Slam Dunk 2017 latest line-up announcement for Hatfield music festival

The touring pop punk, ska punk, metal and alternative rock festival will return to the University of Hertfordshire in Hatfield on Bank Holiday Monday, May 29.

And Beartooth, Tonight Alive, Against Me!, The Bronx, Goldfinger, Mad Caddies, The Movielife, Trophy Eyes and Like Pacific have all been confirmed for Slam Dunk 2017, with many more acts to be announced across eight stages.

The latest acts joined already confirmed main stage headliners Enter Shikari on the SDF17 line-up over the Spring May Bank Holiday weekend.

The festival bill also includes Don Broco, Bowling for Soup, Less Than Jake, Reel Big Fish, Cute Is What We Aim For and We The Kings.

Leading the charge in the latest line-up announcement are breakthrough US band Beartooth, who were in session at Maida Vale last night (Sunday) on Daniel P Carter’s BBC Radio 1 Rock Show.

After forming in 2012, the band from Columbus, Ohio, have become one of the most talked-about and celebrated new faces in modern hardcore.

With second album Aggressive released last summer, the band cemented their position at heavy music’s head table.

Aussie trailblazers Tonight Alive are one of their genre’s biggest crossovers in recent years.

Slam Dunk Festival 2017 latest line-up poster (Image: Archant)

On their return to the festival, Jenna McDougall said: “Slam Dunk fam! It’s been four long years!

“We can’t wait to reunite and play for you this May. The UK always brings some of the best shows and we know this time won’t be any different.”

Americans Against Me! are at the beating heart of the modern punk scene.

Led by talismanic frontwoman Laura Jane Grace, Slam Dunk 2017 is the perfect showcase for their latest album Shape Shift With Me.

Blistering hardcore punk legends The Bronx will be delivering one of their trademark high octane shows when they roll into Hatfield, Leeds and Birmingham for Slam Dunk 2017.

Ready to give the Slam Dunk audience a masterclass are ska and pop punk masters Goldfinger.

Responsible for infectious anthems such as Superman and 99 Red Balloons, the American band are excited to return to UK shores after a two-year absence.

Frontman and super producer John Feldmann said: “Goldfinger doesn’t tour like we used to – we held the Guinness World Record for playing 385 shows in 1996!

“England is my favourite country to play shows in and I will be bringing my best suit.

“We have a new record coming out this year and I’m stoked to play new songs and so excited to be on stage again.”

Californian ska punks Mad Caddies played the second ever Slam Dunk Festival back in 2007, so it’s only fitting they return for their 10th anniversary.

The Caddies said: “We are excited to come to the UK and participate in Slam Dunk Fest for the first time in 10 years.

“There’s a bunch of great bands on the bill -- it’s going to be a good party.”

Reunited melodic hardcore heroes The Movielife, visceral Australian quintet Trophy Eyes, and energetic hard-hitters Like Pacific complete the third line-up announcement.

Vinnie Caruana, of The Movielife, said: “Any chance to do Movielife shows in England is an opportunity I jump at.

“We’ve had so many great shows there and there are still so many more great times ahead.

“I’m glad it finally worked out and that we will be making our Slam Dunk debut.”

Trophy Eyes drummer Callum Cramp added: “Slam Dunk festival is something we’ve all been closely watching grow for years and this time around, we’re ecstatic to be able to play it.

“Touring the rest of the world is great but there is something about Britain that is just so immersed in rock music, something raw.

“We’ll see you all in the birthplace of punk rock this May, for Slam Dunk 2017.”

Like Pacific’s Chris Thaung said: “We’re very excited for the opportunity to not only come back to the UK, but to play such a premiere punk and alternative festival like Slam Dunk.

“The line-up seems to get better each and every year. Very stoked to be a part of Slam Dunk.”

Slam Dunk 2017 kicks off in the Midlands on Saturday, May 27 at the NEC, Birmingham.

The tour moves to Yorkshire on May 28 for Slam Dunk North at various venues dotted around Leeds city centre.

The third and final leg of the festival will be Slam Dunk South at The Forum Hertfordshire and the University of Hertfordshire’s College Lane Campus in Hatfield on Monday, May 29.

Advance tickets cost £44, or £49 with after party.

They are on sale now from www.slamdunkmusic.com and The Forum’s website at www.forumhertfordshire.co.uk

• For more on Slam Dunk, visit the festival’s website at http://slamdunkmusic.com/