Greg Wilson was one of the original Invisible Players, sparking a near riot when he hit the Rizla Arena last year. Greg was original dance resident at the Hacienda, and represents a cornerstone of modern day clubbing. His unique electrofunk sets, filled with rare edits and samples blaring from a 20 year-old reel-to-reel deck, make Greg a must-see. Greg had this to say about last year: "Last year was really special, the whole tour received such an energetic and positive reaction, culminating in the memorable finale at Bestival, undoubtedly one of the highlights of 2007 for me and the perfect way to top off the summer. Given the success of last year, and the anticipation that's built up towards this years dates, 2008 could be even better! Needless to say that I'm very much looking forward to playing in the Rizla van again.
Kid Acne is a prolific urban ‘decorator’ and home-grown hip hop artist with a long list of artistic credits including his own comic book, ‘Zebra Face’. Watch out for his unique style of art at the Rizla Arena, where he may be caught, can in hand.
Justin Robertson is a true modernist. Creator of bespoke techno; remixer for the likes of Bjork, Radio 4 and Felix Da Housecat and an internationally recognised DJ, Justin can be spotted with one of his many hats attempting to lift the roof off the van.
Annie Nightingale was the first female DJ on Radio 1, and has won an MBE for her sterling contribution to British music. An international DJ and documentary maker, dubbed ‘Queen of breaks’ by the adoring music media, she promises to get the Rizla musical van rocking this summer.
Following a storming year in 2007, Rizla Invisible Players are back, with a new and particularly mouth watering line-up of party hosts.
The bar is set high for this year’s Rizla Invisible Players having been described by punters in 2007 as; “The most amazing music in one of the most amazing settings I've ever been in. The Rizla area was without doubt the one place with a real club vibe happening. I was shaken.”
Selected on the strength of credibility and reputation in their respective creative fields, and their strong expression through music, the 2008 collective promises to generate plenty of unique and memorable moments.
Playing from a unique musical van, a recreation of the original Rizla touring van of the 1920’s, The Invisible Players will play spontaneous and inspiring sets from a diverse record collection. There are no prepared set lists, just pure improvisation and the creation of a unique vibe in the Rizla Arena. The sound could vary from Dub, Electrofunk, Balearic, Hip Hop, Breakbeat to Northern Soul and Acid House — the roots of popular music as we know it.
2008 will see the Rizla Invisible Players play a series of club nights across the country as well as going to three of the UK’s best festivals. Rockness (6-8 June) Big Chill (1-3 August) and Bestival (5-7 September) will all play host to the Rizla Arena.
ROCKNESS
What a successful first festival of 2008, Rockness proved to be! with the Rizla Arena packed out, reaching the climax on sunday night with Graeme Park playing to over 3000 people and describing it as one of his top 5 gigs ever played.
