Rock Werchter announces there 2018 line up for their July 5-8 festival. Held Werchter Belgium the festival sets the bar high with great acts such as Jack White, Pearl Jam and Gorillaz.

Festival season can be an arguably difficult time for people who are huge fans of diverse music but not so big fans of the camping culture of mud and dirty grass. But when the line ups are so good what should you do? The answer is, head to Rock Werchter. Rock Werchter is located roughly half an hour from Brussels right near the Flemish town of Leuven, which is just a two hour trip on the Eurostar from London St Pancras.

The organizers of this festival definitely know what they are doing as far as the convenient organizing of the set up. With sand laid everywhere and plastic pavings filling the main site of the festival, there is practically zero chance of sinking into a mile of mud or slipping and sliding on wet grass.

With a great atmosphere and location the festival has rarely disappointed fans and with the 2018 line up including names such as Ben Howard, James Bay, Alice In Chains, At The Drive In, The Vaccines, Stone Sour, George Ezra, Anne-Marie, PVRIS, IAMDDB and JP Coope. This year has been set up to be another great year.

Kicking off the first day of the festival is Queens Of The Stone Age , and Marshmello, Gorillaz, The Script, James Bay, Alice In Chains, At The Drive In, The Vaccines, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Vince Staples and Anne-Marie.

Barely two years after Marshmello’s first appearance in public this mysteriously amazing new comer has become one of the worlds most sought-after DJs. From 2016 Marshmallo was the highest ranked up and coming DJ by the DJ Mag’s Top 100, while pushing from number 28 to 10 in 2017, he joins the league with some of the greatest DJ’S of all time.

What a way to start the festival!

With even more great artist, Friday looks to introduce the artist London Grammar, Snow Petrol, Ben Howard, Ben Howard, Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals, Angus & Julia Stone, The Kooks and IAMDDB. Pearl Jam, Jack White, Jack Johnson, Fleet Foxes, Khalid, MGMT, Stereophonics, Stone Sour, Petit Biscuit and JP Cooper.

Continuing on strong Jack White is scheduled to make an appearance the Saturday of the festival. Considering his iconic music and all round energetic performances, White has been considered as one of the most legendary artist of our generation. Often compared to guitar hero like Jimi Hendrix and Jimmi Page, his artistry is growing and nothing short of greatness. His new album Boarding House Reach , set to release March 23 and has been described as the perfect blend of rock, jazz, country, gospel and electronica. Better known as the music of the future. Is hoped to have a huge impact on the festival.

Following on from White is the best virtual band in the world, Gorillaz. Gorillaz are 2D The best virtual band in the world. Their creators , Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett combined a catchy mix of reggae, dub, electronics, soul and alternative rock as well as fantastic guest contributions. All of this can bee seen in songs like “Clint Eastwood, ” “Tomorrow Comes Today,” “On Melancholy Hill” and so many more. Seeing Gorillaz live is definitely one of those “must haves” at a festival, from the creative genius to the great music Gorilliaz is always a band full of fun and energy. With a feast for one’s eyes and a caress for one’s ear, 2D, Murdoc Niccals, Noodle and Russle Hobbs are assisted by the Gorillaz live band, which includes Damon Albarn, Garbriel Wallace, Mile Smith, Jesse Hackett, Jeff Wootton, Karl Vanden Bossche and Seye Adelekan. With a potential treat of a special guest arrival, Werchter anticipates the feel good party that Gorillaz plan to bring.

Also making an appearance on Saturday is Peal Jam. From their 10 studio albums to their hundred of unique live performances and official live concerts, Pearl Jam is a “well seasoned” band that always works to go above and beyond the grounds expectations. But with over 85 million albums sold worldwide and a 2017 induction into the Rock and Roll hall of fame, their success is still growing!

Last but certainly not least, Saturday wraps up with a few more great artist, such as,  Khalid, Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds, Nine Inch Nails, Eels, David Byrne, George Ezra, Fever Ray, Kaleo, Roméo Elvis, Rone, PVRIS and Fleet foxes!

Concluding Sunday with Eels. From previous reviews, and line ups, fans can only anticipate what this years Festival will bring and with great turn outs year after year, it will be interesting to see the large crowds that this years line up brings to Belgium.

For further information and tickets click here.

UPDATE (3/2): Rock Werchter has added 23 new bands to its lineup to bring the total number of artists to 69. This round features First Aid Kit, Chvrches, Franz Ferdinand, Kali Uchis, The Struts, Susanne Sundfør and more.

Photo-Cred: Alyssa Fried