Hard Rock Calling is now firmly established in the festival calendar and is the premier London festival in Hyde Park. The festival attracts some of the world’s biggest music stars year after year, this year is no exception Soundgarden return to the capital for the first time in over 10 Years to headline Friday. Saturday sees the return of Bruce Springsteen to the Royal Park and Sunday sees the Paul Simon celebrate the 25th anniversary of his critically acclaimed masterpiece ‘Graceland’.

Friday has now traditionally become the heavier day of this 3 day festival in the heart of London and this year brings some of the best hard rock acts in the world to the capital. Kids in Glass Houses from South Wales open up the main stage in what is sure to be a high energy rock show. One of Americas best rock outfits Black Stone Cherry take to the main stage, the 4 piece from Kentucky are likely to steal the show with their Southern style hard rock. Cold Chisel and Iggy and the Stooges will bring back fond memories as they blast their way through their respective back catalogues.

Over on the Pepsi Max Stage sees the likes of Mars Volta, Welsh hero’s Skindred and their high energy heavy metal, expect to climb aboard the Newport Helicopter and dance your wellies off to Benji and the boy’s, Classic rock band Red White & Blues also play as do another Welsh group The Dirty Youth.

The HRC Rising stage gives the bands of tomorrow a chance to show what they can do today, Dive Bella Dive will give what is sure to be a stunning performance of their musical togetherness. All female group The Launderettes get to play their unique garage rock to the masses and Deep Valley get their blues infused punk rock up close and personal.

The Band stand will have bands on throughout the afternoon and evening, situated close to the main food outlets why not enjoy a burger and a band, ones too look out for are Sissy & the Blisters, Drop out Venus and Turbogeist.

Saturday sees the Hard Rock global battle of the bands winner Hey Monea! Open up the main stage, be sure to check them out to see what all the fuss is about, Tom Morello (he of RATM fame) brings his solo project The Nightwatchman to the festival for the first time. Lady Antebellum and John Fogerty also play the main stage before The Boss takes up residence and performs for likely 3 plus hours.

The Pepsi Max stage has a host of musicians on Saturday, The Night a 5 piece from all corners of the earth, NEEDTOBREATHE bring a unique rock experience to HRC as do London 4 piece Lawson. All this and more culminating in a headline performance by Scottish singer songwriter Amy MacDonald 

Dylan LeBlanc heads up the Hard Rock Rising stage supported by some incredible talent including Jack Savoretti, Gabriel Bruce and KonKoma the afro funk 9 piece from London

Upcoming rock band Halfway to New York play the Band stand stage as do Daytona Lights and Shields

Sunday sees the sensational Karima Francis first up on the main stage, his unique voice along with his guitar will be sure to capture many new fans. New York’s Punch Brothers get the chance to impress with their highly charged chic rock, as does songstress Christina Perri who is sure to go down a storm. Alison Krauss & Union Street bring their country / rock pop to Hyde Park as part of their ‘Paper Airplane’ tour.  

Big Country headline the Pepsi Max Stage, playing what is sure to be a high energy rock show, with classics in their back catalogue you would be wise not to miss them. Guillemots fronted by Fyfe Dangerfield also get an outing in the big top. Singer songwriters Ryan Sheridan and Robert Ellis make their way from Dublin and Texas respectively to perform.

Ex Starsailer frontman James Walsh heads up the Hard Rock Rising Stage in what is sure to be a stunning performance (he was excellent on the main stage at the IOW festival a few weeks ago), also playing the Rising stage is Downton Abbey star Elizabeth McGovern and her band Sadie and the Hotheads. Scottish group Bwani Junction bring their melodic indie tunes to the capital – definitely ones for the future.

The Wonderful Honey Rider play the Band Stand as do Chailo Sim, Alessi’s Ark & Peggy Sue