punk band, ROAM, have also been added to the line-up, their lead guitarist Alex Adam also commented; “We’re so excited to be heading back to Slam Dunk with the new album."
It’s always the rowdiest show ever and we definitely have some plans to step that up further this year with the new songs.”
