October 26, 2009 11:45

Smokey Robinson to give SXSW 2010 keynote speech

Motown sound singer to follow in footsteps of Lou Reed at Austin event

Photo: PA Photos

Motown legend Smokey Robinson will give the keynote speech of the South By Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas next March.

The music aspect of the festival, which sees acts take over venues across the US city for gigs plus lectures and seminars, is set to take place on March 17-21.

Last year Lou Reed gave the event's keynote speech while bands including Metallica, Jane's Addiction, Kanye West and Black Lips played live.

The 2010 line-up has yet to be announced.

Smokey Robinson played a London gig on Saturday (October 24) as part of the BBC Electric Proms gig series, at the Roundhouse venue.