Montreux Jazz Festival unveils spectacular 2025 programme, from Diana Ross to RAYE and Neil Young

https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/montreux-jazz-festival-2024-review-sting-raye-b2582581.html" rel="nofollow - Montreux Jazz Festival  has unveiled a spectacular programme for its 2025 festival, starring legends including  https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/diana-ross" rel="nofollow - Diana Ross ,  https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/lionel-richie" rel="nofollow - Lionel Richie ,  https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/neil-young" rel="nofollow - Neil Young  & The Chrome Hearts and  https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/chaka-khan" rel="nofollow - Chaka Khan , along with breakthrough artists such as  https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/raye" rel="nofollow - RAYE ,  https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/sam-fender" rel="nofollow - Sam Fender  and Shaboozey.

The typically eclectic lineup comes ahead of https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/montreux-jazz-festival-documentary-bbc-oliver-murray-b2573415.html" rel="nofollow -  the two-week festival in Montreux,  Switzerland, where https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/culture/montreux-jazz-festival-2024-ceo-b2585897.html" rel="nofollow -  musicians perform against a stunning backdrop  of Lac Léman (Lake Geneva) and the surrounding mountains.

This year’s event, which will take place between 4 to 19 July, includes a number of artist debuts at the festival along with some familiar faces.

https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/neil-young-glastonbury-grunge-donald-trump-b2694259.html" rel="nofollow - Neil Young  will perform a special three-hour concert on the Lake Stage with his band following a headline appearance at https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/glastonbury-2025-lineup-headliners-tickets-resale-b2709969.html" rel="nofollow -  Glastonbury Festival  in June. Other legends set to appear include Canadian star https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/alanis-morissette-interview-jagged-little-pill-anniversary-new-album-a9557041.html" rel="nofollow -  Alanis Morisette , guitar heroes https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/santana-interview-michael-jackson-woodstock-tour-b2721163.html" rel="nofollow -  Santana  and Joe Bonamasa, crooner Lionel Richie and Motown icon Diana Ross.

< ="sc-1uf4o3q-0 iwFOdi inline-gallery-btn" id="trigger-autogallery-1564" style="overflow: ; width: auto; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; appearance: none; -: initial; -: initial; -size: initial; -repeat: initial; -attachment: initial; -origin: initial; -clip: initial; cursor: pointer; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; -webkit-font-smoothing: inherit; : 2; grid-area: 1 / 1 / 2 / 2;">open image in gallery

Motown legend Diana Ross is on the 2025 programme for Montreux Jazz Festival (PA)

In one of several double bills for the Lake Stage, Pulp will perform for the first time after indie band Bloc Party, who are celebrating the 20th anniversary of their debut album Silent Alarm.

https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/jamie-xx" rel="nofollow - Jamie xx  will open for avant-garde pop artist  https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/fka-twigs" rel="nofollow - FKA twigs , while RAYE – who wowed guests last year – will return with support from fellow British pop singer JADE. The Black Keys will share a stage with Hermanos Gutiérrez, who produced the Ohio-formed rock band’s last two albums.

On the same stage, some of the brightest new voices of rock and folk will appear: Sam Fender, who recently released his latest album, People Watching, viral singer Benson Boone, and indie-folk star  https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/noah-kahan" rel="nofollow - Noah Kahan .

 

Sam Fender is performing at Montreux Jazz Festival this year (Invision/AP)

Meanwhile American singer-songwriter  https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/brandi-carlile" rel="nofollow - Brandi Carlile  will grace the Casino Stage following the release of her critically adored album with Elton John, Who Believes in Angels?. R&B artists Jorja Smith and  https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/leon-bridges" rel="nofollow - Leon Bridges  join the billing alongside  https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/portishead" rel="nofollow - Portishead  singer and solo artist Beth Gibbons, while  https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/james-blake" rel="nofollow - James Blake  will make his fifth appearance at Montreux, this time with a solo piano set.

Towards the end of the festival, some of the UK’s leading young jazz artists will perform: saxophonist Nubya Garcia and the Mercury Prize-winning  https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/ezra-collective" rel="nofollow - Ezra Collective .

 
open image in gallery

Ezra Collective are one of the UK’s leading jazz acts (WireImage)

Chaka Khan said: “I feel honored to be returning to open the Montreux Jazz Festival this year, joining so many world class artists. I’m equally proud to be bringing some special guests with me, to pay musical tribute to my friend  https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/quincy-jones" rel="nofollow - Quincy Jones ; one of the best friends that music and Montreux ever had.”

As with previous years, guests will be able to enjoy a number of free performances along the quays, from an open-air electronic club stage to live cooking demonstrations and yoga classes. The MJF Spotlight brand, which supports emerging artists, will also now have its own open-air stage at the event.

< ="sc-1uf4o3q-0 iwFOdi inline-gallery-btn" id="trigger-autogallery-1567" style="overflow: ; width: auto; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; appearance: none; -: initial; -: initial; -size: initial; -repeat: initial; -attachment: initial; -origin: initial; -clip: initial; cursor: pointer; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; -webkit-font-smoothing: inherit; : 2; grid-area: 1 / 1 / 2 / 2;">open image in gallery

An overhead shot of Montreux, including the Lake Stage (Marc Ducrest)

The Independent is partnering with Montreux Jazz Festival for the third consecutive year, bringing readers the latest updates, coverage and reviews from the storied event.

The Independent’s Editor in Chief Geordie Greig said: "Montreux Jazz Festival is every star musician’s favourite place to play. It is why Sting has been seven times and Montreux continues to attract the world’s top talent.

“The Independent is proud to be working together with this brilliant music fest once again. I am so pleased we have such a strong partnership as we all gather to celebrate once in a lifetime performances in 2025."

Music Editor Roisin O’Connor, said: “I’m beyond thrilled that The Independent is partnering with Montreux Jazz Festival for the third consecutive year.

“Each time they somehow manage to out-do themselves by unveiling an extraordinary programme comprising bonafide legends and the brightest new stars, who will perform against a backdrop of the most stunning scenery imaginable. The team behind Montreux are as passionate about celebrating musical talent as we are at The Independent, and I can’t wait to join them again this summer.”

Mathieu Jaton, CEO of MJF, said: “We are honoured to strengthen our collaboration with The Independent, an internationally renowned media outlet known for the quality of its journalism. It’s a privilege to deepen this relationship with such a committed partner, who shares our passion for music and for shining a light on emerging talent.

“Beyond media exposure, this collaboration is built on shared values: curiosity, high standards, and a desire to showcase music in all its forms. Together, we aim to offer the public an immersive and thoughtful perspective on the unique experience that is the Montreux Jazz Festival.”

Tickets go on sale on Friday 11 April at 11am BST and can be purchased  https://www.montreuxjazzfestival.com/en/programme/" rel="nofollow - here.