Orbital
November 23rd, 2008 by sparky
Orbital will perform at The Big Chill 2009.
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We are delighted to announce that Orbital, the grandmasters of English electronica, are reforming to headline The Big Chill festival in August 2009. Celebrating 20 years of roof-raising rave anthems and cinematic techno symphonies, the fraternal duo of Paul and Phil Hartnoll will play one of their legendary live sets at Eastnor Castle next summer.
To get you in the mood, check out this fantastic footage of Orbital at Rockness in June 2009.
Biography
Contemporaries of the Chemical Brothers and Underworld, Orbital enjoyed a dazzling 15-year stint before bowing out gracefully four years ago. Raised in suburban Sevenoaks, near the M25 orbital motorway which inspired their name, Paul and Phil began honing their unique brand of homegrown electro long before the acid house boom gave British pop a much-needed kick up its baggy trousers. In their secret sound laboratory, these twin Timelords of techno produced gleaming machine-music classics that sounded like Blade Runner on a Grange Hill budget.
Between 1989 and 2004, Orbital released a string of addictive, eclectic singles including Chime, Style, Belfast, The Box and Satan. Many became evergreen club anthems. Some even became top three hits. During their seven-album career they also worked with an impressively diverse range of collaborators including electro-folk siren Alison Goldfrapp, soundtrack maestro Angelo Badalamenti and Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammet.
Meanwhile, Orbital developed an enviable live reputation, playing knockout mega-shows to huge crowds from Glastonbury and Woodstock, to the Royal Albert Hall. Their music featured on high-profile film scores including The Saint, Event Horizon and The Beach. They also remixed superstar artists including Madonna, Queen Latifah and their all-time robo-pop heroes Kraftwerk.
Since releasing their swansong Orbital opus The Blue Album and disbanding in 2004, both Hartnoll brothers have ventured into new musical territory. Paul took a more orchestral direction with his 2007 solo album The Ideal Condition, while Phil launched his short-lived collaboration project Long Range and carved a thriving career as a DJ. But they never closed the door on Orbital, and demand remains high for their fabled live shows.
“We’ve never said never,” Paul explains. “It’s something I suspected would happen, which is why we kept hold of certain key bits of odd equipment. We know Guy and Pete and various people from the Big Chill, we’ve both played there in our solo capacities and both liked it. There have been slight rumblings about getting back together before but it didn’t feel good. This time it just felt right.”
Orbital’s live comeback will coincide with the 20th anniversary of their debut single Chime, a rave-era classic recorded for less than £100, which cracked the Top 20 and earned Paul and Phil the first of many Top of The Pops appearances - wearing Anti Poll Tax T-shirts, naturally. But the brothers insist the Big Chill show has nothing to do with nostalgia for the Summer of Love.
“It’s not an exercise in nostalgia at all, the time just seems right,” says Phil. “They came to us with the offer, and everything just seemed to fall into place. I’ve played at the Big Chill before, I DJed there and played with Long Range, and had a really good time. It’s a lovely festival. Also the timing seems good: 20 years of being together.”
Headlining a musically adventurous outdoor festival like the Big Chill makes perfect sense for Orbital, whose magical Glastonbury appearances in the mid 1990s dazzled dance and rock fans alike. Their 1994 Glasto show even earned a Q magazine rating as one of the Top 50 gigs of all time.
Always leaving room for improvisation on stage, unlike many electronic acts, Paul and Phil are world-class experts at building up large crowds into a frenzy of excitement. Their offstage manner may be deadpan and low-key, but their live performances are orgies of sensory overload and revved-up euphoria. Their perfectly placed samples of Bon Jovi, Belinda Carlisle, The Darkness and Ian Dury always raise loud cheers too. Even at their triumphant peak, Orbital never forget their sense of humour.
“Audience reaction is part of the process,” Paul explains, “It really becomes like a friendly football match between you and the crowd. That was always one of our strong points - and for people to say that about an electronic band is a real honour, because it’s the one genre of music that’s normally crap live.”
Paul and Phil are still working out the details of their Big Chill performance, but they guarantee their trademark torch glasses will make an appearance. Innovative video visuals, another Orbital strong point, will also be part of the mix. The musical selection, meanwhile, will be wall-to-wall anthems. No new tunes, no jazz odysseys.
“We’ve got 15 years of active service, making songs,” Paul says. “If you boil that down to a 90-minute festival set you should get something thoroughly good from beginning to end. Let’s put some fun back into it.”
As their 20th anniversary looms, the time feels right for Orbital to reclaim their techno-pop throne. During their short sabbatical, the musical pendulum has swung back towards their electronic sound, with the rising tide of so-called New Rave artists helping to inspire a younger generation of glowstick-waving club kids. Bands like Klaxons and Hot Chip, says Paul, “have rekindled an interest in all things fluorescent and ravey.”
There’s New Rave, there’s Old Rave, and then there’s Orbital. Get ready for a legendary comeback.
By Stephen Dalton.
www.myspace.com/orbitalofficial
Orbital will perform at The Big Chill 2009.
A-Z line-up | Buy tickets
November 24th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
wohoooo!
November 24th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
this is mad…. big chill just gets better every year
November 25th, 2008 at 1:18 am
Nice !!!!!!!!!
November 25th, 2008 at 8:37 am
this could be the best news i have ever heard. i have been waiting for ages for Orbital to get back together and for it to happen at the Big Chill my favorite festival has made my day and made August seem a very long way away
November 25th, 2008 at 11:40 am
[...] from the top of my blog, but i will keep this short and sweet because i am f@cking excited. Orbital will be reforming to appear at the Big Chill festival next year. This is one of the acts i have always missed out on [...]
November 25th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
WOW!!!!!!
November 25th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
Very nice! The ultimate reason to book my first trip to the Big Chill. To bad they’re not performing in Belgium! ;-(
November 26th, 2008 at 11:15 am
YIPPEE! Who cares the economy is on its knees… A bit of orbital will make it ALL better!
November 26th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
uoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
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November 26th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
sweeeeeeeeeeetttttaaaaa!!! cant wait Big Chill 09 is gonna be awesome!!!
November 26th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
UUUNNNNNBBBEEEELLLIIIIIEEEEVVVVVAAAAABBBBBBLLLLLEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!
I will probably miss it, will hopefully be a father in July. That’s really the only thing that could stop me from missing this amazing gig…
Any chance of a concert before that? Phil? Please?
November 27th, 2008 at 1:34 am
Saw Orbital lots of times in the ninties first at Glasto 1995 , ur best gig was V festival in 1999 as it was a small dance tent supporting ian brown?!?! Anyway really loud, i dont recommend goin to this one as it will be crap, & besides i want a ticket first!
Dont forget your glow sticks & funky hats!
Ross.
November 27th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
Smiling from ear to ear at this marvellous news!!! Waiting for it to sink in
See all youse from Edinburgh down the front left, always! xxxxx
November 28th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
top draw
November 28th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
Flippin fantastic news!! Any know what night “headliners” play? Sat or Sun?
November 29th, 2008 at 12:13 am
Woo hoo!
My favorite ever band at my favorite ever festival!
Sooo glad the boys are getting back together and especially for Big Chill
Is it really over 4 years since the “last” gig on The Other Stage at Glastonbury?
Speak to you on Monday guys, when I order my tickets
November 29th, 2008 at 7:30 am
[...] Orbital reform to headline The Big Chill 2009 … of collaborators including electro-folk siren Alison Goldfrapp, soundtrack maestro Angelo Badalamenti and Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammet. Meanwhile, Orbital developed an enviable live reputation, playing knockout mega-shows to huge crowds from Glastonbury and Woodstock, to the Royal Albert Hall. Their music … [...]
November 30th, 2008 at 2:38 am
Last night, sitting in Melbourne, Australia… once again watching the gigs (with Glasto 94 being by far the best I’ve ever seen in any genre). I’ve followed the brothers all over the place since that gig. Today, I heard the news. Happy days! And so I will travel to the other side of the world. I’m sure the guys still have the ability to offer the best live performance on earth. And if you see your mom this weekend……….
November 30th, 2008 at 4:36 am
[...] Orbital reform to headline The Big Chill 2009 … outdoor festival like the Big Chill makes perfect sense for Orbital, whose magical Glastonbury appearances in the mid 1990s dazzled dance and rock fans alike. Their 1994 Glasto show even earned a Q magazine rating as one of the Top 50 gigs of all time. Always leaving room for improvisation on stage … [...]
December 1st, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Am I dreaming……are Orbital really getting together for another gig……i have been waiting for this news for ages. I meant to see them for years and then when they broke up I was soooo gutted as never got to see them. I have already bought my tickets…xmas is down the pan but hey, Im gonna see Orbital next summer!!! Oh dear….I think I have wet myself.
December 1st, 2008 at 8:54 pm
My wife just said “I dont think you were that excited when we got married!” Not quite as exciting as that my dear, but close!!!!!! Wooooooooooooooooooooooooohhhhoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo. Cant wait, we saw them in Bristol a few years back and they were awesome, I first saw them at Tribal Gathering.
December 5th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
Yeeeeeehaaaaaaa!
December 5th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
Well, well whatabeauty we have in store!!! This’ll be one to savour!! Yeeeeeehaaaaa…
December 9th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
great news. looking forward to next august
December 19th, 2008 at 12:02 am
I knew badger would come home one day!
This is the best news I’ve heard in 4 & 1/2 years…hopefully they’ll start writing new material, the last few years have been dark & lonely apart from brief outings separately
December 22nd, 2008 at 4:21 pm
We are a small group of Orbital fans from Croatia (us six). We didn’t even imagine that they would ever perform again as Orbital. We already started making plans for the journey and will be there for sure
January 1st, 2009 at 4:26 am
yo…
Thank you! I would now go on this blog every day!…
January 2nd, 2009 at 1:36 pm
Horay!!!
If you want to sell out a festival that is the way to do it!
January 8th, 2009 at 1:17 pm
The Badgers Are Back together Its gunna be sick
January 8th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
The guys are the bees knees.
Saw their last gig @ Brixton Academy June 04.
They tore the roof off and have been waiting a long time for them to be back.
Not been to Big Chill before, this puts the icing on the cake.
Roll on August.
January 16th, 2009 at 2:51 am
I could cry!
Awsome news!
January 17th, 2009 at 1:31 am
Amazing. I can’t believe I’m reading this. I’m gonna come back from New Zealand for this one. Genius.
January 20th, 2009 at 7:59 am
My life will be complete once more. Now if only I could stop bouncing - the kids are convinced I’ve finally lost my marbles…
January 27th, 2009 at 12:33 am
A great day!!! Must get myself across the pond for this!! Am I dreaming??I never thought this would happen….UK here I come!!!
February 8th, 2009 at 4:13 pm
WICKED,WICKED ,WICKED; HAVEN’T MISSED ONE YET,ORBITAL WILL MAKE IT THAT MUCH MORE UNMISSABLE, CAN’T WAIT IT’S GONNA BE “MASSIVE” YOU KNOW THIS. BLAT BLAT BLAT.
February 11th, 2009 at 9:01 pm
Kickass The Scots Crew Will Be Back For This Mother This Year
Mon The Big Chillin
February 21st, 2009 at 6:54 pm
when I heard that orbital were playing the big chill I almost choked on my disco biscuits.
February 22nd, 2009 at 9:13 pm
Agree with all others. This is tantalising to say the least! Old music is still the best when it comes to Orbital. They raise the hairs on the back of my neck, and needless to say I’ll be there………….
February 24th, 2009 at 7:55 pm
I think i’ve just wee’d myself
February 25th, 2009 at 5:06 pm
Woo hoo! It’s been a long time good to have Otbital back!
February 26th, 2009 at 7:38 pm
YOU Orbital virgins are in for a mind blowing treat!!!Transport me back to the 90’s-Tribal gathering,Glastonbury,V,Phoenix,Manchester Academy/Apollo,Cream-Count down to lift off!!!
March 14th, 2009 at 7:28 pm
[...] the most exciting bits of news in the electronic dance music world for years is that rave legends Orbital are re-forming to headline at Big Chill 2009 - celebrating 20 years since the release of [...]
March 22nd, 2009 at 9:00 pm
Epic! This is going to be one of the highlights of 09 for me.. The Box anyone?
March 24th, 2009 at 11:54 pm
I dont usually comment, but after reading through so much info I had to say thanks
May 20th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
Weyheyheyhey, 1st festie with teenage boyz in tow & Orbital will blow all of our minds! Lookin 4ward so much, really can’t wait, thanx lotz 4 the anticipation & neva disappointing Big Chill xXx
June 29th, 2009 at 7:31 pm
does anyone know what night the brothers hartnol will be playing?
June 29th, 2009 at 7:51 pm
Orbital will play on Saturday night at the festival.
June 29th, 2009 at 9:04 pm
please tell me they don’t clash with Lamb…..
June 29th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
no they don’t - they’re on the same stage as Lamb, later in the evening.
June 29th, 2009 at 9:08 pm
few!! :)) Thanks Sparky
June 29th, 2009 at 9:12 pm
one other thing… will a full listing of times and stages be released on this website? It would be good to do some planning.
June 29th, 2009 at 9:15 pm
They should be, but it’s be a while off yet…we’ve still got more names to go on the line-up and these things tend to change right up to the last minute.
June 29th, 2009 at 9:16 pm
i’m way ahead here aren’t i? John calm down!! haha!!
June 29th, 2009 at 9:17 pm
well, it is only 38 days away!
June 29th, 2009 at 9:22 pm
or 5.4285714285714 weeks
June 30th, 2009 at 8:53 pm
Can anyone at least tell us what day Orbital will play? I need to make plans around this fact. Any info would be greatly appreciated
June 30th, 2009 at 8:55 pm
Sorry I rushed into this with out reading the thread properly. Saturday…GREAT!!!