Official June 25, 2011 - Hard Rock Calling - London thread

I know I'm probably jumping the gun a bit on this one as there's just over 2 weeks to go but I've been thinking based on the fact HRC have said the band are playing for circa 3 hours and will be on stage just after 7, I'm wondering what rarities and surprises we may get.

I'm hoping for something off the 1st album at least and some of the rarer New Jersey songs. The electric version of Stick To Your Guns will be immense, that is if Jon remembers the chords. I do think there will be some element of vanilla stuff as it is a festival but most people got their tickets on the strength of Bon Jovi and they are headlining so they will have to give some rare ones at the same time.

I've created a poll for the opening song just to get peoples thoughts on what they think it will be. I would love Raise Your Hands but as Ray Davies is on before them I can see him finishing with Lola but introducing the band first to do it with him, Ray then leaves and they carry on.

What's everyone's thoughts?

London Calling maybe?

Hmm didn't think of that one. That could go down well actually. Better than Rockin' All Over The World anyway.

Now that I think about it the more I think it would work. Good shout.

I just think as they're both there there's bound to be a collaboration with Ray Davies and to me it seems logical for Ray to bring the band on for Lola and then he leaves and they start. Then again they will get a better crowd reaction if they come on to their intro piece.

I'd say Ray will definitely appear on stage with them, but probably in the encore like in 2003.

Probably for Celluloid Heroes if that's the way it goes down. I can't see Ray doing his set without doing Lola can you?

Nah, there's no way he'd leave that out.

I wonder how many people have actually bought tickets to see him? he could be playing to a lot of people who are sitting down.

Yeah I agree with you there. He's 67 in 11 days time. Mind from the Youtube thumbnails I think he stood for most of the time at Glastonbury last year.

I'm quite looking forward to seeing Vintage Trouble but I am wondering whether or not this is a favour by Bon Jovi as Doc McGhee and Dave Sabo manage them. Still they're pretty decent. I'm liking what I've heard from Evaline too.

I doubt he'd do it- Bruce did a few years back and it was just soooo good I doubt it could be repeated IMO.

But I reckon it may be Keep On Rocking In The Free World

I couldn't tell you right now, as it's only the beginning of the leg. I could see (and hope for) RYH becoming the regular opener this leg.

I do like the idea of Rockin' in the Free World. They did that one well.

Rockin' In The Free World I Wouldn't have a problem with. Rockin' All Over The World (Satatus Quo) I would.