HISTORY

1971 First steps to developing the Bowl. Approval granted for the tipping of surplus soil from
         the road building work in Milton Keynes at the Bowl site. The site was formerly a brick pit.

1973 The creation of a large earth mound partially surrounding an arena which could be used
         for outdoor events and huge concerts. The idea was based on the Hollywood Bowl

1977 Soil tipping and earth shaping just about complete. Open air pop concerts discussed

1979 Bowl opened with Desmond Decker and Geno Washington in concert

1980 Police, Squeeze and UB40 bands appeared

1981 This year saw appearances by Thin Lizzy and Judy Tzuke

1982 Two massive concerts, Queen and Genesis (original line up)

1983 First appearance by singer David Bowie in July

1984 The 21st July saw a concert by Status Quo, Gary Glitter, Marrillion and Nazareth

1985 U2 and REM appeared on 22nd June

1986 Simple Minds and the Cult appeared in June

1988 The Stranglers appeared in June followed in September by Michael Jackson

1989 Bon Jovi appeared in concert in August. The biggest Hindu Festival outside India was held
         this year as well

1990 David Bowie appeared for a second time in August followed by Erasure in September

1991 ZZ Top and Bryan Adams in July and in August, Simple Minds with Stranglers,OMD

1992 The Bowl was put up for sale and bought by Sony/ Pace. Renamed the National Bowl.
          Work begins on a massive covered stage

1993 A busy year of musical concerts. Bruce Springstein appeared in May, Metallica and
          Guns and Roses in June, The Classical Spectacular in July and Bon Jovi in September

1994 Classical Spectacular in July and UB40 and Jamiroqui in August

1995 Classical Spectacular followed by REM and Blur

1996 Bon Jovi in July. However Sony Pace pulled out as they could not make it pay

1997 Talk about making it into an indoor venue with seating for 20,000

1998 £50 million plan for the Bowl. Yet another leisure scheme incorporating a Millenium Dome.
          Black Sabbath appeared this year

1999 Concerts by Nigel Kennedy and Metallica with Marilyn Manson and Placebo

2000 English Partnerships buy the Bowl

2001 Concerts by Robbie Williams, Bon Jovi, Black Sabbath and AC/DC.

2002 Summer XS with Ronan Keating, Beverley Knight and the Lighthouse Family
          and Proms at the Bowl

2003 Eminem has 3 sell out concerts , 65,000 tickets sold for each one. Summer XS returns with
          Simply Red, Ronan Keating, Busted and more

2004 Return of Summer XS with McFly, Natasha Bedingfield and Emma Bunton

2005 Green Day play 2 shows of 65,000 and Oasis 2 shows of 65,000. Plus Summer XS with
          Charlotte Church, Rachel Stevens and McFly.

2006 Monsters of Rock, Bon Jovi, Take That and Robbie Williams played 5 shows in September
         Gaming International win a tender bid and have new plans for the website

2008 Linkin Park and Jay Z present Projekt Revolution with Pendulum, N*E*R*D,Enter Shikari,
          The Bravery, Inner Party System..

2010 The Prodigy played a sell out gig at The National Bowl with Chase and Status,
          Zane Lowe and Pendulum supporting.

2011 The Foo Fighters sell out their two date concert at The National Bowl. Biffy Clyro
          and US bands Jimmy Eat World and Death Cab for Cutie support The Foos.

2012 Swedish House Mafia, will headline a record breaking 9 hour line-up gig at The National
          Bowl on Saturday 14th July 2012 with support from Calvin Harris, Pete Tong,
          Alesso & Madeon