There are seven wonders in the world (depending on whose list you go by), and by the end of this September, Paul Oakenfold will have performed at three of them. The legendary English record producer and trance DJ is full of firsts, going on tour with U2 in the early ’90s, playing a show at the Mount Everest base camp, and more. Now, this September, he will make history with the first-ever performance at Stonehenge.
There will be an invited audience of 50 hand-picked guests to witness this special experience at this UNESCO World Heritage site and this will add to the unusual locations Paul’s played at including the Great Wall of China, the FIFA World Cup 2018 and Base Camp on Mount Everest.
Having the opportunity to play at the site, built 5,000 years ago, is a “privilege” adds Oakenfold. “I am so lucky to be able to share my music from such an iconic site. The energy there will be like nowhere else on earth, and this will be reflected in my music and performance. Despite having performed at incredible events and locations all across the globe, sunset at Stonehenge will be the most magical.”
Oakenfold will record his new album Live at Stonehenge on the night creating a ‘first of its kind experience’ for those lucky enough to be a part of this historic live event.
The event was conceived and is produced by Alon Shulman as part of his new ‘Origins’ concept that incorporates music, film, performance “and much more.” Shulman, commenting on the plans, says, “Together, Paul and I wanted to create something completely unique. Having worked closely with English Heritage it is fitting that our first special moment takes place at Stonehenge.”
This live event is the next installment in a series of a number of special projects that are planned to take place over the next three years. Oakenfold says, “Its Alon’s special relationships and his long-term vision that make the impossible possible. We’ll shortly be announcing our plans using amazing locations championing great artists and new music.”
As the custodians of Stonehenge, English Heritage are tasked with preserving many of the UK’s most important landmarks. “We’ve been working very closely with Alon Shulman and the team at Universe on a number of exciting forward-looking creative initiatives that support English Heritage’s values of conservation and inspiration,” says English Heritage director Luke Purser. “It is exciting that they’ve invited British DJ Paul Oakenfold, one of the most accomplished and recognised artists on the global stage, to be the first DJ to play at Stonehenge. We’re delighted with Paul’s enthusiasm for our work and that he has embraced the uniqueness of this site where he will be recording his new album, which will support the work of the Charity.”
