Since the early days of rock and heavy metal, bands have been using the work of JRR Tolkien as a source of inspiration – just see Bloodstock 2014 bands such as Megadeth, Dimmu Borgir and Amon Amarth for evidence of this! Now Bloodstock’s co-founder, renowned fantasy artist, Paul Raymond Gregory, is thrilled to bring the two themes together and launch a major art exhibition at this year’s festival!
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Christened the Rock and Metal (RAM) Gallery, the exhibition is to be a permanent addition to the festival and will provide a showcase for a changing selection of rock-related art and memorabilia. Paul Raymond Gregory’s extensive body of work includes many famous album sleeves and monolithic pieces inspired by the writings of JRR Tolkien. Paul’s first ever album cover commission was in 1984 for Saxon’s Crusader, so launching the RAM Gallery on the 30th anniversary of Paul’s artistic debut in the metal world is quite fitting.
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This year’s first showing will include all the original Bloodstock Festival artwork, going right back to the first indoor event in 2001, plus a wide range of Paul’s album art including the sleeve of Saxon’s latest release, Sacrifice. Representing Paul’s Tolkien work, there will also be a large triptych inspired by The Silmarillion opus (from which Marillion derived their name). The painting will be mounted in a bespoke hand-carved frame created by master framer John Davis. Although John has framed much of Paul’s other work, the triptych features the first frame actually designed by Paul himself. In addition, Paul will be signing copies of his book, Beyond Time And Place, which showcases artwork from the breadth of his career.
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The first Bloodstock indoor festival featured a small art exhibition, but the new venture will be on an altogether grander scale, professionally hung, lit and housed in a specially constructed space of around 1300 square feet. Ultimately, it is hoped that the exhibition will be the first step on the road to establishing a new permanent rock venue with Paul returning to his roots as an artist and gallery owner in support of both art and music. The proposed site would include a live music space with bar, rehearsal and recording facilities, and a permanent exhibition space. The intention is for a true hub for British rock and metal in the heart of the Midlands – the true birthplace of metal! Be sure to make time to view this fabulous exhibition during your weekend at Catton Park.
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With the three Bloodstock headliners confirmed for 2014, the event is shaping up to be killer. Friday night’s bill toppers are NOLA kings, Down. Joining them to close proceedings on Saturday are black metal legends Emperor, and to play us out on Sunday are thrash titans Megadeth. Other acts billed so far include Carcass, Primordial, Lacuna Coil, Amon Amarth, Obituary, Crowbar, Hatebreed, Prong, Children Of Bodom, Saxon, Primordial, Decapitated, Flotsam & Jetsam, Biohazard, Revamp, Orphaned Land, Aborted, Rotting Christ, Satan, Sister Sin and many more! Further band announcements are to follow shortly, so watch this space!
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Bloodstock is held at Catton Park, Derbyshire on 7th-10th August 2014. Tickets for 2014′s event are on sale now. Buy your tickets now using this link.
