Red Hot Chili Peppers

Leeds Festival 2016 Review

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Leeds Festival 2016.

Leeds Festival is personally my favourite festival of the year. Having one of the greatest lineups covering every single aspect of music, Reading & Leeds always delivers and still holds the title in my books as the best live music event. This year we had headliners and co. headliners, Fall Out Boy with Biffy Clyro, Foals with Disclosure, with the final day being an American rock classic, Red Hot Chili Peppers.

After the down pour of rain which occurred on the Thursday it meant that the arena could almost have been mistaken for Download Festival. Rivers upon lakes of mud and dirt meant that unless you had wellies then it was likely that your feet would not last the weekend. Still, the weather did very little to less then mood of the people as a majority if them, despite the lack of sunshine still paraded in shorts, vests and occasionally the odd pair of flip flops.

FRIDAY:

To start the day main stage opened with the American Pop Punk band, State Champs who came all the way from Albany, New York to play for their first time at Reading and Leeds. With their most recent album ‘Around The World and Back’ being released in 2015, and their huge growing fanbase, meant that their set drew a relatively large crowd for an opening act. Playing some of their top hits such as ‘Secrets’ and ‘All you are is history’, the loud and energetic music meant that the crowd were on their feet dancing and jumping from the start.

(Above: State Champs)

Another pop rock band which was an act not to miss this Friday at Leeds were Waterparks who again were another band from America, this time Austin Texas. With their quirky charm and sweet talking lead singer, they were definitely a bunch of characters who like to have fun. Having recently finished Warped Tour in America, their popularity has also been on the increase with their frequent media coverage in a lot of the most popular music magazines such as Kerrang and Rock Sound. These guys will definitely be an act to catch, but with no tour dates as of yet in the UK, if you happen to be from American they will be touring with the bands Sleeping with Sirens, Tonight Alive and State Champs, who all played Reading and Leeds this weekend in the End of Madness tour this November in America.

Leading on to Tonight Alive who were noticeably higher on the bill this year on the NME/Radio 1 Stage. Also having been on Warped Tour and recently realising their album ‘Limitless’ earlier this year, the Australian rock band produced an outstanding performance. Their lead singer Jenna McDougall who I had the pleasure of meeting briefly in the press area shortly after their set said it was “amazing to be back” since their previous performance on main stage back in 2014.

 

(Above: Tonight Alive)

As it got to later in the day, the mud was still  holding strong and but luckily the weather was clearing up. One act who has been hugely gaining popularity in the British music scene, known for his huge impact on the Grime scene who I have worked with and become friends with was Big Narstie. Originally known for his comedy and Youtube sketches, Narstie grew in the Grime industry and now with the huge collaboration with Craig David on his single ‘When the Bassline Drops’, it was definitely going to be a huge act.

One of the most anticipated acts of the evening, other than the co headliners, Fall Out Boy and Biffy Clyro, The 1975 were the next biggest band playing that evening. And undoubtably the did not disappoint. With their huge stage presence and beautiful stage setup with digital cityscapes, the band were not one to miss. Performing from their new album ‘I like it when you sleep…’ as well as their 2013 self titled album, the Manchester based band enticed the crowd who were on their feet singing along and dancing like crazy to the overly energetic and charismatic lead singer Matt Healy.

 

(Above: The 1975)

Then it was time for the huge co headlining acts, which personally were my favourite headliners out of the weekend. Fall Out Boy had been on the verge of a split back in 2010 and took a break for several years until their surprise reformation back in 2013 with their album “Save Rock and Roll’. Since then they have produced another huge selling album which meant that they thoroughly deserved that top headliner spot. I could see the love and the energy in the crowd as they performed some of their true classics such as ‘This ain’t a scene, it’s an arms race’ as well as new songs such as ‘Uma Thurman’. I have never seen a crowd be brought closer together by a love for a huge and somewhat nostalgic performance. With some people describing their performance as a resemblance to a ‘Motley Crüe’ set their wild use of dancers and firework displays could be the reasoning behind that. After a number of energetic songs, Patrick Stump chose to use the middle of his set to take it back to some of their slower songs, whilst also using their single ‘Save Rock and Roll’ which originally featured the vocals of Elton John was used to pay tribute to the death of David Bowie.

For the final act of the night, I can honestly say that I have never been moved by such an outstanding and emotionally provoking set from witnessing Biffy Clyro. Whilst I can say I was perviously apprehensive about their performance, I was hugely mistaken to believe there was any hint of doubt as they were one of the best acts I have seen live in my entire life. With their recent release of their new album ‘Ellipsis’ back in July, it was no doubt why they were given the headline slot. With their aggressive and reckless stage presence they played songs from their 2009 album, ‘Only Revolutions’ such as ‘Bubbles’ and ‘Captain’ it was ‘Many Of Horror’ which brought me as well as many of the crowd to tears as their music brought chills. Unbeatably the best act to finish a perfect first day at Leeds Festival.

SATURDAY:

To begin the second day of the festival, main stage opened up to Frank Turner. Now being his 10th consecutive year at Reading and Leeds Festival, it is almost like his second family. Bringing me and a lot of my recently found festival friends who include other photographers, journalists and radio presenters, Frank Turner was a very special act for me to watch. HIs energy and motivation to wake up the crowd with is rock and alternative music meant that it was the perfect way to start the second day at Leeds.

With more acts covering across all genres of the festival, we had comedy from the Russell Howard, dance music from Hannah Wants, the heavier rock music of Asking Alexandria and Crossfaith as well as electronic synth music of acts Crystal Castles, Chvrches and headliner, Disclosure.

 

(Above: Crystal Castles)

Following Frank Turner, Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes were next to play the main stage. Considering their angsty reputation and crazy crowds even Frank had himself saying “they probably won’t let [him] play main stage again”. With attempts to create a circle pit around the sound desk and throwing a GoPro into the crowd to film their fans, the Rattlesnakes definitely woke up and quickly removed the lingering hangover everyone had from the night before.
If they weren’t crazy enough, nothing compared to the set of Die Antwoord. If you haven’t head of this crazy duo, they recently appeared in the film Chappie and also accused the new Suicide Squad film for stealing their image. Ninja and Yolandi Visser definitely had the crowd questioning their performance as they had one of the weirdest and strangest sets of the weekend.

 

(Above: Die Antwoord)

Saturday was definitely the day for the more obscure and wacky acts. Heading over to The Pit stage I managed to catch Crossfaith, a Japanese heavy rock act whose heaving bass and eccentric guitar playing meant that mud was being kicked around by the crowd left right and centre in the many mosh pits.

One of the most anticipated acts which were performing on the NME/Radio 1 Stage on Saturday were the multiple chart holders Twenty One Pilots. The american duo have been around for a few years in the alternative rock music scene but recently drew huge popularity by featuring on the new Suicide Squad soundtrack with their song ‘Heathens’. Their performance didn’t fail to impress with their seemingly dark stage presence and heavy bass and drums. There have bee rumours that the dark duo will be returning to the UK soon which will be a gig you do not want to miss.

To follow this already excellent act we had the duo Diplo and Skrillex who performed in their collaborative stage Jack Ü. Never have I seen the tent so full. The crowd were bursting out the sides of the already huge tent desperate to hear the popular act. Performing many of their own individual songs such as ‘Cinema’ by Skrillex, they also played covers as well as hit tracks ‘Where Are you Now’ featuring Justin Bieber, and a new song which will be released soon.

 

Headliners on the Saturday were Foals and Disclosure. Foals brought the rock element to the relatively electronic lineup, once again drawing a huge crowd which only grew bigger for Disclosure. The electronic duo have been playing their fair share of festivals across the world have flown up the bill to reach the headlining spot after gaining increasing popularity over the last few years.

SUNDAY

With the festival on it’s last legs with the amount of mud reaching far above the ankles, the crowds still had high spirits which only grew as the clouds started to disappear and the sun started to shine. Starting off the day with Fatherson, the folk rock band was a warming wake up.

Just like Y Not Festival, if there was one band which I had to see, it was HECK*. Since I reviewed Y Not, Matt Reynolds leg is now fully healed which means their set was ten times as crazy. Scaling the scaffolding, kicking over amps and throwing just about everything that could be found on stage they once again did not disappoint.

After this there was a mysteriously long gap between Heck and the following act Milk Teeth, and this could only mean one thing, a secret set. It was unsure who was going to fill this slot from the start of the weekend but since the news was let out the previous day at Reading Festival, it was announced that the set will be filled by the British rock band, You Me At Six. After just releasing their new single ‘Night People’ only a few days ago, it was a surprise that no one could guess this before. After photographing and watching acts such as Milk Teeth and Vant, to which Vant have been announced to support You Me At Six on their upcoming tour, it was clear that even though the festival was drawing to a close on its last day that spirits were still high.

 

The next act which really stood out was Jack Garratt. The solo artist had the stage presence of twenty men, with his huge drum setup and almost spider-like lighting setup surrounding him, he performed with huge confidence and drew a crowd which echoed his songs almost just as loud right back to him. You could see by the look on his face that it was an incredible experience for him as well as the crowd which stood in front of him.

Headlining on the final day of Leeds festival was the classic rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers. Whilst their setlist seemed to be more of a great ‘Californiacation’ and ‘By The Way’.

With an amazing end to the weekend, Red Hot Chili Peppers definitely energised the crowd. However, i’m sure Reading Festival had an even crazier Sunday with the closing set of Biffy Clyro. The Chili Peppers were an act which every generation could enjoy. We had teenagers climbing the ice cream van to get a better view of the miraculous stage design and the slightly older generation rocking out. It has definitely been an incredible weekend which a lot of people will remember, and the memories and stories from the weekend will be taken back home with them along with copious amounts of mud stains on just about every item of clothing they own. 

Photos and review by Jade Hill.

 

 

Calvin Harris, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and loads more added to T in the Park 2016

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The 2016 festival takes place at Strathallan Castle over 8th – 10th July. Joining the bill – which already features previously announced headliners The Stone Roses, plusDisclosure, Courteeners and The 1975 – today are:
 
FRIDAY 8TH JULY: The Stone Roses, Disclosure, Courteeners, Jamie xx, James Morrison, Frightened Rabbit, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Bear’s Den, Fun Lovin’ Criminals, Krept & Konan, The Coral, The Temperance Movement, Oh Wonder
 
SATURDAY 9TH JULY: Calvin Harris, Bastille, The 1975, The Last Shadow Puppets, Catfish and the Bottlemen, Jess Glynne, Kaiser Chiefs, Travis, Tinie Tempah, Tom Odell, Stiff Little Fingers, Shed Seven, Disciples, Rat Boy, Maxi Jazz & The E-Type Boys
 
SUNDAY 10TH JULY: Red Hot Chili Peppers, LCD Soundsystem, Faithless, Major Lazer, James Bay, Jake Bugg, Frank Turner & the Sleeping Souls, Craig David’s TS5, Maximo Park, John Grant, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Nightsweats, FIDLAR, Blossoms
 
Tickets for T in the Park 2016 are on sale now from www.tinthepark.com and remain at the same price for a fourth year running. T in the Park’s new homeStrathallan Castle is centrally located in the heart of the beautiful Perthshire countryside, approximately one hour away from both Edinburgh and Glasgow. Lying on an estate sprawling a massive 1000 acres, surrounded by beautiful woodland, the site has expanded for 2016 with the Main Arena now a quarter bigger in size and the campsite increasing by a larger amount.
 
The acts announced today join Friday headliners and Manchester icons The Stone Roses, electronic music duo Disclosure, guitar pop four-piece The 1975 and indie favourites Courteeners on the bill.
 
Organisers are also delighted to announce that Calvin Harris will make a return to T in the Park to headline the Main Stage on Saturday night at Strathallan Castle.
 
One of the world’s biggest rock bands, the legendary Red Hot Chili Peppers will return to T in the Park for the first time in a decade to bring the festival to an epic close when they headline the Sunday night. The California rockers will treat fans to hits from their iconic back catalogue, as well as new material, with a new album reportedly due out early summer. The band have only played T in the Park once before when they headlined the Main Stage in 2006, and their return is sure to be a huge moment for fans.
 
Red Hot Chili Peppers said: “Can’t believe it’s 10 years since we last played T in the Park. It seems fitting to mark the 10th anniversary of that performance with a return visit.”
 
Bastille have made an indelibly huge mark since the release of their 2013 debut album Bad Blood, which entered the UK charts at number one, stayed in the top twenty for 2 years and went double platinum in the UK. The band’s infectious hits likePompeii, Things We Lost in the Fire and Of the Night always prompt epic crowd singalongs at T in the Park, and with their hotly anticipated second album due out this summer, they’ll be treating the crowd to new material as well as their much loved anthems.
 
Singer Dan Smith said: “We've had great times at T in the Park over the last few years, both while playing our sets to the ever-brilliant crowds and also getting to wander round and watch loads of other bands that we love. We can't wait to head back this summer with all the new songs we've been working on.”
 
LCD Soundsystem will return as Sunday night headliners of the BBC Radio 1 Stage.
 
After a six-year hiatus, The Last Shadow Puppets supergroup line-up featuring Arctic Monkeys’ Alex Turner and solo artist Miles Kane are back with a new album and big sound. The band released their new single Bad Habits this year along with the exciting news of the forthcoming new album Everything You’ve Come to Expect. The band is set to make their T in the Park debut as TLSP this July. Creating massive sounding anthems, The Last Shadow Puppets’ energetic live set and catchy rock ‘n’ roll sound was made for festivals.
 
Hits like Insomnia, Salva Mea, We Come One, Mass Destruction as well as 7 albums released and over 15 million records sold, put Faithless on the global map for 20 years. In 2011, Faithless released their most recent album The Dance and over the next year sold 600,000 records and played to 2 million people. After a sell-out arena show in Glasgow’s SSE Hydro last November, Faithless will make a welcome return to Scotland this summer.
 
Fresh from taking home the BRIT Award for British Breakthrough Act last night, Welsh four piece Catfish and the Bottlemen will return to T in the Park. Their melodic, anthemic, guitar fuelled garage rock songs fizz with lust, hope and anger. Their debut album The Balcony – packed with storming anthems – reached the top 10 and won them a legion of adoring fans.
 
Major Lazer – aka Grammy-nominated producer Diplo and fellow DJ/producers Jillionaire and Walshy Fire – released their third album Peace is the Mission in June last year. Featuring the smash hits Light It Up (feat. Nyla) and Lean On (featuring DJ Snake and Danish electropop star MØ), the album combines EDM, Jamaican dancehall, hip-hop and pop. They’re sure to bring a real party vibe to Strathallan Castle.
 
As the sonic and rhythmic heartbeat of pop trio The xx, Jamie xx released his solo record In Colour last year. The record showcases the special skill-set that has turned Jamie into one of the major DJ draws at the sophisticated end of the global nightlife spectrum, and which has made him in demand as a producer/remixer for the likes of Drake and Adele.
 
Jess Glynne lent her richly evocative vocals to Clean Bandit’s no.1 classical-dance smash Rather Be and Route 94’s house-flavoured My Love before emerging as a solo artist in her own right. Her mix of hip hop, soul and a sprinkling of pop has seen her score a no.1 album with I Cry When I Laugh, as well as top the chart with singles Hold My Hand and Don’t Be So Hard On Yourself.
 
After winning the BRITS Critics’ Choice Award in 2015, James Bay has become one of the biggest breakthrough artists on the planet. His debut album, Chaos and The Calm, entered the UK charts at no.1 in last March and reached platinum status in the UK. He was nominated for 3 awards at this year’s Grammys, had 4 prestigious nominations at last night’s 2016 BRITs ceremony – and took home the award for Best Male Solo Artist – he also scored both the ‘Best New Act’ gong at the 2015 Q Awards and the ‘Breakthrough Act’ award at the GQ Awards. He’s sold a huge 2 million albums worldwide, and was responsible for one of the biggest mass singalongs at last year’s T in the Park with Hold Back the River.
 
After more than 10 years, four albums, platinum record sales, a volley of top ten singles and 3 BRIT Awards, Kaiser Chiefs returned with Education, Education, Education & War in 2014. Regalvanaised, recharged, and inspired by a new sense of freedom and musical possibility, the band are an incredible live act.
 
Last week Frightened Rabbit caused quite a stir when they released the glorious first song off their long awaited new album Painting Of A Panic Attack. Adored by fans for their incisive, compelling lyrics, and achingly beautiful, dense melodies, they are one of Scotland’s finest bands and big T in the Park favourites.
 
The band said: “We are extremely pleased to announce that we will be playing at this year's T in the Park. It's always an honour to be there, and to be back in the King Tut's tent will be fan-f*cking-tastic. See you down the front for The Stone Roses.”
 
Travis are huge favourites with the T in the Park crowd, and when they make their Strathallan Castle debut this summer they’ll have played all three of the festival’s sites, having played the very first festival at Strathclyde Country Park in 1994, the first year at Balado in 1997 and then many times since. Their last appearance was an epic set in the King Tut’s Wah Wah Tent at T in the Park’s 20th year celebrations in 2013, and they are sure to receive a hero’s welcome in July.
 
Tinie Tempah is one of the UK’s most innovative and in-demand artists. Following the massive success of his first two albums Disc-Overy and Demonstration, he shows no sign of slowing down. Last June he topped the UK single charts for a sixth time withNot Letting Go featuring fellow T in the Park 2016 artist Jess Glynne, and at the end of last year he released the mixtape Junk Food – a collection of underground hip hop and grime tracks and featuring  appearances from Wretch 32, Stormzy, Giggs, JME and more.
 
Jake Bugg’s incredible ascent began in 2012 when his self-titled debut album entered the UK charts at number one (aged 18, making him the youngest British male artist ever to do so), before going on to sell double platinum and be shortlisted for the UK Mercury Music Prize. Success only accelerated Bugg’s creative momentum, releasing a follow-up twelve months later, 2013’s richly textured Shangri La. His third album is expected later this year.
 
Chichester-born musician Tom Odell caught the songwriting bug early penning original material since the age of 13. With a loyal fanbase and drawing attractive comparisons to the late Jeff Buckley with his man and piano set-up, Odell's material has veered from strikingly stripped-back troubadour tales to songs that are more work-in-progress than finished product. Set to make his first T appearance since his set on the King Tut’s Wah Wah Tent stage in 2013, fans will be treated to his romantic sing-along style.
 
Craig David will bring the sound of Miami to Strathallan with TS5. Craig David’s TS5 started out as an exclusive pre-party hosted by Craig at his Miami penthouse homeTower Suite 5 in 2013, and since then it’s grown from house party, to radio show to sell out live concert. He’s now one of 2016’s most in demand acts, and with his sets combining massive old skool anthems with current chart topping house hits, he’s sure to make quite an impression as he makes his long-awaited T in the Park debut.
James Morrison first came to prominence in 2006 as a 21 year old, with his hugely successful debut album Undiscovered which debuted at #1 in the UK album charts, following the success of his smash hit single You Give Me Something. After selling millions of records around the world, he took a break in 2011 before returning last year with a renewed vigour and a new album Higher Than Here.
 
James said: “I’ve played T in the Park only a few times but it's always wicked, the crowds are amazing with massive energy! Last time I sang a lot harder because of it and this time is going to be no different. I’m ready to give back the same. Can’t wait, see you soon T in the Park!”
 
Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls’ brand of passionate folk/punk, honest songwriting, catchy melodies and punk passion have earned them a loyal fanbase on both sides of the Atlantic, as well as at T in the Park with the singer-songwriter receiving a rapturous reception when he last played in 2013.
 
Frank said: “I'm very excited to be making my fourth trip to T in the Park; it's been a few years since I was north of the border for a festival, so this should be a special one.”
 
Internationally acclaimed Mexican acoustic rock guitar duo Rodrigo y Gabriela will bring their unique instrumental blend of metal, jazz and world music to Strathallan Castle. Rodrigo Sanchez and Gabriela Quintero have been playing together for more than fifteen years. First as young thrash metal fans in their native Mexico City, then as innocents abroad and street musicians in Dublin, Ireland at the turn of the millennium, and finally as the globe-straddling, film-scoring, record-breaking artists they are today. Known for exhilarating live shows, Rodrigo y Gabriela have won the hearts of music lovers from the haciendas of Cuba to the Hollywood Bowl and festival fields of Europe.
 
Britpop heroes Shed Seven achieved great success in the mid-late 90s, releasing four albums and 14 Top 40 singles, before reuniting in 2007 for a greatest hits reunion tour. The band played T in the Park’s second outing back in 1995 at Strathclyde Country Park. They return for their eighth T in the Park in 2016 to make their Strathallan Castle debut, when they’ll become one of the few bands to have played the festival at all three of its sites.
 
The band said: “The Sheds are excited to be back at T in the Park for what will be another great weekend of fun and games. This is the first time for us at the new site which adds a different approach to the festival. Quite literally, we'll be using the A823.”
 
Newcastle angular pop quintet Maxïmo Park craft smart, sharply catchy, new wave-inspired songs. After making a big impression in 2000s with albums such as A Certain Trigger, they resurfaced in 2012 with The National Health, followed by 2014's more intimate, electronic-driven Too Much Information.
 
The band said: “As one of the bands who played the last ever T in the Park at Kinross, we're keen to sample the new site and see if the unbeatable atmosphere can be matched! The Scottish crowds have always been good to us.”
 
The worlds’ finest and only purveyors of cinematic hip-hop, rock ‘n’ roll, blues-jazz and latino soul vibes, Fun Lovin’ Criminals burst onto the music scene in 1996, gate-crashing the euphoric Britpop party with some unexpectedly unique swag and the generational classic album Come Find Yourself. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of this modern classic, Huey Morgan, Brian ‘Fast’ Leiser and Frank Benbini will be playing tunes from the record at T in the Park.
 
Huey and Fast said: "T in the Park is one of our favourite festivals to perform at. The crowd are always up for a party and the organisers have really got their sh*t together, making it an enjoyable experience for everyone! "
 
London hip hop/grime duo Krept & Konan made a big impression when they won Best UK Newcomer at the 2013 MOBO Awards despite not having a record deal. Since then, they’ve released their debut album The Long Way Home, which entered the UK Albums Chart at number 2, with lead single Freak of the Week entering the UK top ten.
 
John Grant’s journey has been a spectacular one – from winning awards, Top 20 chart positions, and collaborating with Sinead O’Connor, Goldfrapp, Elton John and Hercules & Love Affair. His third album – Grey Tickles, Black Pressure – is a veritable tour de force that further refines and entwines his two principal strands of musical DNA, the sumptuous tempered ballad and the taut, fizzing electronic pop song.
 
Mersey rockers The Coral also make a return to T in the Park. With a rich, spirited sound that draws from a variety of influences like Motown, Merseybeat, psychedelia, country, and dub, the group release their new album Distance Inbetween next month.
Putting a modern stamp on hard rock and blues, The Temperence Movement have crafted an intoxicating live set and released two studio albums since coming together in 2013. Landing a heroic support slot with rock giants The Rolling Stones, The Temperance Movement released their second album this year going on to celebrate the release with a sold-out show at Glasgow’s Barrowlands. With a live set packed full of rock ‘n’ roll licks, The Temperance Movement will make a welcomed return to T in the Park this summer, since their debut appearance in 2014.
 
Rat Boy’s homegrown raps paint a lyrical dissertation of suburban Britain. He is firmly within the storytelling lineage of Britain’s great lyricists who represent some of his greatest influences: Ian Dury, The Clash, Squeeze, Blur and The Streets. His mash-ups of hip-hop and indie topped with his half-rapped, half-hollered Essex vocals are causing quite a stir, and he’ll make his T in the Park debut this summer.
 
Full of confidence and determination, Stockport five-piece Blossoms landed in the BBC’s Sound of 2016 list and made the cut on the Spotify’s Spotlight on 2016 shortlist, plus MTV Brand New for 2016 and iTunes/Apple Music New Artists 2016, capturing the hearts of the nation with their catchy indie-pop sound. The band’s euphoric indie sound is crafted and polished to a stadium level, making the band an exciting addition to the 2016 T in the Park bill.
 
Festival Director Geoff Ellis said: “We’re incredibly excited to announce some of the world’s greatest artists for T in the Park today. Red Hot Chili Peppers are quite simply one of the biggest rock acts of our time, and their long-awaited return to the festival after 10 years is going to be pretty special. We’re also thrilled to welcome back a real T in the Park favourite – Calvin Harris – as our Saturday night headliner. Calvin headlined the Main Stage in 2014 and was introduced on stage by Will Smith, and for many in our audience that moment is up there as one of the most unique and special in T in the Park history.
 
“We’re also really thrilled to have LCD Soundsystem headline the BBC Radio 1 Stage – their reunion is one of the most hotly anticipated in recent years, and their appearance is a big coup for us.
 
“Artists from across the globe tell us year in, year out that T in the Park is one of their favourite festivals to play because of the unbeatable welcome they receive from the crowd, so we’d like to say a huge thank you to our audience for the massive part they play in making this festival special. We've been working hard on getting everything ready for the fans’ arrival in July and have made some changes to the site, with the Main Arena now a quarter bigger in size and the campsite increasing by a larger amount. We hope you are all as excited about the line-up as we are, and we can’t wait to see you all this summer.”

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."