As is customary for early February, the organisers of Fuji Rock have just announced the first, impressive (and mostly international) slice of the festival's 2017 lineup. With 23 names published in one go, including headliners Björk and Aphex Twin, they've let on a lot more than in previous years: back in 2015, fewer than ten artists were announced around this time.
Noteworthy is the addition of Queens of the Stone Age, who last played Fuji Rock back in 2002, making it high time for a proper Naeba comeback. We're also excited about Bonobo, considering his latest album release just a few months ago, and south London singer Sampha, who may be on track to become a Japan mainstay with his most recent shows coming in December at Shibuya's WWW X and as the opening act for The XX at Toyosu Pit a day earlier. Major Lazer and LCD Soundsystem should prove to be crowd-pleasers as well, as will The XX and Lorde on the dreamy, indie-inspired side.
Without further ado, here's the full lineup so far: Björk, Aphex Twin, LCD Soundsystem, Lorde, Major Lazer, Queens of the Stone Age, The XX, Ásgeir, Bonobo, Catfish and the Bottlemen, Eden, Elvis Bishop, Father John Misty, Goldroom, The Lemon Twigs, Lukas Graham, Maggie Rogers, The Marcus King Band, Rhye, Sampha, Sturgill Simpson, Temples, Western Caravan.
Early-bird, discounted tickets (the normal batch, that is - the real fans got their uber-uber early ones months ago) will go on sale next week (February 18) as well, so if you don't mind not knowing the full lineup yet, it's a good way to save a few thousand yen off the exorbitant ticket prices. A one-day pass at early-bird prices is ¥17,000, two days ¥32,000 and the full three days ¥39,800. See you in Naeba on July 28, 29 and 30?