Reading Festival

Disclosure and Foals to co-headline Reading and Leeds Festival 2016

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Reading & Leeds Festivals are delighted to announce Foals and Disclosure as co- headliners for this year’s festival taking place across Bank Holiday Weekend 26-28 August 2016. In a Reading & Leeds first, two bastions of modern British music will be making the step up to the largest festival stages of their careers, bringing together two defining acts of a generation.
 
Returning after their festival-stopping surprise set last year, 2016 will see Foals in their debut headline performance at Reading & Leeds. Unafraid of genre limitations, their endless creativity and ferocious live shows have seen the Oxford five-piece rise through the ranks, positioning themselves as one of the most unmissable live acts in the world.
 
Joining Foals as co-headliners of Reading & Leeds 2016 is the dance phenomenon Disclosure, in their very first Major UK Festival headlining set. Their chart topping dance anthems sound-tracked the worldwide explosion of UK dance. Their 2014 performance saw crowds overflowing the NME/Radio 1 Stage, so their return to headline in 2016 is one not to be missed.
 
Melvin Benn commented: “I couldn’t be more excited about this announcement. A co -headline with two of the most promising British acts out there; Foals secret set last year was a highlight for me, as I’m sure their debut headline slot will be, coupled with the phenomenal Disclosure – we’re very proud to be able to give these acts the recognition they deserve.”
 
Foals commented: “We're absolutely buzzing to be headlining Reading & Leeds this year. It's a dream come true. I used to watch Nirvana live at Reading '92, on vhs, repeatedly while dying my hair blue & learning how to play guitar, badly. We've worked our way up on our own terms & to be given the chance to headline one of the world’s most iconic festivals is a huge achievement for us & hopefully a sign for all bands, that, if you stick to your guns & focus on what matters, you'll get there & smash it. Onwards & upwards friends. Long live the guitar band”
 
Disclosure commented: " We’re incredibly excited to be co-headlining Reading and Leeds with our good friends Foals. We've been going to Reading festival since we were kids and have played at both festivals several times, but never in a million years did we think we'd be at the top of the line-up, especially considering there hasn't been an electronic headliner since The Prodigy in 2002! Truly honoured" 
 
 
Dance super group Jack Ü have shifted the face of modern dance, with worldwide smash ‘Where Are U Now’ dominating the airwaves and music libraries of millions. Bringing together electronic dance icons Skrillex and Diplo, their live shows at Reading & Leeds 2016 will be a summer extravaganza like no other. 
 
In a European Festival Exclusive, Imagine Dragons will be returning to Reading & Leeds; with a catalogue of chart hits including ‘Radioactive’, ‘It’s Time’ and ‘Demons’ that are destined to whip the capacity crowds into frenzy. Reading & Leeds 2016 will be the only place to catch them in Europe over the summer. 
 
Commenting on their appearance at Reading & Leeds this year, the band say:
“Reading and Leeds is one of the best festivals in the world. We look forward to the wonderful people. The music. And even the mud. See you soon."
 
Two Door Cinema Club joins the impressive line up at Reading & Leeds this year in a UK Festival Exclusiveperformance. Expect old favourites and new tracks galore, as the Northern Irish trio smash yet another festival crowd on their way to indie immortality.
 
The hottest name in hip-hop, Fetty Wap will make his debut UK Live Appearance at this year’s Reading and Leeds, in yet another UK Festival Exclusive. Shaking up the hip-hop scene with his dark tales of modern life, the underground king has remained an untouchable enigma since his rise to stardom. The master behind 2015 hit ‘Trap Queen’, Fetty also made Billboard history when his first four singles – ‘Trap Queen’, ‘Again’, ‘My Way’ and ‘679’ – charted simultaneously on the Hot Rap Songs chart.
 
A true breakthrough success story, the soaring vocals from Nothing But Thieves will be returning to Reading & Leeds bringing their unique brand of rock, and hits from their eponymous debut album released late last year. They’ll be sharing the bill with pulsating electro pioneers Crystal Castles fresh from a new line up and sound, expect a barrage of synthesised distortion and a visceral live show like no other.
 
Nothing But Thieves said on their Reading & Leeds return:
"Last year’s Reading & Leeds was one of our highlights of 2015, it was an honour to play a stage that we've seen so many bands at since we were kids, cannot wait to be playing Reading & Leeds again this year."
 
Parkway Drive are set to bring their angry metalcore cocktail to Reading & Leeds 2016 with their only UK Festival appearance of the summer, whilst The Internet will be gripping the crowds with their modern take on neo-soul and trip-hop in yet another UK Festival Exclusive.
 
Securing Reading & Leeds 2016 as the go-to festival for global dance superstars, co-headliners Disclosure will be joined on the line-up by ‘Gecko (Overdrive)’ chart supremo Oliver Heldens and the undisputed queen of UK danceHannah Wants for bursts of unrelenting electronic gold.
 
Hannah Wants: "2015 was my very first experience playing Reading & Leeds and wow I was impressed! The crowds were absolutely insaaaaaane! I’m so hyped to returning again this year!”
 
Oliver Heldens says: “I’m really looking forward to play at Reading and Leeds this August. I like the fact that there is a very diverse line up and I hope to see some cool acts when I’m at the festival. I can’t wait to be back in the UK and hope to see you all there!”
 
On the Alternative Stage we’re thrilled to announce headliners Kurupt FM will present Champagne Steam Rooms, bringing the pure vibes of champagne era UKG to Reading & Leeds 2016, with special guest DJ Barely Legal, one of the best bass DJs around. On release, the BBC mockumentary pilot, People Just Do Nothing, became the most popular programme of the month. Following the MCs behind West London’s finest pirate radio station, the show developed a cult following, and with Series 3 airing in 2016 they’re now revelling in success. They’re the biggest thing to come out of Brentford since the football club and they’re taking over Reading & Leeds
 
Joining Kurupt FM on the Alternative Stage at Reading and Leeds 2016 are Cassetteboy. Their most popular videos, Cassetteboy vs The Bloody Apprentice, and David Cameron’s Conference Rap, have both been watched over 6 million times.  They’ve enlisted the help of their shouty friend DJ Rubbish to create a comedy disco. He’ll be hyping up the crowd while Cassetteboy caper around behind him. The resulting show looks like your Tivo box went out clubbing and got hammered.  Dot Cotton and Gregg Wallace are mashed up with Rihanna and The Human League in the weirdest party you’ve ever been to.  It will be a stupid, messy, funny festival highlight.
 
Standing as the only place to catch the biggest and most influential acts of modern times, Reading & Leeds 2016 is destined to be the epicentre of the 2016 music calendar, full of exclusive moments that will define the year in modern music. 
 
Newly announced additions:
 
Foals (Co-Headliner)
Disclosure (Co-Headliner)
Jack Ü
Imagine Dragons (European Festival Exclusive)
Two Door Cinema Club (UK Festival Exclusive)
Fetty Wap (UK Festival Exclusive)
Crystal Castles
Parkway Drive (UK Festival Exclusive)
Nothing But Thieves
The Internet (UK Festival Exclusive)
Oliver Heldens
Hannah Wants
Kurupt FM Presents: Champagne Steam Rooms
CassetteBoy vs DJ Rubbish
 
Previously announced:
Red Hot Chili Peppers (Headliner: Festival Exclusive)
The 1975
Courteeners
Boy Better Know
Twenty One Pilots
Eagles Of Death Metal (UK Festival Exclusive)
Slaves
Hinds
Rat Boy
DJ EZ

Red Hot Chili Peppers to headline Reading and Leeds 2016

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Reading & Leeds Festivals are excited to announce RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS as the first headliners for 2016.

Taking to the main stage for what promises to be a phenomenal headline set as a FESTIVAL EXCLUSIVE, Red Hot Chili Peppers are; Anthony Kiedis, Flea, Chad Smith and Josh Klinghoffer. Returning to Reading and Leeds Festival nine years after their last performance there, it’s fair to say their live return is highly anticipated. When the band were asked which UK Festival they would like to play next summer, Chad Smith commented “the simultaneous answer was ‘Reading and Leeds’”

Melvin Benn commented:

“I’m thrilled to be able to announce Red Hot Chili Peppers as the first headliner for Reading & Leeds 2016, as a festival exclusive. Their incredible live show will be an unforgettable headline performance at the UK's biggest music festival. We’ve still got some really exciting names to announce and I can’t wait to reveal the rest of the line up. It’s going to be our best year yet.”

The 1975 will be making a huge appearance at next year’s festival following the release of their highly anticipated second album. With a gargantuan new stage set up and a fiercely dedicated fan base, their appearance is going to be undeniably special.

Mancunian festival favourites Courteeners will also be returning in majestic fashion in 2016, following the release of ‘Concrete Love’ and a huge show in Heaton Park earlier this summer, priming them for a massive performance.

With a famously visceral live show, Twenty One Pilots appearance at Reading & Leeds 2016 looks set to be nothing short of mind blowing, especially in the wake of their November sold-out UK tour and their recent album Blurryface, which topped the Billboard Charts. 2015 has been a huge year for the guys and with another sold out tour under their belts in February and two nights at Madison Square Garden in the summer, 2016 is set to be another incredible year for this band and their performance at Reading & Leeds will definitely cement them as the most exciting band around right now.

Slaves embody some of the emerging talent on offer at the festival, moving into a bigger slot after storming their performance this year, not to mention their Mercury Prize nomination earlier this month.

Slaves commented: 

“It's always a pleasure to play at Reading and Leeds and it's an honour to be invited back to play again in 2016. The crowds have been good to us and we are always very grateful. The line up is always a gooden and we're looking forward to being part of it and taking things up another level this time. See you there xxx”

Another group known for their raucous live shows, HINDS have undoubtedly proved themselves as one of the finest new bands to surface this year, winning crowds over across Europe with their delightfully ramshackle performance, fans will need to look out for their debut Reading and Leeds performance. RAT BOY is also joining the line up – fresh after a summer of huge shows, including last month’s inaugural Community Festival and a recent tour supporting The 1975, hit singles such as ‘Sign On’ and ‘Fake ID’ will no doubt draw huge sing-alongs.

Rat Boy commented:

“It’s gonna be lit!”

Reading & Leeds favourites Crossfaith will no doubt see a crowd of thousands descend on the legendary Japanese rave-metal group’s performance.

Crossfaith commented:

“It is an absolute honour to be invited to legendary rock festival ‘Reading & Leeds’ three years in a row. We are always feeling your big love for us! Can't wait to party and rock with you guys! See you in da pit! Let's make history!”

Kicking off a huge dance line up, the iconic DJ EZ has also been revealed to perform. A master of his craft, EZ has played to crowds all over the world over the last decade, making him the perfect candidate to get the Reading & Leeds crowd moving.

DJ EZ commented:

"I can't wait for these festivals! Looking forward to seeing you there."

Reading and Leeds Festival announce BBC Introducing Stage for 2015

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Forever championing up and coming talent, the BBC Introducing Stage is back once again this year offering one of the biggest launch platforms for new music from the UK, having last year offered up sets from the likes of Jack Garratt, Rae Morris, and Prides. Over the years BBC Introducing stage has also hosted R&L debut slots from Jake Bugg, Catfish and the Bottlemen and Spector, the stage is a must visit for anyone wishing to catch future stars’ formative moments.

Headlining the Friday at Reading and the Saturday at Leeds will be hotly tipped genre-masher Georgia whose debut, self-titled album is sure to be one of the alternative hits of the summer. She’ll be joined by Warrington based indie poppers Viola Beach, Bristol grunge-rock quartet The Jacques, Reading locals The Amazons, singer-songwriter Martin Luke Brown, electronic trio Moon Tourists, Hull alternative four piece LIFE and metalcore heavyweights Return To Rome.

Saturday at Reading and Sunday at Leeds will see the stage headlined by hotly-tipped, freshly signed Liverpool band Clean Cut Kid whose whip-smart pop is surely destined for the festival’s bigger stages! Also appearing on the stage that day are Leeds genre-spanners Clay, NME-tipped rock ’n’ rollers Demob Happy, Glasgow art-pop quintet White, indie-rock songwriter John Joseph Brill, folk punk band Ducking Punches, the psychedelic garage of Crosa Rosa as well as Reading rockers Area 52.

Closing the weekend at Reading on the Sunday and headlining the first night on Friday at Leeds will be the massively up and coming, high energy band Childcare. Their playful debut EP Flush has garnered a huge amount of attention and with good reason; they are not to be missed. Joining them are moody London alt-rockersThe Big Moon, Telford newcomers Hyena, 60s beat influenced group Hidden Charms, DIY surf-rock songwriterWillie J Healey, blues-rock duo Kit Trigg, Leeds electronic pop artist Skinner and brooding dream-pop bandR51.

The stage also plays host to Irish grunge-pop band Otherkin, the infectious pop of Vitamin, experimental duoMalpas and Paul Weller championed Brighton five piece White Room alongside Centre Stage Competition winners The Mallrats as well as Futuresound Competition runners up Treason Kings, Samuel S. Parkes, Happy Daggers, Where Fires Are and NARCS.

With something for everyone and the cream of the UK’s upcoming talent on display, the BBC Introducing Stage is the place to be for any discerning new music fan.

Reading & Leeds 2015 Announce Alternative Stage And Transgressive Takeover

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With eight weeks to go until the Festival gates open, the line-up for the Alternative Stage at Reading & Leeds has been announced. With tickets for both sites still available there’s never been a better time to buy a ticket. On top of the already huge line-up including headlinersMumford and Sons, Metallica and The Libertines comes a host of the best in comedy and alternative talent from the UK and beyond plus the annual after-hours takeover from Transgressive Records.
 
Heading up proceedings on the comedy front is TV favourite Milton Jones, whose regular appearances on ‘Mock The Week’ along withmultiple Radio 4 shows has made him the leader of the pack when it comes to deadpan comedy. With sidesplitting one-liners aplenty, his Reading & Leeds performance is not to be missed. Bringing the jokes outside of the 140 character limit, Rob Delaney will also be making appearances at Reading & Leeds, proving his worth as an acclaimed stand up comedian after finding fame through making jokes on Twitter. Also heading for Leeds will be Adam Buxton of BBC6 Music fame who will perform his BFI London show BUG. TV joker Russell Kane will also be bringing his hugely popular brand of comedy to the festival, offering a rare chance to see the funnyman outside of the huge venues he’s already playing around the country.
 
With a line-up also including the brilliant ‘Stand Up For The Week’ regular and star of BBC’s Twenty Twelve Sara Pascoe and Canadian Comedy star Katherine Ryan who was a breakout star on Live At The Apollo both of whom who you’ll have seen on Never Mind The Buzzcocks, QI, Have I Got News For You and Mock The Week. They are joined by wild haired standup and Virtually Famous TV star Seann Walsh, fast rising UK star Daniel Sloss and ‘Show Me The Funny’ finalist Tiffany Stevenson, The Alternative Stage is truly one of the must see parts of the festival.
 
The comedy bill expands even further with the delightfully cutting Stephen K Amos, the hugely inventive Abandoman, Radio 1 star Tom Deacon, the man from TV’s Uncle and Heavy Entertainment; Nick Helm, panel-show favourite the hilarious Holly Walsh, the fearlessly funnySuzi Ruffell, metalhead Andrew O’Neill, comedian and captain of ITV’s Reality Bites Joel Dommett, online superstar, fantastic comic and Beyoncé enthusiast Luisa Omielan, impractical joker Paul McCaffrey,Viral Tap and Xtra Factor star Matt Richardson, Edinburgh 2014 Best Newcomer Award winner Alex Edelman, BBC regular and break out star Dane Baptiste, Magician and Comic just returned from dazzling Las Vegas the side-splittingly funny Piff The Magic Dragon, sketch icons Wit Tank, fast-rising star David Morgan the newly announced co-host of ITV’s SafeWord, and finally everyone’s favourite from Channel 4’s Mr Drew’s School for Boys teacher and rapper, Mark Grist.
 
The famous Alternative Stage is far more than just another festival comedy tent though, as it bills some of the best in forward thinking music and spoken word. Fast gaining a name as one of the UK’s most vital talents after appearing on the BBC Sound of 2015 longlist, George The Poet will be bringing his incredible, realistic, unafraid hybrid of spoken word and hip hop to the festival, which is sure to be an unforgettable moment of the weekend. Another huge name joining the bill is Jaguar Skills who will be spinning some of his most notable, eclectic, multi-genre mixes, alongside London-based electronica and Techno producer Max Cooper who is making his Leeds Festival debut. 
 
On top of this, Transgressive’s annual takeover brings together another hotly anticipated late-night line-up to Reading & Leeds. Fresh after celebrating their 10th anniversary at the festival last year, the independent label is bringing another specially curated bill that is their biggest yet. Hi-jacking the Saturday and Sunday nights in Leeds, the stage will run from 9.30pm until late, featuring a host of emerging and established talent throughout the weekend. Grime hero Wiley will be bringing his fantastic and ferocious live show to the tent in the wake of his critically acclaimed album Snakes and Ladders, released at the end of 2014 to huge fanfare. Looking to the future stars of the genre, Novelist will be also be making an appearance, while the likes of Jackmaster, Madame X and DJ Target will get crowds moving throughout the weekend.
 
Transgressive will be taking over Reading by bringing Dj-ing talent to a Silent Disco in the Alternative Stage courtesy of Alt J, Palma Violets,Peace and BBC Radio 1's Huw Stephens and Jen Long, which looks set to be nothing short of spectacular.
 
All of this sits alongside parties from Buttoned Down Disco and a series of extra special DJ sets from The Libertines’ Gary Powell and The Kooks’ Hugh Harris for Propaganda.

Reading and Leeds Festival add more acts to their lineup for 2015

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With a huge bill topped by festival headliners Metallica, Mumford & Sons and The Libertines plus a supporting cast of some of the world’s biggest names in music including Kendrick Lamar, Alt J and Bring Me The Horizon, the already bursting Reading & Leeds Festival lineup is now bolstered by even more incredible names.

MAIN STAGE

With the Main Stage lineup already providing a huge number of must-see acts across this summer’s bank holiday weekend,Mariachi El Bronx return to the prestigious opening slot to bring festival crowds their signature brand of traditional mariachi and feel good pop for a set that is sure to bring the sunshine. The LA punks, The Bronx, will also play The Lock up Stage.

NME/BBC RADIO 1 STAGE

Taking the NME/BBC Radio 1 Stage on the Friday at Reading and Saturday at Leeds, The Struts will be making their R&L debut this year; treating crowds to their potent mix of indie and glam rock as found on last years ‘Everybody Wants’ LP. Having played support to The Rolling Stones last year, they are truly a world-class rock act.

Since forming in 2009 Chicago, Illinois natives Twin Peaks have continued to build on the buzz surrounding their furious brand of garage punk. Heading for Reading on the Saturday and Sunday at Leeds, theirs is a set not to be missed. 

To say that British songwriter and producer Shura has a bright future ahead of her would be a complete understatement. With standout headline shows under her belt and armed with tracks like the smooth electro-pop of recent Radio 1 championed single ‘2Shy’, expect huge crowds on Sunday at Reading and Friday at Leeds. 

BBC RADIO 1 DANCE STAGE

Dance music enthusiasts can once again rejoice as the BBC Radio 1 Dance Stage once again brings only the finest acts from across the world together under one roof.

Joining this year’s lineup are Australian hitmaker Hayden James, German deep-house wizard Ferdinand Weber, a very special live set from DJ Fresh, Irish favourites Riptide Movement, live electronic duo Maribou State, pop starlet Petite Meller and The Six. 

THE LOCK UP/PIT STAGE

A host of exciting new names have been announced for The Lock Up/Pit stage, including The Bronx and Progressive metal legends Baroness. Japanese noise-mongers Bo Ningen will bring their visceral, undeniably unique sound to a mid-afternoon slot on Friday Reading / Saturday Leeds. Earlier in the day the gloriously destructive God Damn will be proving why so much hype has surrounded them in recent months. Vant will also be opening proceedings with Skinny Lister.Elsewhere throughout the weekend, No Devotion and As It Is join a mammoth lineup on Saturday Reading / Sunday Leeds, further proving why The Lock Up / Pit Stage is one of the festival’s most exciting, diverse areas on site.

FESTIVAL REPUBLIC STAGE

The Festival Republic Stage remains the area of the festivals with a focus on both emerging and established alternative talent. Having appeared on the BBC Sound of 2015 longlist earlier this year, Sunset Sons‘ fresh brand of beachside indie has built a huge fan base who will no doubt pack out the tent Friday Reading / Saturday Leeds. Scottish synth-poppersNeon Waltz play Saturday Reading / Sunday Leeds having drawn critical acclaim from blogs around the world whilst Spring King fuse visceral indie with modern pop charm.

Seether and The Last Internationale complete the current announcement, rounding off an incredible stage lineup that features the best alternative talent the world has to offer.

BBC 1XTRA STAGE

Further proving the vital place of Hip Hop and Urban music at R&L, more names have also been added to the hugely popular BBC 1XTRA Stage. Bringing together 80’s pop hooks with a 60’s aesthetic, Brighton’s Remi Miles will open the stage Saturday Reading / Sunday Leeds.

Fresh after collaborating with Jamie XX, unlikely rap hero Young Thug will also be making a rare appearance Friday Leeds / Saturday Reading, bringing a barrage of hits that prove impossible not to shout along to.

Sibling production / DJ duo Star.One also join the lineup, perfectly encapsulating the diverse and groundbreaking nature of both the BBC 1xtra Stage, and Reading and Leeds as a whole.

Alexisonfire come together at Reading and Leeds Festival

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ALEXISONFIRE have announced they will come together for a series of summer festivals. They have made Reading and Leeds their exclusive European performance.

The classic lineup of George Pettit, Chris Steele, Wade MacNeil, Dallas Green and Jordan ‘Ratbeard’ Hastings will come back to British soil for the first time since they briefly reunited for a worldwide 10th anniversary tour in 2012.

One of the biggest bands to come out of Canada’s underground music scene, Alexisonfire released four successful albums internationally, and amassed a legion of fans all over the world.

ALEXISONFIRE play the Main Stage on Saturday at Reading and Sunday at Leeds, joining headliners Metallica alongside Bring Me The Horizon, Royal Blood, Pierce The Veil and Marmozets.

Mumford & Sons and The Libertines will also headline the Festivals this August Bank Holiday

The Libertines will headline Reading and Leeds Festival 2015

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Reading & Leeds Festivals are thrilled to announce The Libertines as the final of this year’s Main Stage headliners!  The indie-rockers will bring the good ship Albion to the Festivals this summer, cementing a Reading & Leeds legacy which dates back to 2002.  

Rising up through the Festivals’ billing, the legendary troubadours Peter Doherty, Carl Barât, Gary Powell and John Hassall made their Main Stage debut in 2003 and returned in 2004. The band blew the crowds away in 2010 when they famously reunited at the Festivals and now, for the first time, they will take their rightful place as Reading & Leeds headliners. With their long awaited new record in the works, their set will undoubtedly be one of the defining moments of Reading & Leeds 2015.

In an exclusive video message, Peter Doherty said: “

I’ve just woken up and I can’t stop thinking about playing at Reading & Leeds.”

John Hassall said: 

"Really excited to be playing Reading and Leeds this year. There is a great vibe in the band and we should be doing some new songs too. So it'll be the best Reading and Leeds ever!”

Gary Powell said: 

"We are all extremely happy to be playing Reading and Leeds this year.  As Reading and Leeds was the festival that graciously allowed us to perform back in 2010 at our first attempt at reforming, and the audience were amazing in their reception of us, it seems only right that we go back to the scene of the crime and do our best to not only replicate what we did back then – but do better, for the fans and friends we have met along the way. Here’s wishing 'us all' luck come R&L. We’ve all got a lot of work to do!!!!I for one am excited for the challenge and looking forward to seeing everybody!"

Festival boss Melvin Benn comments:

“What a band to announce as our third headliner. The Libertines are part of the Reading & Leeds family and I can’t wait for the boys to walk on to our Main Stages in their rightful place at the top of the bill.

“I’m excited to announce over 50 other phenomenally talented acts today who will bring amazing performances for our fans. I really think we’ve got the ultimate line-up this year. Where else can you see Kendrick Lamar on the same day as Deadmau5 and Years & Years, or Marmozets on the same day as Azealia Banks or Metallica, or All Time Low on the same day as Knife Party or Mumford & Sons!

“It’s almost exactly six months to the Festivals and I already can’t wait until August Bank Holiday weekend.

"Having spent some time reviewing the ticket price and talking to people about it I felt that where we had got to with the day price was too high and once I really examined it decided to go the whole hog and reduce it to £59.50. However, anyone thinking it’s a way to get the weekend including camping cheaper will be disappointed. It will not give access to the campsite as I'm creating new entrances for day ticket holders. It’s still great though for those that don't want to camp." 

 Over fifty further names are also revealed today, joining artists already announced for the Festivals including Main Stage headliners Mumford & Sons and Metallica, proving that Reading & Leeds is the Festival for true music fans.

MAIN STAGE

On the Friday at Reading and Saturday at Leeds, pop-punkers All Time Low will return to the Festival for the first time since 2012 with eagerly anticipated new album ‘Future Hearts’ in tow.

Sheffield’s Bring Me The Horizon have established themselves as the UK’s biggest and best metal crossover act, and will follow up their all-conquering sold out Wembley Arena headline show last year with a set immediately before Metallica on the Main Stage on Saturday at Reading / Sunday at Leeds. Their performance at the Festivals this summer is a European exclusive.

Grammy nominated rapper Kendrick Lamar will showcase his unparalleled ability and powerful wordplay in his debut performance at the Festivals, creative indie rock heroes The Maccabees will take the Main Stage and will play some tracks from their forthcoming album, Wakefield rock band and NME Outstanding Contribution to Music Winners The Cribs whose hotly anticipated new album ‘For All My Sisters’ will be released this March.

Panic! At The Disco will bring their incredible grown up pop-rock and infectious hooks back to the Main Stage, along with anthemic rock quintet Lonely The Brave, who return following their hugely successful set in 2014.

Pop Punk’s most exciting new band Neck Deep have set course for Reading & Leeds this summer to demonstrate exactly why they were named ‘Best Newcomer’ at last year’s Kerrang! Awards and West Yorkshire Festival favourites Marmozets will bring their incendiary live set back to Reading & Leeds as they graduate to Main Stage billing.

NME/BBC RADIO 1 STAGE

Following the release of their debut studio album ‘Abandon Ship’ late last year, electronic dance duo Knife Party return to the Festivals this summer for an extra special closing set on the Friday at Reading and Saturday at Leeds.

American rock band Limp Bizkit and rap prodigy Tyler, The Creator also join the bill, along with Birmingham indie poppers Swim Deep, inventive British art rock band Everything Everything, indie rock quartet Peace and North London production duo Gorgon City.Also revealed today are Math rock legends American Football, Liverpudlian band of the moment Circa Waves, beat-maker and prolificproducer Jamie XX, leftfield pop musicians Glass Animals, emotionally charged Pennsylvania four-piece The Districts and Punk duo Slaves.

BBC RADIO 1 DANCE STAGE

Boy Better Know featuring JME, Skepta, Wiley, Shorty, Solo 45, Maximum, Jammer & Frisco will be headlining the BBC Radio 1 Dance Stage on the Sunday at Reading and the Friday at Leeds.  Headed up by JME, brother Skepta and Wiley, they are the leading collective in Grime. 

 Also performing across the weekend are drum & bass duo Camo & Krooked, producer and techno artist Brodinski, Scottish production wizard Hudson Mohawke, mysterious R ’n’ B maestro Ben Kahn and My Nu Leng, who will bring their big bounding beats to the Festival. London based feel-good House duo Toyboy & Robin, New York electric pop duo Cardiknox, geek-step Midlander FTSE, electronic producer Porter Robinson presents his incredible Worlds live show, LA DJ Dillon Francis, and self-proclaimed ‘sad dance’ musician Tourist will also be performing.

THE LOCK UP/PIT STAGE

As one of the most influential pop punk bands of all time, and with a rich history at Reading & Leeds, New Found Glory return to headline The Lock Up on Friday at Reading / Saturday at Leeds. Three-time Grammy nominated titans of metal Mastodon will take top billing on Saturday at Reading / Sunday at Leeds.

Canadian hardcore heavyweights Cancer Bats also join the line-up, along with ex-My Chemical Romance guitarist Frank Iero, who brings his new project FrnkIero Andthe Cellabration. Swedish theatrical metallers Ghost, technical death metal band Gojira and reunited hardcore legends Modern Life Is War will rock the stage across the weekend. Anthemic punkers The Menzingers, Sheffield’s top metal band While She Sleeps, Southampton five piece Bury Tomorrow and rockers Simple Plan are also revealed for the Festival bill.

FESTIVAL REPUBLIC STAGE

All three Festival Republic Stage headliners are revealed in today’s announcement, with a very special set from Django Django closing the stage on Friday at Reading / Saturday at Leeds. Indie rock veterans The Wombats will headline the stage on Saturday at Reading / Sunday at Leeds and fan favourite Frank Turner will bring a special solo set to Reading on Sunday / Leeds on Friday.

Legendary Irish rockers Ash will make a welcome return to Reading & Leeds, building on a rich history with the Festivals dating back to their first performance at Reading in 1995. Having recently announced their new album, their set will be yet another classic performance providing the soundtrack to the summer.

Also performing on the stage will be Canadian indie-pop quintet Alvvays, fast rising rockers Coasts, grunge revivalists Darlia and Australian indie sensation DMA’s. The soaring melodies of Jake Isaac, folky Sydney trio Little May, the socially observant hip-hop/rock of Ratboy, American baroque pop band San Fermin, young South Londoners The Bulletproof Bomb, the soaring rock of We Are The Ocean, irish rock-pop five piece Walking On Cars and Missouri garage punk brothers Radkey make the Festival Republic Stage the one-stop shop for all things on the rise, alongside some of the biggest names in music.

BBC 1XTRA STAGE

Now a well-established feature of Reading & Leeds, the BBC Radio 1Xtra Stage will bring the absolute best in urban music across the three days of the Festival. Co-headlining on the Friday at Reading and the Saturday at Leeds are Harlem trap lord A$AP Ferg and hazy Brooklyn hip hop crew Flatbush Zombies, providing an incredible East coast double header of real rap music. Having finally dropped her long awaited debut album ‘Broke With Expensive Taste’ late last year, Azealia Banks returns to Reading & Leeds for one of her characteristically high octane live sets to headline the 1Xtra Stage on Saturday at Reading and Sunday at Leeds.

With one final headliner still to be revealed for the stage, the tent will host sets from Miami bass turntablist Craze, South London hip hop duo Krept & Konan, grime hero and UK trailblazer Lethal Bizzle and the fresh sounds of Essex rapper Nick Brewer. The line-up grows even further with the addition of genre-blurring urban DJ Oneman and the unique dream-rap of Pell. New York natives Ratking are one of the purest voices of modern underground rap music and this year marks their debut R&L performance alongside MOBO Award ‘Best Grime Act’ and BBC Sound Of runner up Stormzy. Brotherly hip hop duo Rae Sremmurd are also announced today.

Newly announced today:

The Libertines (Headliner)

 A$AP Ferg

All Time Low

Alvvays

American Football

Ash

Azealia Banks

Ben Kahn

Boy Better Know

Bring Me The Horizon (European Festival Exclusive)

Brodinski

Bury Tomorrow

Camo & Krooked

Cancer Bats

Cardiknox

Circa Waves

Coasts

Craze

Darlia

Dillon Francis

Django Django

DMA’s

Everything Everything

Flatbush Zombies

Frank Turner (solo)

Frnkiero Andthe Cellabration
 

FTSE

Ghost

Glass Animals

Gojira

Gorgon City

Hudson Mohawke

Jake Isaac

Jamie XX

Kendrick Lamar

Knife Party

Krept & Konan

Lethal Bizzle

Limp Bizkit

Little May

Lonely The Brave

Marmozets

Mastodon

Modern Life Is War

My Nu Leng

Neck Deep

New Found Glory

Nick Brewer

Oneman

Panic! At the Disco

Peace

Pell

Porter Robinson

Radkey

Rae Sremmurd

Rat Boy

Ratking

San Fermin

Simple Plan

Slaves

Stormzy

Swim Deep

The Bulletproof Bomb

The Districts

The Maccabees

The Menzingers

The Wombats

Toyboy & Robin

Tourist

Tyler, The Creator

Walking On Cars

We Are The Ocean

While She Sleeps

 

Already announced:

Metallica (Headliner and UK Festival Exclusive)

Mumford & Sons (Headliner and England & Wales Festival Exclusive)

Bastille (England & Wales Festival Exclusive)

Catfish and The Bottlemen

Deadmau5

Hannah Wants

Jack Garratt

Jamie T

Manchester Orchestra

Pierce The Veil

Pretty Vicious

Rebel Sound

Refused

Royal Blood (UK Summer Festival Exclusive)

Run The Jewels

Wilkinson (Live)

Wolf Alice

Years & Years

Mumford and Sons to headline Reading and Leeds Festival 2015

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Reading & Leeds Festivals are very excited to announce Mumford & Sons as Main Stage headliners!  The British rock band last appeared at Reading & Leeds in 2010 when they performed a triumphant set to a packed NME/BBC Radio 1 Stage. The band return to Reading & Leeds just four years later as Festival headliners.  

Festival boss Melvin Benn comments:

“I’m delighted to have secured Mumford & Sons for Main Stage headliners this summer and can’t wait to see them return to the Festivals for their first UK performance in over two years. With today’s announcement of a further eight great acts joining the bill, the Reading & Leeds line-up is already shaping up to be one of the best ever and I’m looking forward to revealing the third headliner and even more great artists soon.”

Reading & Leeds continue to tear-up the festival season by securing performances from some of the biggest bands around.

Royal Blood bring what the NME memorably described as an “absolute turbo bastard of a rock record” to Reading & Leeds exclusively this summer; the duo’s unique take on drums and bass has seen their self-titled debut sell almost a million copies worldwide to date.

Bastille are no strangers to the Festivals, having debuted on the Festival Republic Stage in 2012 then returned to storm the NME/BBC Radio 1 Stage in 2013.

As one of the biggest progressive-house producers in the world, deadmau5 promises to use incredible live production to give Reading & Leeds fans one of the biggest dance sets of the weekend.

Supergroup Rebel Sound formed of Chase & Status, Rage, David Rodigan and Shy FX combine reggae and dancehall beats through to drum ‘n’ bass and jungle – Chase & Status gave Reading & Leeds ‘crowd destroying’ sets in 2013; fans won’t know what is going hit them this summer.

Chase & Status said: "The last time we played Reading & Leeds, the crowd were insane and we had to stop the set four times – there was so much energy. This year, we’re coming back as Rebel Sound, Culture Clash Champions 2014 – ourselves and Rage, David Rodigan and Shy FX. We’ve only performed together once and it’s safe to say that night was incredible. We’re already preparing the new dubs…can’t wait to see what the Reading & Leeds crowd will bring this summer.”

Having spent years on the road honing their craft Catfish and The Bottlemen’s debut LP ‘The Balcony’ saw them catapulted into the public consciousness. With a sold out tour on the horizon including two nights at the legendary Brixton Academy, Reading & Leeds is the perfect place to catch tunes like their irrepressible single ‘Cocoon’.

The band said: "Made up to announce that we'll be back at this year’s Reading and Leeds! Last year really was a gamechanger for us and one of, if not the best shows we've ever done! This year's gonna blow it away…"

After recently topping the BBC Sound of 2015 poll, London’s Years & Years will be making their Reading & Leeds debut. Bringing their expertly considered pop melodies to the Festival to perform singles, ‘Desire’ ‘Take Shelter’ and ‘King,’ they'll show why they've been deservedly crowned stars.

The band said: "Wooooo we are so excited to be playing Reading and Leeds Festival! We'll be bringing three times as many synths as Metallica – can't wait to party with you all."

Lead by the beautiful, melancholy vocals of lead singer Ellie Rowsell, North London’s Wolf Alice craft skuzzy grunge-pop of a quality that has seen them championed by media and fans who have pushed them up through the ranks of Reading & Leeds.

Youthful indie-punk four piece hailing from Merthyr Tydfil in the Welsh Valleys, Pretty Vicious have already received daytime BBC Radio 1 support from the likes of Fearne Cotton and Greg James. The band’s set is sure to turn heads at the Festivals this summer.

Mesmerising singer and multi-instrumentalist Jack Garratt will be returning to Reading & Leeds this summer with his spellbinding vocals, triggered samples and amazing guitar solos.

Hannah Wants began the year named as Mixmag’s breakthrough DJ of 2014 and will make her Reading & Leeds debut with her hard-hitting, heavy bass sound. Hannah’s bound to put her mark on the Festivals when she drops her hit ‘Rhymes’.

CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS FOR READING AND LEEDS FESTIVAL

Newly announced today:

Mumford & Sons (Headliner: England and Wales Festival Exclusive)

Royal Blood (UK Summer Festival Exclusive)

Bastille (England and Wales Festival Exclusive)

Deadmau5

Rebel Sound feat. Chase & Status and Rage, David Rodigan and Shy FX

Catfish and The Bottlemen

Years & Years

Wolf Alice

Pretty Vicious

Jack Garratt

Hannah Wants

Previously announced:

Metallica (Headliner and UK Festival Exclusive)

Jamie T

Pierce The Veil

Wilkinson (Live)

Run The Jewels

Refused

Manchester Orchestra

Metallica to headline Reading and Leeds Festival 2015

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Reading & Leeds Festivals are excited to announce undisputed global superstars Metallica as the first headliners for 2015 in a UK Festival Exclusive performance. James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett, Lars Ulrich and Rob Trujillo will take to the Main Stage next August Bank Holiday Weekend to provide a defining moment of the 2015 festival season.

Returning to the prestigious headline spot for a record fourth time in 2015, the band have a rich history at the Festivals, having first headlined Reading Festival 18 years ago. With a career spanning over three decades and more than 110 million records sold across the world, Metallica are undoubtedly one of the biggest and best live acts on the planet. Their critically acclaimed film ‘Some Kind of Monster’ will be re-released on December 15th, available for the first time digitally and on Blu-ray, and including ‘Metallica: This Monster Lives’, a brand new 25-minute feature following up on the last decade with the band.

Lars Ulrich from Metallica says:

“We are obviously beyond thrilled to be returning to headline the magnificent and mighty double shot at Reading & Leeds for the fourth time. We are practically the house band. Bring it!”

Festival boss Melvin Benn comments:

“I’m excited to be able to announce Metallica as the first headliner for Reading & Leeds 2015. Their amazing live show promises to be a favourite with rock, metal and genuine music fans at the UK's most important music festival, perfectly topping a bill of brilliant acts from across the genres. I’m looking forward to revealing the rest of the Festival line up, which will feature the absolute best of rock, indie, dance and hip hop and will only add to the amazing atmosphere that make Reading & Leeds so special.”

Following this year’s explosive secret set at Reading, Jamie T will make the trip to both Festival sites in 2015. Fresh from a hugely successful sold out UK tour and the release of third album ‘Carry On The Grudge’ this autumn, Jamie T is one of the hottest acts of the moment and an exciting addition to the Festival line-up.

Fresh from their highly anticipated fourth studio album, Californian post-hardcore favourites Pierce The Veil will be making their long-awaited Reading & Leeds debut in 2015.

Vic Fuentes from the band comments:

"We've been dying to do these Festivals ever since we started touring in the UK!  It's such an honour to be a part of something that people wait all year round to see.”

With his set this year proving to be one of the defining moments on the BBC Radio 1 Dance Stage, drum ‘n’ bass maestro Wilkinson is no stranger to Reading & Leeds. Stepping up his live show yet another notch following his ‘Lazers Not Included’ tour, he will be returning to the Festival in 2015.

Headlining The Pit Stage, Refused have become one of the most influential heavy bands of a generation. The Swedish punk band’s now legendary album ‘The Shape Of Punk To Come’ fused noisy hardcore, post-punk, techno and jazz to create an entirely original sound. Since reforming for shows in 2012, the band have returned stronger than ever with a live set that shows the true scope of their musical legacy.

With two critically acclaimed albums released in the last two years, Run The Jewels are arguably the hottest hip-hop act on the planet. Making their Reading & Leeds debut next year, rap veterans Killer Mike and El-P’s performance will be essential Festival viewing.

Manchester Orchestra will make their third trip to Reading & Leeds in 2015. Following the release of fourth album ‘Cope’ and this year’s stripped down alternate version ‘Hope’, their appearances at the Festivals will be a summer highlight for indie-rock fans.

Reading Festival 2014 – Sunday

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It’s officially been one week since we were stood in the middle of a field, listening to some of the best talent that one of the best festivals the UK has to offer. Back this year with some killer headliners and an insane line up; Reading Festival was set to please gig goers far and wide. With thousands heading towards the southeast, wither you are a metal head or EDM lover the line up catered for everyone needs. We were lucky enough to head down to the festival to see what went down in arena. Wither you’re in the middle of the annual post festival flu, post festival depression or just looking to see what went down, keep reading to hear our thoughts on this years performances.

Starting things off on the final day of the festival, The Story So Far opened up the main stage with an energetic performance, which was set to get the crowd moving – setting a high mark for the rest of the acts to follow. Despite some of the crowd not knowing of the band before, there wasn’t many heads in the crowd not bobbing along to the bass line, showing that there is certainly something contagious about the pop punk band. The Australian female fronted Tonight Alive followed on the main stage, with strong vocals from Jenna playing many crowd favorites including ‘Listening’ and their newest single from the Spider Man Soundtrack, ‘The Edge’. The bands confidence oozed out of their performance, and the true smiles from every member at the slightest vocal response from the crowd showed just how much they appreciate and treasure every moment on stage. It was clear to see that Young Guns had their heart set on making an impression on the festival goers by the constant encouragement to get involved, however despite the impressive performance from the band there was a minimal response. Despite this, the band continues on and produces a performance to be proud of.

 Being a band I have been wanting to see for a while, Papa Roach were a band that I had high expectations of and I was very happy to see every expectation I had was met. Vocalist Jacobi wasn’t scared of crowd interaction; in fact I am sure around half of the performance was spent on the ground giving the fans memories that they will never forget. Ending on everyone’s favorite ‘Last Resort’ the crowd erupted, proving to still be everyone’s favorite.

With the crowd packed, A Day To Remember stormed onto the main stage armed with flying toilet rolls and t-shirt launchers, set to impress. ‘All I Want’, ‘All Signs Point To Launderdale’ and ‘Homesick’ were definitely crowd pleasers, with multiple mosh pits and a constantly moving crowd, A Day To Remember were truly welcomed back to Reading Festival.

You Me At Six were easily one of the most anticipated acts of the weekend and with the addition of All Time Low’s Alex Gaskarth during Fresh Start Fever the crowd were not disappointed. With somewhat mediocre vocals from front man Josh Franceschi, the band played through a mixture of new and old tracks catering to every fan present. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis are one of the most influential acts to brace the Reading and Leeds main stage this year after their astounding actions when releasing their debut album ‘The Heist’. Playing ‘Can’t Hold Us’ twice added emphasis to their act, however I could not complain as this was my personal favorite track from the record. Certainly one of the best acts to help draw the weekend to a close. 

Keep your eye on the Summer Festival Guide website for the final instalement of our Reading Festival one week on which includes our thoughts on this years headliners!