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Donald Trump inauguration line-up: all the bands, singers and performers playing the celebratory concert

From Angelina Jolie's father to budget Nickelback

Jack Shepherd
Monday 16 January 2017 13:24 GMT
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Donald Trump's inauguration: All you need to know

Come 20 January, President-elect Donald Trump will be officially sworn into office, taking the title ‘President of the United States’. Hell is expected to consume America soon after.

The day before the vows are taken, as is tradition, a celebratory concert will take place featuring a whole host of celebrity performers.

For Obama’s first inauguration concert – "We Are One" – the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder and Beyoncé played. Trump’s line-up is a little lacklustre by comparison.

First, rather than delving straight into celebrity performances there will be a “Voices of the People” parade. Participants will include the DC Fire Department Emerald Society Pipes and Drums, King’s Academy Honor Choir and the Republican Hindu Coalition.

Following the introduction, “The Make America Great Again! Welcome Celebration” will run, with Trump and his VP Mike Pence making speeches throughout.

So, who’s playing? Here’s everyone confirmed so far and little information about them.

Toby Keith – A country singer best-known for ‘Should've Been A Cowboy’. Speaking about his booking at the event, Keith said: “I don’t apologise for performing for our country or military.”

Jon Voight – The acclaimed Midnight Cowboy actor and father of Angelina Jolie. He will likely be speaking, rather than singing, at the event.

3 Doors Down – A budget Nickelback

Radio City Rockettes – A dance company, of which numerous members have come out against Trump, saying they are being forced to perform for “a monster”. So far three of the 13 dancers have decided to sit out.

The Frontmen of Country – An all-star country group featuring Tim Rushlow, the former lead singer of the band Little Texas, Larry Stewart of Restless Heart and Richie McDonald of Lonestar.

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Lee Greenwood – Another country singer best known for the song ‘God Bless the USA’.

The Piano Guys – A music group who became a YouTube sensation. The band are best known for instrumental covers of popular songs like “Let It Go” from Frozen.

Jackie Evancho – A former American’s Got Talent contestant who came in second on the show. She has since sold over a million records.

Sam Moore – One half of Sam & Dave, best known for their cover of "Soul Man"

Chrisette Michele - The famed singer who appeared on Obama's 2016 playlist has reportedly been confirmed to play the concert. Questlove has offered to pay the artist not to perform.

DJ Ravi Drums – A DJ who plays drums over electronic beats. Ravi Drums, whose real name is Ravi Jakhotia, once said: “I want to be Jimi Hendrix on the drums in the DJ, electronic, new media.” Famously, the drummer performed at the gaming conference E3 where he played drums on the Nintendo Wii.

The B Street Band, a Bruce Springsteen tribute band, were booked to play but it turns out that poor old Trump can't even bag a tribute. They've cancelled their performance out of “respect and gratitude for Bruce”.

Also participating will be various military bands, capped off by a firework celebration Grucci (absolutely no affiliation with Gucci).

All the artists who have refused to play Trump's inauguration

What’s perhaps more notable about Trump’s inauguration is the number of artists who have publicly refused to play the concert. Most recently, R Kelly revealed he definitely won’t be performing, despite rumours to the contrary.

Other singers who have turned down the opportunity to perform include Charlotte Church and The X Factor UK contestant Rebecca Ferguson, who wrote an open letter stating she'd only attend should she be able to perform the historically important song ‘Strange Fruit’.

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