Pearl Jam Calling

Live Nation’s raised the bar for next summer’s rock festivals by announcing Pearl Jam will headline Hard Rock Calling June 25.

The event used to be called Hyde Park Calling but in 2008 changed its name because the new brand is easier to move around the globe. It will likely be another LN sell-out at around 36,000 per day.

The U.S. rockers will top the bill the first night and festival booker Toby Leighton-Pope has yet to say who will be playing June 26 and 27.

This year’s line-up was headed by Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, Neil Young and The Killers, supported by more than a dozen top acts such as Dave Matthews Band, The Pretenders, and The Gaslight Anthem.

“We are thrilled to add Pearl Jam to our “Ambassadors of Rock Tour” lineup and continue Hard Rock’s tradition of top acts rocking Hyde Park,” said Hamish Dodds, president and CEO, Hard Rock International, which sponsors the annual bash.

“For nearly two decades, not only has Pearl Jam been one of the world’s top bands, but they have also actively shown their support for several philanthropic causes.”

Pink and special guests The Ting Tings are the first names announced for Wireless Festival July 2, the other major annual event LN promotes in Hyde Park.

The company also announced a new festival called Playaway, which will debut at Butlins, Skegness, April 16-18.

Scouting For Girls, Noisettes, Chase And Status, Sub Focus, I Blame Coco and Tiffany Page are among the acts announced for the debut bash.