These join the previously announced MARK THOMAS, RUSSELL KANE, TIM MINCHIN, HENRY ROLLINS and LEE NELSON to this ever popular stage.
Just some of the artists confirmed for this year’s festival include: MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE, THE STROKES, PULP, MUSE, BEADY EYE, JANE’S ADDICTION, 2 MANY DJ’S, THE STREETS, UNKLE Sounds, SIMIAN MOBILE DISCO, MIGHTY MIGHTY BOSSTONES and DESCENDENTS.
Reading & Leeds Festivals take place on Friday 26th to Sunday 28th August at Little John’s Farm in Reading and Bramham Park in Leeds.
Many more names are still to be announced for this stage as well as the full line-up for the Festival Republic Stage and BBC Introducing Stage.
ON THE ALTERNATIVE STAGE
According to MARK WATSON, he is a comedian, author, sports pundit and husband. He was born in 1980 and according to life expectancy for his socio-economic group and Body Mass Index, will die in 2056. According to the Evening Standard he is “A scholar, a gentleman and a brilliant stand-up”. Known for his appearances on countless TV and radio shows, he is also a writer and has won many awards for his hilarious shows.
POPCORN COMEDY is a comedy show created by Jon Petrie and Holly Walsh in January 2009. It presents some of the strongest, sharpest and funniest videos online. The show also features the country’s best comedians as they showcase their own short comedy films. Previous live performers have included Peter Serafinowicz,Tim Key, Adam Buxton, Josie Long, Robert Popper, David Cross and Graham Linehan.Popcorn Comedy is a Time Out ‘Critic’s Choice’ and has featured on the Culture Show (BBC2).
SAUL WILLIAMS is an American poet, writer, actor and musician known for his blend of poetry and alternative hip hop. He has collaborated with some of the coolest musicians on the planet, appeared in lots of films and released several albums and books. His latest record release ‘Volcanic Sunlight’ has found him more fans as will this exciting appearance.
RUBBERBANDITS are the award winning comedy hip-hop duo of Blind Boy Boat Club and Mr.Chrome from Limerick, Ireland. A cult hit with millions of You Tube followers this anarchic pair have broken into the mainstream at home and walked off with the Best Irish Act at the entertainment.ie Awards and an IFTA (Irish Film and Television Awards) earlier this year. With prank phone calls, songs and riotous live shows Rubberbandits have emerged as the country’s surrealists beyond compare. Comedic genius or verbal diarrhoea. Decide for yourselves.
LATE NIGHT GIMP FIGHT are David Moon, Lee Griffiths, Matt Ralph, Paul Biggin and Richard Campbell. The most talked about new sketch group around will wear you down and make you laugh at the most ridiculous things. It may leave you feeling violated, but in a good way! We challenge anyone not to let out a chuckle with these five lads, check them out at this year’s Reading & Leeds Festivals.
One of comedy’s most acclaimed rising stars, SEANN WALSH has garnered multiple awards and nominations, and has appeared on ‘Mock the Week’ (BBC2), ‘Grouchy Young Men’ (Comedy Central) and ‘Russell Howard’s Good News’ (BBC3). Described by Time Out as “This generation’s Dylan Moran, with the looks, gags and charm to become something quite special” and “near-impeccable” by Chortle, these shows are not to be missed.
ANDREW O’NEILL is a unique entertainer. A celebrated stand up, he is also an out and proud metalhead and an amateur occultist. He also has a steampunk band called The Men That Will Not Be Blamed For Nothing – a true original talent and one we welcome to Leeds wholeheartedly. Having gained rave reviews for his tours to date this is a performance you do not want to miss.
“As he goes about his life AL PITCHER sees a lot of ordinary things – but he rarely sees them in an ordinary way” was how one critic appraised his show. With a CV stretching back over a decade Pitcher has found his ground and Time Out described him as “sitting in the improvising, rambling freewheeling camp as inhabited by the likes of Ross Noble and Eddie Izzard”. Al will be performing at both Reading and Leeds this summer but be warned, he’ll have you crying with tears of laughter.
A relative newcomer, JOSH WIDDICOMBE hit the stage in 2008 and has since made a remarkable impact on the comedy circuit and is held in high regard having appeared at most of London’s comedy venues. Alongside his stand up Josh has written for the likes of TV’s ‘Mock The Week’ and ‘8 Out of 10 Cats’ whilst also drawing plaudits for his sketch show Superclump at the Edinburgh Festival in 2009 and last year winning The Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year award.
www.joshwiddicombe.co.uk (Leeds Saturday)
A Canadian by birth CRAIG CAMPBELL now resides in the UK where he has appeared on numerous TV shows including amongst others ‘Russell Howard’s Good News’, ‘Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow’ and ‘Dave’s One Night Stand’. Having toured last year as support for Frankie Boyle on his sold out UK tour, Campbell is currently performing his debut stand-up tour before making another debut at this year’s Leeds Festival.
Not many people can claim to have been on The Inbetweeners and CBBC’s ‘Big Babies’ (for which he also sang the theme tune) but DOC BROWN is not your usual artist. A comedian and ex. rapper who’s recent shows have told of ‘A humbling and hilarious hip-hop salute to nearly making it’, Doc has been winning accolades for his live performances since he left the music industry and moved to comedy full time.
Since winning The Chortle Student Comedian Award in 2007, TOM DEACON became the face of the BBC ‘s ‘5:19’ youth show, he has also taken part as a member of Edinburgh’s longest running group comedy show The Comedy Zone. With relentless gigging and solo shows under his belt Deacon also has his own show on Radio 1 on Sunday nights. An impressive CV for a bright new star.
STEVE HUGHES is a wiry rocker with a mass of hair and beard, so should feel at home at Reading this year. In the 1980s and early 90s, Steve was a heavy metal drummer in bands such as Slaughter Lord, Mortal Sin and Primordial. After laying down the sticks, he made a name for himself in comedy. In Australia he has been a presenter on MTV and has performed on shows including ‘The Live Floor Show’ and ‘The World Stands Up’ on these shores. Thought provoking to the end, he isn’t afraid to air his views on anything and everything.
Winner of the FHM Search For A Stand-up competition, MARLON DAVIS, is a young comedian, improviser and actor who embraces his work with energy and charisma. Marlon’s act is inspired from his upbringing, looking at urban Britain and tackling its social issues with skilful characterisations. With a ‘Brown Eyed Boy’ series on MTV under his belt, big things are expected.
One of the world’s best human beat boxers, THE PETEBOX is heading to Reading and Leeds. His incredible performances are more similar to that of a full band as he builds each layer of his tracks live using a loop pedal to form fully crafted songs. These skills have won him a Channel 4 Talent Award, and also saw him crowned Radio 1’s beat boxing champion in 2005. Expect drum & bass, jazz, house, garage and rock and get ready for the journey of a lifetime with The Petebox.
Described as part Ziggy Stardust, part Victoria Wood, BRIGITTE APHRODITE, arrives at Reading & Leeds as one of the most talked about new artists of the year. Brigitte released her debut single ‘I Dream Myself Awake’ in April on Kate Nash’s new Have 10p label and hit the road with Nash to rave reviews earlier this year. Having bowled over unsuspecting audiences throughout, these shows are not to be missed.
For the fifth year running, TRANSGRESSIVE RECORDS - possibly the coolest record label, live promotions, publishing and management outfit in the country – and friends take over the Alternative Stage at Leeds Festival. As ever, they will be providing live performances from tomorrow’s musical heroes, plus unique visuals and special guest DJ’s. And to mark the big Five Years, Transgressive’s involvement has increased to curating not just their traditional ‘closing party’ slot on Sunday evening – but now Saturday night too. Promising their most eclectic and biggest line-up so far, further details will be unveiled in due course. Past artists to have made an early live appearance at the Transgressive take-over at the Alternative Stage include Noah & The Whale, Laura Marling, Two Door Cinema Club, Pulled Apart by Horses, Warpaint and Everything Everything.
Chortle described STEPHEN GRANT (MC) as having “The kind of comedy vision that can see round corners”- he’s certainly one of the UK’s funniest, hardest working and most respected comedians. The resident and award winning compere at the Komedia Krater Comedy Club in Brighton has performed all over the world as well as working on TV and radio.
GOLDIEROCKS is Sam Hall; DJ, presenter and party planner du-jour. Renowned for her energised DJ appearances, invading parties and aftershows all over the world – at some point in time, Sam’s probably hijacked your fave electro/indie haunt. Sure to pack the tent with her provocative sense of ‘style, finesse and foresight’. Listen to her create the ultimate Electro-Rock N Roll Disco.
No matter what your mood, you really can’t help but warm to rising star DAVE TWENTYMAN (MC). He recently won the St Helens Comedian Of The Year competition and was promptly tipped to follow the success of fellow St Helens comic Johnny Vegas.Naturally funny & quick on his feet, he holds the room in the palm of his hands & keeps the laughter flowing.
www.dave-twentyman.co.uk(Leeds Sunday)
TICKETING INFO
Weekend tickets £192.50 plus booking fees • Day tickets Fri, Sat, Sun £82.50 plus booking fee • Early entry permits £15 • Weekend ticket prices include camping.
Tickets are strictly limited to a maximum of four per household for those booking by telephone or online and two per person for personal callers to walk in stores.
Selected HMV stores, see websites for store listings.
Reading tickets can be bought at face value, in person when paid for in cash at the Reading Arts & Venues Box Office, The Hexagon.
Leeds tickets can be bought at face value, in person when paid for in cash at Leeds Visitor Centre. Also in person from Crash Records and Jumbo Records subject to booking fees.
Please note that picture ID/proof of address will be required at the time of booking. Tickets are subject to availability. Limit of 2 per household/person for personal callers.
Children under 13 (12 and under) are admitted free but MUST be accompanied by a ticket holding adult. Please note there is no separate children’s area at this event.
Mike Davies, presenter of The Punk Rock Show on Radio 1 and curator of the stage commented “2011 is the year that Punk Rock broke out… again. There are so many great groups around and I truly believe that we have managed to get 24 of the best bands possible to play on the Lock Up Stage. It’s guaranteed to be the best weekend of the summer.”
The Reading & Leeds Festival take place on Europe’s biggest dual site, Little John’s Farm in Reading and Bramham Park in Leeds. Held Friday 26th August – Sunday 28th August 2011, this is the most exciting weekend of music and fun held anywhere in the world.
Many more names are still to be announced as well as the full line-up for the Festival Republic Stage, BBC Introducing Stage and The Alternative Stage.
LOCK UP STAGE
Saturday 27th August at Reading Festival / Sunday 28th August at Leeds Festival
Since forming 21 years ago, THE MIGHTY MIGHTY BOSSTONES have toured the world and taken their self-created ska-core sound to millions of fans. Arguably the founding fathers of this scene, they’ve continued to entertain countless fans with their high-energy live shows fronted by the inimitable Dicky Barrett.
Formed in North London, KING BLUES have long held the baton fusing ska, folk and punk rock. Armed with a formidable live reputation and a political backdrop the band have gone from strength to strength. The recent release of their third album ‘Punk and Poetry’ described by one magazine as the “searing soundtrack to revolution summer 2011” enhances that reputation further.
THE BRONX bring their Los Angeles hardcore punk to this year’s Reading & Leeds Festival. Having formed back in the early noughties and with a penchant for eponymously naming their albums – they’ve released three, as well as the mariachi album ‘El Bronx’ this quintet return with their own sense of excitement to the stage.
2010 saw CAPDOWN reform having split two years earlier. Their return to the hardcore punk scene is a positive one and has seen no let-up in their political polemic which has seen releases on numerous independent labels over the past decade. Catch this acclaimed live outfit now in case they really call it day!
Hard to pigeonhole, New York’s LEFTOVER CRACK bring their amalgam of Ska, hardcore punk and the well documented anti -bigotry / religion / police and government stance to this year’s Lock Up stage.
Originally formed as a side project to Figure Four, Canada’s COMEBACK KID’s popularity was fuelled initially by the band’s word of mouth reputation on the hardcore scene’s bush telegraph. This soon enough saw them recognised in their own right as an exciting addition to the hardcore scene.
Another reformation, BOYSETSFIRE announced their plans at the tail end of last year having called it a day back in 2007. This post hardcore five-piece tear it up tough with a political slant that will be a highlight on this stage this summer.
The band describe STREET DOGS as having started as little more than a “poker night” for musicians, with piles of chips traded in for stacks of amps instead. However, these talented Boston musicians, fronted by ex-Dropkick Murphy’s vocalist Mike McColgan’s soon made the step up to the respected recording and touring outfit the now are. Thrilling punk rock from the experts.
Off the back of a Canadian tour with label mates NOFX,Wyoming’s very own TEENAGE BOTTLEROCKET bring their young punk attitudes to the Lock Up stage at this year’s Reading & Leeds Festival.
Recently signing a new record deal with SideOneDummy Records, home of Anti- Flag and The Gaslight Anthem, Pennsylvania’s four-piece rockers TITLE FIGHT areall set to embark on a tour of Europe so will certainly be well prepared for a full on hard-hitting set on the Lock Up stage this summer.
SHARKS are one of the names to drop on the punk scene. Having played shows with the likes of Gallows and Lostprophets amongst others, recent EP’s showcased a band that are all about their music. Expect these shows to continue the buzz that has them marked as one’s to watch.
Sunday 28th August at Reading Festival / Friday 26th August at Leeds Festival
If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, the DESCENDENTS must go to sleep with flushed cheeks every night of the week. Few bands can claim to have influenced and inspired so many artists in their time. They took punk and pop into the mosh-pit in 1978 and have continued to fuse catchy melodies with raw energy ever since. These Californian legends will close the night in style.
A little bit of Dublin, via Los Angeles comes to Reading & Leeds courtesy of FLOGGING MOLLY. Traditional Celtic instruments like violin, mandolin and accordion blend seamlessly with grinding guitars and pounding drums to make the ultimate party sound. Fronted by Dave King the seven-piece have taken their musical passion around the world and know how to fire up a festival crowd.
After an eight year break, Southern California’s FACE TO FACE return next month with their eighth studio album ‘Laugh Now, Laugh Later’, released via Antagonist Records / Century Media. Regarded as one of the seminal and most influential punk rock bands of recent times, Face To Face are a sure fire hit for this year, get there early to make sure you see this set.
Post hardcore legends HOT WATER MUSIC arrive at Reading & Leeds Festival ready to deliver a whirlwind live performance. Formed in 1994 by singers / guitarists Chuck Ragan and Chris Wolland, bassist Jason Black and drummer George Rebelo, the band have gone on to inspire a generation of music fans. Be sure to witness a huge and lively crowd for these sets.
www.hotwatermusicdotcom.wordpress.com
The tale of BEDOUIN SOUNDCLASH has been filled with step after step of something special — from live shows that are as emotionally incendiary as they are monstrously entertaining to albums that have stoked the hearts and minds of thousands. These Canadians released their latest album ‘Light The Hoizon’ last year and are sure to perform tracks from it as well as their extensive back catalogue.
Formed in 2010 by Jim Lindberg, for 20 years the frontman of influential Californian punk band Pennywise, THE BLACK PACIFIC play their first eagerly-awaited Reading & Leeds Festival this summer in support of their eponymous debut album.
www.theblackpacific.com
With a demo tape that ended up on many critics’ Top 10 lists, Pennsylvanian rockers THE MENZINGERS are destined to be huge and have spent the past year building support with the likes of The Gaslight Anthem, NOFX and Anti-Flag.
Currently on a whirlwind tour of the US, Brighton hardcore punks YOUR DEMISE return to the UK to blow us away with songs from ‘The Kids We Used To Be…’, their second album for legendary rock label Visible Noise.
Featuring members of Gallows, Haunts and Cry For Silence, much-touted Watford-based supergroup SPY CATCHER release their debut album ‘Honesty’ this summer and are sure to justify their hype at Reading & Leeds.
Fans of south London ska-punks MOUTHWASH will be salivating at the prospect of their festival appearances, as the band return triumphant from their first headline tour and slots with The Skints and The King Blues.
Friday 26th August at Reading Festival / Saturday 27th August at Leeds Festival
Bringing a worldwide exclusive show to this year’s Reading & Leeds Festival, our co-headliner on The Dance Stage is UNKLE Sounds. The ever-evolving James Lavelle will debut UNKLE Sounds, an audio-visual DJ show pushing original tracks from UNKLE’s career plus select UNKLE remixes of other artists and remixes of UNKLE tracks on to the dance floor. With set and production design by long time UNKLE collaborators, Warren Du Preez and Nick Thornton Jones, the show will bring UNKLE’s illustrious music and visual history into the future. With exclusive audio and visuals being prepared for these shows, they are not to be missed.
We are not exaggerating when we say our co-headliners on The Dance Stage, SIMIAN MOBILE DISCO, are one of the most successful electronic music acts around today. Early singles such as ‘The Mighty Atom’, ‘The Count’ and ‘Kitsuné hit ‘Hustler’ led to a 2007 debut album ‘Attack Decay Sustain Release’ on Wichita Recordings. The record was their breakthrough. Perhaps more importantly, it also gave birth to what would become one of electronic music’s most talked-about live shows, a celebrated DJing career and respect among their peers for a dedication to an analogue production aesthetic. These days, the live show is as forward-thinking as ever with an added component of video gradually being added to enhance and expand the experience. In other words, SMD are busy. Long may they remain so.
SUB FOCUS (LIVE) – the alias of DJ and producer Nick Douwma – is one of the biggest names in drum and bass and a pioneer in breaking down genre barriers within dance music. Rising from bedroom producer to major player in just a few years, Sub Focus has collaborated with the likes of Deadmau5, Dizzee Rascal and The Prodigy, with his stunning recent single ‘Splash’featuring vocals by Coco Sumner. Having joined Pendulum on tour last year to rave reviews, expect dancefloor hysteria as he brings his raucous melting pot of electronic beats to the Dance Stage at Reading & Leeds.
Producers Dan Stephens and Joe Ray are NERO (DJ set). Before setting the dubstep world alight (which resulted in a BBC Sound of 2011 nomination), NERO made drum ‘n’ bass for the masses. Having first come to widespread attention with a remix of The Streets ‘Blinded By The Lights’, they’ve subsequently remixed tunes for La Roux, N*E*R*D, Daft Punk and Beyoncé amongst others. The duo’s third single, ‘Guilt’, made its premiere when Zane Lowe selected it as his Hottest Record In The World, and will be included on the debut album which will drop early August.
SBTRKT (DJ set) is the elusive London based producer making some of the freshest beats around, and he’s heading for the decks at Reading & Leeds. He’s got the airwaves in a stir with Mary Anne Hobbs declaring ‘when people ask you who’s your top tip for next year, this guy might be it’. Recently SBTRKT has wrapped up remixes for Basement Jaxx, Jack Penate, Portico Quartet and These New Puritans. With solo releases forthcoming on the Young Turks, Brainmath and Ramp Recordings stables, look out for ltd release 12”s, a new album and further remixes from one of the hottest new UK producers.
Already a massive name on the underground rap scene, 2010 saw Dagenham’s DEVLIN emerge as one of the UK’s most exciting crossover artists. Blending playful storytelling with social realism and ‘the biggest vocabulary in grime’, Devlin’s meteoric rise from parties and open mics to three million YouTube hits, a five-label bidding war and a deal with Island Records has seen him dubbed ‘the Eminem of Essex’. Weaned on rap, inspired by garage, schooled by grime but with a scabrous wit and sound all his own, Devlin will be tearing up the Dance Stage this summer at Reading & Leeds.
Tipped by the Guardian as “one of this summer’s most irresistible festival bands”, CRYSTAL FIGHTERS are a thrilling addition to the Dance Stage. Their Basque-by-way-of-Hackney vibes are a jubilant collision of old-world musicianship and future electronics, utilising traditional wooden percussion and pipe whistles alongside raved-up synths and bass-driven computer-funk. The band have been honoured twice with a Radio 1 Record of the Week, whilst the energy and intensity of their live shows is legendary – “the single most exciting show in dance music” says Mixmag. Expect their gloriously euphoric sound to be the talk of Reading & Leeds.
UK post-dubstep duo MOUNT KIMBIE are one of the hottest acts of the moment, their debut album ‘Crooks and Lovers’appeared in over thirty ‘Best of 2010’ lists including Pitchfork, NME and Mixmag. Their minimal ambient soundscapes defy genre pigeonholing, featuring delicate loops, sampling and field recordings to hypnotic and haunting effect. With countless sold-out shows worldwide, their appearance on the Dance Stage at Reading & Leeds could be the best chance to catch them this summer.
Reading’s very own anarcho-electro heroes DOES IT OFFEND YOU, YEAH? return with the promise of another incendiary performance on the Dance Stage. Having severed ties with major labels to stay true to their experimental rave-rock roots, the band’s first album for Cooking Vinyl, ‘Don’t Say We Didn’t Warn You’, was released in March and was a Top 3 UK dance chart smash. While their resolutely indie approach has earned transatlantic success and a touring spot with Linkin Park, a loyal UK fanbase will ensure a frenzied reception at both Reading & Leeds this summer.
COLD CAVE are back with a new album, ‘Cherish The Light Years’, and are heading to Reading & Leeds Festival. The record sees the band move in a new direction whilst still retaining the pulsing synthesizers, huge beats and post-punk sounds of their 2009 debut, ‘Love Comes Close’.Guest appearances arrive from the likes of Nick Zinner (Yeah Yeah Yeahs) and members of hardcore bands Glassjaw, Hatebreed and Moss Icon amongst others. The album delivers in all the right places and these shows are sure to do the same.
D/R/U/G/S is the project of one Callum Wright, who crafts some of the most euphoric, radical new music around. Early tracks quickly found their way onto the blogs and soon were being written about by NME, The Fader, Q, Dummy and XLR8R and played by Rob da Bank and Steve Lamacq on radio. This attention sent him on the road, and since starting out he has played around the UK and Europe, going down a storm at In The City, where he was given the title Most Buzzed About Act. In the live arena, Callum cements his reputation as one of the most exciting new musicians around.
Friday 26th August at Reading Festival / Saturday 27th August at Leeds Festival
Since emerging from the hyperbole last summer Southern US four-piece MONA have certainly caused a rumpus, be it the buzz of their first couple of low key releases, their (early) appearance on Later…With Jools or the London debut at Rough Trade East, the band certainly know how to get attention. Having won MTV’s Brand New For 2011 seeing off competition from Jessie J, The Vaccines and Jamie Woon, the imminent release of the much anticipated self titled debut album in May, gigs with both Kings of Leon and Morrissey and a first showing at Reading & Leeds, 2011 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for the band which has already seen The Guardian heralding them as “…very much rock ’n’ roll’s great white hopes.”
Expectations run high for MILES KANE playing his debut solo appearance at the festivals this year. The ex. Rascal and part time Last Shadow Puppets man has stepped out as a solo artist and releases his album ‘Colour of The Trap’ in May 2011. Described as ‘half boy- next-door, half charisma-firework’ Kane has instantly lovable star quality. The single ‘Inhaler’ dominated the airwaves at the end of 2010 and so far this year he has toured with Beady Eye as well as played his own shows. Look out for the darker corners of vintage pop, psych and blue-eyed soul sounds.
Sunderland’s FRANKIE & THE HEARTSTRINGS come armed with their acclaimed debut album ‘Hunger’ when they hit Reading & Leeds Festival this summer. The band have drawn comparisons to the likes of Dexy’s Midnight Runners and Orange Juice amongst others and built a reputation for their live shows and in particular the exuberant antics of frontman Frankie Francis. Primed with a clutch of brilliant singles and an ever growing fanclub, Frankie & The Heartstrings look set to be one of the weekend’s highlights having evolved into one of the country’s best loved bands.
www.frankieandtheheartstrings.com
Hailed by The Observer as “surely the best live band in Britain”, Yorkshire’s PULLED APART BY HORSES come highly recommended. Long recognised as a phenomenal live experience since their inception back in 2007, the quartet released their debut album last year and is a fitting accompaniment to the band’s incendiary live shows which more often than not witness much carnage both musically and physically. Catch Pulled Apart By Horses and you’ll see a band excel in their natural habitat with a whirlwind of noise and acrobatics!
Saturday 27th August at Reading Festival / Sunday 28th August at Leeds Festival
Not your conventional outfit, EDWARD SHARPE & THE MAGNETIC ZEROS fronted by Alex Ebert – who in turn becomes his childhood alter ego whenever the group perform – started playing together about two years ago and their shows have borne out scenes of euphoric joy as the group by turns bring their rousing, wildly adventurous, almost choral psychedelic folk rock to the live arena. With excitement building Stateside and debut album scheduled for later this year, catch this unique and incredible group when they play this year’s Reading & Leeds Festival.
The release of YUCK’s debut eponymous album this year continued the rise and widespread acclaim for this London based band. Formed from the ashes of Cajun Dance Party, they’ve taken the spirit of Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jnr, Teenage Fanclub and Pavement amongst others and created their own fresh sound. Having been featured in the BBC Sound of 2011 poll, everybody is invited to check out one of the best and brightest new bands around, not to mention one of the most mercurial and unpredictable.
California’s FUNERAL PARTY bring their punk-disco to Reading & Leeds Festival. Their kick-ass single ‘New York City Moves to the Sound of LA’ infected the airways on its release and the album ‘Golden Age of Nowhere’ which “shakes your hips as well as grabs your balls” followed earlier this year picking up more fans along the way. Expect frenetic dancing and moshing to infectious tunes.
Sunday 28th August at Reading Festival / Friday 26th August at Leeds Festival
With the release of their debut album ‘Crazy For You’ last summer, BEST COAST were hailed by many as ones to watch - with the album figuring highly in many end of year polls . The NME were gushing in their praise when they said “Best Coast have shot straight to the top of the pile for two reasons; great songs and immense charm” before handing the Los Angeles trio their favourite new band of 2010 gong. This summer marks a Reading & Leeds debut for Best Coast when they arrive with their infectious lo-fi summer soundtrack including the online hit single ‘Boyfriend’ to the NME/Radio 1 stage.
Led by the legendary Pink Eyes/Damian Abraham, FUCKED UP bring their hardcore punk all the way from Toronto to get things going in the NME/Radio 1 tent this year. With a history of raucous and rocking live shows the band have won over lots of fans in the UK. New album ‘David Comes To Life’ is a rock-opera (honestly!) which promises blistering melodic rock ‘n’ roll, crossed with all manner of psychic weirdness.
DANANANANAYKROYD bring ‘Fight Pop’ (their description!) to the Reading & Leeds Festivals this year. Since releasing their first records in 2006 they have picked up support and fans around the world for their ‘part craft pop, part noise, all energy’ sound. The Glasgow six-piece have a new album ‘There Is A Way’ due later this summer which is sure to find yet more fans drawn to this exciting live act.
www.dananananaykroyd.co.uk
TICKETING INFO
Weekend tickets £192.50 plus booking fees • Day tickets Fri, Sat, Sun £82.50 plus booking fee • Early entry permits £15 • Weekend ticket prices include camping.
Tickets are strictly limited to a maximum of four per household for those booking by telephone or online and two per person for personal callers to walk in stores.
One of the most innovative bands of our times, the Grammy nominated New Yorkers have often been cited as a key influence in the post-hardcore genre. After the release of their debut EP ‘Kiss Kiss Bang Bang’ in 1997, the first full length album ‘Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Silence’ followed in 2000 and brought the band out of Long Island and into the hands of a dedicated grass roots following. After almost a decade of silence, the band released ‘Our Color Green (The Singles)’ on New Year’s Day and the five-track EP should serve as a reminder that Glassjaw are as essential as ever.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.glassjaw.com
Glassjaw join previously announced headline acts Muse, My Chemical Romance, The Strokes and Pulp on this year’s line-up and will perform on the NME / Radio 1 Stage on Saturday 27th August in Reading, and Sunday 28th August in Leeds. With many more acts to be announced the Reading & Leeds Festival is shaping up to be the finest line-up you’ll find at any festival this summer.
We welcome MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE as first time headliners at their only English festival appearance of the year. They conquered the globe with their platinum-selling third album, the bombastic The Black Parade. But the band’s four members, Gerard Way, Mikey Way, Ray Toro and Frank Iero took a radical new direction for their current album Danger Days: The True Lives of The Fabulous Killjoys; an utterly outrageous, gleefully creative explosion of every quirk, kick and punch the band had been holding in for years. It’s the album My Chemical Romance have been building towards their entire, nearly decade-long career as it defies lazy labels and demolishes expectations. Beholden to no scene, credo or code it’s a rock ‘n’ roll album from the future aimed directly at the dead-hearted present. The band’s vision was rewarded with two NME Awards including the highly prestigious Best International Band. Expect a powerful and thrilling performance from a band at their peak.
THE STROKES are set to co-headline this year’s Reading & Leeds Festival. Having recently topped NME’s album of the decade list for debut ‘Is This It’ they can justifiably be described as one of the perennial rock bands of our generation. Their first three albums achieved critical acclaim and led to multimillion sales and headline festival appearances. With the band’s eagerly anticipated fourth album, ‘Angles’, due out 21st March, these dates are sure to re-confirm their staggering live reputation.
PULP will co-headline this year’s Reading & Leeds Festival, the Leeds show being their only date in the North of England since they announced their return. Quite simply one of the most popular and successful British groups of our times, the Mercury Music Prize winners have forever etched their way into the history of British music with anthems such as ‘Common People’, ‘Sorted For E’s & Wizz’ and ‘Do You Remember The First Time’ and these sets from the Sheffield band are sure to be one of the events of the weekend.
* The bands will flip places at the festivals with The Strokes playing after Pulp at Reading and Pulp closing after The Strokes in Leeds.
MUSE TO HEADLINE
Sunday 28th August at Reading Festival
Friday 26th August at Leeds Festival
One of the biggest, most impressive live bands in the world, and regularly voted the best, MUSEreturn to Reading and Leeds for what is sure to be a monumental performance and their Only European Shows of 2011. The band have sold over ten million albums since their formation in 1994 and the trio of Matt Bellamy, Christopher Wolstenholme and Dominic Howard have enthralled audiences globally with their incredible live shows. Currently working on an amazing set list which will include all the massive tunes from their extraordinary back catalogue, the Teignmouth group are also putting plans in place to build a spectacular one off, never seen before, stage set which is sure to see the band live up to their tag as Britain’s most ambitious live act. Having recently picked up a Grammy Award for their fifth studio album ‘The Resistance’ and named by the NME as the ‘Best Band’ for the second year running, the group are planning to record the follow up later this year. This will be an un-missable highlight of the weekend to enjoy tens of thousands people singing, dancing and air-guitaring to one of the UK’s most celebrated rock acts.
Friday 26th August at Reading Festival / Saturday 27th August at Leeds Festival
From Los Angeles, Special Guests THIRTY SECONDS TO MARS have built a huge following since the release of their debut eponymous album in 2002. Featuring Jared Leto (lead vocals, rhythm guitar, songwriter), Shannon Leto (drums, percussion) and Tomo Miličević (lead guitar, keyboards) the band have released three albums and collected countless awards and gold discs along the way. Their latest release ‘This Is War’ was produced by Flood and Steve Lillywhite and has been described as their “strongest and most accomplished work to date.” The band’s live performances have included ballet dancers, string quartets and opera singers in the past, all secondary to Leto’s enthralling showmanship so Reading & Leeds can expect a fabulous performance at this their Only UK Festival Appearance.
www.thirtysecondstomars.net
American punk rock at its very finest, THE OFFSPRING have enthralled audiences since they formed back in 1984. They have sold an incredible 35 million albums worldwide and toured continually with an incredible live show. Currently working on their ninth studio album, which vocalist Dexter Holland has hinted will be ”straight-up rockin'” this set is sure to feature hits such as UK Number. 1 ‘Pretty Fly (For A White Guy)’, ‘Original Prankster’ and ‘You’re Gonna Go Far, Kid’. These are the bands Only UK Festival Appearances in 2011.
DEFTONES’ sixth and latest studio album‘Diamond Eyes’ was named iTunes’ 2010 Rock Album of the Year and is recognised as one of their best to date. The Californian band’s diverse and genre -bending sound has seen their career span over a decade and secured them global success. Off the back of a mammoth tour of Europe and the US the band return to the main stage this summer and are sure to be firing on all cylinders at this their Only UK Festival Appearances.
Formed in 1999 and selling over 100,000 records in the UK alone, RISE AGAINST are set to make their Main Stage debut at this year’s Reading & Leeds Festival. The punk rock four-piece from Chicago, Illinois graced us with their stage presence in 2009 when they headlined the Lock-up stage, now having released their sixth studio album ‘Endgame’ and touring once again, we can look forward to an explosive return.
We welcome BRING ME THE HORIZON, the Sheffield band who are defining the sound of modern metal. Their third full length album, ‘There Is A Hell, Believe Me I’ve Seen It. There Is A Heaven, Let’s Keep It A Secret’ was released to fantastic reviews last year and their live shows are legendary. Since their formation in 2004 they have found fans around the world and a blistering performance is sure to be in store.
www.bringmethehorizon.co.uk
Energetic pop–punk icons NEW FOUND GLORY once described themselves as “five kids from the suburbs that knew some power chords”. The band have certainly come a long way, with 2010 seeing the 10th anniversary reissue of their groundbreaking self-titled album. Their fusion of emo, pop and heavy hardcore riffs will once again bring a lot of fans dancing to the main stage.
Recently signing a worldwide record deal with their new label Cooking Vinyl and releasing their third studio album ‘Hope’, 2011 is certainly moving quickly for six-piece Welsh rock-bruisers,THE BLACKOUT. Having played storming sets on numerous sell out headline tours, the band will once again be unleashing their wrath this summer.
www.theblackout.net
Brighton based youngsters ARCHITECTS have certainly made an impact since their arrival on the UK metal scene, playing alongside acts such as Paramore, Jane’s Addiction and metal legends Faith No More. With the band opening proceedings on the main stage, you can guarantee an explosive start to the day.
Saturday 27h August at Reading Festival / Sunday 28th August at Leeds Festival
Brooklyn-based alternative rock band THE NATIONAL return to Reading & Leeds Festival after a five year absence, and will no doubt do so to a huge warm welcome. The release of their fifth album ‘High Violet’ last year saw them crack the top five in the UK and US and pick up a massive fan base along the way. These were added to the supporters in the know who had been praising and proclaiming the greatness of this five piece since the release of their debut album in 2001. A genuine hype-free success story they can only win-over more people with their classic Americana sounds this summer.
Festival favourites JIMMY EAT WORLD bring their unique brand of Arizona rock to Reading & Leeds this summer. With recently released album ‘Invented’ heralding a return to the classic sound of their earlier albums, the band fronted by Jim Adkins since they formed in 1993, have continued to thrill crowds with their hard-edged yet melodic rock sounds and blistering live shows.
Don’t watch that, watch THIS as our Special Guests MADNESS, North London’s finest moonstompers rock up to the Reading & Leeds Festival with their unique brand of nutty boy ska/pop. Expect a barn-storming greatest hits set comprising old favourites and tracks from the latest album 2009’s return to form ‘The Liberty of Norton Folgate’. ‘One Step Beyond’, ‘House of Fun’, ‘My Girl’ – the hits are endless and Suggs and Co. are a formidable live act who will guarantee outbreaks of crazy dancing and sing-a-longs.
Since releasing their debut album ‘Tourist History’ – the 2010 Choice Music Prize Irish Album of the year in March 2010, TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB have rapidly become one of the biggest new success stories in UK music. After selling out headline tours in the UK, US, Europe, Australia, Japan and South America the band have deservedly earned both a devoted word-of-mouth live following and huge critical acclaim. The Times have called them “the band of the moment” and NME declared that they have “quietly become one of the UK’s best loved bands.”
Few artists at Reading & Leeds Festival this year will have recently celebrated their 70thbirthday, but SEASICK STEVE – guitarist and bluesman extraordinaire is a truly unique individual. He made his first UK television appearance on Jools Holland’s show in 2006 and was an instant hit – an overnight sensation after playing for over 50 years. Two Brit Award nominations followed in 2009 and 2010 and he’s just kept playing and startling fans with his incredible talent. A classic artist for the festival.
Late 2008 marked the end of a chapter in the life of Leeds’ THE PIGEON DETECTIVES, with a sold out headline show at London’s Alexandra Palace which, added to the 500,000 sales of their first two albums left the band with an impressive CV. Now, fresh from a self imposed two year hiatus they return recharged with a new album. ‘UP,GUARDS AND AT ‘EM!’, ever popular with the public, this year’s appearance at Reading & Leeds – particularly in Leeds , will once again remind us what an enviable live proposition The Pigeon Detectives are.
www.thepigeondestectives.com
The past twelve months has seen Welsh trio THE JOY FORMIDABLE emerge as one of the acts to watch in 2011. Having headlined the NME’s Radar Tour last year and playing a sold out UK tour early in 2011 live is where The Joy Formidable excel. The gigs had the critics salivating with a breathless NME declaring them “a shockingly special band.” On stage they push themselves emotionally and sonically to create soundscapes that produce an intense, yet uplifting experience often resulting with singer Ritzy Bryan amongst the crowd.
Sunday 28th August at Reading Festival / Friday 26th August at Leeds Festival
The Reading & Leeds Festival play host to one of the UK’s most loved and influential bands this summer – ELBOW - one of only two UK festival appearances the band have confirmed this year. The immense success of the double platinum selling ‘The Seldom Seen Kid’ brought with it the acclaim the band so richly merited, winning the Mercury Music Prize in 2008, a Brit Award for Best British Band, a South Bank Show prize for Best Album whilst also picking up a pair of Ivor Novello Awards for ‘One Day Like This’ and ‘Grounds For Divorce. Since then the band have written and recently released their fifth studio album ‘Build A Rocket Boys’ entering the charts at Number 2 – the band’s highest ever chart position, and it seems another chapter is written in one of the most intriguing and heart-warming stories in British music.
With the release of INTERPOL’s eponymous fourth album last year, expectation was high and the band didn’t disappoint. “…another album of exquisitely anguished atmospherics…” exclaimed one critic whilst another stated; “…a stadium band in the making, if they choose to be.” The grandiose cinematic beauty and often eerie intensity of Interpol’s catalogue lends itself to soaring climatic shows and as on previous occasions Interpol will plough where others merely follow. A rabid and loyal fanbase will see a band at the top of the game, for those yet to join the ranks catch this stunning live act and be converted.
Since the release of FRIENDLY FIRES self-titled debut album in 2008, accolades have arrived thick and fast for this trio from St Albans. The album was a slow burning success which over the ensuing two years saw the band rack up sales in excess of 200,000 in the UK as well as picking a Mercury Music Prize nomination and two Brit Award nominations. The band draw inspiration as much from the electronic world as the guitar one and this is no more obvious than when they hit the stage which has led them to be one the most exciting and critically feted new bands of the past few years. Currently holed up in the studio putting the finishing touches to their second album, this year’s appearance should be captivating.
The ever youthful post-hardcore quartet from St Albans ENTER SHIKARI are favourites at Reading & Leeds. Irrespective of which stage they play, the mantra remains the same; have fun and the crowd go absolutely insane! The band have built a fearsome live reputation over the past few years whilst touring across the globe with appearances at Big Day Out In Australia and The Warped Tour in the US and with news that the band are looking to release new material later this year, fans and newcomers alike will again be drawn to what is a most exhilarating live experience.
Dundee’s THE VIEW bring their energetic and hit-packed live show to this year’s Reading & Leeds Festival. The band who with a Number 1 and Mercury Music Prize album ‘Hats Off To The Buskers’ under their belt first entertained the crowds here when they headlined the NME/Radio 1 stage way back in 2007. This year will witness no less excitement when they appear playing old favourites along with new material from their third album ‘Bread And Circuses’ with no let up in their irrepressible live experience.
FRANK TURNER has developed from a fledgling artist armed with an acoustic guitar and an exceptional DIY work ethic and blossomed from an underground hero to a bona fide mainstream success story following the demise of his previous band Million Dead. From supporting Green Day at Wembley last year and more recently being nominated for two NME Awards at this year’s Brats, the past twelve months has been a whirlwind success which shows no sign of slowing down. A new album is imminent which will no doubt win this amazing artist more fans.
TAKING BACK SUNDAY play the UK for the first time ever under their original line-up which saw their 2002 debut album ‘Tell All Your Friends’ pave the way towards the bands future successes . With a brand new studio album set for release produced by Eric Valentine – (QOTSA, Lostprophets) the five-piece from Long Island are sure to be a hit on the Main Stage this summer.
Dan Brown, Liam Cromby, Alfie Scully, Jack Spence and Tom Whittaker are WE ARE THE OCEAN. The band formed in 2007 and has since toured with the likes of The Used, Lostprophets, You Me At Six and Funeral For A Friend. If you have yet to experience We Are The Ocean then there is no better time than these sets, sure to be the talk of the site at the close of the weekend.
Friday 26th August at Reading Festival / Saturday 27th August at Leeds Festival
Reading & Leeds are thrilled to welcome BEADY EYE to headline the NME/Radio 1 Stage for their first ever appearance at the festival. Formed after Oasis split in 2009, Liam Gallagher, Gem Archer, Andy Bell and Chris Sharrock released their debut album ‘Different Gear, Still Speeding’ in February of this year and played their first live shows worldwide in March. Having been voted the ‘greatest frontman of all time’, Gallagher and the band have already gained plaudits for their live performances with one newspaper declaring Gallagher to be “in the most commanding vocal form of his career”. This should be an absolutely not to be missed highlight of the weekend.
www.beadyeyemusic.com
Formed in 2007, West London trio WHITE LIES released their debut album ‘To Lose My Life’ in 2009 reaching number one on its release to a fanfare of both critical and commercial acclaim. With an 18 month world tour under their belts the band emerged as one of the bands of 2009. Recharged, excited and buoyed by a new found self- belief, this year has seen the follow-up ‘Ritual’ – their full-blooded big-booted tech-rock outing continue the band’s ascendancy both here in the UK and around the world.
The continued maturation of NOAH AND THE WHALE has been a pleasing thing to follow – from the joyous burst of their debut ,’Peaceful, the World Lays Me Down’, through the lovelorn sobriety of ‘The First Days Of Spring’, it now reaches a kind of fruition on the recent ‘Last Night on Earth’. Certainly the band seem to have come of age, as perceived leaders of the same British folk-rock scene that has spawned so many in recent times, with this album the band have found their place and perhaps appear to stand a little taller and little broader than their peers. Theirs is a beautifully woven tapestry of richness, words and entertainment, be enthralled.
THE VACCINES are the quartet who have mopped up the superlatives when it comes to the next big thing over the past six months – including being shortlisted in the BBC’s Sound of 2011 poll and primed with their debut album ‘What Did You Expect From The Vaccines’ – look set to thrill on this, their first Reading & Leeds Festival showing. The debut single ‘Wreckin’ Bar’ bore all the hallmarks of what The Vaccines were about, songs that wiggle their way into your consciousness and won’t let go. So, what can you expect from The Vaccines? Excitement, thrills, melody, power, romance?
About to release their third album ‘The English Riviera’, the follow up to 2008’s critically acclaimed ‘Nights Out’ – METRONOMY bring their vast sonic soundscapes to this year’s festival. Although a lot of the newer material sees the band embrace warmer pop melodies they haven’t left the dancefloor behind and new tracks such as ‘The Look’ with it’s all conquering synth-riff will be a festival favourite come the end of the summer.
Having worked with a diverse range of artists including Florence Welch, Marianne Faithfull, Tilda Swinton and most recently Patti Smith, PATRICK WOLF’s iconoclastic music has seen him spread his prodigious talents into a number of fields. Following his previous album ‘The Bachelor’ in 2009, Wolf has been working on new material which arrives in the shape of new album ‘Lupercalia’. Renowned for the spectacular, especially live, the new songs should propel him into the bigger arena that the scale and ambition of his new music already inhabits.
THE NAKED AND FAMOUS are already (naked and) famous in their native New Zealand, one of 2010’s genuine organic buzzes has seen a band lauded by the critics and now with Down Under virtually conquered look set to trailblaze likewise in the Northern hemisphere. This is a band set to blow a crater in 2011’s musical landscape with their first international release ‘Passive Me, Aggressive You’, a young group of warped sound merchants to invest your heart and soul in, catch ‘em early on their festival debut!
Saturday 27th August at Reading Festival / Sunday 28th August at Leeds Festival
Headlining the NME/Radio 1 stage we are honored to welcome the incredible JANE’S ADDICTION. The flamboyant, outspoken frontman Perry Farrell is one of the most thrilling and electrifying artists of our generation and as anyone privileged to see the band will testify, they remain one of the world’s most accomplished live acts. ‘Jane Says’, ‘Been Caught Stealing’ and ‘Just Because’ are just some of the classic tracks the band have recorded over their eventful career. The group will also be featuring material from their upcoming new album set for August release. The new album was produced by Rich Costey (Muse, Rage Against The Machine etc) and TV on the Radio’s Dave Sitek joined in to help write, program and play bass in what promises to be one of the most anticipated releases of 2011. Jane’s Addiction are a definite must-see for rock fans everywhere and are guaranteed to give Reading & Leeds a very special moment.
Fresh from headlining this year’s NME Awards tour, CRYSTAL CASTLES, a somewhat anti-social duo of drummer Ethan Kath and the ever enigmatic vocalist Alice Glass return to grace Reading & Leeds Festival. Famed for their uncompromising style both on and off stage their performances are a wonderful cacophony of chaos and crowd participation. With two albums under their belt, sold out tours worldwide, Crystal Castles have created an unexpected and remarkable loyal cult following which is witnessed no more so than when they take to the stage. Miss this duo at your peril.
BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB return to play this year’s Reading & Leeds Festival, their first appearance since 2009. The band have certainly not been idle in the intervening period having released their well received debut album ‘I Had The Blues But I Shook Them Loose’ in 2009, picking up ‘Best New Band’ at last year’s NME Awards and releasing their stunning Top 10 acoustic album ‘Flaws’ last summer. 2011 sees the band plug back in and are currently recording their third album which is slated for release later this year.
From their festival debut last summer, EVERYTHING EVERYTHING appear to have gone from ‘ones to watch’ to THE ones towatch. Last year saw a nomination on the feted BBC Sound poll, a year later has seen them pick up The Times Breakthrough Award at this year’s Southbank Awards for their sensational debut album ‘Man Alive’. Described as a record “..of arresting unpredictability and melodic beauty and subtlety, melding art-rock and the dance floor”, everybody’s favourite new cerebral pop outfit look set to continue their breathtaking trail with a highly anticipated showing at this year’s Reading & Leeds Festival.
Armed with a new album ‘Blood Pressures’, THE KILLS – Jamie Hince and Alison Mosshart – return to Reading & Leeds with their swagger and sass intact. Since their arrival in 2003 the duo have retained the searing guitars, driving rhythms and sexually charged lyrical savvy that has become their trademark. Mosshart, meanwhile as vocalist in The Dead Weather which has further enhanced her reputation and that of The Kills as one of the most vital, striking bands today, whose vividly unique ‘rock’ is at once effortless and timeless.
Los Angeles hip-hop collective OFWGKTA (otherwise known as Odd Future… or Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All) have garnered a cult following in the US. Talented, hilarious, villainous and immature – they are at the forefront of modern hip-hop. Having released no fewer than 12 full length albums since 2008, all available for free on their website, the group recently completed a two stop tour, their first outside of Los Angeles, in New York and London which sold out within 48 hours of announcement. Their concerts have frequently been compared to punk rock shows, with stage diving and moshing – these hip-hoppers are very much in the ones to watch category.
Sunday 28th August at Reading Festival / Friday 26th August at Leeds Festival
Stepping away from their day jobs in Soulwax, 2 MANY DJ’s will be this year’s co-headliners on the NME/Radio 1 Stage. Initially finding fame with their genre mashing mixes, the brothers went onto produce remixes for the likes of Gorillaz, The Klaxons, Kylie Minogue, Daft Punk, LCD Soundsystem and many more. The 2 MANY DJ’s set is a guaranteed show stopping headline for this year’s festival and is not to be missed.
As Mike Skinner calls time on THE STREETS it’s hard to underestimate how important our co-headliners have been to the past decade of British music. The final album, ‘Computers and Blues’, crams everything Skinner has learnt in the course of his very personal five album odyssey into a package as irresistibly box-fresh as his game-changing 2002 debut ‘Original Pirate Material’. Ladies and gentlemen, charge your glasses for a farewell toast to The Streets.
www.the-streets.co.uk
After splitting in 2006, DEATH FROM ABOVE 1979 are back and ready to plug in their instruments at Reading & Leeds for another blast of dance-rock mayhem. Formed in 2001, the band were a wakeup call for a stagnant guitar scene. Keeping things simple, the Canadian group had little more than drums, some skittering electronics and bone shuddering bass. With an awesome live reputation, these sets are sure to exceed their own very high standards and deliver a thrilling performance.
PANIC! AT THE DISCO are back and will be performing at Reading & Leeds in support of new album ‘Vices and Virtues’. Just barely out of high school, the emo-pop outfit burst out of suburban Las Vegas in 2005 with their full-length debut, ‘A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out’. Crafting pop-influenced songs with theatrical touches, quirky techno beats, and perceptive lyrics the tents are sure to be packed out for these shows.
Psychedelic rock band WARPAINT formed in 2004 and consists of Emily Kokal, Theresa Wayman, Jenny Lee Lindberg and Stella Mozgawa. The all-girl quartet from Los Angeles have toured incessantly over the last couple of years, with standout shows at CMJ and SXSW. NME awarded the debut album 9/10, and were moved to say ‘it’s arguably the greatest debut of the year’.
Highly rated London based five-piece CHAPEL CLUB follow their sold out UK tour with an appearance on the NME/Radio 1 stage. ‘Palace’, the band’s acclaimed debut album will play its part along with new tracks that together encapsulate the band’s musical diversity – be it the Kraut rock drive of ‘After The Flood’, the seductive roller coaster of ‘The Shore’ or the pop elegance of recent single ‘All The Eastern Girls’ – a song for every mood… Chapel Club are a remarkable band, join the congregation!
When CAGE THE ELEPHANT released their self-titled debut in 2009, they were heralded as saviors of slacker funk-punk thanks to their hit ‘Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked’. The album went on to sell over 500,000 copies worldwide, and remained on the Billboard 200 Chart for 73 consecutive weeks. The raucous Kentucky rockers are now back with new album ‘Thank You Happy Birthday’, so get ready for another ferocious kick of gut-grabbing rock ‘n’ roll.
Friday 26th August at Reading Festival / Saturday 27th August at Leeds Festival
THE HORRORS will take to the Festival Republic Stage as our headliners for what is sure to be two very special shows. After forming in the summer of 2005, the band quickly gained notoriety around London for their look, sound and brief but frantic live shows. Mixing shoegazing, post-punk and goth influences, expect The Horrorsto deliver one of those iconic Festival Republic Stage moments.
Saturday 27th August at Reading Festival / Sunday 28th August at Leeds Festival
After drawing one of the weekend’s biggest crowds last year, THE MIDNIGHT BEAST return as our Festival Republic Stage headliners. The internet sensations sent YouTube into meltdown last year with their cover of Ke$ha’s ‘Tik Tok’. If you haven’t seen them live yet, think of them as a musical version of the characters of The Inbetweeners, and be sure to catch them this summer at Reading & Leeds.
Sunday 28th August at Reading Festival / Friday 26th August at Leeds Festival
We are proud to welcome the quintessential rock star PETER DOHERTY as a Festival Republic Stage headliner. After last year’s incredible performances with The Libertines, one of the best British songwriters of our generation returns in what is sure to be one of the highlights of the weekend.
Sunday 28th August at Reading Festival / Saturday 27th August at Leeds Festival
The return to the Reading & Leeds Festival of the multifaceted TIM MINCHIN is one of the highlights of this year’s Alternative Stage. Having won numerous awards since his rise from obscurity to celebrity in the mid–noughties, Tim has firmly established himself, both here, back home in Australia and America as one the most versatile performers on the live circuit. Tim has performed sell out shows at The Sydney Opera House, Edinburgh and Adelaide Fringe Festivals, Melbourne International Comedy Festival and the Just for Laughs Festivals in Canada amongst others. He has appeared on numerous TV shows, written a pilot for Radio 2 and recently written the music and lyrics for the musical ‘Matilda’ with The Royal Shakespeare Company which opened late last year. 2010 also saw Tim embark on his first Arena Tour of the UK where he was joined by the 55 piece Heritage Orchestra and a band, which he then took on a sell out tour of Australia before its return to the UK culminating in two shows at London’s Royal Albert Hall. Always one for the unexpected, this year is no exception and will feature Tim and a special rock ‘n’ roll set!
Saturday 27th August at Reading Festival / Friday 26th August at Leeds Festival
The Alternative stage welcomes the superb talent of LEE NELSON. The cheeky, happy-go-lucky loveable tearaway from South London has recently been a hit on the stage for other reasons than just stand-up, performing with best pal Omelette to Wham’s ‘Club Tropicana’ on Let’s Dance for Comic Relief. Lee is of course a character created by comedian Simon Brodkin whose successes include the hit BBC3 vehicle ‘Lee Nelson’s Well Good Show’. He has also written for and performed on ‘Al Murray’s Multiple Personality Disorder’. Brace yourselves for this one, it’s gonna be ‘Well Good’.
Award-winning stand-up, writer and performer RUSSELL KANE has firmly established himself as one of the best comics in the UK since exploding onto the scene in autumn 2003. This year saw Russell win the Foster’s Edinburgh Comedy Award for his show ‘Smokescreens and Castles’ – the most prestigious award in Comedy – having been shortlisted for the award a total of three times including one nomination for Best Newcomer for his Edinburgh show, ‘The Theory of Pretension’. In a prolific few years for Russell, some of the highlights include writing a play called ‘The Great British Country Fete’ for the Bush Theatre, joining ITV2’s ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here Now’ presenting team and making an acclaimed appearance on BBC 1’s flagship comedy show ‘Live At The Apollo’. Described as ‘one of the finest young performers around’ by Time Out and an ‘inspiring and brilliant stand-up… perfect’ by Chortle, these shows are not to be missed.
Friday 26th August at Reading Festival / Saturday 27th August at Leeds Festival
In describing HENRY ROLLINS, the tendency is to try to squeeze as many labels as possible into a single sentence – but if he could be reduced to a single word, that word would undoubtedly be ‘workaholic’. For more than a quarter century, Rollins has toured the world as a spoken word artist and as front man for both the Rollins Band and Black Flag. When he’s not living out of a suitcase, Rollins is constantly working as an actor, radio DJ, author and publisher. Henry’s spoken word performances are a seamless mix of humour and political commentary. In 2010, he toured both hemispheres on the slogan ‘knowledge without mileage equals bullshit’ with his ‘Frequent Flyer Tour’, and the Reading & Leeds fans are sure to be in for a treat when he arrives in 2011.
Saturday 27th August at Reading Festival / Friday 26th August at Leeds Festival
One of Britain’s most acclaimed comics, MARK THOMAS has also been at the forefront as one of the country’s most recognised and influential activists. With a career on stage spanning 25 years, from his early days as a guest on Radio 1’s The Mary Whitehouse Experience, Channel 4’s numerous series of the cutting edge Mark Thomas Comedy Project / Mark Thomas Project to his well documented and life changing influence Dispatches programmes, he has continued to argue and investigate. In recent years, Thomas has undertaken several sold out tours of the UK, the latest, ‘Extreme Rambling’ (Walking The Wall) recounts his walking the entire length of the Israeli Separation Barrier crossing between the Israeli and Palestine side. “Moving and inspiring…as gripping as any live performance you will see.” said The Guardian. Passionate and emotive, catch this multi award winning comedian, author and activist and you cannot fail to be inspired.
www.markthomasinfo.com
TICKETING INFO
Weekend tickets £192.50 plus booking fees • Day tickets Fri, Sat, Sun £82.50 plus booking fee • Early entry permits £15 • Weekend ticket prices include camping.
Online/Telephone from Monday 21st March 7.15pm:
Tickets are strictly limited to a maximum of four per household for those booking by telephone or online and two per person for personal callers to walk in stores.
Selected HMV stores from 8am Tuesday 22nd March. See websites for store listings.
In Person from Tuesday 22nd March 8am:
Reading tickets can be bought at face value,in person from Tuesday 22nd March 8.00amwhen paid for in cash at the Reading Arts & Venues Box Office, The Hexagon.
Leeds tickets can be bought at face value, in person from Tuesday 22nd March 8.00am when paid for in cash at Leeds Visitor Centre.
Also in person from Crash Records and Jumbo Records subject to booking fees.
Please note that picture ID/proof of address will be required at the time of booking. Tickets are subject to availability.
Limit of 2 per household/person for personal callers.
Children under 13 (12 and under) are admitted free but MUST be accompanied by a ticket holding adult. Please note there is no separate children’s area at this event.
Also on the Reading and Leeds lineup is none other than the following:
Main Stage
Thirty Seconds to Mars, Pulp, Elbow, The Offspring, The National, Interpol, Deftones, Jimmy Eat World, Friendly Fires, Rise Against, Madness, Enter Shikari, Bring Me The Horizon, Two Door Cinema Club, The View, New Found Glory, Seasick Steve, Frank Turner, The Blackout, The Pigeon Detectives, Taking Back Sunday, Architects, The Joy Formiable, We Are The Ocean
NME / BBC Radio One Stage
Beady Eye, Janes Addiction, 2manydjs, White Lies, Crystal Castles, The Streets, Noah & The Whale, Bombay Bicycle Club, Death From Above 1979, The Vaccines, Special Guests, Panic! At The Disco, Metronomy, Patrick Wolf, Everything Everything, The Kills, Warpaint, Chapel Club, The Naked and Famous, Ofwgkta, Cage The Elephant
Festival Republic Stage
The Horrors, The Midnight Beast, Peter Doherty
The Alternative Stage
Mark Thomas, Russell Kane, Tim Minchin, Henery Rollins, Lee Nelson
Residents’ tickets are for use only by residents and will become invalid if they are sold or transferred. They are only for use by people who are residents living within the eligible area at the time of the festival.
Residents’ tickets can be purchased from http://www.seetickets.com/readingresidents
The link will go live at 7am on Sunday 20 March and expire at 2pm on Monday 21 March. If you are unable to book your tickets during this period, everyone will have an opportunity to buy tickets when they go on general sale on Monday 21 March at 7pm.
To buy residents’ tickets, you must first enter your postcode. Only valid postcodes matching those given to us by the council will be accepted by the booking system. If your postcode is not recognised, it’s because you live outside of the area of eligibility. We have obtained a list of valid postcodes from Reading Borough Council and South Oxon Council. Valid postcodes are those beginning RG1, RG2, RG4, RG6, RG30 & RG31 which fall under Reading Borough Council and postcodes beginning RG4 within Mapledurham Village which fall under South Oxon Council.
If your postcode is accepted you will be able to book a maximum of 2 tickets per cardholder. Both ticket holders must have an eligible postcode and corresponding identification.
In the booking system, the postcode field will auto-populate and cannot be changed. Tickets will only be sent to the address with the valid postcode specified. You cannot change the address details once you have booked residents tickets.
Tickets will be printed with the name and postcode of the customer. In order to use your residents’ tickets you must bring the ticket and a form of photo ID (passport, driving licence etc) and a form of postal address ID (utility bill, bank statement etc) to the festival wristband exchange. Your photo and address ID must match the name and postcode printed on the ticket. If you purchase 2 tickets, both attendees must have valid ID matching the name and postcode on the tickets.
If you are a resident with a valid postcode please do not purchase tickets for non-residents – if you do, the tickets will be invalid and we will be unable to offer a refund.
If you move house between booking your tickets and receiving your tickets:
If you move to another address within the valid postcode area, you must send us proof of your old & new postal address (utility bill, bank statement etc) and we will arrange for your details to be amended on your ticket.
If you move to an address outside the valid postcode area, then you are no longer eligible for Reading residents’ tickets and your booking will be cancelled and refunded.
Festival Republic requests that all residents’ ticket holders please use public transport to get to the festival. Shuttle buses run from Reading train station to Caversham Road, Taxis drop off at Tessa Road or the car drop off point is at Kings Meadow.
It’s the biggest and the best rock show on the planet. And it’s back next year. Where else would you want to be on the August Bank Holiday weekend?!
Pre-sale adult weekend tickets to the world famous Reading & Leeds Festival will be available to buy from 9am Friday 3rd December at 2010 prices.
Purchasing tickets in the pre-sale means festival fans won’t be hit by the VAT increase in the New Year or the rise in ticket prices for 2011 – a saving of at least £10 per ticket!
With the biggest names in music set to play at both sites, this is the perfect Christmas gift for any discerning music lover.
The all-important line-up and general sale tickets will be released in the Spring.
For more details visit www.readingfestival.com and www.leedsfestival.com
We have used the Met Office weather widget to continually update the weather as it comes to hand, please keep checking back here to see the latest updates.
At this moment, Reading is looking at good weather for Friday and Saturday, Leeds looks like there will be a small amount of rain on Friday and fine on Saturday.
