We are excited to announce that Rita Ora and Chase and Status have been confirmed as very special guests to appear at KISSbeach 2013. Rita Ora will join Dizzee Rascal, Katy B, Lawson, Conor Maynard and K Koke on Saturday 29 June whilst Chase and Status joins Tinie Tempah, Rizzle Kicks, Rudimetal, Iggy Azalea and Angel on Sunday 30 June. Many more artists are still to be announced in the coming weeks.
Rita Ora has been an unstoppable presence in the UK Charts since the release of her debut single ‘Hot Right Now’ from her #1 certified platinum album ‘Ora’, other massive singles include ‘How Do We (Party)’ and ‘Hot Right Now’. Last year she was the artist with the most number one singles on the UK singles Chart and she was recently nominated for three BRIT Awards. Chase & Status released their Gold selling debut album ‘More Than A Lot’ in 2008, second album ‘No More Idols’ was released in 2011 and featured mind-blowing collaborations with the likes of Tinie Tempah, Dizzee Rascal, White Lies, Cee-Lo Green and Plan B. Renowned for their electrifying live shows the Drum & Bass maestros are sure to give an explosive performance.
Live Nation has teamed up with Hed Kandi to bring an exclusive VIP experience to KISSbeach – a fully furnished marquee with fully stocked cocktail bar and Luxury toilets. Taking the groove deeper, this will be the place to experience the latest uplifting house music from the internationally renowned Hed Kandi DJs.
KISS 105-108 is part of KISS FM UK which boasts over 4.3 million listeners a week throughout the UK. KISS 105-108 is a commercial market leader, now reaching 458 ,000 listeners each week, With celebrated shows and presenters including Rickie, Melvin and Charlie In The Morning KISS is renowned for bringing its listeners the very best music in the world.
With many more acts to be announced in the coming weeks KISSbeach is set to be an unmissable weekend this summer.
British songstress Jessie Ware will be bringing her soulful voice to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park for her Yahoo! Wireless Festival debut. The singer songwriter released her stunning debut album – Devotion – to critical acclaim last year and received BRIT nominations for British Female Solo Artist and British Breakthough. Also added to the line-up on Sunday 14 July is singer songwriter Katy B, dubstep DJ’s Magnetic Man, US hip hop star 2 Chainz, electro DJ Porter Robinson and hotly tipped UK stars Angel and Daley.
Yahoo! Wireless Festival is the UK’s number one urban/ pop festival and the destination of the summer. Promoted by Live Nation, this dazzling open-air live music experience offers a chance to experience the excitement of watching the best in popular music in one of London’s most iconic sites – Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. With many more acts and details still to be unveiled, Yahoo!Wireless Festival 2013 is set to be the biggest and best event on the summer’s musical calendar.
Dennis Hone, Chief Executive, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park had the following to say; “Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is attracting a fantastic line-up this summer. These acts join an already stellar two days of Yahoo! Wireless and a summer events programme that’s really shaping up to be something special.”
YAHOO! WIRELESS FESTIVAL LINE-UP SO FAR: FRIDAY 12 JULY Justin Timberlake, Snoop Dogg, Trey Songz, John Legend, Miguel, Ke$ha, Wretch 32, Conor Maynard, special guest Frank Ocean, Bingo Players.
SATURDAY 13 JULY JAY Z, Emeli Sande, Rita Ora, Kendrick Lamar, Miguel, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, DJ Fresh/Live Special guest Calvin Harris, Flux Pavilion, Zedd, Iggy Azalea.
SUNDAY 14 JULY Justin Timberlake and JAY Z LEGENDS OF THE SUMMER STADIUM TOUR, A Tribe Called Quest, NAS, A$AP Rocky, Jessie Ware, Katy B, Magnetic Man, Rizzle Kicks, 2 Chainz, Porter Robinson, Angel, Daley.
Among the newly announced names we can find performers at the afternoon and early night slots of the Main Stage. Ska-P had their most memorable gig at Sziget in 2005 when the Spanish band rocked the stage in Bush-masks and on stilts; however they have called off their 10-year long music revolution for an unknown time. Fortunately, this was their only announcement that was untrue. They are back.
Singer Deborah ’Skin’ Dyer of Skunk Anansie stepped on the shoulders of her fans at her last concert in 2011 at Sziget. This might happen this year as well!
King and main figure of the grime movement, British rapper, Dizzee Rascal is the guest of this year’s festival. He is over four incredibly successful albums – certified gold and platinum without exception – and a memorable performance at the opening ceremony of the London Olympic Games.
The Editors is a very popular and characteristic icon of the post-punk movement of the 2000s. They will prove this on the Main Stage at an early afternoon slot!
British singer, Brit Awards nominee, Alex Clare has many popular and cool songs merging the most popular music trends of today. He uses electronic genres, like dubstep and new wave drum’n’bass, mixing it with suggestive guitar sounds and a hint of soul.
Enter Shikari plays hardcore music, mixing electronic, metal and rock. They have conquered the world with their album last year and now they are ready for Sziget!
A38 Stage
One of the most beloved venues of Sziget is following the trend of the previous years: the huge tent will be the home of diverse and exciting productions, proved by the upcoming names as well.
For a start, here is the exceptional talent from North-London, Michael Kiwanuka, a refined and sentimental singer-songwriter who plays his guitar with a sense of folk and jazz. His first album hit the charts in many countries and has become gold.
True inspiration for punk-rock bands, Bad Religion, reached the peak of their career with their 16th album ’True North’ in 2012: it was listed in the top 20 of the American Billboard 200. Now the crowd of Sziget can congratulate them!
Melodramatic, downtempo and chilled pop songs are the identifiers of the music of Woodkid, a French musician, who is arriving to Sziget with his new album, to be released this year.
Peter Bjorn & John are vivid and colorful icons of the indie world. Their “whistling” song is such a success that it is reaching 36 million views on the largest video sharing service. They are nicely merging mainstream popular sounds with some underground melodies.
A real 21st century London-girl, who makes her dreams come true by her talent, Katy B, is the new face of British dubstep. She recently received an NME award and now she brings her special style to Sziget.
Netsky is the exporter of Belgium’s most wanted, premium category drum’n’bass productions. After his singles he introduced himself on the Belgian charts and his second album was in the top 20 in the United Kingdom. The 24-year-old guy from Edegem is coming to Budapest with his live show.
Tame Impala plays psychedelic rock with hypnotic and melodic tunes. The Australian band has not only impressed the younger generation with their album in 2012 but the critics as well. Their second album ‘Lonerism’ has been awarded Best Album of the Year by Rolling Stone Australia, NME and Filter.
It is high time that Orlando Higginbottom, known as Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs, after several gigs at the biggest European and Northern-American festivals, plays at Sziget. His live set will definitely be a visual adventure with a range of weird instruments.
Everything Everything plays a nice and easy guitar pop that is sometimes inspired by a melancholic and solid atmosphere. We can see them at A38 this year.
Wax Tailor is opening his magical world of rare musical treasures to Sziget. Be aware that you might become an addict!
Isabelle Geffroy is a beloved French chanson singer. Her band, Zaz, winner at Victoires de la muisque – the most important music gala in France – in 2011, and performer of probably the most well-known French song ‘Je Veux’ , plays now at Sziget. She also received a European Border Breakers Award, representing that that her talent and popularity is without borders.
Cata.Pirata and Crypto.Jori plus three musicians from Amsterdam have formed SKIP&DIE, a very extravagant and brave production. Their big multicultural project merges everything that means ‘world citizen’. They are using traditional African, Arabic and Indian instruments mixed with contemporary Western hip-hop and modern electronics. They are inviting the fans to dance in Zulu, Spanish, Portuguese, English, Afrikaans and Xhosa languages.
Arena
New names have also arrived for the line-up of the mega-tent, the Arena as well. This is the venue where the early afternoon hours are taken by the so called “European Slots”, presenting live bands from the old continent, but later on it hosts huge parties with great performers.
Empire of the Sun has been to Sziget two years ago, making a party at a completely full venue. They play romantic electro-pop and probably even the world-known Cirque du Soleil group could not beat them when it comes to stage production.
For years now it’s hard to find a more exciting, louder and successful drum’n’bass act in the United Kingdom than Chase & Status Live. The well-known electro-musician and producer duo of Will Kennard and Saul Milton are coming this year to party up the Sziget crowd.
A revolutionary and innovative techno musician, Chris Liebing, has remixed many popular songs and also wrote his own ones that we will hear now in the Arena. His style has been mastered with the development of electronic music, but he has never stopped playing his massive techno basics.
DJ and producer, Sebastian Ingrosso, is one of the main figures of today’s Scandinavian electronic music scene together with Axwell and Steve Angello, forming the popular house-group, the Swedish House Mafia. His dynamic and energetic house music is played in the biggest international parties and e-music events, bringing out the most of his ten thousand fans.
Two bands will definitely play in the European Slots of the Arena. First of all, Afterhours, one of the most well-known Italian rock bands. They play passionate tunes and rock ballades, based on nice guitar.
Also playing in a European Slot is Left Boy, a very talented Austrian singer-producer in his twenties. His sexy lyrics are played on a massive electro and dubstep base. Last year he had several sold-out gigs in Europe and he just came out with his new EP.
These superstar DJ’s are known for their eclectic blend of genre defying styles and are one of the most potent forces on the dance scene. Famed for their incendiary DJ sets, this irrepressible duo will be armed to the teeth with a plethora of dance floor anthems and underground classics.
Chase & Status have earned international recognition through their monumental album ‘No More Idols’ which crashed into the charts in 2011, amassing over 300,000 sales and spawning a stream of chart topping singles including collaborations with Plan B, Tempa T, Maverick Sabre and Dizzee Rascal to name but a few.
Supporting Chase & Status in the Supercharged Arena will be the much lauded Knife Party and Zane Lowe, back by popular demand at Shakedown for a second year after a jaw dropping set at the inaugural event. Local boy and Drum & Bass heavyweight DJ Friction will also perform alongside pioneering producer and godfather of UK Bass, Shy
FX. Multi award winning Ms Dynamite and will also join the succession of artists on stage alongside rapidly emerging production duo The Prototypes.
Headlining the main stage is the UK’s ultimate showman Dizzee Rascal. Armed with an arsenal of hits, Dizzee is arguably the best live act in the country right now; an artist at the top of his game and his set will be a defining Shakedown moment. Professor Green will
take to the stage at Stanmer Park performing all the hits from his albums, Alive Till I’m Dead and ‘At Your Convenience’ whilst girl about town and queen of the underground Katy B showcases her mix of dub step, funky, house, garage and r n’ b to mesmerising effect.
Hotly tipped Stooshe are embracing mainstream success with their brash, bolshy and infectiously catchy brand of urban pop whilst Clement Marfo and The Frontline provide an endless supply of gargantuan pop hooks and sweet neo-soul vocals.
Hed Kandi, the most stylish name in house music have been confirmed to host the VIP Arena with a spectacular production and a host of DJ’s including Freemasons, Seamus Haji and Phil Faversham.
Shakedown Festival 2012 brings the most exciting names in contemporary music to Brighton for one last festival outing. With such an indepth line up of talent, Shakedown is the perfect end to an incredible summer of festival fun.
TICKETS £40 + bf
http://www.shakedown.co.uk/tickets
http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/
http://www.seetickets.com/
http://hmv.com/
http://www.viewbrighton.co.uk/
http://www.brightondome.org/
VIP TICKETS £75 + bf
Available now from the Hed Kandi bar on West Street, Brighton and http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/event/1F004787ACD2AF57
This year, the event’s gates will be opened to ‘Weekenders’ on Friday 31 August to pitch tents ahead of the Main Stage festivities and enjoy a pre-event party with an exclusive, intimate set by renowned DJ, Jaguar Skills, later that night in the Warehouse
‘Weekenders’ will then be able to join the masses for the star-studded line-up on the Main Stage and Stage 2 on Saturday 1 & Sunday 2 September, before being treated to further exclusive after-show parties in the Warehouse, performed by B Traits and Breakage on the Saturday night, and RATPACK on the Sunday night
Jaguar Skills’ identity is one of the best kept secrets in clubland – opting to wear a ninja-mask at every performance – but his stock and profile have risen dramatically over the past 10 years. Revered for having entirely produced and edited a mix-CD on two mini-disk Walkmen back in 2002, Jag Skills went on to a residency at Jade Jagger’s Jezebel nights at Pacha in Ibiza and quickly progressed to DJ other Jezebel events across the globe. He now has a 10-minute mix slot on Trevor Nelson’s Saturday evening BBC Radio 1 show, having been a part of Radio 1’s ‘In New DJs We Trust’.
B Traits and Breakage are hard to categorise with a specific definition of their sound, both busting genres wide-open, with B Traits clearly influenced by old school rave, Jungle, hip hop, 90s house and UK Funky, with her recent UK Chart Single, Fever, also featuring garage vocals by Elisabeth Troy, whereas Breakage is a drum and bass/dubstep producer and DJ, evidently inspired by the original 90s Jungle Sound, Reggae and Dancehall. Both are highly respected on the club scene and both will be performing for ‘Weekenders’ only, on the Saturday night of the Sundown Festival
RATPACK are DJ Lipmaster Mark & MC Evenson Allen who joined forces back in 1985 at the birth of the warehouse/rave scene and are still standing strong 25 years later. Having worked together, with Mark doing beats over Evenson's sets, they quickly moved into the Acid House craze in 1989 which saw the Pack take a new direction
First by running their own local warehouse parties and then, when a DJ didn't turn up for his set Mark got on the decks and Evenson started to hype the crowd by singing and MCing – something which was a Taboo in those days- they unknowingly became the UK Rave Scene's first DJ/MC team, a combination which has taken them all over the World to tear up many a Dance Floor, bringing a collection of styles including House, Break-beat, Drum&Bass and Dub-step
With Olly Murs, Pixie Lott, Alexandra Stan, Stooshe, Katy B, Zane Lowe, Ms Dynamite, Sub Focus, Dot Rotten, Labrinth and headliners Chase & Status Live rocking the Main Stage over the two-day festival and with Stage 2 playing host to the likes of Feed Me Live, Radio 1/1Xtra’s Mista Jam, Funtcase, Zinc, Wilkinson and 16 Bit, presented by UKF on Saturday 1 September, it has now been announced that dance brand KISS will present headliner David Rodigan MBE, Sway Live, EZ, Shortee Blitz, MJ Cole and Charlie Hedges on Stage 2 for the Sunday night
Sundown Festival spokesman, Dion Clements comments: “For this year’s Sundown Festival we wanted to add extra incentive for people to come to Norfolk, spend the whole weekend and enjoy the full package of music on offer. I think we’ve over-achieved in that goal, with the After-Show Warehouse parties being more than just an incentive; they are events in their own rights. Jag Skills performs at almost every major festival in the UK, and now tours the global circuit… he’s club royalty! We’re also honoured to have B Traits, Breakage and RATPACK performing sets on subsequent nights. I would expect Weekenders to be prepared for very little sleep and some hardcore partying over the three days”
With Olly Murs, Pixie Lott, Alexandra Stan, Stooshe, Katy B, Zane Lowe, Ms Dynamite, Sub Focus, Dot Rotten, Labrinth and headliners Chase & Status Live rocking the Main Stage over the two-day festival and with Stage 2 playing host to the likes of Feed Me Live, Radio 1/1Xtra’s Mista Jam, Funtcase, Zinc, Wilkinson and 16 Bit, presented by UKF on Saturday 1 September, it has now been announced that dance brand KISS will present headliner David Rodigan MBE, Sway Live, EZ, Shortee Blitz, MJ Cole and Charlie Hedges on Stage 2 for the Sunday night
Sundown Festival spokesman, Dion Clements comments: “As we had previously announced, this year’s second stage, or Stage 2, is going to be much more dance led than last year. The Saturday night, as we know, will have a strong emphasis on Bass music, and now we’re able to announce that the Sunday night will focus on a mix of House, Garage and Reggae, with some of the biggest club DJs mixing it up under the KISS brand. Bringing the likes of David Rodigan MBE, EZ and MJ Cole to Norfolk just pushed the boundaries of the festival, and its appeal, even further“
It was also recently announced that the global NEXT Model Management will be sending scouts to the festival to search for ‘new faces’
The festival will take place at the Norfolk Showground on Saturday 1 & Sunday 2 September.
Last year’s event was a huge success and the event organisers are building on their promise to deliver another outstanding line up of contemporary musical talent.
Professor Green will perform before Dizzee Rascal in Stanmer Park. His debut album, ‘Alive Till I’m Dead’ crashed into the charts and went double-Gold, spawning four hit singles with ‘I Need You Tonight’, ‘Just Be Good To Green’, ‘Monster’ and 'Jungle' amassing over 500,000 sales. His second album ‘At Your Inconvenience’ produced the number 1 single ‘Read All About It’ and the size of his army of Facebook friends – 1.5 million – tells it like it is; Professor Green is a genuine super star!
Girl about town and queen of the underground Katy B enjoyed huge success with her debut album ‘On A Mission’. The Brit Award winner combines dub step, funky, house, garage and r n’ b to mesmerising effect and the London songstress has teamed up with uber producer Mark Ronson to record a track for the
Olympics. The much anticipated second album is due out this summer and her set is sure to be a Shakedown highlight.
Stooshe raise eyebrows, turn heads and set tongues wagging wherever they perform and their brash, bolshy and infectiously catchy brand of urban pop marks them out as the ultimate modern pop band.
South London MC Clement Marfo and his genre-splitting band The Frontline are a fusion of grime and hip hop with an endless supply of gargantuan pop hooks and sweet neo-soul vocals. Their music is based around positivity and inspiration, the sound of an aspirational youth and they are tipped for big things in 2012
These acts will support the irrepressible Dizzee Rascal who headlines the main stage. The ultimate showman, Dizzee Rascal ensures rapturous responses from audiences and arrives with a sack load of number 1 hits including ‘Dance Wiv Me’, ‘Bonkers’, ‘Holiday’ and ‘Dirtee Disco’.
"Been a while since I last played in Brighton”, said Dizzee. “Looking forward to Shakedown, it's gonna be massive this year!" Shakedown promoter Steve Jones comments, "Pro Green and Katy B are the perfect way to build up to Dizzee on the main stage and I cannot wait to see them getting thousands of people worked up into a frenzy. Once you see who we have playing in the dance tent you are going to be blown away."
The line up for the dance stage will be revealed shortly and Brighton will be jumping to the beats, bass and electronic rhythms of the most cutting edge musical artists at the last festival of the summer.
Union are hosting the main stage and will also be playing to get the crowd warmed up in the afternoon and Shakedown will also be showcasing one up and coming band and DJ on the main stage, who will be decided through a huge competition over the summer months.
Friday 24th August at Reading Festival / Saturday 25th August at Leeds Festival
SOCIAL DISTORTION have officially done one of the most un-punk things possible: they’ve failed to burn-out. Having survived various line-up changes, the odd hiatus and the demise of the Los Angeles hardcore scene that saw their arrival, Mike Ness and the band are now in their fourth decade of existence. With their trademark sound, an all but-perfected mix of punk, bluesy rock ‘n’ roll and outlaw country, they subsequently paved the way for plenty of like-minded individuals and artists whilst becoming one of the most influential bands of their generation(s). This summer’s headline appearance on the Lock Up Stage will provide one of the highlights of the entire festival. www.socialdistortion.com
Formed way back in 1988 Pittsburgh’s ANTI-FLAG have forged a reputation for activism and are no strangers to throwing their name behind various causes over the years, be it the recent Occupy Wall Street Movement, Greenpeace, Anti-War campaigns or human rights. Their recent ‘General Strike’ album is equal parts reggae and hardcore, modern folk punk and traditional Clash influenced dance punk. It sees a band content in their musical environment with arguably their most aggressive album to date. Renowned for their ferocious live shows, they bring the punk rock ethos to the festival.
Arriving this summer with a reputation for their intense live shows EVERY TIME I DIE have never been an easy act to categorise. Emerging from the late ‘90’s hardcore scene, over the past decade they’ve continued to evolve and push the boundaries of heavy music. Their sixth and most recent album ‘Ex Lives’ is testament to that trajectory with the most forward–thinking album of their career, this is an act that promises much.
New Jersey’s BOUNCING SOULS’ origins lay in the D.I.Y ethos with their self-financed early releases before making a name for themselves opening for the likes of NOFX and The Mighty Mighty Bosstones. The band release their ninth full-length album ‘Comet’ this summer, of which guitarist Pete Steinkopf commented “I haven’t been this excited about anything since I discovered beer” – we’re excited too! The album and these performances will be another solid milestone in the band's celebrated career.
Forerunners of the US indie rock scene since their inception, New Jersey’s SAVES THE DAY have influenced a new school of emo/punk bands along the way with their own post–punk energetic live shows. The band have recently released the long anticipated third album in a trilogy with ‘Daybreak’ and as singer/guitarist Chris Conley said on it’s release last year ; “Daybreak is both an ending and a new beginning, we are here together and we can make it through.” Hiatus over, the quartet return to these shores having already played the UK with a short burst of shows late last year.
With a seemingly relentless touring schedule post-hardcore outfit TOUCHE AMORE have built up a reputation for their fiercely passionate live performances. As one reviewer was moved to put in print “…(their set), is an unrelenting barrage of furious, brutal and deeply impassioned intensity… astonishing from beginning to end.” One of the best live acts around today, be prepared to be part of a sweaty, heaving mass of limbs.
www.touchamure.com
Taking their name from a famous stock sound effect used in films A WILHELM SCREAM bring their own brand of melodic post-hardcore to this year’s weekend. No bandwagon jumpers, the five-piece have in lieu of their cause earned the invitation to support like-minded artists such as Pennywise, Rise Against and Less Than Jake and continued to headline in the US and further afield in Europe and Australasia.
Having just released their fourth album ‘Zoo’ five-piece hardcore outfit CEREMONY continue their ascendancy having confirmed their reputation as one of the most compelling, unusual and progressive hardcore bands of recent years. Hailing from San Francisco’s Bay Area, the band have consistently explored, delved and forged their own way; as one magazine put it “One of the most exhilarating and uncompromising bands in hardcore punk today.”
2011 saw the release of RANDOM HAND’s third LP ‘Seething Is Believing’ and their 1000th show. Regarded by many as their finest album to date, they have spent the last few years tearing full throttle through the UK scene with their ferocious in your face ska-punk-metal mash up and continue to fly the flag. As the band proclaim “do not adjust your seat belt, the ride’s not over yet!”.
From the squats of New York City comes STAR FUCKING HIPSTERS, armed with their latest album ‘From the Dumpster to the Grave’. The record explores several genres including punk, ska, hip-hop, metal and folk, all wrapped in a hardcore shell. Including some of the crunchiest guitars ever recorded, expect an explosion of sound at both sites.
www.facebook.com/starf.ckinghipsters
Following the release of last year’s ‘Moscow Penny Ante’ album, DEAD TO ME are heading to Reading & Leeds Festival ready to thrill. A band so immersed in style and culture that they’ve always seemed almost as much like an art collective as a rock and roll outfit. The most recent record revisits and updates their classic sound that first caught everyone’s attention on 2006’s ‘Cuban Ballerina’, but in their own words “it’s more dynamic, more pummelling and more downright awesome than ever before”.
www.deadtomesf.com
PETTYBONE, the international four-piece from London, will be bringing an aural attack to this year’s festival courtesy of four girls whose message is as important as the music. Despite only releasing their debut album last year, they have already recorded a live session at Maida Vale for the BBC Radio 1 Punk Show with Mike Davies and undertaken their first international tour. Having this under their belt in such a short time, it seems like it’s time to sit up and pay attention to the noise that Pettybone are creating.
Sunday 26th August at Reading Festival / Friday 24th August at Leeds Festival
Starting out as a power pop outfit with heavy punk leanings, LESS THAN JAKE seamlessly transformed into a ska-inspired punk band complete with horn section and have extensively travelled the world’s stages. Influenced by the East Bay pop/punk scene that spawned the likes of Green Day and Screeching Weasel, the band have successfully traversed hurdles along the way, still progressing musically and will be a fitting finale to the day. Engaging, progressive and socially relevant, unfiltered and over-amplified they bring the curtain down on what is a stellar Lock Up line-up.
ME FIRST AND THE GIMME GIMMES are an all-star-punk-rock supergroup-cover-band fronted by NOFX’s Fat Mike that exploded on the scene in the 90’s. They have recorded albums of show tunes, R&B jams, classics from the 50’s and 60’s, pop hits, cheesy mum-favorites, country songs and in 2011 a slew of songs by Australians for their 2011 EP entitled ‘Go Down Under’ and their last release ‘Sing In Japanese’ saw them, er, sing in Japanese! Go party …
When GALLOWS returned with new vocalist Wade MacNeil fans breathed a sigh of relief that the extraordinary band they adored were as good as ever and had retained the intense energy the group had become infamous for. The band, originally from Watford, had gone through an amicable split with original vocalist Frank Carter in the summer of 2011 after a whirlwind few years of magazine covers and record company battles but emerged triumphant with expectations high. The Lock Up Stage is their natural home, watch them own it.
The legendary TURBONEGRO bring their unique Death Punk to the festival with no doubt all guns blazing. With new vocalist The Duke of Nothing, the band have been praised for playing the most up-to-date form of punk, and refusing to be categorised. Their music is an anarchic blend of humour, shock and sexuality. The ultimate party experience and most fun you can have at a festival with your clothes on – do not miss the mighty Turbonegro.
With influences ranging from American punk bands Bad Brains and Black Flag to legendary jazz musicians John Coltrane and Miles Davis, TRASH TALK carry the DIY spirit of punk and mesh it with hardcore to create a powerful unique sound. Based in Sacramento, California – any trip to these shores are greeted with excitement by their dedicated fans. These shows will be no exception.
When GOOD RIDDANCE announced their reformation after five years away, countless fans jumped for joy having thought they’d never see these hardcore punks again. The band grew out of California’s vibrant surfing and skateboarding culture and were influenced by such bands as Black Flag, The Adolescents, TSOL and Bad Religion as well as East Coast bands like Sick Of It All and the Cro Mags. They released seven albums and an EP before splitting, but are back to play the classics just for the joy of it – catch them whilst you can.
London-based reggae & dub upstarts THE SKINTS mix Jamaican styles with pop hooks, grimey raps, filthy bass-lines and a punk rock work ethic to create a sound familiar to newcomers, yet unique below the surface. Their new album ‘Part & Parcel’ was produced by Prince Fatty and is a sun-drenched carnival of a record, guaranteed to start the dancing.
Jimmy Stadt, who fronts POLAR BEAR CLUB alongside guitarists Chris Browne and Nate Morris, bassist Erik Henning, and drummer Tyler Mahurin arrive at Reading & Leeds Festival on the back of the release of their third album ‘Clash Battle Guilt Pride’. Their post hardcore/punk anthems have built them a dedicated following, as have tours with The Gaslight Anthem, A Wilhelm Scream and Cancer Bats.
Long Island’s hardcore metal group, THIS IS HELL described their latest album ‘Black Mass’ as the “heaviest and thrashiest songs we've written and recorded” and who are we to argue. The band have built a formidable reputation as a fearsome live act since the release of their debut ‘Sundowning’, picking up fans on both sides of the Atlantic and this will be a sensational show not to be missed.
THE FLATLINERS come from Canada to Reading & Leeds Festival having spent the last seven years honing their epic sonic sound. Their 2010 album ‘Cavalcade’ was hailed as a breakthrough mixing thefury of ‘90’s skate punk with the nuanced, intelligent songwriting of classic post-punk. The album featured fellow festival performers including Big Mike (NOFX), Cancer Bats and A Wilhelm Scream amongst others and their presence will only up the energy for this set.
Melodic-punks APOLOGIES, I HAVE NONE have recently received rave reviews for their debut album ‘London’. Having started as a two-piece drum and guitar band, Dan Bond and Josh Mckenzie were then joined by PJ Shepherd on bass and Joe Watson and have been playing passionate, energetic punk rock ever since. A perfect way to kick things off on the Lock Up Stage this year.
Saturday 25th August at Reading Festival / Sunday 26th August at Leeds Festival
MODESTEP combine elements of dubstep with the power of hardcore rock acts which the band grew up on. Brothers Tony and Josh, with Matt and Nick, are renowned for their explosive live show which combines drums, guitars, synths, pianos, vocals, percussion, DJing and visuals. In their own words “we appeal to everyone, and we write what we love. We have never made records for anybody except us. We love what we do and will never change it.”
Debuting in 2008 as the first external artist to feature on deadmau5’s internationally revered mau5trap label, FEED ME didn’t so much step on to the scene as stomp, and his unique brand of hard-hitting, bass heavy electronica with a grin quickly caught the imagination of listeners worldwide. Since then, his rise has continued apace. He continues to tour far and wide, from Alexandra Palace to I Love Techno, and with plenty still up his sleeve there is no sign of him slowing down any time soon. 2012 looks set to be the biggest year yet for Feed Me.
For those unaware, GRIMES is the inventive work of Claire Boucher, a project that has gained notoriety since its inception back in early 2010. With the release of her new album ‘Visions’, via 4AD, earlier this year she has quickly become one of the most talked about artists around. The album incorporates influences as wide as Enya, TLC and Aphex Twin, whilst drawing from genre’s like New Jack Swing, industrial and glitch resulting in a record that is both otherworldly and futuristic. 2012 is the year of Grimes.
THE JAPANESE POPSTARS are purveyors of raucous, foot-stomping, energetic electronic dance music. Having racked up the air miles in 2011, the Northern Irish duo have blown away crowds at major festivals with their coruscating live show. They also released their critically acclaimed album ‘Controlling Your Allegiance’ featuring a host of legendary guests including Robert Smith (The Cure), Green Velvet, Jon Spencer, Lisa Hannigan, Tom Smith (Editors), Morgan Kibby (M83) and James Vincent McMorrow.
Backed by supporters including Ed Sheeran, Zane Lowe, Mistajam and Huw Stephens, CLEMENT MARFO & THE FRONTLINE’s scintillating crossover sound is poised to soundtrack the summer. Named as one of MTV’s Brand New for 2012 tips and one of T4’s Rising Stars of 2012, they’re the sound of the city streets, the sound of aspirational youth rising above societal problems, the sound of a multi-cultural community uniting rather than dividing.
East Londoner JAGGA is a singer, songwriter and producer whose previous collaborations have included working with Magnetic Man. Expect catchy choruses, infectious beats, heavy bass and enough bleeps to take over the dance floor at this very special DJ set. The energy, vibrancy and feel good factor of Jagga can’t be denied, be sure to get down the front early for this set.
Once known as one of jungle’s biggest stars as part of the True Playaz crew, ZINC will be behind the decks for a set like no other at this year’s Reading & Leeds Festival. After more than a decade of dominating the D&B scene, he set up his own label Bingo Beats and began to diversify into UK garage, realising and producing including the seminal ‘138 Trek’. Expect house, electro, funky and more from this true legend of the dance scene.
Saturday 25th August at Reading Festival / Sunday 26th August at Leeds Festival
Cardiff-based LOS CAMPESINOS! make their Main Stage debut when they open proceedings in Leeds on Sunday and Reading on Saturday. Since having last played the NME/Radio 1 Stage in 2010 the band have added a further album ‘Hello Sadness’ to their catalogue (“Los Campesinos! could well be a British The National..” hailed the NME) and cemented their position as one of the UK’s best-loved indie bands. Get there early and be party to a thrilling live act.
VOLT celebrates its 20th edition in 2012 and this gives the possibility to include some great acts in the program. Grammy winner Skrillex, Snow Patrol, Iggy & The Stooges, Lostprophets, Hadouken!, Katy B, Chase & Status, Enter Shikari and Mac Miller were already confirmed earlier and the list of international stars got even longer with the two current additions.
Simple Plan had a top position on the festival’s wishmachine list (voted by fans), no wonder the VOLT programmers did everything they could in the last few weeks to bring them here. The followers of the Canadian rock band are true fanatics also in Hungary, even operating an informative fansite, following every step of their heroes. In fact 28 June, the day of the VOLT gig, was planned as a rest day for the band between the Swedish and Czech show of their European tour, but they just couldn’t resist the huge demand from Hungary, so a private jet will bring them to Sopron – just in time for a great party.
On the next day the main stage will host Scandinavia’s most characteristic e-music production. Röyksopp are known and truly acknowledged for the refined and inward atmosphere of their electro-pop tunes, but they are also no strangers to the higher bpm ranges of dance. The combo of Svein Berge and Torbjørn Brundtland already reached great success with singles like Happy Up Here, Eple, Remind Me, or The Girl and the Robot. Pleased to meet them in Sopron.
Over the years, READING & LEEDS FESTIVAL has seen some of the most memorable musical moments in history. 2012 will be no exception and we are very proud to announce three exclusive Main Stage headliners coming to entertain the 160,000 fanatical music enthusiasts who make this the most thrilling festival on earth. If you want to see every band that matters then Reading & Leeds Festival at Little John’s Farm in Reading and Bramham Park in Leeds is the only place to be this August Bank Holiday Weekend.
The greatest rock band in the world right now, and masters of whipping crowds into a frenzy, FOO FIGHTERS will kick off proceedings in Leeds on Friday and close the show in Reading on Sunday, playing their only UK shows this year. THE CURE have an unrivalled catalogue of both commercially and critically acclaimed hits and this is a long awaited return for this hugely influential and important band. They play Leeds on Saturday and Reading on Friday, their only UK shows this year. The biggest and most exciting UK band to have emerged in the last decade, KASABIAN make their first headline appearance at the festival on Sunday at Leeds and Saturday at Reading. Their epic and anthemic tunes will fill the fields at these, their only festival shows in England and Wales in 2012.
The NME/Radio 1 Stage always proves hugely popular and with THE MACCABEES, AT THE DRIVE-IN and JUSTICE lined up for 2012 it’s sure to be busier than ever. METRONOMY will top the bill on the Dance Stage bringing their blistering live show to the festival.
Many more names are still to be announced on these stages as well as the full line-up for the NME/Radio 1 Stage, Lock-Up Stage, Dance Stage, Festival Republic Stage, BBC Introducing Stage and the Alternative Stage. This is definitely the finest line-up you’ll find at any festival this summer with over 200 acts appearing at the most incredible event. Get your tent packed!
THIS YEAR’S HEADLINERS
THE CURE TO HEADLINE
ONLY UK APPEARANCES OF 2012
Friday 24th August at Reading Festival
Saturday 25th August at Leeds Festival
THE CURE are arguably the biggest alternative rock band of the last thirty years with a stellar catalogue of critically and commercially successful albums and a worldwide fan base. Hugely influential, the group have earned their iconic status with countless hit singles, legendary live performances and their unique sound blending moody atmospheric songs with sparkling pop sensibilities. Incredibly the band have only appeared at the Reading Festival once before, in 1979 around the release of their debut album ‘Three Imaginary Boys’, so this is a long overdue return and both sites are sure to embrace this classic act.
ONLY FESTIVAL APPEARANCES IN ENGLAND AND WALES OF 2012
Saturday 25th August at Reading Festival
Sunday 26th August at Leeds Festival
In their own words, KASABIAN were “built to headline festivals”. Since the release of their debut self-titled album in 2004, the Leicester group have swept all before them. With a string of festival anthems including ‘Fire’, ‘Club Foot’ and ‘Empire’, KASABIAN can rightly claim to be one of the UK’s biggest bands. Their latest album ‘Velociraptor’ continued this huge success, debuting at Number One in the UK, and confirmed their place at the top table of modern rock ‘n’ roll legends. A group which encapsulates the heady spirit of festival season, these shows will be a summer highlight for rock fans everywhere. KASABIAN are guitarist Sergio Pizzorno, singer Tom Meighan, bassist Chris Edwards and drummer Ian Matthews.
Having recently picked up five Grammy Awards, a Brit Award for ‘Best International Group’ and NME Award for ‘Best International Band’, and having seen last year’s ‘Wasting Light’ debut at Number One in 12 countries, FOO FIGHTERS return to headline Reading & Leeds Festival as the undisputed biggest rock band in the world today. Since first appearing at Reading in 1995 and ascending to headlining the Reading & Leeds Main Stages in 2002 and 2005, FOO FIGHTERS have never received anything short of a spectacular welcome from the crowds at Reading & Leeds.
In the tradition of their historic 2008 Wembley Stadium doubleheader and last year’s Milton Keynes weekender FOO FIGHTERS are poised to make this year’s Reading & Leeds a legendary event and a true must see for every music fan in the UK.
Friday 24th August at Reading Festival / Saturday 25th August at Leeds Festival
Grammy-nominated and multi-million selling three-piece PARAMORE are confirmed to perform their ONLY UK FESTIVAL APPEARANCE at Reading & Leeds Festival 2012. This will be the band’s first UK show since their sold out tour at the end of 2010 which culminated in two nights at London’s O2. In the two years since their last visit, the band have toured across the globe, from South East Asia, Europe, and South America, to the US, Australia and Japan and we welcome them back to the festival with open arms. Taylor, Jeremy and Hayley are currently in the US working on the follow-up to their chart topping platinum third album ‘Brand New Eyes’.
Saturday 25th August at Reading Festival / Sunday 26th August at Leeds Festival
With over 1.5 million sales of her second album ‘Ceremonials’, a Number One in the UK and Top Ten in the US, two NME Awards for ‘Best Solo Singer’ and ‘Best Track’ FLORENCE AND THE MACHINE have been riding the crest of the wave since picking up the ‘Critics’ Choice Award’ in 2009 at the Brits. The band have toured all over the world and are currently on a UK arena tour which will see them play to over 100,000 devotees. Florence first appeared at Reading & Leeds on the Festival Republic Stage and now this second from top of the bill placing continues the meteoric rise of this fantastic new British superstar.
Sunday 26th August at Reading Festival / Friday 24th August at Leeds Festival
Having recently headlined three shows at Alexandra Palace in London and sold over 1 million copies of their latest album ‘El Camino’, THE BLACK KEYS can safely take the title of band of the year. The group released their breakthrough album ‘Brothers’ in 2010 to widespread praise, debuting at Number Two in the US en route to winning three Grammy Awards and an MTV Video Music Award. As drummer Patrick Charney has said of the band’s recent success, “We’ve taken the long road to get where we are. We’ve experienced everything from driving a thousand miles to play for no-one to winning Grammys” and of the new album, “I think where this record is going to shine for me is playing the songs live.” Six albums and counting leaves The Black Keys with a remarkable cache of songs from which to select and this set will be a feast to delight in at their ONLY UK FESTIVAL APPEARANCE.
Friday 24th August at Reading Festival / Saturday 25th August at Leeds Festival
North London’s BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB have sold in excess of 350,000 albums and have performed to more than 150,000 people to date and have a headline appearance at their ‘local’ Alexandra Palace coming up soon. This year also saw them nominated for no less than three NME Awards which when added to an Ivor Novello nomination, two Top 10 albums and the NME’s ‘Best New Band’ Award in 2010, has seen this low-key quartet soar. Last year’s ‘A Different Kind Of Fix’ has just been certified Gold in the UK and we expect new and old favourites to be aired at both sites ensuring an ever burgeoning and loyal following.
There aren’t many bands who reach their third album ‘Sinners Never Sleep’ while still only aged between 21 and 22. Fewer still have sold out two nights at Brixton Academy, two nights at Hammersmith Apollo, or have played to a total of 65,000 people on their many UK tours. That YOU ME AT SIX are also playing the Main Stage at Reading & Leeds Festival is yet another huge accomplishment. Since the release of their debut album ‘Take Off Your Clothes’ they have been at the forefront of British rock music and have made many fans along the way. Expect a lively crowd!
Fiercely uncompromising duo Ethan Kath and Alice Glass aka CRYSTAL CASTLES have created a stir from their inception with shows that enthrall and excite an impassioned cult following. Two eponymously titled albums, and an inspired collaboration with Robert Smith from headliners The Cure in 2010 have cast them to an audience across the world which has seen a staggering 50 million plays and counting on Myspace and LastFM. This year heralds the arrival of their third as yet untitled album, and this is a chance to catch a band that will inevitably put on one of the most talked about shows of the weekend.
Tom DeLonge from Blink-182 references ANGELS AND AIRWAVES as his "art project" and with the release of the double album ‘LOVE Part One & Two’ accompanied with a full length science fiction film scored by the band this is certainly no ordinary hiatus from the day job. The band comprises of Matt Wachter on bass (formerly of Thirty Seconds to Mars), guitarist David Kennedy (ex. Box Car Racer) and Ilan Rubin (formerly Lostprophets and NIN) on drums – truly a supergroup for a super weekend.
With an eagerly awaited sixth album coming this year, COHEED AND CAMBRIA have been described as “mix(ing) up the standard pop-punk scheme with creative and original riffs”. The band have picked up fans world-wide with their unique blend of progressive rock and hardcore, having toured extensively since forming in 1995 and have earned a formidable live reputation – check them out.
Not many bands can really live up to the title ‘hardcore punks’, but Toronto’s CANCER BATS are the real deal. With a new album ‘Dead Set On Living’ coming later this Spring, which vocalist Liam Cormier has hinted at being a slight departure from previous releases, the four-piece can only pick up more fans along the way and will definitely win over the Reading & Leeds audience this year.
DEAF HAVANA formed in Kings Lynn in Norfolk but have taken influences from all over the world to create their own new British rock sound. Their debut album ‘Meet Me Halfway, At Least’ earned great reviews in the rock press, described in one mag as “(they) blend the best elements of screamo with ballsy southern licks all placed lovingly on a bed of chugging riffs” and the follow up ‘Fools and Worthless Liars’ elevated them higher with a number one record on the BBC Rock Chart. Sure to wake up the festival in style.
Saturday 25th August at Reading Festival / Sunday 26th August at Leeds Festival
Armed with a debut single and immediate acclaim at the tail end of 2010, THE VACCINES certainly hit the ground running and tore into 2011 with gusto. On its release the band’s debut album ‘What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?’ pocketed further plaudits both critically and commercially achieving sales in excess of 250,000 in the UK. The band have an enviable reputation for their live shows and having hailed that “The Vaccines do it better than any British band have done in years” – they picked up the ‘Best New Band’ accolade at this year’s NME Awards. This summer you can see why when they make their debut on the Main Stage.
2012 has already proven to be a fantastic year for ENTER SHIKARI with their fourth album ‘A Flash Flood of Colour’ crashing into the Top Five in January with stunning reviews. Known for their fiercely independent stance, the band have stuck to their own ideals since they formed in St. Albans in 2003 taking their unique mesh of hardcore punk and breakbeat techno round the country with relentless gigging. This has given them a fearsome reputation as one of the most exciting live bands around and if previous appearances here are anything to go with, the crowd will go absolutely crazy. Get ready to mosh!
With James Mercer at the helm, Grammy-nominated THE SHINS set sail for Reading & Leeds Festival in support of their new album ‘Port Of Morrow’. The first new material in four years sees the band establish themselves as one of the most inspiring acts of our times. Mojo declared “the intermesh of emotion and technique is a rare trick to pull in pop, yet The Shins have just made it look easy”. With over one million records sold worldwide, The Shins’ melody, charm and infectiousness can’t be denied.
You’d have to have spent 2011 in hibernation to be unaware of the hysteria and hype currently surrounding ODD FUTURE. The Los Angeles rap collective are one of the most talked about acts in recent times. With their crude sense of humour and confrontational subject matter, the buzz surrounding them continues to grow ahead of the release of forthcoming album ‘OF Tapes Vol 2’. One of the most unique and intriguing acts to emerge in a long time; this spectacle is not to be missed.
Hailing from West London and three albums down the line, MYSTERY JETS have accrued success in abundance with their own quirky pop sound. Their imminent fourth album ‘Radlands’ saw the band relocate to Austin, Texas for the recording, the first time the band have recorded outside of the capital. A fervent fanbase will be down the front for classic songs from the new and previous albums.
Since the release of their debut almost four years ago, Brighton-based duo BLOOD RED SHOES have embarked on a gruelling, unrelenting tour schedule to all four corners of the world. The release of their recent third album ‘In Time To Voices” comes of age musically from their punk rock roots moving into an altogether more ambitious three dimensional sound that includes some of their most bold and defiant tracks to date. An electrifying live prospect making their debut on the Main Stage, make it a date.
Sunday 26th August at Reading Festival / Friday 24th August at Leeds Festival
No strangers to Reading & Leeds Festival, KAISER CHIEFS returned from a two-year hiatus last year with the release of their fifth album ‘The Future is Medieval’. The band have a career spanning selection of hits which they can call upon, be it the effervescence of debut ‘Oh My God’, the generation jumping ‘Ruby’ or the anthemic enormity of live classics ‘The Angry Mob’ and ‘Modern Way’. Kaiser Chiefs have wowed crowds worldwide, gained a phenomenal reputation for their live shows led by singer Ricky Wilson’s ebullient persona and along the way evolved into one of the UK’s most successful and favourite bands of the past decade.
Hailing from Bridgend in Wales, BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE have become one of Britain’s biggest metal bands over the last few years. With three amazing albums behind them (the latest being 2010’s ‘Fever’ with a new one promised soon) and massive success both here and in the US they have picked up awards and plaudits for their modern take on traditional rock. Always popular at the festival expect a packed crowd for the new kings of heavy.
ALL TIME LOW never fail to get the crowd bouncing, and their vibrant pop punk will liven up any audience and this festival will be no exception. The four-piece from Baltimore formed in 2003 and have released four albums to increasing acclaim. Their hilarious video for last year’s cracking hit ‘I Feel Like Dancin’ has notched over 3.5 million hits on YouTube and their fans will pack out both sites this summer.
All the way from New Jersey, THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM come to the Reading & Leeds Festival Main Stage with expectations for their new album ‘Handwritten’ riding high. They have won over fans worldwide with their anthemic tunes and energetic live shows where they take the spirit of The Clash/The Replacements and their most famous fan Bruce Springsteen and make a modern sound unmistakingly their own. Look out for arms in the air …
www.gaslightanthem.com
EAGLES OF DEATH METAL have attracted a cult following over the years with three dark and heavy albums and very sexy live shows! With a cast list that reads like a who’s who of rock with members culled from QOTSA, Foo Fighters and the likes of Mark Lanegan contributing, the band are mysterious, menacing and magnificent.
Incessant touring has seen this quartet from Southampton hone their live performance to great acclaim. Having released their debut album in 2009 BAND OF SKULLS surfed a wave of feverish approval following their inclusion on the ‘Twilight: New Moon Soundtrack’ and with the attention afforded to them in far-away places, the UK eventually caught up. This year’s ‘Sweet Sour’ album has again caught the critics’ imagination and with recent support slots with The Black Keys already taken care of they’re set to unleash their fresh arsenal of songs.
Fuelled by a love of classic rock, punk and post-hardcore bands, Leeds quartet PULLED APART BY HORSES quickly gained a reputation for their live shows which more often than not resulted in blood-letting and generally chaotic scenes, their shows are no less entertaining now. With a second album ‘Tough Love’ out now, PABH have been no less enthusiastically embraced and see a repertoire including dueling Thin Lizzy-style guitars, dark melodies reminiscent of Queens Of The Stone Age and the explosiveness of early hardcore that retains the defiance that has ridden with them from their early days. Miss at your peril!
Friday 24th August at Reading Festival / Saturday 25th August at Leeds Festival
THE MACCABEES’ third album ‘Given To The Wild’ was released earlier this year to massive critical acclaim and soared into the UK charts at Number Four. The South London five-piece are enjoying a hugely successful year so far, and with a sold out Brixton Academy under their belts The Maccabees are further cementing their status as one of the most exciting British bands of our time. We welcome them for their first headline appearance on the NME/Radio 1 Stage.
FOSTER THE PEOPLE have garnered a huge amount of critical acclaim and public adoration on both sides of the Atlantic since the release of their debut album ‘Torches’. With last year’s feel-good hit of the summer ‘Pumped Up Kicks’, word of their music spread in a manner that was shockingly quick, even in the age of endless internet churn with everyone agreeing on one thing: this was a band on the cusp of an undeniable breakthrough and Foster The People show no sign of slowing down.
Band of the people, THE COURTEENERS, head to Reading & Leeds Festival ahead of the release of their third studio album, the follow up to 2010’s ‘Falcon’. With the Manchester four-piece eager to road test new material, head honcho Liam Fray recently declared their new sound as “industrial Motown”. An incredible live band, this could be one of the years most talked about performances.
Saturday 25TH August at Reading Festival / Sunday 26th August at Leeds Festival
Hailing from El Paso, Texas AT THE DRIVE-IN came, conquered and released three albums: ‘Acrobatic Tenement’, ‘In/Casino/Out’, the EP ‘Vaya’, and their ultimate swansong ‘The Relationship of Command’ which is now cited in dispatches as one the most important albums of its genre. Then they split. Now it looks like the many who were never able to see this incendiary live act back in the day will have their dreams fulfilled with this NME/Radio1 stage headline show. This band are name checked and revered by fellow musicians and fans alike and this, their ONLY UK FESTIVAL APPEARANCE will definitely be unmissable.
On the eve of their fifth album ‘In The Belly Of The Brazen Bull’ THE CRIBS make a return to the scene of one (or two) of their best ever shows. Recently reverting back to their near legendary three-piece status the band continues to evoke passion amongst their fiercely dedicated and ever growing fanbase. The Jarmans – brothers Gary, Ryan and Ross have always been fiercely independent, proud of their DIY ethos and from their early days adept at writing great songs leaving a catalogue of classic punk rock brilliance, battle scars and memories. The Cribs will once again be thrilling, spilling, entertaining and engaging.
Canadian punks BILLY TALENT come to Reading & Leeds Festival with expectations for their upcoming fourth album riding high. The band, led by vocalist Ben Kowalewicz had been playing together for almost a decade before a name change lead to a record deal and their debut eponymous album was released in 2003. “A sh*t-hot, world-dominating hard-rock band has grown out of these four former Mississauga teenagers' shared high-school dreams of … well … growing into a sh*t-hot, world-dominating hard-rock band” is how they describe themselves. Check it out for yourself at the NME/Radio 1 Stage.
MIIKE SNOW are back and return with their new album ‘Happy To You’ later this month. The hugely talented Stockholm-based three-piece have previously dabbled in the DJ scene and in punk bands, alongside electro and new wave, which lead to writing and production stints with the likes of Madonna and Britney Spears. Now ready to step out of the studio again, these shows are a must see for all music fans.
Sunday 26th August at Reading Festival / Friday 24th August at Leeds Festival
Ed Banger’s JUSTICE make electronic music that everyone can rock to. With riffs now as heavy as their beats, the Grammy-nominated Parisian pair head for Reading & Leeds armed with new album ‘Audio, Video, Disco’. The record has established them as an international force who are equally at home blaring from a dance club sound system or performing in an arena. Expect a powerful and mesmerising headline performance from a truly unique group.
Since releasing their debut album ‘Tourist History’ 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, Asia, Japan and South America, playing two successive sold out nights at Shepherds Bush Empire and selling out Brixton Academy in under four hours, 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".
The release of THE HORRORS’ third album ‘Skying’ saw the band’s already impeccable credentials soar even higher. The record was celebrated across the board by fans new and old as their finest yet and recently won the NME ‘Album of the Year’ accolade. Not that their debut ‘Strange House’ and follow up ‘Primary Colours’ hadn’t already cemented their reputation as one of the most original and ground breaking groups around. Both dense and expansive, insidiously poppy and stubbornly arty, The Horrors are one of the bands you must see at the festival.
SBTRKT returns to Reading & Leeds Festival after last year's triumphant DJ set on the Dance Stage, this time round, fans will be treated to his famous live show. His self-titled, Mercury nominated debut album propelled towards the top of DJ’s playlists around the world with his combination of funk, soul, synths and bass. Fresh from releasing single ‘Hold On’ with Sampha, SBTRKT now has his sights firmly set on the August Bank Holiday weekend.
Saturday 25TH August at Reading Festival / Sunday 26th August at Leeds Festival
After ranking high on several Best Of 2011 lists with their Mercury-nominated album ‘The English Riviera’ and playing to a sold out Royal Albert Hall in October, METRONOMY now turn their attention to 2012 with a headline set on the Dance Stage. Expect a belting, unashamed summer pop set which is sure to propel the quartet to new heights.
KATY B stops off at Reading & Leeds Festival having captured the sound, spirit and energy of British youth culture with 2011’s Mercury nominated debut album ‘On A Mission’. Having just won ‘Best Dancefloor Anthem’ for ‘Broken Record’ at the recent NME Awards, Katy has captured the hearts of many, setting her apart from her peers and firmly gaining her status as one of the UK’s biggest breakthrough acts of recent years.
www.katyonamission.com
Having recently completed a stint on the sold out NME Awards tour, 2012 is shaping up to be a huge year for AZEALIA BANKS. The controversial ‘212’ is fast approaching four million views on YouTube, whilst Azealia recently topped NME’s cool list for 2012 and featured in the Top Three in the BBC Sound Of 2012 poll. With her recently announced debut album ‘Broke With Expensive Taste’ due out in September, Reading & Leeds audiences will be treated to a very special preview come August.
www.azealiabanks.com
Known for his lightening DJ mash ups, JAGUAR SKILLS is one of the most in demand names on the circuit. Praise has been forthcoming from Trevor Nelson who declared he is “the greatest mash-up DJ right now, no one does it better” while Mark Ronson stated “Jaguar Skills, like myself, is a proper ninja! He’s dope!!!” Expect an aural assault of every tempo, from dubstep to drum ‘n’ bass, and everything in-between.
Weekend tickets £197.50 plus applicable booking fees ● Day tickets Fri, Sat, Sun £85.00 plus applicable booking fees ● Early entry permits £15.00 ● Campervan permits £60.00 ● Lockers £15.00 ● Reading car parking £5.00 ● Weekend ticket prices include camping
Online/Telephone from Monday 12th March 7.15pm:
Tickets are strictly limited to a maximum of four per person/address/payment card for those booking by telephone or online and two per person/address/payment card for personal callers to walk in stores.
