Wembley Stadium kicks off its 2017 music programme this weekend when it hosts Capital’s Summertime Ball.
Bruno Mars, Niall Horan, Little Mix, Zara Larsson, Shawn Mendes, Stormzy, Maroon 5, Clean Bandit, Olly Murs, Rag’N’Bone Man, James Arthur, Sean Paul, Dua Lipa, Louisa Johnson, Anne-Marie and Charlie Puth are lined up to play this Saturday’s event.
The London venue will then welcome The Stone Roses on June 17, Jeff Lynne’s ELO on June 24 and four in-the-round gigs with Adele from June 28-29 and July 1-2.
“Music has an integral part to play in the stadium’s calendar,” Gary Hutchinson, the national stadium’s head of venue sales and commercial partnerships, told Music Week.
“We're really proud of our music line-up to date, some of the biggest events in Wembley’s history have been concerts.”
Hutchinson joined the venue from Sunderland’s Stadium Of Light earlier this year following the departure of Wembley’s long-serving music boss Jim Frayling, while former SJM Concerts’ events chief Liam Boylan has been appointed stadium general manager.
The national stadium recently celebrated 10 years since opening, and has attracted shows by artists such as Beyoncé, Muse, George Michael, AC/DC, Oasis, Take That, Eminem, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, The Killers, Robbie Williams and Ed Sheeran in that time.
“For me personally, since joining in 2012, my highlight is bringing in the Ed Sheeran shows,” said partnership development manager, music and new events, Danielle Russell. “I worked on them from start to finish with Kilimanjaro and DHP in 2015. Ed is a genius and he has a great team around him. I’m really proud to have been involved.
“Over the years we have had to be proactive to stay on top. The venue has enhanced technologically, but we have also advanced operationally having deepened our stage pocket to provide greater production and date flexibility. A thing not many people know is that we are powered by 100% renewable energy, a zero waste to landfill stadium also, which I think is rather impressive!”
Wembley has limited availability for concerts beyond the summer this year due to Tottenham Hotspur playing their home games at the ground during the 2017/18 season, but remains steadfast in its commitment to live music.
“Working in the music industry is special - you work around the clock and become really involved in creating these huge spectacles on stage,” added Russell. “No matter who it is, or what stage they are in their career, I get a huge sense of excitement and pride in seeing what started as a conversation develop into a major live music event. I hope for more of the same over the next few years, top quality events delivered with world-class account management.”
