It’s one of the hottest days of the year, we’re edging up against the solstice, and we’ve decided to spend the day in a giant greenhouse. Yes, we’ve finally made it back to Eden Project Cornwall, for The Eden Sessions – a series of gigs held in arguably the world’s most beautiful venue. This year so far, Eden has hosted the likes of My Chemical Romance and Noel Gallagher but tonight we’re down for day one of the iconic Nine Inch Nails double-header.
Along with your ticket for one of the Sessions, you are able to visit The Eden Project itself on the day of or the day after your event. Given that standard tickets are around the £30 mark, this is a great way to experience the biomes as an added bonus. We take a tour of the Mediterranean biome first, which is full of citrus, herbs and grapevines – it smells absolutely incredible, but good grief is it hotter than the seventh circle of hell today. There’s so much to see and learn about, but our favourite occupation is lizard spotting.
The bigger Rainforest biome is actually slightly cooler (owing to the canopy and the humidity, we did learn something) and there are water stops all the way around. We took the treetop walk, found some cooling mists and marveled at giant bamboo. Actually, the best bit was all the black-clad gothic types sweating it out, and having a lovely time taking selfies in the daylight for a change. Dipping out of the biomes into the central café, we recharge with burrito wraps and Cornish Cola (yes, it’s a thing) – followed up with ice-cream in the sunshine and a look around the outside garden area. There’s a tipi bar (with special commemorative Sessions cups on offer) and a regular bar, either side of the arena.
Heading into the arena area, a banked-sided perfect bowl amphitheatre, it’s obvious that everyone is going to get a great view from wherever they stand tonight. With around a 6,500 capacity, it’s a smallish venue which definitely makes for an intimate show. Despite the still sizzling heat of the day, the crowd of black tshirts is amassing ready for support act Nitzer Ebb.
Nitzer Ebb (sans Doug McCarthy), 80’s Brit-EDM with a very industrial sound, are raucously good fun – and vocalist Bon Harris’ gives a convincing portrayal of dingy-club-basement-rave, in the Cornish sunshine. I think they’ve managed to secure more than a few new fans tonight.
Nine Inch Nails are hailed in with a wall of smoke so dense that it takes half of intro track ‘Somewhat Damaged’ to even see the outline of Trent Reznor, but when we do – an almighty roar goes up from the arena. It is wild that a band who sell out huge stadiums all over the world, are here tonight in the sleepy leg of England, but there are some die-hard fans here who have travelled great distances for it.
Reznor and bandmate Atticus Ross take no time at all to bring the fury, the full force of Reznor as a performer – backed by an incredible line up of talent (Finck, Cortini, Rubin), it’s already everything we were waiting for. Dressed in a beaten leather jacket and a muscle-hugging black tshirt – it’s clear Reznor has left behind the angsty teen pvc-gloves and visible ennui behind, and is giving off big John Wick vibes. The huge lighting rigs behind beat to the heart-stopping wave of sound for ‘The Day The World Went Away’, and the crowd goes absolutely beserk.
‘Mr. Self Destruct’ and ‘The Frail’ are stunningly epic, and we are treated to a rare outing of ‘Love Is Not Enough’. ‘Wish’ buries itself deep into your soul, but it’s ‘The Perfect Drug’ that just has the entire arena bouncing with wild abandon. There’s a visceral freedom in NIN’s music that allows for chaotic expression, and it’s clear this crowd has come to let it out – the nihilistic need for post-pandemic self-destruction.
Grabbing up a guitar, followed by a saxophone, followed by a tambourine, you get a glimpse of the passion Reznor has for music in all forms – and I can’t help but giggle that he’s basically screaming the iconic lines (you know the ones…) from ‘Closer’ across the sleepy Cornish countryside. I wonder if he finds the juxtaposition as amusing as I do, this certainly isn’t your standard insulated concert venue.
‘Copy of A’ has the whole arena singing/shouting along, and the show is absolutely relentless, with the band taking hardly any breaks between song after heavy song, Reznor is a machine. However he does have time to quip “We love this place, but does the sun ever goddamn go down?! Feeling exposed up here, there’s too much light” – which in retrospect of the following night’s weather, might have been a touch too close to tempting fate.
Referencing our dear friend the global pandemonium, Reznor confides “It’s been disorienting to come out and play shows, but it’s also been fucking great” hitting on the nerve I think many are feeling tonight, before going full grunge cover in homage to late friend and mentor David Bowie, with ‘I’m Afraid of Americans’ and ‘Fashion’.
The night finally descends over Eden, in time for ‘Head Like A Hole’ to absolute bury us in the ecstasy of pure live music joy. The biomes are lit in time with the music, rippling through blues and purples to pure white matching the stage lights. The encore, ‘Everything’ and ‘March of the Pigs’ are amazing, but there may be nothing that comes as close to a perfect concert moment as closer ‘Hurt’ does tonight. The air is vibrating with anticipation as Reznor lines up those opening lyrics, and then it becomes the most gut punching dirge outro you can imagine. We wish there was more, we will there to be more, but it’s over. This one goes down in my personal history of one of the most iconic shows I’ve ever seen. Both the venue and the music, will be hard to live up to.
Primavera Sound has just revealed the full line up of its fourteenth edition, distributed from Monday 26th May to Sunday 1st June, through their film “Line-Up”, that has just been released in cinemas and on Internet, having already announced the presence of the Canadian band Arcade Fire, Neutral Milk Hotel’s stage comeback and Frank Black’s band, Pixies. The latter are now joined by an extensive list of artists who will play on the multiple stages of the Parc del Fòrum from 29th to 31st May. Among all of these newly confirmed names Trent Reznor’s band Nine Inch Nails, the American band The National, the mythical desert rock formation Queens of the Stone Age, Justin Vernon’s new project (with Bon Iver) Volcano Choir, the Californian rapper Kendrick Lamar and the legendary and influential Brazilian singer songwriter Caetano Veloso really stand out.
The first festival shows for newly reformed British band Slowdive, house from the British band Disclosure, Television from New York playing their greatest album “Marquee Moon", math-pop from the powerful Foals, the presentation of the Scottish band Mogwai’s new album, electro pop from the highly successful Metronomy and Darkside, Nicolas Jaar’s new project, all join the line up of the Barcelona event.
A large number of the participants at this edition will be visiting Spain for the first time. This is the case for the hidden gem of feminine folk Linda Perhacs, The Julie Ruin (new band of Kathleen Hanna, former Bikini Kill member), the explosive cult band Chrome, the loud British band Loop and Body/Head, Sonic Youth’s Kim Gordon’s new project.
Other cutting edge artists will come to Primavera Sound to present their most recent albums: From Australia Cut Copy and their dance pop, the funny and outrageous Black Lips, the British genius Blood Orange, regenerator of the most contemporary black music, the 90s rock veterans Superchunk, Drive-By Truckers and their classical rock and dance floor funk from the Duo Chromeo.
A multitude of musical styles will fill the stages of the Barcelona event: afrobeat by Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 and the New Yorkers Antibalas, cosmic jazz from Sun Ra Arkestra, post rock from The Canadians Godspeed You! Black Emperor, metal by Kvelertak and Deafheaven, noise from Wolf Eyes, the stunning electro pop of Helen Love, neo classical music by A Winged Victory For The Sullen and soul from Charles Bradley.
The national section is headed by Standstill who will perform their spectacle Cénit, the Granada band Grupo de Expertos Solynieve and the presentation of the Barcelona band Mishima’s new album, the consecration of El Petit De Cal Eril as one of the most robust groups in our country, the alliance between Sílvia Pérez Cruz and Raül Fernández Miró, the revelations of 2013 León Benavente and El Último Vecino, the Catalan singer songwriter Joana Serrat presenting her new album, the analogical-electro duo Svper and Oso Leone from Mallorca.
As for the electronic music programme, it will be headed by the world famous French DJ Laurent Garnier, who will be followed by a long and varied list of artists: the Germans Moderat (the union of Modeselektor and Apparat), the deep rhythms of SBTRKT, the revelation of electronic dance music Daniel Avery, Jamie xx from the UK (member of The xx), from Madrid comes Pional, Lasers from Barcelona with their impeccable live show, house by Julio Bashmore and the experimental sound of Demdike Stare and The Haxan Cloak.
Primavera a la Ciutat will flood the whole city of Barcelona with a series of complementary proposals in parallel with the main event. Among these the day of free concerts on Wednesday 28th May in the Parc del Fòrum stands out. On that day there will be concerts by Sky Ferreira, the Belgium revelation Stromae, the Argentinians Él Mató a un Policía Motorizado, the electro pop duo Holy Ghost!, the up and coming British band Temples and the Madrid band Fira Fem. During the week of the festival, clubs such as Apolo, BARTS and the Teatre Principal will host all types of performances amongst which Darren Hayman and the Trial Separation, Full Blast, Shellac, Angel Olsen, Juana Molina, Paus, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Har Mar Superstar and the showcases by the Catalan labels Bcore and La Castanya stand out. Els Vermuts del Primavera in Parc de la Ciutadella with concerts by bands such as Speedy Ortiz, Dum Dum Girls, Boogarins, The Mark Eitzel Ordeal and La Sera on the 31st May and 1st June, merit a special mention.
CONFIRMED ARTISTS 28.01.2014
MONDAY 26th MAY – Apolo: Darren Hayman & the Trial Separation, The Free Fall Band, Tigercats
TUESDAY 27th MAY – Apolo: Antibalas, Chicha Libre
WEDNESDAY 28th MAY – Parc del Fòrum: Él Mató a un Policía Motorizado, Fira Fem, Holy Ghost!, Sky Ferreira, Stromae, Temples – Apolo: The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Har Mar Superstar, Holy Ghost! Djs, Niña Coyote eta Chico Tornado – La [2] de Apolo: Showcase La Castanya: Aries, Beach Beach, Me and the Bees – Teatre Principal: Jamie xx & friends – El Teatro Latino: The Ex, Full Blast, Paus, Shellac
THURSDAY 29th MAY – Parc del Fòrum: A Winged Victory for the Sullen, Andy Stott, Antibalas, Arcade Fire, Bo Ningen, Caveman, Charles Bradley, Chrome, CHVRCHES, Colin Stetson, Disclosure, El Petit de Cal Eril, El Último Vecino, The Ex, Föllakzoid, Fort Romeau, Gang of Youths, Glasser, Grupo de Expertos Solynieve, Jamie xx, John Wizards, Julian Cope, Julio Bashmore, Kosmos, Lasers, LNripley, Lunice, Majical Cloudz, Metronomy, Midlake, Moderat, Móveis Coloniais de Acaju, Neutral Milk Hotel, Pond, Queens of the Stone Age, The Range, Real Estate, Rodrigo Amarante, Shelby Grey, Shellac, Single Parents, St. Vincent, Standstill, Sun Ra Arkestra, Svper, Touché Amoré, Warpaint, William Dafoe, Wind Atlas
FRIDAY 30th MAY – Parc del Fòrum: !!! (Chk Chk Chk), Angel Molina, Astro, Black Drawing Chalks, Body/Head, C+C=Maxigross, Darkside, Deafheaven, Demdike Stare, Dominick Fernow, Dr. John and the Nite Trippers, Drive-By Truckers, Factory Floor, Dj Fra, The Growlers, Haim, The Haxan Cloak, Jagwar Ma, Jenny Lewis, Jesu, Joana Serrat, John Grant, Julia Holter, The Julie Ruin, Kvelertak, The Last 3 Lines, Laurent Garnier, Lee Ranaldo and the Dust, León Benavente, Linda Perhacs, Loop, Mas Ysa, Mick Harvey performs Serge Gainsbourg, The National, Oso Leone, Pional, Pixies, Prurient, Refree, SBTRKT, Sharon Van Etten, Slint, Slowdive
SATURDAY 31st MAY – Parc del Fòrum: Belako, Black Lips, Blood Orange, Boogarins, Caetano Veloso, Chromeo, Cloud Nothings, Dj Coco, Cold Cave, Connan Mockasin, Courtney Barnett, Cut Copy, Dani Baughman, Daniel Avery, The Dismemberment Plan, Dum Dum Girls, Earl Sweatshirt, Foals, Genius of Time, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Hebronix, Helen Love, Hospitality, Islands, Jonathan Wilson, Junkfood, Jupiter Lion, Kendrick Lamar, Kronos Quartet, La Sera, Marc Piñol, The Mark Eitzel Ordeal, Mishima, Mistakes Are Ok b2b Mattis With, Mogwai, Nine Inch Nails, Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, Sílvia Pérez Cruz & Raül Fernández, Spoon, Superchunk, Teho Teardo & Blixa Bargeld, Television performing Marquee Moon, Ty Segall, Univers, Volcano Choir, Za! – Els Vermuts del Primavera (Parc de la Ciutadella): Flamaradas, Renaldo & Clara, Speedy Ortiz, Súper Gegant, The Twilight Sad
SUNDAY 1st JUNE – Apolo: Chromeo, Cloud Nothings, Dave P, Ty Segall, Vàlius – La [2] de Apolo: Showcase BCore: Cuello, Fuckin’ Bollocks, No More Lies – BARTS: Angel Olsen, Grouper, Joana Serrat, Juana Molina – Els Vermuts del Primavera (Parc de la Ciutadella): Berlinist, Boogarins, Dum Dum Girls, Hospitality, La Sera, The Mark Eitzel Ordeal
Typically the last 'big' festivals of the summer months in the UK, Reading & Leeds are a special pilgrimage a combined audience of hundreds of thousands of people make every August Bank Holiday weekend. This year I headed to Leeds Fest to check it out, here's what happened!
Arriving on Friday morning, the site was buzzing with campers dampened slightly by a little storm on Thursday evening, but nothing to put off the masses from what was hopefully going to be a great festival.
Don Broco, a Bedford-based alternative rock band took to the Main Stage, and were an unexpected surprise. 'Hold On', probably their most popular tune got everyone going, as did the band's in-time dance moves, steps to the side, hand-claps, a cheeky boyband touch for the popular quartet, who's lead singer had an Elvisy-look going on.
Then it was time for something different, a rapper by the name of Wacka Flocka Flame took to the brand-new Radio 1Xtra Stage, to a huge crowd. His hype man got things bouncing, as the man himself finally arrived 15 minutes late. Wacka wore a Leeds United shirt and some appropriate bling, as his set saw him get a few headbanging fans up onstage,along with a girl plucked from the crowd who 'twerked'. It was an interesting 40 minutes or so.
Just over the way to the NME/Radio 1 stage, where American girl trio HAIM were the main attraction, bringing their guitar-laden hooks to the masses. They played favourites like, 'Forever', 'Falling' and new single, 'The Wire', all from their much-anticipated debut album. One of the best things about HAIM is Este, their bassist. The older sister likes to have coarse, blunt banter with crowds during gigs and is famed for her 'bassface'. You can watch her facial expressions for 45 minutes and be easily entertained.
Overall, their performance was better than expected and I left happy, as did many others who had squeezed into the tent.
I took a bit of a wander around the Arena site afterwards, taking note of the wide variety of stalls, grabbing a few ponchos for the oncoming storm and taking in some pizza (note: this was at a time when you could actually SIT on the ground and not get covered in mud…)
Then it was time for the sub-headliners, Nine Inch Nails, almost a cult band, such is their feverent support. Being a few rows from the front barrier, I couldn't tell the size of the crowd at the time, but having seen so afterwards, it wasn't very busy, but then that should be expected given Trent Reznor and his merry band have never been notable to a mainstream audience.
NIN were good. They missed out a couple of hits, like 'Closer' and 'Hurt', but if a newcomer like me could get into it, I'm sure the hardcore fans were ecstatic with their 80 minute set. Reznor is a tense, serious stage presence and if memory serves me right, he didn't interact with the crowd one bit. At the time I didn't question this, but afterwards it turns out he put out tweets suggesting he was 'lied to' by R&L boss Melvin Benn, which Benn himself has since said is a lie.
It's all very confusing but what we are led to believe is that Reznor was promised a more extravagent stage show than the one he got, as headliners Biffy Clyro would've had stage priority, it resulted in a bank of lights instead, still impressive but not the full NIN experience.
There were probably the perfect set-up for what was a definitive headlining performance, from Biffy-motherf***ing-Clyro, as they were known for the evening.
Some doubted they had it in them to headline a major UK festival, but they delivered in spades, with a strong set packed full of their more recent mainstream hits, with a few golden oldies squeezed in for long-time supporters. Simon Neil, lead singer, was very appreciative of the crowd, telling them, '"It all goes downhill from here…I'm only joking"'. Their 'banter' was limited, but the shirtless trio let their epic music do the talking, which really got the crowd going too.
Lasers, fireworks, smashed up guitars, sing-a-longs, a massive tree prop, mental mosh pits; the show had it all, and despite the swirling wind and rain it was a fantastic way to close the first night of Leeds 2013.
Saturday came and the site's landscape had changed drastically. Rain had come in a big way, with heavy rain in the night, turning the lush green grass into a mudbath. Wellies were a necessity, as were ponchos, it was 'proper' UK festival weather.
As a result of the poor conditions, I was stationed in the NME Tent for a good few hours and was lucky to see what I saw!
Fatigue seemed to have set in during the first half of Deap Vally's set. At the 20 minute stage, drummer Julie Edwards instructed the crowd to wake up and have fun, reminding them they were at a festival! They promptly did so and the atmosphere was quite good afterwards, shame the music wasn't quite as good. I sort of like Deap Vally, but their music is too samey for my tastes, I liked their energy during the gig though, they played at such a frenetic pace I'm surprised they managed 2 shows in 2 days!
Next up were fellow Americans Fidlar. A little heard of band, but an excellent band, one of my finds of the festival. They played a clutch of quick, simple songs that relied on great riffs and lead singer Zac Carper's hyper vocals. I was reminded of a very low-fi Nirvana, if you want to see for yourself I recommend you check out 'Cheap Beer', the slogan that adorned their merch and the song that really had the crowd going wild.
I suspect that the crowd was boosted because of the next act. Brummie stars Peace, were as flamboyant as predicted, lead singer Henry Koisser striding out in a leopard print jacket and hat to a loving audience. Tracks 'Follow Baby', and 'Lovesick'', got the best responses and saw the band at their most confident. Sure the live set isn't yet perfect, some of their songs weren't the most interesting in a a live arena, but they are getting there as one of a few bands that could really kickstart the era of the British guitar band.
After a bit of Peace, I ventured into the now spitting rain to find some fresh music. It was the Rock Stage that I found it, with The Computers part way through their set. Instantly I thought I'd been transported back to the 1950s as they were all dressed in slick suits, with even more slicked back hair. Their tunes matched the image, and were a breath of fresh air. Sure the lead singer's attempts at telling a story inbetween songs were a bit manufactured, as were his off-stage antics which saw him join a wet, muddy mosh pit. But it was pure fun, reminding me of The Hives' eccentric set from 2012, in a good way!
Then, then it was Major Lazer time. Now I didn't know what to expect, a pure DJ set?
Headliner time had come, and the pop-punk of Green Day was blasted from the Main Stage. Now I was a fair distance back, and wasn't massively impressed with the size or energy of the crowd, but to be fair, it was constantly raining, muddy as anything and the band were just okay, nothing more, on reflection. Billie Joe Armstrong annoyed me, with his political speeches and subtle nuances. However, I did enjoy songs off 'American Idiot', which I loved at the time of release, with their comprehensive playing in full of 1994 album Dookie, released the year of my birth, missing the mark for me, but not for the legions of loyal fans down the front.
Come Sunday, the thousands of campers were weary and out on their feet, but ready for a fantastic days's entertainmen The site was still a swampy mudbath, but with forecasts of clear skies and sun, it was looking promising for the final day of the festival.
Similarly to Saturday, I spent a good couple of hours in the same place on Sunday, this time the Festival Republic Tent, a place full of new talent waiting to be discovered. I saw Drenge and Swim Deep, back to back. Both were good in moderation, with outstanding songs, like 'Honey', 'The Sea' and 'She Changes the Weather', from the latter Brummies. Crowds were pretty decent too, with plenty of shoulder-riding and singing going on for the latter. Drenge were slightly more subdued, as the duo rattled through some awesome sounding music, but I'm not entirely sure whether they fit the tone of the stage.
Then it was time to check up on another NME darling, Palma Violets, a group who I was undecided on, their first album deceiving me at times. However, their blistering live set had people jumping around and going crazy. They are energetic, cocky and funny, all great features for a band to have. 'Best of Friends', was the highlight, a song that evokes the spirit of the Libertines when they were in their prime. With a couple of albums under their belt, I can see the southerners living up to the aforementioned hype, they look like they believe it too!
With that brief foray to the NME tent, it was off to the Main Stage for the remainder of my 2013 festival. White Lies were 4th from the top of the bill, but didn't really live up to expectations. For a start, I wasn't the biggest fan, I think a lot of their material sounds very 'samey', which was true of the performance, a performance hampered by sound problems and a pretty uninterested crowd, most of whom were hanging around for Chase & Status and Eminem later on that evening. Their early hits, 'Fairwell to the Fairground', and 'Death', were nice, but the longer it went on, the longer it felt they were 'going through the motions'.
Up next were Foals, again a band I was wary of. I like a lot of their songs, but had never been impressed by their live performances I'd caught on TV. However, they were great fun, energetic and had some good banter with the crowd, lead singer Yannis ending up in the crowd by the end of their set. Before that though, songs like 'Spanish Sahara' and 'My Number', showed the variation in their song-craft, going from the deep, building tunes to a catchy pop number. The boss of the festival Melvin Benn has since claimed they could headline the festival, which I think was a slight over-exaggeration, although he said the same about the next act, something which may be true…
Chase & Status, an incredible act and a perfect appetizer for what was to come. Their set up saw the duo positioned behind a 'C' and 'S' DJ booth each, with MC Rage effectively the ringmaster of proceedings, dragging out the likes of Liam Bailey as guest vocalists, with Plan B and Delilah projected onto a humongous video screen above their heads. It was impressive to see such a stage show, especially given the problems Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails had.
When tracks like 'No Problem', 'Let You Go' and 'Hypest Hype', dropped, the crowd went nuts for it, descending into mosh pits and general dancing. It was amazing to see, and one of the loudest, best atmospheres of the festival I had witnesses (more of which later). It was strange, given all I'd heard and read online prior to the festival was that their booking was a poor one, not in-keeping with the tradition of the festival. Sure, that may be correct, but why not move with the times, book popular acts who DO have crossover with the rock, alternative and indie music scene (you'd have been surprised just how many 'metalheads' were enjoying themselves to C&S). I don't see it as an issue, especially as it helps to keep the festival going, something which the next act definitely helped with.
The rap legend that is Eminem graced the stage for his second headline set, amongst a bunch of questions and fears. I got talking to people around me beforehand and whilst everyone was excited, noone knew what to expect! Old material, new material- a mixture of both? Would he mime? Well whilst that wasn't really clarified (although personally I think he relied on backing track the odd time, but was at his best and actually rapping for the majority of the set), one thing was clear; Eminem was back.
Whilst a lot of the first half of the set was his newer material, from 'Recovery' and 'Relapse', it was bearable in a live environment. This was partly due to the live band AND DJ he had accompanying him, aswell as the buzzing crowd, still excited from C&S who were devouring his hit-packed set.
My favourite moment of the festival came with the 3 minute medley of older songs, that was, 'My Name Is/The Real Slim Shady/Without Me'. For 3 minutes I was a child again, and it was amazing! As was the special guest for 'Stan', Dido herself. Both of those moments were special and brought much acclaim from the audience. Then a one-song encore came about a great rendition of the intense, 'Lose Yourself', before Em headed off for good. It may have been a fairly brisk, 25 song, 100 minute set, but god was it good. And that was Leeds Fest 2013, done just like that!
So, to round it all off, Leeds 2013 was fantastic, perhaps as an overall experience outing 2012's edition, Foo Fighters and all! We saw the newly anointed Biffy Clyro become the rock gods they were destined to be, a return for the veterans of pop-punk, Green Day and Eminem finish it all off with a blistering display of a hip-hop gig. Other personal highlights were the likes of HAIM and Peace on the NME stage, Chase & Status killing the Main Stage, Major Lazer bringing the party to the tent, aswell as echoes of the Libertines, with Palma Violets giving a confident, humourous performance.
It may have been muddy, it may have been soaking wet; but Leeds Festival 2013 was bloody good!
With just over two weeks to go until Reading & Leeds Festivals welcome Early Entry Ticket holders, excitement is at fever pitch and now Reading Festival is completely sold out! This year Biffy Clyro celebrate their monumental ascent to theirfirst ever Reading Festival headline performance and not only this, but they have sold it out too! Their closing set at Reading on Sunday 25th August will be an incredible and unforgettable end to the weekend.
For those who didn’t manage to secure a Reading Festival ticket, the same great line-up can be seen across the whole weekend at Leeds Festival, with limited day and weekend tickets still available.
Leeds Festival, taking place from 23rd-25th August, is now the only place to see the same exclusive UK festival performances from headliners Eminem, Green Day, Biffy Clyro, as well as Nine Inch Nails, System Of A Down, Fall Out Boy, Deftones,City and Colour, White Lies and Skrillex.
Other highlights of the 300 artists on the bill include Phoenix, Chase And Status, Foals, Alt-J, Jake Bugg, AzealiaBanks, Disclosure, KnifeParty, Baauer, ShikariSoundSystem, FuneralFor A Friend, Spector, Wretch32 andAngel Haze, plus comedians Judah Friedlander World Champion, Russell Kane and Seann Walsh.
Those without their tickets to Leeds Festival should book now to make sure they don’t miss out on what has been votedBest Festival by NME, surely the best place to be with your friends this August Bank Holiday Weekend?!
TICKET INFORMATION
Weekend tickets (Leeds only) £202.50 ● Day tickets (Leeds only) Friday, Saturday and Sunday £90.00 ● Early Entry (Leeds only) permits £15.00 ● Campervan permits £60.00 ● Weekend ticket prices include camping. All prices are subject to applicable booking fees and postage.
For any Reading Festival goers seeking parking or campervan tickets, there is limited availability for Campervan tickets, White Weekend Car Park, Green Friday Day Car Park and Green Sunday Day Car Park through See Tickets here.
One of Huw Stephens’ BBC Introducing Discovery tips, Amber are five guys from Nottingham and London. Their first original song ‘Noah’ is described by Huw Stephens as “a glorious summer tune” and where better to watch it than at Reading & Leeds this August.
Indie-pop band As Elephants Are hail from High Wycombe and have been making music together since 2011. The band have enjoyed success with their debut single ‘War Cry’ which has received plays from national stations and DJ Mary Anne Hobbs. Their latest offering ‘Youth Blood/Lucifer’ gives more of a taste of their innovative indie-rock.
Big Wave are an indie-pop five-piece from Torquay who have recently released their new single 'Goldmine' through Art is Hard Records and have previously performed with bands including Metronomy. Their sunshine-rock style will make for the perfect summer time festival set.
Casablanca have received support from Huw Stephens who is a big fan of the London indie band. With comparisons to Bombay Bicycle Club, Cajun Dance Party and Theme Park expect good things from this four-piece when they take to the stage.
The melodic Welsh-based indie four-piece Catfish and the Bottlemen are signed to Communion Records. 2013 has seen the band support The 1975 on their UK tour and they will also join Glasvegas on their UK tour date.
Securing their place through Futuresound’s competition City of Lights aim to create their own brand of honest rock-pop that will ignite and engage feelings, thoughts & emotions. Meshing the song-writing aptitude of Biffy Clyro with the melodic mastery of UK big guns Snow Patrol and the heart and drive of Thrice, City Of Lights adeptly glide along the tight-rope of having an accessible sound with true longevity.
Glasgow based Crusades offer up a big dose of post hardcore, high speed riffs on their recent debut EP ‘Golden Throats’, released to received rave reviews and gaining air play on BBC Radio 1.
19 year old East London singer-songwriter Denai Moore only picked up a guitar two years ago but already counts Plan B and Tom Odell amongst her fans. Her debut EP ‘Saudade’ is out now featuring her haunting vocals and soothing mix of folk and soul.
Futuresound competition runners-up Glass Caves are building a feverish and faithful following throughout the North of England shifting thousands of their self-released ‘Glass Caves’ EP as well as selling out notable venues across their home county. The underground buzz spilt over to the masses in April 2013 when BBC Introducing gave the band their coveted BBC Radio 1 Playlist slot.
Transatlantic alternative pop trio The Grand formed in 2010. The brooding Wakefield indie rockers come on sounding like Nick Cave wrestling with The National, an attractive proposition that has seen them championed by BBC Radio 6 Music. Their first single ‘Romance Is Dead’ was released in Sept 2012 and the band are currently working on material for their debut album, expected in 2014.
Up-and-coming Exeter five-piece I Divide exploded onto the rock scene in 2011 with their debut album ‘What’s Worth More’. They have since toured with Funeral For a Friend, won the 'Best Rock Act' Award at the 2012 South Wales Music Awards and bring their raw energy to Reading & Leeds this Bank Holiday weekend.
Four-piece Jaws are quickly making a name for themselves in the West Midlands, performing alongside fellow Birmingham bands Peace and Swim Deep. As well as having a critically acclaimed vinyl-only EP ‘Milkshake’ under their belt, they now have a new single ‘Gold’ due for release at the end of the July. Keep an eye out for their catchy garage pop on the stage this year.
Nottingham born songsmith Joel Baker burst onto the scene via the internet with his spellbinding covers including Kanye West and Maverick Sabre. Now stepping out with his own politically minded tunes, he is set for big things.
King No-One were crowned the winners at the recent Martin House Centre Stage final having beaten 10 other strong finalists from the West and North Yorkshire areas. Encompassing smooth chilled melodic vibes right through to raw expressive rock, the band are becoming well known in their home town of York for gathering huge crowds whilst busking.
In their relatively short existence, Lonely The Brave have performed live at Maida Vale Studios for Dan P Carter's BBC Radio 1 Rock Show and received plaudits from major music titles. Their debut album ‘The Day’s War’ has been a year in the making and with a new member, the band are set to make their mark this year.
Alternative-folk-rock quartet Man Can’t Fly create emotive sounds and memorable hooks. Despite only forming a year ago, the Bradford band have already self-released their debut single ‘Don’t Waste My Time’ which has received numerous plays on BBC Radio 1.
Influenced by artists as diverse as Phoenix, Talking Heads and Kanye West, Newcastle’s Mausi bring plenty of energy and a dose of pop with their invigorating live performances. The quartet features siblings Daisy and Thomas Finetto who bring their feel-good vocals and danceable tunes, guaranteed to get the crowd moving.
Modo Stare is the project of Jon Headley, a musician, writer and producer from the UK and the group won their place on the stage through the Futuresound competition. Their music is built around a blend of old and new, electronic and acoustic, synthetic and organic; mixing 100-year old harmoniums with sparkling synthesizers, out-of- tune pianos with growling bass synths, and antique cuckoo clocks with distorted drum loops. The project’s debut full-length album ‘This Is How We Know What Love Is’, is almost finished and will be out soon
Five-piece Peasants King from South Wales, had their song 'Antidotes' selected as the 'Introducing Track of The Week' – gaining praise from Fearne Cotton, Greg James, Zane Lowe and Huw Stephens. Comparisons have been made to Kings of Leon and Vampire Weekend, so be sure to check them out.
Scottish trio Prides are making a name for themselves with their synthpop. Built on the foundations of previous band Midnight Lion, the introduction of a third member Callum has ignited them to a new level in 2013. The band are signed to Island records and have just released their single 'Out of The Blue’, so watch this space.
Ruen Brothers are monochrome-clad brothers Rupert and Henry Stansall from Scunthorpe, who share a fascination with the early to mid-1960’s that has set the music industry buzzing since Zane Lowe played their track ‘Aces’ earlier this year. Their sound has been compared to Roy Orbison, but their elaborate melodies and natural swagger are quickly earning them fans in their own right.
Hailing from Nottingham, 17 year old singer Saint Raymond is often described as the next Jake Bugg. A stratospheric rise is surely imminent, much like his debut EP ‘Escapade’ which rose up the iTunes chart following a release on Gabrielle Aplin’s label Never Fade.
Kent two-piece Slaves have gained a fearsome live reputation with their political punk. Taking their influences from punk behemoths UK Subs, Crass and Refused, their in-your-face songs have caught the attention of the industry with The Fly describing them simply as “brilliant”.
The four young members of Sundara Karma all come from Reading and claim that their indie-infused sound is “more refreshing than sunshine”. Shimmering indie escapism showcased in their debut single ‘Freshblood’ mixes percussive tropical beats with intoxicating sounds of the summer.
Four-piece alternative rock band Theory 59 from Cleethorpes are now a step closer to stardom after their latest single ‘Through The Lies Comes Clarity’ was added to the BBC Radio 1 playlist. With a full length album in the works and a UK tour in their sights, their passionate and energetic offering is set to make its mark on the rock scene sooner than you think.
London-based Thumpers have been playing music together since the age of 15 and, having previously been in Pull Tiger Tail, they have reemerged as an alternative pop duo. They have a big emphasis on rhythm with booming drums taking the leading role and will get the crowds moving at the Festivals this year.
Producer, singer and multi-instrumentalist Frank Pescod initially made a name for himself creating scores for brands, TV shows and films. Now writing under the moniker To Be Frank, his four-track EP 'Nothing' was recently released via Solebay Music to critical acclaim.
Counting Tame Impala as fans, Tripwires will arrive at Reading & Leeds fresh from supporting the band in Switzerland. Their Festival shows will give them the chance to bring their nineties indie sounds to hometown fans in Reading and a brand new audience in Leeds.
Since forming their current line-up in 2010, Peterborough quintet We Are Fiction have been performing their unique blend of modern alternative rock to an ever growing passionate fan base across the country. Passion, love and energy are three things you can expect from their shows and music, with many describing them as a heartfelt, captivating and emotive band who possess a unique stage presence and sound.
Having cut their teeth on the underground circuit, We Are Knuckle Dragger are a trio hell-bent on unleashing their music to the masses. They have released two EPs, enjoyed support from Dan P Carter on BBC Radio 1 and have recently completed a tour with the Dillinger Escape Plan.
Leeds based duo Louisa Osborn and Chris Mulligan are signed to Dead Young Records and have a spark of the black magic which has seen them much talked about on the thriving West Yorkshire music scene. Since their sold out debut launch,Witch Hunt have wowed audiences alongside Wolf Alice, Veronica Falls and at festivals including Live at Leeds and Tramlines; they are runners up in this year’s Futuresound competition.
Tipped as one of the UK’s most outstanding up-and-coming independent musicians and producers, Zaheer has already received support from a range of stations including BBC Introducing, BBC Radio 1Xtra and BBC Radio 6 Music. His creativity and disregard for clichéd musical conventions mean he is catching the attention of the music industry, expect big things from him.
Leeds Festival welcome the return of the influential and innovative Leeds-based record label Dance To The Radio who will be taking over the BBC Introducing Stage on Thursday 22nd August and kicking off the weekend at Leeds in style with the following live bands:
Formed in 2010 out of the ashes of a Leeds-based rock band, Black Moth were seduced by the brutal and hypnotic lure of the riff, to emerge translucent, skinned and bleary eyed from their cocoon as a ferocious kick-ass heavy rock outfit.
Sheffield’s The Crookes are a four-piece at the forefront of the nascent new pop movement in the UK guitar scene. Set to release their second LP on legendary indie label Fierce Panda this summer and with a cult following already in the bag, be sure to see them for a dance on Thursday night in Leeds.
Manchester’s finest Dutch Uncles are a group who have pitched their tents firmly in pop’s left-field with crashing guitars, electronic dueling xylophones, and lead singer Duncan Wallis' eye-popping dance moves.
Leeds five-piece Hookworms are often bracketed among the latest wave of psychedelic rock. By only using their initials to avoid any form of ‘celebrity status’ adds to the mystery of the band’s deep, emotive lyrics involving attempted suicide and depression.
Leeds’ Menace Beach is the project of members of existing local bands with Rob from Pulled Apart By Horses, Nestor from Sky Larkin and Matt from Hookworms. Their hazy grunge songs have seen comparisons with Splashh and Swim Deep.
NEW ADDITIONS ACROSS THE REST OF THE FESTIVAL
NME / RADIO 1 STAGE
READING SATURDAY 24TH / LEEDS SUNDAY 25TH
Childhood have supported Palma Violets and have been compared to Stone Roses, House of Love and Primal Scream. The ‘fresh-faced’ band are renowned for evoking a feeling of heady joy, if not drug-induced euphoria – a cocky young bunch of lads who have come to shake things up.
BBC RADIO 1 DANCE STAGE
READING FRIDAY 23RD / LEEDS SATURDAY 24TH
Named after a Nigerian state capital, Benin City is Theo Buckingham, Tom Leaper and Joshua Idehen from London. They have gained fans, as well as accolades, for their energetic live performances and have supported Soweto Kinch, VV Brown, Moko and Youngblood Brass band. Album ‘Fires In The Park’ is out now and has been described as ‘a sultry piece of afro dub blues’ in recent reviews.
READING SUNDAY 25TH / LEEDS FRIDAY 23RD
Bipolar Sunshine is the solo project of Manchester singer/songwriter Adio Marchant, a recent collaboration with Rudimental saw them run an experiment to create and produce a single in 24 hours and perform it in front of an audience. They succeeded! His debut EP ‘Aesthetics’ has received great reviews and single ‘Rivers’ was recently iTunes’ ‘Single of the Week’.
Stay Positive is a London based producer and classically trained violinist who just released his latest EP ‘Blood Brother’ via Stay Positive Industries, which sees a perfectly arranged composition in minimal techno.
Aussie duo Parachute Youth cite their influences as Joy Division, New Order, The Smiths, The Cure and The Stone Roses, but their sound is completely modern and goosebump inducing. In their own words, “we're only a two piece but we make a lot of noise.
LOCK UP STAGE
READING SATURDAY 24TH / LEEDS SUNDAY 25TH
Decade are an alternative rock / post-hardcore band from Bath, formally known as Ready Set Low. They have supported the likes of Forever The Sickest Kids, D.R.U.G.S and Set Your Goals and have been locked away of late, hard at work making their album, watch this space!
FESTIVAL REPUBLIC STAGE
READING FRIDAY 23RD / LEEDS SATURDAY 24TH
Brighton-based band The Wytches have had their music descried as “a cynical, dark and flowery take on psychedelia, 1950’s surf riffs, desert whips, loungey, melancholic shuffles with a stage performance that puts you under.”
READING SUNDAY 25TH / LEEDS FRIDAY 23RD
Overall winners at the recent Futuresound competition final in Leeds, where 60 regional bands compete to win a coveted spot to play at the festivals, were Leeds newcomers Battle Lines. Dark and cerebral, they blend shoegaze guitars with alt-rock and synthpop to create a raw and energetic live show. Reading & Leeds will be their UK festival debut, remember where you saw them first.
System Of A Down and Deftones return to Reading & Leeds with UK festival exclusive performances, playing Friday at Reading and Saturday at Leeds. Nine Inch Nails are back for the first time since 2007 to perform a 2013 UK exclusive show on the Main Stage and Fall Out Boy return to the Festivals with a UK festival exclusive appearance, both bands playing Sunday at Reading and Friday at Leeds.
Over on the NME/Radio 1 Stage will be a UK festival exclusive set, ‘Mercury Music Prize’ winners Alt-J and French outfit Phoenix, all taking to the top of the line-up for the stage and playing to thousands of revellers across the weekend.
On the BBC Radio 1 Dance Stage, newly expanded from one day to three days for 2013, English electronic music producer Sub Focus Live, Magnetic Man and electronic dance music heavyweights Knife Party will all headline.
The BBC Radio 1Xtra Stage, one of the most exciting additions that Reading & Leeds have witnessed for a long time, will play host one to of the pioneers of grime Wiley and UK rapper Devlin as the first confirmed headliners for 2013.
These names are just the beginning, there are many more yet to be announced across these stages, plus the line-ups for the Festival Republic Stage, Lock Up Stage, BBC Introducing Stage and the Alternative Stage.
READING FRIDAY 23RD AUGUST / LEEDS SATURDAY 24TH AUGUST
MAIN STAGE
Green Day complete the Main Stage headliners at Reading & Leeds Festivals 2013, all of which are UK festival exclusive appearances. After a surprise Reading performance at 11am in 2012, which saw thousands of revellers heading to the NME/Radio 1 Stage and thousands more watching on screens in the arena, the band returns to play a full headline set at both sites.
Green Day are integral to the identity of Reading & Leeds Festivals, with their performances among the greatest in the Festivals' history. With each new record and incarnation, they bring riot and rebellion to a new audience. In 2004, their triumphant headline set featured covers of 'Blitzkreig Bop', 'Ever Fallen In Love?', and fittingly, 'We Are The Champions' and in past performances some lucky fans have even had the chance to get up on stage with the band! Their headline sets at the Festivals this year are sure to deliver even more unforgettable Reading & Leeds moments, don’t miss out!
Following a year that saw him play at the Olympics opening ceremony and sell-out Wembley Arena, Frank Turner returns to Reading & Leeds for the seventh consecutive year. The Festivals “hold a special place in his heart” and his set will be a triumphant showstopper as he plays tracks from his forthcoming album ‘Tape Deck Heart’ as well as playing his big hits.
Already announced for the Main Stage for this day are: System Of A Down and Deftones, both UK festival exclusives, plus Bring Me The Horizon, with more names still to come!
NME/RADIO 1 STAGE
Taking to the NME/RADIO 1 STAGE stage will be the most talked about rapper in the world today, A$AP Rocky, playing the festival for the first time, plus Diplo's dancehall supergroup Major Lazer bringing the carnival spirit to Reading & Leeds.
South London indie quartet Bastille join the NME/Radio 1 Stage with an armful of songs from their debut album ‘Bad Blood’, currently Number One in the album chart, including their recent Number Two single ‘Pompeii’. They'll be joined by Birmingham's 'BBC Sounds of 2013 nominees, Peace, whose hotly anticipated debut album 'In Love' looks set to soundtrack the summer. Their Stones Roses-inspired rock garnered them a ‘Best New Band’ nomination at the NME Awards and won them a big slot on the NME Awards tour. Another name just announced is explosive LA rock duo Deap Vally, who have toured with Muse and The Vaccines, enjoyed Radio 1 playlist support and were tipped by NME as one of the bands of 2013, they join what's set to be the best year for the Festivals yet.
BBC RADIO 1 DANCE STAGE
This year the BBC Radio 1 Dance Stage will be taking place over three days for the first time, already announced as the first headliner for this stage is Sub Focus Live.
BBC RADIO 1XTRA STAGE
The all new BBC Radio 1Xtra Stage is set to bring the best of hip-hop and grime from the UK and farther afield. Headlining the stage on this day will be one of the pioneers of grime, Wiley; with many more names to come.
READING SATURDAY 24TH AUGUST / LEEDS SUNDAY 25TH AUGUST
MAIN STAGE
Iconic rapper Eminem headlines the Main Stage in a UK festival exclusive appearance. Added to the line-up this day will be legends of UK drum and bass, Chase and Status, bringing a world-class live show to the Festivals. Chase and Status are credited with taking drum and bass from the club scene to the mainstream, with chart conquering songs like 'End Credits' and 'Let You Go'. Currently working on a new album, their jaw-dropping live show is sure to get the crowds moving ahead of Eminem.
Joining Foals, winners of ‘Best Track’ at the NME Awards for ‘Inhaler’, on the expanding bill is White Lies. The British indie trio, whose dark demeanor has seen them win accolades from around the world, make their Main Stage debut in a UK festival exclusive performance at Reading & Leeds. The band are currently in the studio, but by the time the Festivals come around they'll have a new record, the follow up to 2011's astounding ‘Ritual’. Godfathers of emo, Brand New return to the Festivals for the first time since 2009 with a UK festival exclusiveperformance. With a new album in the works, they're bound to premiere new songs as well as their anthem, 'Sic Transit Gloria… Glory Fades'.
NME/RADIO 1 STAGE
With Alt-J already announced as an NME/Radio 1 Stage headliner and Jake Bugg performing on the stage for the first time, other bands can now be announced. Tame Impala will make to their first visit to the Festivals since winning ‘Album Of The Year’ plaudits for ‘Lonerism’ from both Rolling Stone and NME and Imagine Dragons, the Las Vegas rock band who are so popular in the US they haven't stopped touring for over a year, join the bill.
Also just confirmed is Johnny Marr who formed the Smiths formed The Smiths in 1982 when he was just 18, going on to become one of the most important bands in the history of music, with Johnny Marrone of the greatest guitarists the UK has ever seen. Post The Smiths Marr has spent his time playing guitar in a succession of great acts including The Cribs who he performed with at Reading & Leeds before. His debut solo album ‘The Messenger’ has just been released to much critical acclaim.
Also confirmed are ‘Best New Band’ NME Award winners Palma Violets who met and formed at Reading a few years ago and played the Festivals for the first time in 2012. This year marks a special return for the slapdash rockers who are currently riding high off their recent award success. One of the first artists to take dubstep into the live arena, Modestep's show combines live vocals, a full band and a ridiculous amount of bass. Prepare for an adrenaline fuelled party of epic proportions.
BBC RADIO 1 DANCE STAGE
Taking to the BBC Radio 1 Dance Stage as headliners will beMagnetic Man. Made up of producers Skream, Benga and Artwork, they have been touring the world with extravagant live shows ever since their performance at Reading & Leeds in 2010. Skream has since said that those Reading & Leeds performances and the incredible crowd reaction were seminal for him in realising the potential for dubstep as a live genre.
BBC RADIO 1XTRA STAGE
Joining Wiley as a fellow headliner on this new stage will be Devlin. Dagenham-based rapper Devlin returns to the Festivals with his sideways social commentary and formidable flow. Having just scored a Top 10 single with 'Rewind', he's leading the UK's next generation of rap stars.
READING SUNDAY 25TH AUGUST / LEEDS FRIDAY 23RD AUGUST
MAIN STAGE
Biffy Clyro make their ascent this year to Main Stage headliners in aUK festival exclusive performance and deservedly so after being crowned ‘Best British Band’ at the recent NME Awards.
Described by Spin as "the most vital artist in music" Trent Reznor is undoubtedly a heroic figure for any Reading & Leeds attendee. For the past few years, he has been more at home in a Hollywood recording studio than on a festival stage, providing the scores for huge Hollywood movies like ‘The Social Network’ and ‘The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo’. Now, after a four year hiatus, he's returning to his first love:Nine Inch Nails. In a huge exclusive, they will play their only UK shows this year at the Reading & Leeds Festivals. The band have sold over 30 million records worldwide and are responsible for some of the most daring rock music ever recorded, be there to witness this legendary band.
Fall Out Boy will also appear, making a welcome return to the Main Stage this day, with another UK festival exclusive for Reading & Leeds!
Joining them on the stage will be one of the biggest success stories of the past year The Lumineers, an alternative Americana band from Denver, Colorado who have surpassed all expectation to become a global success with their eponymous debut album going Top 10 in the US, UK and Australia. Editors also join the line-up, bringing their cinematic rock to the Main Stage for a second time.These bands are just the start, with more names for the Main Stage yet to be announced!
NME/RADIO 1 STAGE
The final NME/Radio 1 Stage headliner is Phoenix,returning to the Festivals for the first time since 2010 to toast ‘Bankrupt!’, their new album set for release in April this year. In the time since the French outfit last graced the Reading & Leeds stage, they’ve notched up a Grammy and over one million sales of their critically lauded 2009 album ‘Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix’. This year look ready to set fire to the worldwide festival circuit, including stepping in to the headline role on this stage for the first time.
Other exciting names added to the NME/Radio 1 Stage are Harlem rapper Azealia Banks, who returns to the festival after playing to a packed out Dance Stage in 2012, to play songs from her long awaited album ‘Broke With Expensive Taste’. Production duo Disclosure, currently riding high in the Top 10 with single ‘White Noise’ and working on their house and UK garage-influenced debut album, will also have the crowds in the NME/Radio 1 Stage singing along this summer.
City and Colour, the moniker of singer-songwriter Dallas Green, is gearing up to release his fourth studio album this summer. With three JUNO Awards under his belt (the Canadian equivalent of the BRITs), City and Colour returns to the UK, following a sold out Royal Albert Hall performance and two sold out Roundhouse dates, to play Reading & Leeds for the first time in a UK festival exclusive appearance. LA sisters Haim have had a fantastic year, winning the BBC ‘Sound of 2013’ poll and touring with Florence + the Machine. Currently finishing off their debut album, they bring their astonishing guitar playing and filthy on stage banter to the Festivals for the first time. Major Lazercollaborator Alex Clare also joins the bill, since releasing his debut album in 2011 the British singer-songwriter has had a Top Five single with ‘Too Close’, as well as a BRIT Award nomination for ‘Best British Single’ with the same track.
BBC RADIO 1 DANCE STAGE
Electronic dance music heavyweights Knife Party, the Australian duo who have taken the world by storm, will headline the BBC Radio 1 Dance Stage. With two huge EP's under their belt, along with some incredible collaborations and remixes, this is the first time the Knife Party madness will be unleashed on Reading & Leeds Festivals, be sure not to miss out!
ALSO PLAYING AT READING & LEEDS 2013
Last year, Baauer was an underground DJ creating a few waves on Diplo's Mad Decent label. Now he's a global phenomenon, with everyone from the cast of Eastenders to The Simpsons doing the Harlem Shake.
The Blackout have become one of the biggest rock bands in the UK, from supporting the likes of My Chemical Romance and Linkin Park to co-headlining the Kerrang! Tour. Off the back of releasing their fourth album ‘Start The Party’ this year, they play the Festivals for the fifth time.
Hadouken!, once a nu-rave rap crew, have been re-born as a fully-fledged EDM monster. Louder, brasher, but just as much fun they guarantee to bring the party to Reading & Leeds this summer, after an amazing set to a packed crowd on the NME/Radio 1 Stage in 2012.
Australian rapper Iggy Azalea has already toured with Rita Ora and released some astonishingly good mixtapes. Her debut album, ‘The New Classic’, is released this year and she'll be bringing some hip-hop swag to Reading & Leeds.
Named after Juliette Lewis' character in ‘Natural Born Killers’, Cambridge five-piece Mallory Knox’s debut album ‘Signals’ has already gone Top 40 this year.
Reading & Leeds veterans, New Found Glory return to do what they do best, making everyone go wild, they bring a special show to Reading & Leeds playing out their well-loved album ‘Sticks and Stones’ in full.
The Strypes come to Reading & Leeds with their quintessentially retro classic rock, despite the fact the band’s eldest member is only 16, and they already count Noel Gallagher among their fans.
B-Town scene leaders Swim Deep will bring their laid back doss-pop to the Festivals.
Temples, the psychedelic four-piece inspired by the Byrds and Tame Impala, come to Reading & Leeds for the first time in 2013.
In less than a year, Manchester band, The 1975, have gone from back room boozer to Shepherds Bush Empire, smashing the airwaves and stealing the hearts, eyes and ears of thousands of new fans every week. Hardworking boys destined for big things.
Hailing from London, Theme Park recently released their self-titled debut album, full of catchy songs. Having featured as NME Radar’s ‘Band of The Week’ and The Guardian’s ‘New Band of The Day’, they are set for great things.
Tomahawk, weirdo-rock supergroup featuring members of Faith No More, the Jesus Lizard, Battles and Mr Bungle will play the Festivals for the first time.
Scottish rockers Twin Atlantic are bound to make the crowds dizzy with brash and ballsy hits like ‘Free’ and ‘Make a Beast Of Myself’ when they take to the stage this summer.
Also playing at the Festivals will be Sheffield rockers While She Sleeps, named Kerrang!'s ‘Best British Newcomers’, who will get the crowds going with songs from their album ‘This is the Six’.
A-Z OF ARTISTS ANNOUNCED SO FAR FOR READING & LEEDS FESTIVALS 2013
