“Of late I have a tremor in my right hand which gives my guitar playing a new kind of twang,” he said in a recent interview. “I have to do what I love, so it’s business as usual and on with the show — singing all the way.”
Joining already announced headline acts such as Chase and Status (DJ set), Camelphat, Alison Wonderland and Dimension are K Motionz, Set Mo, Ekko and Sidetrack and Shockzone.
New Zealand additions range from rockers No Cigar to reggae artist Muroki, country and western star Kaylee Bell and local dub and bass act Witters.
Over 60 New Zealand acts are booked to perform across the three days while for the first time since 2019, R&V is a truly global affair, with over 40 artists hailing from the USA, Brazil, Africa, Australia and across Europe.
The opening night features headline performances from UK drum and bass legends Chase & Status, Grammy-nominated electronic producer-duo Camelphat and D&B supremo Andy C.
Lovers of house, disco and all things dance floor can also enjoy performances from Tsha, French house and disco producer Folamour, Swedish producer DJ Seinfeld and Scotland-born house maestro Barry Can’t Swim.
Western Australian indie rockers Spacey Jane are among those making their R&V debuts, alongside new additions to the December 29 billing — pop rockers Summer Thieves, bass king Quix and indie acts Royel Otis and Blake Rose.
Night two of Rhythm and Vines is headlined by Dizzee Rascal who will be joined by UK drum and bass producer Dimension (live).
Critically-acclaimed British musician and producer Bonobo will bring his ambient electronica vibe to the festival’s Cellar Stage. Skream will be back with his popular dubstep set.
The second night also features New Zealand “pop superwoman” Ladyhawke, who returns to Waiohika after 14 years, and newcomers Australian indie group Crooked Colours, hype pop duo Glaive and Ericdoa and more.
Australian producer Alison Wonderland will be tasked with the New Year’s Eve time slot, sending 23,000 festival fans into 2023.
Drum and Bass icon Friction will bring his anthemic crowd-pleasers to the Vines Stage on New Year’s Eve.
Other feature performers include Kiwi Lee Mvtthews, Sir Dave Dobbyn, UK garage and grime producer Flava D and Australian house duo Cosmo’s Midnight.
Other acts organisers say to watch out for include Dena Amy, Associanu and Sachi after wowing Tomorrowland festival audiences earlier this year.
R&V will also once again feature its New Year countdown video and fireworks show.
