Since its announcement a few weeks back Global Gathering has been hyped as one of the year’s most essential events. The festival tour will see UK organiser the Angel Music Group joining forces with local brands Future Entertainment and Ministry of Sound Australia. The wraps have now come off the first round of artists, and as promised you get all the info here on inthemix first!

As to be expected the caliber of artists in the first round is second to none, with the bill topped by British funk heavyweight Mark Ronson. It’ll be Ronson’s debut tour of Australia and comes hot on the heels of his headline performance at Global Gathering in the UK just last month. Ronson’s album Version was one of 2007’s most successful releases and featured guests like Lily Allen, Amy Winehouse and Robbie Williams. Joining him on the Australian tour; his full 10-piece band!

Not to be outdone, joining Ronson at the top of the line-up are certified electronica legends Kraftwerk. The German pioneers of dance music haven’t toured Australia since the 2003 Big Day Out, and earlier this year they caused a stir when headlining the Coachella festival in the USA. Responsible for introducing ‘robot pop’ to the world, their impact on modern electronic music is profound having produced legendary tracks like Autobahn, Tour de France and Trans-Europe Express.

Another long overdue debutant to Australian shores, get ready to experience the cutting edge performance art of NYC electro outfit Fischerspooner. On the DJ tip there’s progressive godfather Sasha (excluding Perth), fast rising uplifting trance superstars Above & Beyond, and also Felix Da Housecat. This is only the first raft of artists, with many more still to be announced!

Global Gathering first round artists:

Mark Ronson
Kraftwerk
Fischerspooner
Sasha (excluding Perth)
Above & Beyond
Felix Da Housecat
LA Riots
The Orb
Larry Tee
+ many more to come

The Global Gathering tour will visit Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth (in conjunction with Mellen Events) between November 22nd and 30th, 2008. Tickets are onsale from September 1st, so stay tuned to www.inthemix.com.au/globalgathering for further updates as we’ll have all the latest news first!

Check out this video of Ronson and his band performing Stop Me at Glastonbury 2007. On vocals, Australia’s own Daniel Merriweather:

If that’s not enough, check out this clip of Above & Beyond playing to 1 million people in Rio last NYE!