The cat is out of the bag – or that’s the way promoter Charlie Clark has described news released today of the main headliner for the newest summer festival in the islands.

John Fogerty, legendary singer-songwriter and founding member of Creedence Clearwater Revival, is to headline Saturday night at the Midnight Sun Weekender, on Lews Castle Green from 25-27 May.

John joins a line-up including The Pretenders, Ocean Colour Scene, Primal Scream and Public Service Broadcasting.

News of John’s place as the festival’s headline act comes just a few weeks after he announced that he had re-acquired a majority interest in his own historic song catalogue from the Concord Music group. 

That means that iconic songs that have inspired generations, like Bad Moon Rising, Have You Ever Seen the Rain and Fortunate Son, are back in his ownership, after decades of campaigning.

Stornoway audiences will be among the first to hear the music of Creedence Clearwater Revival played live by the man who wrote it, as well as new material which he plans to record later this year.

Announcing the news on his own website, Fogerty said: “As of this January, I own my own songs again. This is something I thought would never be a possibility.

“You can’t separate art from the artist. I’ve been writing songs my whole life, and I’m just glad to have them back as my own.

“I am looking forward to touring and celebrating this year! I am excited for new ideas and a renewed interest in my music … like a revival.”

John’s tour dates in May include the BeachLife festival in California, the Los Angeles County Fair – and the Midnight Sun Weekender in Stornoway.

Tickets are on sale for the festival now at https://www.skiddle.com/festivals/midnight-sun-weekender/.

Day tickets are priced from £65 on Thursday to £109 on Saturday and a payment plan weekend ticket is available until tomorrow (Tuesday) at a total cost of £297.

Pictures from Midnight Sun Weekender/Charlie Clark.