James (singer Tim Booth pictured) have replaced Simple Minds as Main Stage headliners at the Guinness Fleadh in London’s Finsbury Park on Saturday, June 6.
A spokesperson for Guinness Fleadh promoters the Mean Fiddler organisation, says Simple Minds are unable to perform due to what is termed “contractual obligations”. The London Guinness Fleadh will mark the beginning of a busy outdoor festival touring schedule for James throughout Europe. The band recently hit the Number One slot in the UK with their ‘Greatest Hits…’ package.
Billy Bragg and GREAT BIG SEA have also been announced as additions to the Main Stage bill at this year’s festival, which has been an annual fixture in North London since 1989.
This year’s confirmed line-ups for the two stages are, on the Main Stage: James, The Corrs, Shane MacGowan & The Popes, Billy Bragg, Mike Scott, Paul Brady, The Bootleg Beatles, Capercaillie, Oysterband, Great Big Sea, Picturehouse and Anam.
The second stage performers are Sinead O’Connor, Dr John, World Party, Eddi Reader, Altan, Robert Forster, John Martyn, Mary Coughlan, Ron Sexsmith, David Gray, Ghostland and Equation.
Tickets for the Guinness Fleadh cost ‘28.50 and can be bought in person at any Mean Fiddler venue. For further information on buying tickets by post and credit card see NME.com‘s Festival Guide ’98.