INDIE-ROCKERS The Novatones are spearheading Southampton’s charge to the Isle of Wight festival again.

The band will make their second appearance there in as many years.

Lead singer-guitarist Anthony Pittman, drummer Sean Swift and guitarist Mackenzie Gordon-Smith told The Daily Echo how they were pleasantly shocked to have been asked to return so soon.

“We thought local bands usually didn’t play consecutive years and even by last month we still hadn’t heard anything” said Anthony.

“Our friends in The Costellos and The Rising had already been confirmed so we thought that was it for us for this year.

“But we then received a fantastic email from festival supremo John Giddings asking us to play the Hard Rock stage on Friday evening. It was brilliant news.”

The band, well known for songs like Guns and Dynamite and Avenue Road, can’t wait for the long weekend to begin.

“We’re going to sail over early on Thursday to make the most of it. Fleetwood Mac and The Prodigy are going to be incredible. It’s another amazing line up.” said Anthony.

“And don’t forget Courtneers who were amazing when they played the Guildhall last year” added Sean.

The Novatones played the Isle of Wight Strongbow Garden arena last year and drew an impressive crowd in competition with Dappy from N-Dubz over on the main stage. It was a memorable time.

“Our bassist Toby brought a bottle of vintage champagne to the campsite last year so I don’t know how he is going to top that this time!” laughed Anthony.

The band is still on a high from their landmark show at Common People in Southampton. Mackenzie is still wearing his VIP wrist band while Anthony has tied his one to his trademark Epiphone Supernova Union Jack emblazoned guitar.

Mackenzie recalled how they all felt before they went on the big main stage on that memorable Saturday on the Common:

“We were probably the most nervous we’d ever been, though Anthony had drunk about four cans of Red Bull so was buzzing” he chuckled.

“But once we hit that first chord all that apprehension disappeared and the stage didn’t seem so huge. We wished our set could have gone on all day.”

“It was a tremendous festival and terrific for the city” said Anthony. “Rob da Bank and everyone else did a super job. We’re so happy it’s coming back next year and would love to be involved again.”

Drummer Sean bravely completed the highly charged Common People set while recovering from a broken wrist. His band mates have banned him from playing Saturday football next season to prevent any more injuries.

The group’s show on the Isle of Wight will mark a temporary end of an era as bassist Toby Hornby-Patterson is set to go travelling for a few months.

Fortunately, alternative plans mean the music won’t stop.

An eagerly awaited fourth EP is planned in the autumn to complement their three previous impressive compilations including their current one Sunday Romance. All are available on ITunes.

It looks like a good way to kick start early Friday evening at Isle of Wight is with The Novatones.

The lads play the lively Hard Rock stage at 4:15pm on Friday 12 June.