It’s that time of year again! So pull on your sunglasses and crack open a nice, cold can of Jupiler because we’re heading to Belgium for the best weekend of punk rock in Europe. That’s right, it’s Groezrock time! This year sees an awesome line-up descend over the muddy fields of Meerhout so we have Maryam and Ben on hand to pick out a selection of bands they think are going to kick ass this weekend.
For all things Groezrock, keep your eyes on our Twitter and Instagram pages over the two days, and join in the fun using #PTGroez.
Let’s get things going with Friday…
RESTORATIONS
Etnies Stage: 12:35 – 13:10
We think Restorations live show is one of the best you’ll see all year, and after having such a successful run on the UK leg of their European tour we know they are going into Groezrock on a high. Make sure you start off your Friday right with the Philly lads on the Etnies stage. You won’t regret it, we promise you. [MH]
THE WONDER YEARS
Etnies Stage: 15:40 – 16:20
Do we really need to explain this one? On the Etnies stage again this year, which is the perfect stage for them, we expect there to be all of the stage diving. Easily the best pop punk band and always the best for singing your heart out along to. [MH]
THE MENZINGERS
Monster Main Stage: 16:10 – 16:55
‘Rented World’ is well up there with our albums of the year at the moment and we’re excited to see it live. The Menzingers hit the Main Stage on Friday afternoon and we expect you all to be there singing, dancing and drinking a few Jupilers – even if you might have to decide between the end of The Wonder Years and the start of The Menzingers. [MH]
IRON CHIC
Etnies Stage: 17:55 – 18:40
Returning for a second year to the Etnies Stage, Iron Chic start their set of European shows at Groezrock. Last year they were one of our highlights and we know this year they will bring the Etnies Stage down again. For a taste of what will happen check out his video filmed in LA earlier this year: [MH]
LA DISPUTE
Etnies Stage: 19:05 – 19:55
La Dispute are bringing their unclassifiable sound to Europe, taking in Groezrock as part of their month long jaunt. Their heartfelt storytelling is bound to shake up the Etnies Stage, and we’ll definitely be on hand to see their evolution in action. [BT]
NOFX
Monster Main Stage: 00:05 – 01:20
It might seem like a cop-out to add the headliners as a recommendation, but as if NoFx weren’t enough of an exciting prospect, the recent revelation that the band will be playing ‘Punk in Drublic’ in full has pushed them right up our “must see” list. From the moment ‘Linoleum’ starts, we can almost guarantee pure punk-rock carnage. [BT]
And for Saturday…
ELWAY
Monster Main Stage: 13:00 – 13:35
Elway’s irregular take on melodic punk rock, and a healthy dose of not taking themselves too seriously, has propelled them into an early afternoon main stage slot at this year’s festival. This will be a great way to shake off any Friday cobwebs, and is destined to bring a smile to anyone’s face. [BT]
RIVER JUMPERS
Macbeth Stage: 14:00 – 14:30
We are very excited that Brighton based punkers River Jumpers made it to the Groezrock line up through the new band competition the festival runs. Be sure to take your dancing shoes over to the Macbeth Stage early in the afternoon and you won’t be disappointed. Fun, upbeat, melodic punk at its best. [MH]
APOLOGIES I HAVE NONE
Impericon Stage: 14:35 – 15:15
As the band behind our favourite album of 2012, and with their new EP – ‘Black Everything’ – released last week, we are rightly expecting big things from their Groezrock appearance. [BT]
TOUCHE AMORE
Etnies Stage: 17:55 – 18:40
It’s a tough shout between Touche Amore and Norma Jean, who happen to share the exact same stage times, but Touche Amore’s emotionally charged hardcore is bound to sound truly epic in the confines of the Etnies Stage. Their ferocious screams and ominous melodies are not to be missed. [BT]
THE HIVES
Monster Main Stage: 22:35 – 23:35
Not your typical punk festival band, The Hives have earned their main stage slot with catchy tunes and an explosion of energy. Anyone who has caught this band live before will testify to their infectious performance, simply overflowing with fun. Sandwiched between New Found Glory and The Offspring, there’s no sign of the main stage falling flat on the Saturday evening. [BT]
THE OFFSPRING
Monster Main Stage: 00:05 – 01:05
Another full album show, The Offspring will be celebrating twenty years since the release of their third studio album, ‘Smash’, at Groezrock. ‘Self Esteem’ and ‘Bad Habit’ are always going to blow the roof off the main stage tent, but it’s those rare gems that have us most excited. This is going to be the excellent (and only, seeing as all other bands finish before The Offspring start) way to finish the festival. [BT]
Remember, for all things Groezrock, keep your eyes on our Twitter and Instagram pages over the two days, and join in the fun using #PTGroez.