Sinead O'Connor and Kevin Shields join Meltdown

Sinéad O’Connor and Kevin Shields have been invited onto the Meltdown bill by this year’s curator Patti Smith.

Running from June 11 to 26 at London’s decidedly un-punk rock South Bank Centre, the festival coincides with the 30th anniversary of Smith’s classic Horses album, which she’s performing in its entirity on June 25 with the person who produced it, John Cale.

O’Connor gets to team up with Patti on June 18 when they’re joined by Beth Orton and Kristin Hersh for a night entitled Songs Of Innocence, Protest Songs And Lullabies.

Shields’ turn comes on June 22 when Cat Power, Smith and him combine for The Coral Sea.

Also participating in the bash are Yoko Ono, Billy Bragg, Jeff Beck, Flea and John Frusciante. Tickets go on sale at 9am on May 5 from + 08703 808 300 or online at www.rfh.org.uk/meltdown