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Rockstar Energy presents Creamfields 2025 – line-up deep dive
A look at the titans of bass who will be unleashing earth-shaking sets at Creamfields 2025
Creamfields’ ascent mirrors the rise of rave culture in general. First held in 1998 on the outskirts of Winchester, the inaugural Creamfields was a single-day event that attracted some 25,000 attendees. Fast-forward to 2025 and the festival has room for 70,000 festivalgoers spread over 518 acres of land, with events playing out across the entirety of the August bank holiday weekend.
While the scale of the festival has changed, Creamfields’ commitment to platforming the very best producers and DJs on the planet hasn’t, with 2025 headliners including David Guetta, Swedish House Mafia, Chase & Status, and Amelie Lens. This year will also see the grand opening of APEX, a brand new indoor arena with space for 30,000 ravers and a stage kitted out with a mammoth sound system and cutting edge visual effects. All of the fan-favourite stages from previous years will be making a return, with the biggest names that aren’t playing APEX mostly divided up between Arc, Steel Yard, Halo Paradise, Teletech and Misfit.
Many of the artists playing at Creamfields 2025 are unlikely to return to the UK any time soon, so you won’t want to miss your chance to catch them live…
The headliners
David Guetta
Most dance music artists would consider themselves to have made it if they cracked the charts just once. But cracking the charts isn’t enough for David Guetta – he wants to dominate them. And with seven UK No.1s under his belt, it’s clear that he’s succeeded. Although it might be tempting to ascribe Guetta’s success to his strategy of partnering with the biggest names in pop (his list of previous collaborators includes Akon, Sia, Becky Hill, and Kelly Rowland), in truth his comprehensive takeover of the mainstream is mostly down to his ability to craft uncanny earworms – as seen on ‘When Love Takes Over’ and ‘Crazy What Love Can Do.’ Of course, it doesn’t hurt that Guetta has a reputation for putting on dazzling live performances, a reputation he will no doubt live up to when he headlines the Arc Stage on Sunday night.
Swedish House Mafia
The term “supergroup” gets thrown around far too often, but in the case of Swedish House Mafia it’s the only fitting descriptor. Consisting of Axwell, Steve Angello and Sebastian Ingrosso, Swedish House Mafia have been credited by Billboard with “setting the tone for the EDM boom of the early 2010s,” and records such ‘One’ and ‘Don’t You Worry Child’ still get radio play more than 10 years after they first hit the airwaves. After an extended hiatus where the group’s members individually established themselves in the progressive house scene, Swedish House Mafia unexpectedly reunited on stage in 2018, although it would be a few more years before they joined forces in the studio again. Now, with an acclaimed studio album under their belts that saw them collaborate with The Weeknd, Mapei and A$AP Rocky, Swedish House Mafia have finally reclaimed their throne, and they’re set to cement their ascendency when they take to the Arc Stage for their headline slot at Creamfields 2025.
Martin Garrix
The way it’s usually told, the story of Martin Garrix’ meteoric ascent begins with ‘Animals,’ the infectiously catchy big room banger, which turned the then-17-year-old producer into the youngest artist to score a Beatport No.1. In truth, Garrix’s journey began several years earlier when he was discovered by Tiësto, and the Dutch super-producer already had a number of releases under his belt (including a remix for Enrique Iglesias and a collaboration with Dutch house legend Sidney Samson) by the time ‘Animals’ took over the charts. In subsequent years, Garrix has cemented his status as one of dance music’s most dependable hit makers, with hits such as ‘In The Name Of Love’ and ‘Scared To Be Lonely’. With a number of global tours already notched up, Garrix well and truly deserves his place among the dance music legends at at Creamfields 2025.
The drum ‘n’ bass bad boys
Andy C
Even if you’re not a fan of drum ‘n’ bass – hell, even if you’re not a fan of dance music in general – there’s a good chance you’ve heard of Andy C (short for Andy Clarke). One of the most consequential figures in D&B history and founder of RAM Records, Clarke has played a key role in nurturing the fledgling genre as it tentatively split from its jungle and breakcore origins. In the early days of his career, Clarke pioneered a snarling, moody sound that traded jungle’s reliance on sub for intricate sound design. These days, Clarke’s sound has matured somewhat to include more melodic and vocal elements, but – as he’s demonstrated with recent records ‘Positions (feat. Whoismoli)’ and ‘Indestructible’ – he’s never abandoned the raw savagery that his fans clamour for. That savagery will be on full display during Andy C’s headline set at Creamfields, so you’ll want to get yourself to the Sub Aural Stage on Saturday night.
Sub Focus
There’s something to be said for sticking to what you’re good at. Case in point is Sub Focus, who has been crafting technically dazzling drum ‘n’ bass equally suited to clubs, festival stages and daytime radio for a decade and a half. It’s a balancing act few could pull off, but the Guildford-born superstar has an instinctive feel for crafting catchy, lyrically dense records that boast just enough firepower to hold the attention of hardcore ravers, with recent single ‘On & On’ – which features the silky vocals of bbyclose – making for an easy example. Although no one raises lighters anymore (an unexpected consequence of vaping’s surge in popularity), you can bet that there will be a sea of phone torches swaying throughout Sub Focus’ set at the Arc Stage on Friday.
Chase & Status
Like Taylor Swift, Chase & Status have been crushing the game for so long that their career can be defined in eras (although, it must be said, that’s where the similarities end). The London duo cut their teeth in jungle – earning acclaim for their debut single ‘Love’s Theme’ – before moving on to drum ‘n’ bass (‘The Druids’), dabbling in dubstep (‘Eastern Jam’), conquering the mainstream (‘Blind Faith’) and finally coming full circle in 2019 with the aptly titled album RTRN II JUNGLE. Now, Chase & Status are on to their next era, assuming de facto leadership of the jump up sound that’s been conquering Britain’s rave scene. Hot off the back of a Boiler Room set that will surely go down in dance music history and their very first UK No.1 (‘BACKBONE,’ a collaboration with Stormzy), Chase & Status are set to add another chapter to their storied legacy when they headline Creamfields’ Arc Stage on Friday night.
Friction
By his own admission, Friction only started producing records somewhat begrudgingly, after realising that releasing his own music would be necessary if he wanted to take his career as a DJ to the next level. Despite his initial reluctance, Friction quickly proved to be one of the most innovative forces in drum ‘n’ bass, dropping game-changing records like ‘Def Con 1’ and ‘Set it Off’ (a collaboration with K-Tee), and catching the eye of industry tastemaker Andy C. Friction also launched his label Shogun Audio, and used it to foster the talents of many of drum ‘n’ bass’s current crop of stars. It’s been more than two decades since Friction started releasing music, but he still considers himself a DJ first and foremost, and his sets – which typically involve at least three turntables, and feature mashups that are equal parts inspired and unexpected – dependably lay waste to entire fields of ravers.
The old school legends
Fatboy Slim
![Fatboy Slim ft. Bootsy Collins - Weapon Of Choice [Official 4k Video]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/wCDIYvFmgW8/0.jpg)
Fatboy Slim (Norman Cook to his mates) is the living embodiment of the aphorism “age is just a number”. Despite turning 62 this year, the Brighton-based big beat pioneer shows precisely zero signs of slowing down, and he brings as much energy to the stage as any his peers – even the ones who are literally a third of his age. With an inimitable style comprised of booming breakbeats, catchy synth lines and impeccably arranged samples surgically excised from an eclectic range of sources, Cook has been spreading good vibes since breaking through in the mid 90s. He’ll be bringing plenty of those to his set at Creamfields 2025, and you can expect to hear fan-favourites including ‘Rockefeller Skank,’ ‘Praise You’ and ‘Right Here, Right Now,’ as well as whatever else happens to have caught Cook’s attention lately.
Eric Prydz
![Eric Prydz – Call On Me (Official HD Video) [2004] | MINISTRY VAULTS](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/qetW6R9Jxs4/0.jpg)
Eric Prydz needs no introduction, but we’re going to give him one anyway. Bursting onto the scene in 2004 with his hit single ‘Call On Me’ (which we’re fairly certain is now playing in your head), the Swedish-born producer quickly followed up with the record ‘Pjanoo’ and a remix of Pink Floyd’s ‘Proper Education,’ with both tracks garnering significant mainstream attention. Prydz was also briefly a member of Swedish House Mafia, although he dropped out to focus on his solo career when the group’s other members decided to start taking things seriously. These days Prydz continues to earn acclaim for both his musical output and his live performances, the latter of which have become famous for their indulgent use of lasers. If you want to catch the best light show of the year, don’t miss Prydz’s set at the Steel Yard on Friday night.
Pete Tong
Often referred to as the “global ambassador for dance music,” Pete Tong is one of only a handful of DJs to have earned an MBE for spinning records. It’s safe to say he earned it. Tong’s career as a DJ began right out of school, when he transformed a Ford Transit into a mobile disco and began throwing impromptu raves, and it wasn’t long before he was recruited to radio, firstly by Radio Invicta and later by Radio 1, where he hosted one of the station’s most beloved shows for 20 years. Today, Tong is synonymous with Ibiza’s club scene (a career highlight came when he masterminded the Radio 1 Ibiza Prom at the Royal Albert Hall in 2015), and his set at Creamfields 2025 will make you feel like you’ve been teleported to Pacha.
The hardcore ravers
Amelie Lens
Amelie Lens is used to turning heads. Scouted as a model when she was in her teens, the Belgian-born DJ traded catwalks for nightclubs after falling in love with dance music. After landing a residency at the prestigious Labyrinth Club in Hasselt, Belgium, Lens wasted no time establishing herself as one of the brightest up and comers in the minimal techno scene. Not content with spinning other artists’ records, Lens started producing her own, with her debut release ‘Exhale’ earning widespread acclaim and catching the attention of industry heads. Today, Lens is one of the most revered figures in techno, with records like ‘Breathe’ and ‘Falling For You’ showcasing her ability to blend thrashing techno basslines with haunting melodies and her signature stuttered vocals. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just techno-curious, Amelie Lens’ set at Creamfields 2025 is one you won’t want to miss.
Eli Brown
Eli Brown got his first taste of dance music at drum ‘n’ bass parties in his native Bristol, but when he started producing his own records he quickly discovered that his natural talent lay in crafting in four-to-the-floor thumpers. Still, it’s easy to hear the influence of the music that soundtracked Brown’s early forays into rave culture, with many of his tracks flaunting grizzly, menacing Reese basses and ominous vocal cuts that would be at home on the dirtiest jump up records. When he’s in a less sinister mood, Brown is capable of concocting feel-good belters like ‘Moving’ – a collaboration with Love Regenerator and Calvin Harris – sultry techno (‘Be The One’) and even the odd pool party bopper (‘Always’). He’s known for cycling through his full repertoire when behind the decks, so his set at this year’s Creamfields is sure to keep you on your toes.
Solardo
Solardo’s music is all about distilling raving to its purest essence, their tracks bursting with booming basslines, pounding drums and plenty of cheeky references to getting bang on it. Part of a long line of Mancunian house heroes that traces its origins back to The Haçienda, the duo have been manufacturing club weapons for more than 10 years, turning in remixes for the likes of Gorgon City and Duke Dumont, while blazing trails in the tech house scene with records like ‘Tribesmen,’ ‘Phone Jacker’ and ‘On The Corner.’ More recently, Solardo have been experimenting with more melodious fare, their latest single ‘Noche’ overflowing with Latin American horns, while ‘Take Me There’ – which features the vocals of Hayley May – shows that the pair are capable of coaxing more contemplative emotions from their tracks. Given their plainly evident understanding of what makes raving intoxicating, Solardo’s set at Creamfields 2025 is one you’ll want to catch.
The house heroes
FISHER
![FISHER x AATIG - Take It Off [Official Visualizer]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/0CKkRtkzw4g/0.jpg)
It’s been theorised that a country’s artistic output is influenced by its weather. We don’t know if this theory is correct, but if it is, it would explain FISHER. Born and raised on Australia’s Gold Coast, FISHER’s tech-infused take on house can best be described as “sonic sunshine,” with records like ‘Losing It,’ ‘You Little Beauty’ and ‘Take It Off’ (which features the alluring vocals of Latvian-born singer-songwriter Aatig) all seemingly constructed for the sole purpose of spreading joy. FISHER’s live performances are similarly cheerful affairs, with his famous dance moves – inspired by his time as a professional surfer – reliably putting smiles on the faces of everyone in attendance. If you’re in need a break from moody techno and abrasive jump up at this year’s Creamfields, FISHER’s set will be the ultimate palate cleanser.
CamelPhat
Dave Whelan and Mike Di Scala struck up a friendship after bumping into each other in a Liverpool record shop when they were in their early 20s. Although they didn’t realise it at the time, this chance encounter would prove to be one of the most important moments in the history of British dance music. Under the banner of CamelPhat, Whelan and Scala have taken the world by storm, with ‘Cola’, their 2017 collaboration with Elderbrook, topping the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart and earning the duo a Grammy nomination. Instead of chasing further mainstream success, CamelPhat have instead focussed on honing a sound that displays a level of musicality rarely heard in EDM, with tracks like ‘The Sign (feat. Anyma)’ and ‘In Your Eyes’ packed full of melodic motifs that would undoubtedly look impressive if someone bothered to transcribe them to sheet music. Of course, CamelPhat aren’t above churning out some straight-up bangers, and their Saturday night Steel Yard set will deliver more earth-shaking bass than you can shake a glow-stick at.
Gorgon City
When Gorgon City dropped their debut EP The Crypt in 2012, it seemed like the duo had quite literally emerged from thin air, fully formed and ready to conquer the UK’s flourishing rave scene. In reality, Kye Gibbon and Matt Robson-Scott had been individually killing it for years, as Foamo and RackNRuin, respectively. Since joining forces, the pair have proved to be unstoppable, first becoming the torch bearers of deep house’s darker side in the mid 2010s before forging a new sound that borrows from techno, garage and progressive house, epitomised by the effortlessly seductive ‘Voodoo.’ Given that both Kye and Robson-Scott both cut their teeth producing bass-heavy belters, it’s not surprising that they sometimes dip into more ferocious fare during their live sets, so don’t be surprised if you hear the odd snarling wobble when Gorgon City play the Steel Yard on the final night of Creamfields 2025.
Hot Since 82
Hot Since 82 (real name Daley Padley) might possess the cockiest stage name in dance music, but he’s got the swag to back it up. Whether he’s grooving behind the decks or cooking up tech house weapons in the studio, the Yorkshire-born producer oozes cool, and his records demonstrate the kind of laid-back restraint that can only result from supreme confidence. And Padley’s got a lot to be confident about. Within a year of his debut release, he was invited to record an Essential Mix for Pete Tong’s show on Radio 1, which in turn led to an official remix for Green Velvet’s hit ‘Bigger Than Prince’ that became the tech house record of the year. Ever since, Padley has been perfecting a sound that revolves around loose drums, scattershot vocal samples and the kind of sub that rattles your teeth. Expect Hot Since 82’s set on the HALO stage at Creamfields 2025 to showcase the low-end mastery and impeccable record selection that has made him one of the most sought-after DJs of the last 10 years.
The innovators
Four Tet
Attempting to categorise Four Tet is an exercise in futility. Throughout a career that’s spanned almost three decades and encompasses a number of aliases (of which Four Tet is his best-known), Kieran Hebden has explored everything from post-rock and UK garage to Hindu devotional music, weaving disparate elements together into a sonic tapestry that is somehow both esoteric and entirely accessible. The same can be said for Four Tet’s live sets, which seem to be dictated by whatever mood Hebden happens to be in that day. His 2016 Boiler Room set was a masterclass in meditative techno, while his performance at Lollapalooza in 2024 was a relentless barrage of some of the gnarliest wobblers ever unleashed. His set at Creamfields 2025 is likely to skew closer to the latter, but – as is always the case with Four Tet – the only way to find out is to turn up.
Melé
Coming up on a diet of boom bap, Melé’s first attempts at making music took the form of hip hop beats. Once he found out that there wasn’t much demand for instrumentals produced by a teenage Scouser, he took his talent for crate-digging and applied it to house music, layering four-to-the-floor beats and grooving basslines with samples sliced from whatever records he could get his hands on. In doing so, Melé became one of the outriders of tribal house, with records like ‘Ambience,’ ‘The Latin Track’ and ‘Conga Mode’ showcasing his gift for reworking world music into the kind of fare that turns dance floors into writhing masses of bodies. When Melé steps up for his set at Creamfields 2025, expect him to turn the festival into a carnival.
John Summit
![John Summit & Kaskade - Resonate (ft. Julia Church) [Official Visualizer]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/nUQfBn4i7uo/0.jpg)
If you had to summarise John Summit in a single word, you’d struggle to do better than “prolific”. The American producer has a work-rate that few, if any, could hope to match, and he refuses to confine himself to a single genre, veering between tech house, electronica and techno whenever the fancy takes him. Summit is equally averse to sticking to a single mood, with records like ‘Tears’ trafficking in soaring, stirring sentimentality, while ‘EAT THE BASS’ delivers ominous, pitched down vocals and vicious basslines. And ‘Resonant’ – a collaboration with Kaskade – manages to hit both vibes in a single track, the first third weaving twinkling synths and delicate melodies around the plaintive vocals of Julia Church, before the record abruptly collapses into brutally distorted bass and cavernous rumble kicks. You can expect the same level of variety when Summit takes to the decks for his set at this year’s Creamfields, and everything from trance and drum ‘n’ bass to dubstep is likely to be on the menu.
Photo credits: Scott Barbour / Stringer (Getty), BSR Agency / Contributor (Getty)
