24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Hawkwind to headline Back Doune the Rabbit Hole as they replace The Fratellis
The legendary space rock group have been announced as the Saturday night headliners on the Back Doune the Rabbit Hole (BDTRH) music festival, after The Fratellis pulled out.
The iconic English rock band Hawkwind has been confirmed as the Saturday night headliners for the Back Doune the Rabbit Hole (BDTRH) music festival, stepping in to replace The Fratellis who had to pull out from their planned performance.
As pioneers of space rock, Hawkwind is set to captivate festival-goers at the revamped event near Stirling.
In a statement released by the BDTRH organisers, they expressed their excitement, saying: "We're thrilled to announce that the legendary Hawkwind will headline the Saturday night of Back Doune the Rabbit Hole 2025.
"One of the greatest live bands around, Hawkwind are known for their immersive, mind-bending shows. Get ready to be completely transported with a set that's guaranteed to be out of this world."
"They join our final line up alongside some fantastic new additions including The Sherlocks, Clearwater Creedence Revival, Ohasis and The Complete Stone Roses.
"The countdown is officially on! We couldn't be more excited for what's coming to Cardross Estate this August."
However, not all news was positive as they noted changes to the lineup, adding: "Unfortunately, due to scheduling and logistical conflicts, Dodgy and The Feeling will no longer be joining us this year but we hope to welcome them back in the future."
Widely regarded as trailblazers in the space rock genre, Hawkwind stands out even among contemporaries such as Pink Floyd, UFO, and Parliament.
Over the years, Hawkwind has seen various members come and go, including the legendary Motorhead frontman Lemmy at one point in their storied history.
However, only the leader, singer, guitarist and founding member, Dave Brock, remains from Hawkwind's original lineup since its inception in 1969.
Earlier this month, Glaswegian rockers The Fratellis withdrew from their top billing due to a dispute regarding an unpaid deposit.
BDTRH has undergone an overhaul after previous operators – called Doune the Rabbit Hole – collapsed into liquidation amid a storm over unpaid musicians and contractors.
Steering the course for BDTRH are the new faces at the helm: businessman Brian Harkin, with Colin Black and Paul Aspey of Rock Asset Management.
The team behind BDTRH has pointed to a third-party promoter for the disruption. This promoter, Wannasee Ltd, is amidst proceedings to liquidate.
A representative for Wannasee Ltd earlier this month clarified the situation, saying: "To clarify, Wannasee Ltd has never held a shareholding or directorship in Back Doune the Rabbit Hole, nor has it ever had any ownership of the event.
"Wannasee Ltd is now in the process of entering liquidation following wider industry challenges affecting its own portfolio of events.
"We wish the team at Back Doune Ltd every success in delivering what we're sure will be a fantastic festival this summer."
BDTRH is scheduled to take place atthe Cardross Estate, Port of Menteith, near Stirling, from August 1-3.
Among the roster of acts expected to grace the reinvigorated festival is Liverpool's indie darling, The Zutons, set to close out the Sunday night festivities.
Marc Almond of Soft Cell fame is slated to take center stage on Friday evening, ensuring a star-studded kick-off to the weekend's events.
Scouting for Girls, the Bay City Rollers, The Skids and Newton Faulkner are also set to take the stage.
