New supergroup Black Country Communion are set to up the Midlands quota at this year’s High Voltage rock festival, joining metal legends Judas Priest on the bill.

Black Country Communion features Cannock-born Glenn Hughes, formerly of Deep Purple and Black Sabbath, Dudley-born Jason Bonham, son of Led Zeppelin drummer John, along with American guitar virtuoso Joe Bonamassa and former Dream Theater keyboard player Derek Sherinian.

The band, also known as BCC to its fans, played its first proper concert to a rapturous Wolverhampton Civic Hall crowd last month.

Speaking exclusive to the Express & Star, Hughes said: “I am pleased to announce that BCC will be touring this summer. We will be playing at the High Voltage Festival in London’s Victoria Park on Sunday, July 24.”

Black Country Communion stunned fans by returning to the studio to record a new album just four months after their debut self-titled disc was released.

Hughes added: “We are currently in Hollywood recording BCC 2, and these are very exciting times.

“I want to thank all of our fans for a wonderful night at Wolves Civic last month, and we are inviting you to join us again at High Voltage.”

It marks an immediate return to High Voltage for Hughes, who fronted Heaven & Hell’s tribute to their late singer Ronnine James Dio at last year’s inaugural festival.

High Voltage takes place over the weekend of July 23-24, with headline appearances from Midlands Metal legends Judas Priest, as part of their farewell tour, and American prog rock heroes Dream Theater.

Other bands announced so far include Jethro Tull, Spock’s Beard, Caravan, Mostly Autumn, Michael Schenker Group, The Enid and Pallas.

Tickets are priced at £99 (for weekend tickets) and £56.50 (for day tickets) – subject to booking fee. VIP tickets and various VIP and hotel packages are also available. For more details visit www.highvoltagefestival.com

By Ian Harvey