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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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.”
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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.
Voted ‘Best Festival’ at the NME Awards, this year’s Reading & Leeds Festivals are officially set to be better than ever! The Festivals guarantee exclusive UK festival performances from headliners Green Day, Eminem and Biffy Clyro, plus exclusive appearances from Fall Out Boy, System of A Down, Deftones, Skrillex and more. Reading & Leeds can now announce even more of the line-up for theAlternative Stage and new Off The Wall area, alongside those already confirmed including Russell Kane, Seann Walsh and Mark Thomas.
New additions
Judah Friedlander World Champion * Lee Nelson Holly Walsh * Massive Horse (L) * Dead Poets * The Hardy Bucks
Transgressive’s Alternative Stage Takeover featuring: Fuck Buttons, Jon Hopkins, James Holden, Snakehips, Blaenavon, Thumpers, Karma Kid and London Grammar all live. DJ sets from Foals, Jen Long, Pulled Apart by Horses, Rockfeedback DJ, Bless DJs and Transgressive Sound System
The Mess (L) * Ping Pong Parlour (L) * The Pop Up Parlour (L) * Pins & Needles – Scoop! (L) * Bootworks (L) * Disco Shed (L) *Leeds Met presents The Mothership and The Wagon (L) * Ping Pong Thunder Dome (R) * Les Enfants Terribles (R) *Videopia (R) * Rood Wallen Photo Booth (R) * The Parlour (R) * The Human Carwash Disco (R) * Dr Frankenstein’s Travelling Freak Show (R)
WithWileyandDevlinalready announced as headliners for the stage,Wretch 32is revealed as the final headliner for the BBC Radio 1Xtra Stage, plus may more names!
A-Z of Artists announced for Reading & Leeds Festivals 2013 to date (New in bold):
Action Bronson
The Family Rain
MS MR
Alex Clare
Fenech-Soler
Murkage
Alkaline Trio
FIDLAR
Nathan Flutebox Lee & The Clinic
Alt-J
Findlay
Night Works
AlunaGeorge
Flux Pavillion
Nine Inch Nails
And So I Watch You From Afar
Foals
Palma Violets
Angel Haze
Frank Turner
Parquet Courts
Arcane Roots
Fred V & Grafix
Peace
A$AP Rocky
Friction
Phoenix
A-Trak
Frightened Rabbit
P Money
Azealia Banks
Funeral For A Friend
Pure Love
Baauer
Gallows
Quicksand
Balthazar
Ghostpoet
Redlight
Bastille
Giggs
Robert Delong
Biffy Clyro
Green Day
RX Bandits
Big Black Delta
Hadouken!
Scrufizzer
The Blackout
Haim
DJ Semtex
Bondax
Half Moon Run
Sick Of It All
Brand New
Heaven's Basement
SKATERS
Bring Me The Horizon
Iggy Azalea
Skindred
British Sea Power
Imagine Dragons
Skrillex
Broke’N'£nglish
Is Tropical
Spector
The Bronx
Jacob Plant feat Majestic
Splashh
Bury Tomorrow
Jagwar Ma
The Strypes
California X
Jake Bugg
Stylo G
Cerebral Ballzy
The Jim Jones Revue
Sub Focus Live
Chapel Club
Johnny Marr
Surfer Blood
Charli XCX
Kate Nash
Swim Deep
Chase and Status
King Prawn
System Of A Down
Chvrches
Knytro
Tame Impala
City & Colour
Kodaline
Temples
Clean Bandit
Knife Party
The 1975
The Computers
Left Boy
Theme Park
Context
The Living End
Tim Burgess
Crossfaith
Lower Than Atlantis
Toddla T Sound
Crystal Fighters
Lucy Rose
To Kill A King
David Rodigan
The Lumineers
Tomahawk
Deap Vally
Lunar C
Tribes
Deftones
Magnetic Man
twenty one pilots
Devlin
Major Lazer
Twin Atlantic
Dillon Francis
Mallory Knox
We Are The In Crowd
Disclosure
Merchandise
While She Sleeps
Drenge
Mic Righteous
White Lies
Editors
Mikill Pane
Wiley
Eminem
MMX
Willy Moon
Enter Shikari Sound System
MØ
Wretch 32
Etta Bond
Modestep
Fall Out Boy
Ms Dynamite
NEW NAMES FOR THE BBC RADIO 1XTRA STAGE
In a major UK festival first, Reading & Leeds will each have a dedicated BBC Radio 1Xtra Stage delivering the best of hip-hop and grime from the UK and farther afield, which will run across all three festival days and showcase the cream of urban artists and music on offer. This is one of the most important additions that Reading & Leeds have witnessed for a long time and Festival Republic are thrilled to announce more names for the stage.
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Headlining the BBC Radio 1Xtra Stage on this day will be UK grime artist Wiley. After an amazing year in 2012 scoring two UK Top 5 singles, including his first No. 1 with the summer smash ‘Heatwave’ and the more recent No. 3 ‘Can You Hear Me (Ayayaya)’ which featured Skepta, his set at Reading & Leeds will be one to get involved in.
A widely respected DJ and producer, Toddla T brings a full out live show to the stage. The Toddla T Sound features both elements of live performance and DJing with live vocalists, including Shola Ama, Serocee and MC DRS. Drawing upon his two albums to date, 'Skanky Skanky' and 'Watch Me Dance' and a heap of custom edits and refixes especially for the project, the show will also be augmented with the bespoke visuals of Sheffield designers, Peter and Paul. Add all these elements together and you have something really special on your hands.
He will be joined on the line-up by Grime heavyweight P Money, whose mix of hardcore grime and dubstep has made him a fixture at club nights and a festival staple. Following the launch of his self-released EP ‘Guns Bitches and Weed’ last year – which quickly became a web phenomenon – NY based rapper, singer and producer Left Boy joins the 1Xtra bill. Also performing is Stylo G, bringing his slick, vicious beats to Reading & Leeds and getting the festival audience skanking with a reggae-tinged masterclass.
The BBC Radio 1Xtra Stage also sees the impressive musical talents of Nathan Flutebox Lee & The Clinic, whose ability to simultaneously beatbox and play the flute has earned him a global following. Manchester-based musical collectiveMurkage return to Reading & Leeds and upcoming London MC Scrufizzer, whose supersonic speed-rhymes have earned him acclaim from Radio 1 DJs, MTV and The Guardian, also joins the stage.
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Already confirmed to join Wiley as a fellow headliner on the new BBC Radio 1Xtra stage is Devlin. Dagenham-based rapper Devlin returns to the Festivals with his sideways social commentary and formidable flow. Having scored a Top 10 single with 'Rewind', he's leading the UK's next generation of rap stars.
Added to the BBC Radio 1Xtra Stage is NY newcomer, Action Bronson, a rapper who has been gaining heat on rap forums, enjoying acclaim on music blogs and has just featured on XXL’s ‘Freshman Top 10’ list of upcoming rap talent this year.
Heralded as putting ‘road rap’ on the map, South London rapper Giggs will be returning to the festival armed with new tracks and an impressive following. He’s Peckham’s finest via Jamaica and leading the evolutionary charge of grime in 2013.
Mic Righteous is one of the hottest young stars of the UK hip-hop and grime scene. With over seven million YouTube hits and growing, his appearance at Reading & Leeds promises great things.
Also added to the bill is the presenter of flagship BBC Radio 1xtra Hip Hop show, renowned DJ and producer DJ Semtex. Expect the freshest tracks, plenty of first plays and a bouncing atmosphere when Semtex blows up at Reading & Leeds.
Winning ‘Best Newcomer’ and ‘Performance of the Year’ for his rap battles in Don’t Flop, Lunar C’s no-gimmicks approach has transferred perfectly into the live arena and his set at Reading & Leeds is the perfect place to see him live.
Also on the BBC Radio 1Xtra line-up are Manchester's alternative hip-hop faction Broke’N'£nglish, one of the most highly regarded names on the hip-hop scene due to their incendiary live performances and innovative production techniques, which combine electronica, funk, jazz, R&B and hip-hop. Fresh from supporting Devlin this week, self-described “soul with a bit of weird”, Etta Bond prepares to take on the biggest shows of her life at Reading & Leeds.
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Reading & Leeds can now reveal Wretch 32 as the final headliner for the new BBC Radio 1Xtra Stage, following an amazing year for the London MC. After an arena tour supporting Example, he also became the face of some iconic brands at the London Olympics. With his major label debut album ‘Black and White’ amassing over a million sales, Wretch 32 is widely acknowledged by his peers as one of the pioneers of the UK grime scene; be sure to catch his first ever performance at Reading & Leeds this summer.
Joining the bill is American lyricist Angel Haze who sees herself as more of a rock star than a rapper. That said she raps so ferociously, deftly and with real menace, that 'flow' would seem far too mellow a word to describe her delivery.
The BBC Radio 1Xtra stage also welcomes the first lady of female MCing, Ms Dymanite. The legendary Brit Award-winner and recipient of the 2002 ‘Mercury Music Prize’ has been thrilling crowds for over a decade and will be playing the best from her hits in a high energy performance.
Presenting the best rhythms from the UK to Trenchtown will be iconic 1Xtra DJ, David Rodigan MBE. Heralded as one of the masters of the sound system, his unrivalled vinyl collection and knowledge of reggae culture past and present will ensure that revellers will be enjoy the most thrilling reggae sounds from across the globe.
As well as trading in rap breakbeats and pop hooks, Mikill Pane seamlessly straddles guitar-based sounds, including punk, ska and reggae, making him a firm favourite and collaborator with the likes of Ed Sheeran and Example.
Ghostpoet's debut album 'Peanut Butter Blues & Melancholy Jam' was a worthy nominee for the 2011 ‘Mercury Music Prize’ and exposed his talent to an eager new audience. His hotly tipped second album is due out soon and promises to provide the perfect soundtrack to this summer’s sultry evenings.
Also joining the line-up is MC Context. Winner of the MTV ‘Brand New Unsigned’ competition in 2012, championed by the likes of Mistajam, Huw Stephens and Charlie Sloth, and now gearing up to support Devlin on his upcoming tour, Context's distinctive take on soulful drum n bass, dubstep and hip hop is sure to be well received by the festival crowd.
Despite growing up in the States and Jamaica, Knytro has always been obsessed with the knights, folklore and ancestry of England – hence the name. Claiming to be ‘so Hip-Hop it should be illegal’, he’s always on point and his legions of fans will relish the chance to see him grace the stage at Reading & Leeds.
Other artists playing across the Festivals include the Main Stage UK festival exclusive headliners Green Day, Eminem, and Biffy Clyro, plus UK festival exclusive performances from Fall Out Boy, System Of A Down and Deftones. Skrillex,Major Lazer, Azealia Banks take to the NME/Radio 1 Stage and Flux Pavillion, Redlight and Night Works appear on the BBC Radio 1Dance Stage, plus many many more!
With even more artists yet to be announced across the NME/Radio 1, BBC Radio 1 Dance, Lock Up/Rock, Festival Republic, BBC Radio 1Xtra Alternative and BBC Introducing Stages, the line-up just keeps getting bigger and better for 2013!
NEW NAMES ADDED TO THE MAIN STAGE
Already announced on the Main Stage are UK festival exclusive headliners Green Day, Eminem, and Biffy Clyro, plus UK festival exclusive performances from Fall Out Boy, System Of A Down andDeftones. Nine Inch Nails will return to Reading & Leeds for the first time since 2007 to perform a 2013 UK exclusive show.
Also playing the Main Stage are legends of UK drum and bass, Chase and Status, bringing a world-class live show to Reading & Leeds and Frank Turner, who returns to play the Festivals which “hold a special place in his heart” for the seventh consecutive year; his set will be a triumphant showstopper.
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The Main Stage will welcome the unique musical stylings of quintessentially British band Skindred, whose blend of heavy metal, dub, reggae and drum ‘n’ bass, or ‘ragga metal’, has landed them legions of fans and numerous awards.
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British punkrock band Lower Than Atlantis will be returning to the Festivals on the Main Stage after an incredible set on the Festival Republic Stage last year. Expect to hear the crowd singing along to hits from their entire catalogue, including current album ‘Changing Tune’.
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Joining the line-up are New York punk band We Are The In Crowd, currently touring the UK and Europe with their latest album ‘Best Intentions’, as well as Southampton based five-piece Bury Tomorrow who will be offering their unique blend of melodic metalcore and bringing songs from their anticipated second album ‘The Union of Crowns’.
NME/RADIO 1 STAGE LINE-UP EXPANDS
The NME/Radio 1 Stage gets even hotter with new names joining headliners Skrillex, Alt-J and Phoenix, plus others already announced including Jake Bugg, Imagine Dragons, Major Lazer,A$AP Rocky and Haim.
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Joining the line-up will be Scottish five-piece Frightened Rabbit, armed with songs from their critically acclaimed Top 10 album ‘Pedestrian Verse’, the band’s arena-rock arrangements promise a thrilling live show. Hedonistic punks FIDLAR, whose melodic twists and turns have earned them plaudits from critics on both sides of the Atlantic also take to the stage.
Tipped by the likes of Radio 1 and MTV, Dublin-based Kodaline will be making their Reading & Leeds debut. The alternative rock quartet will be playing the best from their new album ‘In A Perfect World’ and more.
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North London band Tribes are revered as breathing life back into guitar music. The band’s second album ‘Wish To Scream’ is out in May, preceded by the single ‘Dancehall’ on 20th May, which follows the instant anthem of first single ‘How The Other Half Live’. Released just 11 months after their well-received debut album ‘Baby’, the Festival crowds will see them flying the flag for British Indie.
Hotly tipped as ones to watch on the 'BBC Sound of 2013’ list, experimental electronic duo AlunaGeorge will be proving exactly why they’ve been enjoying chart success this year, with their unique brand of sensual vocals and pop sensibilities.
BBC RADIO 1 DANCE STAGE ADDS A WHOLE HOST OF ARTISTS
Headliners Sub Focus Live, Magnetic Man and Knife Party, plusBaauer and Iggy Azalea, will be joined by a raft of amazing artists on the newly expanded three day BBC Radio 1 Dance Stage.
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British electro-pop comes courtesy of Fenech-Soler, signed to Warner Records and championed by Radio 1’s Annie Mac and Greg James, the four-piece have received attention from a legion of music bloggers. They will be joined on the line-up by Radio 1 DJ and drum‘n’bass multi-award winner Friction, for the heaviest bass on the Dance Stage. Also confirmed are London based collective Clean Bandit who work with a variety of vocalists to create their eccentric brand of electronica.
London electronic outfit Is Tropical rose to success after the release of their ‘Native To’ album, which also won ‘Best Animation Video’ and ‘Best Indie Rock Video’ at the UK Music Video Awards. Also joining will be Lancaster duo Bondax with their blend of garage-inspired electronica championed by the likes of Annie Mac and gaining increasing popularity in the blogosphere and LA polymath Robert DeLong, whose unique mash-up of indie and electronica has earned him nominations as a 2013 ‘Artist to Watch’ for MTV US, Billboard and Vibe Magazine.
READING SATURDAY 24TH / LEEDS SUNDAY 25TH
Trendsetting DJ, Fool's Gold label head and turntablist A-Trak graces the Dance Stage with a wealth of critical acclaim behind him. Performing at the Grammy’s, sharing a Billboard cover with Diplo and Skrillex and winning a ‘DMC World DJ Championship’ when he was just 15, his performance is sure to be an unforgettable one. Also added is one of the hottest commodities in dance music right now, dubstep heavyweight, Flux Pavillion.
Bristol DJ Redlight has been a staple in club culture for many years, mixing and taking on bass music from dubstep to drum ‘n’ bass and even grime, and it is with pleasure that he joins the Dance Stage this year. Searching out talent from across the hemisphere, Sydney-based duo Jagwar Ma will be acclimatising to the British festival season and warming up the crowds in the Dance Stage. Fresh from supporting The xx, and headlining the NME Awards show, they are gearing up to bring their brand of psychedelic electronica and sunshine bass lines to festival goers.
Also confirmed is rockabilly inspired Willy Moon, hailing from New Zealand, now based in London, Moon promises a mix of hip-hop and 50’s inspired dance music, plus there will be fantasy-laden electro from the former Mellowdrone frontman Big Black Delta and mysterious soulful R ‘n’ B from Night Works.
READING SUNDAY 25TH / LEEDS FRIDAY 23RD
Confirmed for this day is LA Moombahton Dillon Francis fusing the genres of reggaeton, moombahton and house music for a truly thrilling bass explosion, fresh from collaborating with Major Lazer, a slew of sell out shows and riotous praise, he will be offering up the best of his distinctive basslines and wobbles. 90’s garage and pop inspired electronica comes courtesy of futuristic pop princess Charli XCX.
Joining them will be drum‘n’bass titans Fred V & Grafix as they gear up for a set that promises bone thudding bass and the best in contemporary and classic drum ‘n’ bass, plus high-octane dance music from Jacob Plant ft. Majestic.
THE LINE-UP FOR THE LOCK UP STAGE GROWS
READING FRIDAY 23RD / LEEDS SATURDAY 24TH
The Lock Up Stage this year welcomes Alkaline Trio as headliners for this day. The renowned Illinois punk band will be playing the best of their music, from the punk beginnings of their first albums to the more pop-punk offerings seen on their most recent album ‘My Shame Is True’. Promising to excite their legions of fans, expect an electrifying atmosphere and more than a little bit of moshing.
Joining the Stage will be Australian punk rock/psychobilly band The Living End and Californian metaphoric rock group RX Bandits. For a ferocious dose of post hardcore stylings, catch legendary special guests, New York four-piece Quicksand, one of the most influential bands of their genre in the early to mid-90’s.
Also on the bill are Exeter based rock n rollers The Computers who are about to embark on their highly anticipated UK tour, warming up for our festival crowd!
New York punk rockers Cerebral Ballzy return to Reading & Leeds Festivals after an amazing set on the Festival Republic Stage in 2011; the 80’s punk-inspired skater boys are sure to deliver a memorable live show for the Lock Up crowds.
READING SATURDAY 24TH / LEEDS SUNDAY 25TH
Joining Tomahawk on this day will be legendary New York hardcore band Sick Of It All with a punk offering, and for a heavy dose of volume, Reading & Leeds favourites, LA hardcore punk band The Bronx will be on hand. Legendary British ska/punk band King Prawn are back after a 10 year hiatus. The band will bring their unique blend of reggae and hardcore to the Festivals for an unforgettable show.
FIRST NAMES FOR THE NEW ROCK STAGE ANNOUNCED
With the expanded Dance line-up covering three whole days, Reading & Leeds are adding a Rock Stage day to each site, with the first names just announced.
READING SUNDAY 25TH / LEEDS FRIDAY 23RD
Enter Shikari unveil..Shikari Sound System. At this year's Reading & Leeds Festivals, Shikari Sound System will make its world debut headlining the Rock Stage.
Shikari Sound System is the electronic alter-ego of the British band Enter Shikari, famous for blurring the lines between musical genres across three (thus far) UK chart Top 5 albums since they hit the wider public consciousness in 2006. Having DJ’d and produced in various side projects over the years they finally decided to fully elope with live dance music, and so was born the Shikari Sound System.
For further explanation, let's hear it from the horse's mouth: "Expect re-worked Enter Shikari tracks along with classic remixes and new surprises. Expect eerie live electronics and tent-peg-dislodging baselines. Expect a tour through many dance tempos and electronic genres that have been a constant inspiration to our band's sound. Combining both live instruments and percussion with dub-plate wizardry, this is one for the skankers, the steppers, the movers and the shakers."
Enter Shikari have a deep history with the Reading & Leeds Festivals – attending as teenagers, and having played the festival five times in the past seven years – and so embraced the opportunity to return once again, albeit in 'disguise'. The band's latest single, a 1min16sec blast of a track, has this week been added to the BBC Radio 1 playlist.
Described as "one of the best British bands of the last decade" by Zane Lowe, Welsh hardcore band Funeral For A Friend will also be playing the Rock Stage this year. The award-winning band are veterans of rock performances, playing alongside Guns N’ Roses, supporting Linkin Park and countless others for over a decade. Hardcore Punk band Gallows return to Reading & Leeds for their seventh consecutive year, bringing their electric live show and guaranteed carnage to the Rock Stage, plus Northern Irish band And So I Watch You From Afar will be playing following on from their recently sold out UK shows and release of their critically acclaimed album.
Japanese metalcore band Crossfaith will be bringing their blend of industrial metal and electronica from Osaka to Reading & Leeds’ very own Rock Stage, as well as alternative rockers Arcane Roots, the three-piece from Surrey are influenced by progressive, experimental and pop-tinged rock which can be heard in their music. For a dose of hard rock, don’t miss British four-piece Heaven’s Basement who have gone from strength to strength since they formed over four years ago and have played alongside the likes of Papa Roach and Black Stone Cherry.
FESTIVAL REPUBLIC STAGE WELCOMES NEW ADDITIONS
The Festival Republic Stage showcases the hottest upcoming bands as well as established names, with the first bands for 2013 already confirmed including The Strypes, The 1975, Temples and Swim Deep, Reading & Leeds can now announce many more artists.
READING FRIDAY 23RD / LEEDS SATURDAY 24TH
Crystal Fighters take to the headline position with their distinctive mix of acoustic guitar and percussive electronica, as the celebrated British/Spanish dance outfit gear up to release their new album ‘Cave Rave’, with current single ‘You & I’ featured as Zane Lowe’s Hottest Record this week.
Glasgow's Chvrches come fresh from a stellar run at SXSW that saw them collect the festival's inauguaral Grulke Prize for ‘Best International Newcomers’. The prize is just the latest in an ever-increasing list of plaudits for a band championed by Pitchfork and NME, and who came fifth in the BBC ‘Sound of 2013’. Their accessible yet ambitious synth angles, pitched somewhere between Robyn and The Knife, mean Chvrches are equally at home atop the Hypemachine blog chart as supporting Depeche Mode in European arenas.
US alternative rock outfit Surfer Blood join the line-up, the band have been gaining momentum since their appearance on ‘Late Night With Jimmy Fallon’ back in January. Kate Nash is back, after a hiatus, with her new punk direction. Her musical stylings have taken a shift in direction this year with the release of her feminist punk-influenced album ‘Girl Talk’ and recent sold out tour. Also confirmed is soulful Scandinavian electronica courtesy of Karen Marie Ørsted, or MØ. Her sultry vocals have been likened to Grimes and Lou Rhodes and have made her a critics’ favourite.
New York duo MS MR are set to capitalize on their ‘No. 1 on Hype Machine’ status and are tipped to be the first superstars of Chill Wave. This boy/girl duo's singles caused a huge buzz on all the coolest music blogs last year and their debut album ‘Secondhand Rapture’ is set for release in May.
For a dose of Canadian indie, Half Moon Run will be performing for the first time at the festival, after a period opening for Mumford and Sons, the band has been slowly creeping on the radar of Indie fans. The stage also sees talent from Mancunian newcomer Findlay, whose stylish mix of glam-blues vocals and pop production have put her firmly on the critics’ radar this year and Oxford four-piece MMX, who have been hotly tipped after their debut release ‘Cold World’ last year, will be first on.
READING SATURDAY 24TH / LEEDS SUNDAY 25TH
Headlining the Festival Republic stage this year is one of Britain's most enigmatic bands, British Sea Power. It's been 10 years since their debut album; expect to hear old favourites as well as tracks from recently released masterpiece ‘Machineries of Joy’. Their sweeping, epic, angular guitar pop has established British Sea Power as a classic alternative act and this headline set will be a euphoric affair.
Post-folk funk groover Lucy Rose made her name as a vocalist in Bombay Bicycle Club before branching out on her own. The singer-songwriter from Warwickshire will be returning to the Festivals after a show-stopping full band set last year and now in receipt of a critically acclaimed debut album ‘Like I Used To’, Lucy will bring her haunting vocal talents to the Festival Republic Stage.
Reading & Leeds are thrilled to announce Tim Burgess, it’s been 10 years since the lead singer of The Charlatans released a solo album, and his blend of Northern soul and Americana will be one of many highlights across the weekend. The Charlatans previously headlined Reading & Leeds in 1999, the first year that Leeds Festival ever took place.
Tampa, Florida trio Merchandise have transcended the punk and hardcore scene and now carry a more thrilling post-punk menace taking their cue from early 90's alternative acts such as Dinosaur JR and the Jesus and Mary Chain. Fuzzy four-piece London based psychedelic band Splashh have been steadily building momentum since last year with rave reviews from The Guardian, NME and a slew of underground blogs. Also on the line-up is punky blues-rock from Drenge, a duo from the Peak District who serve up catchy percussive guitar songs, NY punk garage rockers SKATERS with their unique pop-punk offerings and Belgian pop/rock band Balthazar who have received international acclaim after winning ‘Best Album’ at the Music Industry awards last year with ‘Rats’.
Also added are British folk/rock band To Kill A King who will be playing their unique brand of folk melodies and melancholic indie.
READING SUNDAY 25TH / LEEDS FRIDAY 23RD
Headlining the Festival Republic Stage this day are five-piece Indie rockers Spector who have enjoyed rave reviews from the likes of NME, The Guardian and Radio 1’s Huw Stephens, and have gone on to achieve mammoth musical success since their performance at the Reading & Leeds BBC Introducing Stage back in 2011. They return to top the Festival Republic Stage bill with their synth laden guitar riffs and contagious tracks including ‘Chevy Thunder’ for fans to sing-along to.
Ferocious English/American rock band Pure Love, featuring former Gallows frontman Frank Carter and ex-The Hope Conspiracy guitarist Jim Carroll, will perform and expect guitar shredding from UK garage rock The Jim Jones Revue, as they play their distorted blend of bluesy rock. Responsible for one of the year’s most talked-about guitar albums, Parquet Courts will be joining the Festival Republic Stage. The New York punk rockers are hailed for their witty brand of super sharp lyrics and fresh indie sonics and will be bringing the energy to Reading & Leeds this summer.
Excitingly, punk rock garage outfit California X will be making their debut UK performance at the Festivals, English synth-pop outfit Chapel Club return with their distinctive moody indie electronica and US indie electronica duo twenty one pilots join the growing bill. The Family Rain's full on live shows are high octane affairs and these three siblings’ unique brand of hip-hop inspired, dirty blues infused rock 'n' roll has marked them out a band to watch in 2013.
Friday 24th August at Reading Festival / Saturday 25th August at Leeds Festival
THE MACCABEES’ third album ‘Given To The Wild’ was released earlier this year to massive critical acclaim and soared into the UK charts at Number Four. The South London five-piece are enjoying a hugely successful year so far, and with a sold out Brixton Academy under their belts The Maccabees are further cementing their status as one of the most exciting British bands of our time. We welcome them for their first headline appearance on the NME/Radio 1 Stage.
FOSTER THE PEOPLE have garnered a huge amount of critical acclaim and public adoration on both sides of the Atlantic since the release of their debut album ‘Torches’. With last year’s feel-good hit of the summer ‘Pumped Up Kicks’, word of their music spread in a manner that was shockingly quick, even in the age of endless internet churn with everyone agreeing on one thing: this was a band on the cusp of an undeniable breakthrough and Foster The People show no sign of slowing down.
Band of the people, THE COURTEENERS, head to Reading & Leeds Festival ahead of the release of their third studio album, the follow up to 2010’s ‘Falcon’. With the Manchester four-piece eager to road test new material, head honcho Liam Fray recently declared their new sound as “industrial Motown”. An incredible live band, this could be one of the years most talked about performances.
Hot on the heels of his eighth album ‘A + E’, erstwhile Blur guitarist GRAHAM COXON returns to solo business with a hotly anticipated appearance on the NME / Radio 1 stage. The critics have been positively slavering over this latest outing and will undoubtedly see this appearance over-subscribed.
With the follow up to 2009’s critically acclaimed ‘Manners’ under construction, we welcome PASSIONPIT to this year’s Reading & Leeds Festival. Hailing from Massachusetts, expect a blend of new electro dance tunes and old favourites.
Alternative rock band, THEBLACKOUT are Sean Smith, Gavin Butler, Matthew Davies, James Davies , Rhys Lewis and Gareth Lawrence. With a new album scheduled for release in August, these very special shows at Reading & Leeds will give fans a unique preview.
Always a favourite at festivals THEHIVES are sure to get things jumping with their infectious, thrilling garage rock hits. With new single ‘Go Right Ahead’, a sax-laden, glam-rock stomp hitting the airways now and previewing new album ‘Lex Hives’ due in the summer, Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist, Nicholaus Arson, Chris Dangerous, Dr. Matt Destruction, and Vigilante Carlstroem will bring the sound of the summer to the NME/Radio 1 Stage.
This year sees SPECTOR graduate from their BBC Introducing Stage debut at last year’s festival with a well merited position on this year’s NME/Radio 1 stage. Nominated for the BBC Sound Of 2012 the band, fronted by one Fred Macpherson, were formed in 2010 and have released a trilogy of singles through Luv Luv Luv. With a debut album slated for later in the year this East London based five-piece bring their melancholic widescreen pop to the stage at Reading & Leeds.
Following inclusion on the BBC’s Sound Of Poll, Brooklyn’s FRIENDS are taking 2012 by storm. Armed with one of the singles of the year, ‘I’m His Girl’, and the captivating follow up ‘Friend Crush’, expect these shows to be the talk of both sites come the August Bank Holiday weekend.
With debut album ‘Breakfast’ unleashed last month, CHIDDY BANG are ready to step into the limelight. You’ll have heard their MGMT sampling breakthrough track ‘Opposite Of Adults’, and with time spent touring with Tinie Tempah, are sure to be ready to deliver one of the shows of the year.
www.chiddybang.net
Brooklyn’s HERE WE GO MAGIC make their first foray to Reading & Leeds this year. The band who came to the attention of Nigel Godrich with their 2010 album ‘Pigeons’ have just released the fruits of those joint labours – ‘A Different Ship’ which had Spin Magazine saying “…this is the sort of music that would happen if Paul Simon had made ‘Dark Side Of The Moon’. Yes it’s that good”. Get there early and see what the fuss is all about.
Saturday 25th August at Reading Festival / Sunday 26th August at Leeds Festival
Hailing from El Paso, Texas AT THE DRIVE-IN came, conquered and released three albums: ‘Acrobatic Tenement’, ‘In/Casino/Out’, the EP ‘Vaya’, and their ultimate swansong ‘The Relationship of Command’ which is now cited in dispatches as one the most important albums of its genre. Then they split. Now it looks like the many who were never able to see this incendiary live act back in the day will have their dreams fulfilled with this NME/Radio1 stage headline show. This band are name checked and revered by fellow musicians and fans alike and this, their ONLY UK FESTIVAL APPEARANCE will definitely be unmissable.
On the eve of their fifth album ‘In The Belly Of The Brazen Bull’ THE CRIBS make a return to the scene of one (or two) of their best ever shows. Recently reverting back to their near legendary three-piece status the band continues to evoke passion amongst their fiercely dedicated and ever growing fanbase. The Jarmans – brothers Gary, Ryan and Ross have always been fiercely independent, proud of their DIY ethos and from their early days adept at writing great songs leaving a catalogue of classic punk rock brilliance, battle scars and memories. The Cribs will once again be thrilling, spilling, entertaining and engaging.
MASTODON have never really done anything the ‘conventional’ way. The Atlanta-based band formulated their own brand of highly-skilled hard rock over a decade ago when others were rehashing 80’s metal, and went on to mastermind a string of complex concept albums. With new album ‘The Hunter’ hitting the Top 10 in the US last year the band are picking up more and more fans – head-banging will be compulsory at this scorching show.
Canadian punks BILLY TALENT come to Reading & Leeds Festival with expectations for their upcoming fourth album riding high. The band, led by vocalist Ben Kowalewicz had been playing together for almost a decade before a name change lead to a record deal and their debut eponymous album was released in 2003. “A sh*t-hot, world-dominating hard-rock band has grown out of these four former Mississauga teenagers' shared high-school dreams of … well … growing into a sh*t-hot, world-dominating hard-rock band” is how they describe themselves. Check it out for yourself at the NME/Radio 1 Stage.
MIIKE SNOW are back and return with their new album ‘Happy To You’ later this month. The hugely talented Stockholm-based three-piece have previously dabbled in the DJ scene and in punk bands, alongside electro and new wave, which lead to writing and production stints with the likes of Madonna and Britney Spears. Now ready to step out of the studio again, these shows are a must see for all music fans.
Anticipation is high for the return of SANTIGOLD and her new album ‘Master of My Make-Believe’ and this show will be the perfect opportunity to see this high-rising artist. Last year’s collaboration ‘Go’ with Karen O of the Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs was described as a "brittle and brilliant brawler of a track" by the NME and ‘Disparate Youth’ the first track released from the new album is also picking up plaudits. Citing Aretha Franklin, Devo, James Brown and Siouxsie and the Banshees as influences, this is an eclectic and exciting singer not to be missed.
Set to tear up the festival season this summer, DRY THE RIVER are one of the most talked about artists of the year. With three years and over 250 shows already under their belts, they released their debut album ‘Shallow Bed’ to rave reviews last month, with NME declaring they’ve made an “accomplished, luxuriant, expertly crafted” record. Get down to the front early for these sets.
Glasgow’s TWIN ATLANTIC follow a successful 2011 with the release of their Gil Norton produced ‘Free’ album. The quartet cut their collective teeth with slots supporting the likes of Gaslight Anthem, Angels And Airwaves and Taking Back Sunday and as singer Sam McTrusty says “…we’re giving people something to believe in again.” Catch them and believe too…
www.free.twinatlantic.com
Formed by ex. Gallows frontman Frank Carter and ex. Hope Conspiracy and Suicide File guitarist Jim Carroll, PURE LOVE’s debut single ‘Bury My Bones’ has just been previewed on BBC Radio 1. Currently working on their debut album due later this year with producer Gil Norton (Foo Fighters, Pixies), Carter commented "Rock might not have been as popular in recent years, but that's definitely going to change because we haven't released our album yet. I want to make music that's timeless and classic."
www.therealpurelove.com
Sunday 26th August at Reading Festival / Friday 24th August at Leeds Festival
Ed Banger’s JUSTICE make electronic music that everyone can rock to. With riffs now as heavy as their beats, the Grammy-nominated Parisian pair head for Reading & Leeds armed with new album ‘Audio, Video, Disco’. The record has established them as an international force who are equally at home blaring from a dance club sound system or performing in an arena. Expect a powerful and mesmerising headline performance from a truly unique group.
Since releasing their debut album ‘Tourist History’ in March 2010, TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB have rapidly become one of the biggest new success stories in UK music. After selling out headline tours in the UK, US, Europe, Australia, Asia, Japan and South America, playing two successive sold out nights at Shepherds Bush Empire and selling out Brixton Academy in under four hours, the band have deservedly earned both a devoted word-of-mouth live following and huge critical acclaim. The Times have called them “the band of the moment” and NME declared that they have “quietly become one of the UK’s best loved bands".
The release of THE HORRORS’ third album ‘Skying’ saw the band’s already impeccable credentials soar even higher. The record was celebrated across the board by fans new and old as their finest yet and recently won the NME ‘Album of the Year’ accolade. Not that their debut ‘Strange House’ and follow up ‘Primary Colours’ hadn’t already cemented their reputation as one of the most original and ground breaking groups around. Both dense and expansive, insidiously poppy and stubbornly arty, The Horrors are one of the bands you must see at the festival.
SBTRKT returns to Reading & Leeds Festival after last year's triumphant DJ set on the Dance Stage at both sites and live performance on the Alternative Stage in Leeds. This time round, fans will be treated to his famous live show at both sites. His self-titled debut album propelled towards the top of DJ’s playlists around the world with his combination of funk, soul, synths and bass. Fresh from releasing single ‘Hold On’ with Sampha, SBTRKT now has his sights firmly set on the August Bank Holiday weekend.
The legendary vocalist fronting the MARK LANEGAN BAND has sung with some of the greatest bands of the last two decades. Lanegan formed the Screaming Trees in the 80’s and made some of the finest albums of the grunge scene. He’s worked with the coolest names around since and his distinct baritone voice has been described as "as scratchy as a three-day beard yet as supple and pliable as moccasin leather”.
Having wowed the Main Stage last year, THE JOY FORMIDABLE return at the personal request of Foo Fighters to play a very special set. Currently mixing their second album in New York with Andy Wallace, the trio made waves on both sides of the Atlantic with their debut album ‘The Big Roar’ in 2011, NME declaring that ‘its big but it’s certainly clever’ and Rolling Stone thrilling to ‘multi orgasmic crescendoes’. Having recently sold out New York’s Terminal 5, this return to UK shores promises to be a perfect preview of the band’s second album, due later in the year.
Having evolved from various outfits, Camden-based quartet TRIBES came to the fore at the start of 2011 and has seen the band accrue plenty of support both in print and on the airwaves. The band’s debut album ‘Baby’ was unleashed earlier this year reaching Top 30 status en route, further embellishing the plaudits already bestowed upon them. If last year’s appearance is anything to go by the tent will be filled to the gills for those to see on of the UK’s finest live acts of recent years.
www.tribesband.com
On its release earlier this year, the self-titled debut album from DJANGO DJANGO was succinctly hailed thus: "It's a dream of the psychedelic tropics, a heady explosion of colours, an album that takes what it means to be in an indie band and gives it a good shake…" This art pop quartet first emerged back in 2009 doing things their way whilst releasing selected tracks, mainlining into the nation's psyche and producing what has been one of the year's highlights.
Young Minneapolis five-piece HOWLER marked their arrival on this side of the Atlantic last year in a barrage of hysteria. Having rapidly signed to Rough Trade Records, they consequently released the ‘This One’s Different’ EP and supported The Vaccines on their Autumn UK tour. Earlier this year saw the arrival of their debut album ‘America Give Up’ with the band showing few signs of slowing up. This summer’s shows mark their debut at Reading & Leeds and will see further clamoring down the front as they play their biggest shows to date.
OF MONSTERS AND MEN’s debut album ‘My Head Is An Animal’ went to Number One on its release in Iceland from where the band hail. Describing themselves as “an amiable group of day dreamers who craft folkie pop songs” they turned into local heroes after winning a yearly battle of the bands competition. This will be one of the first chances to see this highly tipped six-piece.
Over the years, READING & LEEDS FESTIVAL has seen some of the most memorable musical moments in history. 2012 will be no exception and we are very proud to announce three exclusive Main Stage headliners coming to entertain the 160,000 fanatical music enthusiasts who make this the most thrilling festival on earth. If you want to see every band that matters then Reading & Leeds Festival at Little John’s Farm in Reading and Bramham Park in Leeds is the only place to be this August Bank Holiday Weekend.
The greatest rock band in the world right now, and masters of whipping crowds into a frenzy, FOO FIGHTERS will kick off proceedings in Leeds on Friday and close the show in Reading on Sunday, playing their only UK shows this year. THE CURE have an unrivalled catalogue of both commercially and critically acclaimed hits and this is a long awaited return for this hugely influential and important band. They play Leeds on Saturday and Reading on Friday, their only UK shows this year. The biggest and most exciting UK band to have emerged in the last decade, KASABIAN make their first headline appearance at the festival on Sunday at Leeds and Saturday at Reading. Their epic and anthemic tunes will fill the fields at these, their only festival shows in England and Wales in 2012.
The NME/Radio 1 Stage always proves hugely popular and with THE MACCABEES, AT THE DRIVE-IN and JUSTICE lined up for 2012 it’s sure to be busier than ever. METRONOMY will top the bill on the Dance Stage bringing their blistering live show to the festival.
Many more names are still to be announced on these stages as well as the full line-up for the NME/Radio 1 Stage, Lock-Up Stage, Dance Stage, Festival Republic Stage, BBC Introducing Stage and the Alternative Stage. This is definitely the finest line-up you’ll find at any festival this summer with over 200 acts appearing at the most incredible event. Get your tent packed!
THIS YEAR’S HEADLINERS
THE CURE TO HEADLINE
ONLY UK APPEARANCES OF 2012
Friday 24th August at Reading Festival
Saturday 25th August at Leeds Festival
THE CURE are arguably the biggest alternative rock band of the last thirty years with a stellar catalogue of critically and commercially successful albums and a worldwide fan base. Hugely influential, the group have earned their iconic status with countless hit singles, legendary live performances and their unique sound blending moody atmospheric songs with sparkling pop sensibilities. Incredibly the band have only appeared at the Reading Festival once before, in 1979 around the release of their debut album ‘Three Imaginary Boys’, so this is a long overdue return and both sites are sure to embrace this classic act.
ONLY FESTIVAL APPEARANCES IN ENGLAND AND WALES OF 2012
Saturday 25th August at Reading Festival
Sunday 26th August at Leeds Festival
In their own words, KASABIAN were “built to headline festivals”. Since the release of their debut self-titled album in 2004, the Leicester group have swept all before them. With a string of festival anthems including ‘Fire’, ‘Club Foot’ and ‘Empire’, KASABIAN can rightly claim to be one of the UK’s biggest bands. Their latest album ‘Velociraptor’ continued this huge success, debuting at Number One in the UK, and confirmed their place at the top table of modern rock ‘n’ roll legends. A group which encapsulates the heady spirit of festival season, these shows will be a summer highlight for rock fans everywhere. KASABIAN are guitarist Sergio Pizzorno, singer Tom Meighan, bassist Chris Edwards and drummer Ian Matthews.
Having recently picked up five Grammy Awards, a Brit Award for ‘Best International Group’ and NME Award for ‘Best International Band’, and having seen last year’s ‘Wasting Light’ debut at Number One in 12 countries, FOO FIGHTERS return to headline Reading & Leeds Festival as the undisputed biggest rock band in the world today. Since first appearing at Reading in 1995 and ascending to headlining the Reading & Leeds Main Stages in 2002 and 2005, FOO FIGHTERS have never received anything short of a spectacular welcome from the crowds at Reading & Leeds.
In the tradition of their historic 2008 Wembley Stadium doubleheader and last year’s Milton Keynes weekender FOO FIGHTERS are poised to make this year’s Reading & Leeds a legendary event and a true must see for every music fan in the UK.
Friday 24th August at Reading Festival / Saturday 25th August at Leeds Festival
Grammy-nominated and multi-million selling three-piece PARAMORE are confirmed to perform their ONLY UK FESTIVAL APPEARANCE at Reading & Leeds Festival 2012. This will be the band’s first UK show since their sold out tour at the end of 2010 which culminated in two nights at London’s O2. In the two years since their last visit, the band have toured across the globe, from South East Asia, Europe, and South America, to the US, Australia and Japan and we welcome them back to the festival with open arms. Taylor, Jeremy and Hayley are currently in the US working on the follow-up to their chart topping platinum third album ‘Brand New Eyes’.
Saturday 25th August at Reading Festival / Sunday 26th August at Leeds Festival
With over 1.5 million sales of her second album ‘Ceremonials’, a Number One in the UK and Top Ten in the US, two NME Awards for ‘Best Solo Singer’ and ‘Best Track’ FLORENCE AND THE MACHINE have been riding the crest of the wave since picking up the ‘Critics’ Choice Award’ in 2009 at the Brits. The band have toured all over the world and are currently on a UK arena tour which will see them play to over 100,000 devotees. Florence first appeared at Reading & Leeds on the Festival Republic Stage and now this second from top of the bill placing continues the meteoric rise of this fantastic new British superstar.
Sunday 26th August at Reading Festival / Friday 24th August at Leeds Festival
Having recently headlined three shows at Alexandra Palace in London and sold over 1 million copies of their latest album ‘El Camino’, THE BLACK KEYS can safely take the title of band of the year. The group released their breakthrough album ‘Brothers’ in 2010 to widespread praise, debuting at Number Two in the US en route to winning three Grammy Awards and an MTV Video Music Award. As drummer Patrick Charney has said of the band’s recent success, “We’ve taken the long road to get where we are. We’ve experienced everything from driving a thousand miles to play for no-one to winning Grammys” and of the new album, “I think where this record is going to shine for me is playing the songs live.” Six albums and counting leaves The Black Keys with a remarkable cache of songs from which to select and this set will be a feast to delight in at their ONLY UK FESTIVAL APPEARANCE.
Friday 24th August at Reading Festival / Saturday 25th August at Leeds Festival
North London’s BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB have sold in excess of 350,000 albums and have performed to more than 150,000 people to date and have a headline appearance at their ‘local’ Alexandra Palace coming up soon. This year also saw them nominated for no less than three NME Awards which when added to an Ivor Novello nomination, two Top 10 albums and the NME’s ‘Best New Band’ Award in 2010, has seen this low-key quartet soar. Last year’s ‘A Different Kind Of Fix’ has just been certified Gold in the UK and we expect new and old favourites to be aired at both sites ensuring an ever burgeoning and loyal following.
There aren’t many bands who reach their third album ‘Sinners Never Sleep’ while still only aged between 21 and 22. Fewer still have sold out two nights at Brixton Academy, two nights at Hammersmith Apollo, or have played to a total of 65,000 people on their many UK tours. That YOU ME AT SIX are also playing the Main Stage at Reading & Leeds Festival is yet another huge accomplishment. Since the release of their debut album ‘Take Off Your Clothes’ they have been at the forefront of British rock music and have made many fans along the way. Expect a lively crowd!
Fiercely uncompromising duo Ethan Kath and Alice Glass aka CRYSTAL CASTLES have created a stir from their inception with shows that enthrall and excite an impassioned cult following. Two eponymously titled albums, and an inspired collaboration with Robert Smith from headliners The Cure in 2010 have cast them to an audience across the world which has seen a staggering 50 million plays and counting on Myspace and LastFM. This year heralds the arrival of their third as yet untitled album, and this is a chance to catch a band that will inevitably put on one of the most talked about shows of the weekend.
Tom DeLonge from Blink-182 references ANGELS AND AIRWAVES as his "art project" and with the release of the double album ‘LOVE Part One & Two’ accompanied with a full length science fiction film scored by the band this is certainly no ordinary hiatus from the day job. The band comprises of Matt Wachter on bass (formerly of Thirty Seconds to Mars), guitarist David Kennedy (ex. Box Car Racer) and Ilan Rubin (formerly Lostprophets and NIN) on drums – truly a supergroup for a super weekend.
With an eagerly awaited sixth album coming this year, COHEED AND CAMBRIA have been described as “mix(ing) up the standard pop-punk scheme with creative and original riffs”. The band have picked up fans world-wide with their unique blend of progressive rock and hardcore, having toured extensively since forming in 1995 and have earned a formidable live reputation – check them out.
Not many bands can really live up to the title ‘hardcore punks’, but Toronto’s CANCER BATS are the real deal. With a new album ‘Dead Set On Living’ coming later this Spring, which vocalist Liam Cormier has hinted at being a slight departure from previous releases, the four-piece can only pick up more fans along the way and will definitely win over the Reading & Leeds audience this year.
DEAF HAVANA formed in Kings Lynn in Norfolk but have taken influences from all over the world to create their own new British rock sound. Their debut album ‘Meet Me Halfway, At Least’ earned great reviews in the rock press, described in one mag as “(they) blend the best elements of screamo with ballsy southern licks all placed lovingly on a bed of chugging riffs” and the follow up ‘Fools and Worthless Liars’ elevated them higher with a number one record on the BBC Rock Chart. Sure to wake up the festival in style.
Saturday 25th August at Reading Festival / Sunday 26th August at Leeds Festival
Armed with a debut single and immediate acclaim at the tail end of 2010, THE VACCINES certainly hit the ground running and tore into 2011 with gusto. On its release the band’s debut album ‘What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?’ pocketed further plaudits both critically and commercially achieving sales in excess of 250,000 in the UK. The band have an enviable reputation for their live shows and having hailed that “The Vaccines do it better than any British band have done in years” – they picked up the ‘Best New Band’ accolade at this year’s NME Awards. This summer you can see why when they make their debut on the Main Stage.
2012 has already proven to be a fantastic year for ENTER SHIKARI with their fourth album ‘A Flash Flood of Colour’ crashing into the Top Five in January with stunning reviews. Known for their fiercely independent stance, the band have stuck to their own ideals since they formed in St. Albans in 2003 taking their unique mesh of hardcore punk and breakbeat techno round the country with relentless gigging. This has given them a fearsome reputation as one of the most exciting live bands around and if previous appearances here are anything to go with, the crowd will go absolutely crazy. Get ready to mosh!
With James Mercer at the helm, Grammy-nominated THE SHINS set sail for Reading & Leeds Festival in support of their new album ‘Port Of Morrow’. The first new material in four years sees the band establish themselves as one of the most inspiring acts of our times. Mojo declared “the intermesh of emotion and technique is a rare trick to pull in pop, yet The Shins have just made it look easy”. With over one million records sold worldwide, The Shins’ melody, charm and infectiousness can’t be denied.
You’d have to have spent 2011 in hibernation to be unaware of the hysteria and hype currently surrounding ODD FUTURE. The Los Angeles rap collective are one of the most talked about acts in recent times. With their crude sense of humour and confrontational subject matter, the buzz surrounding them continues to grow ahead of the release of forthcoming album ‘OF Tapes Vol 2’. One of the most unique and intriguing acts to emerge in a long time; this spectacle is not to be missed.
Hailing from West London and three albums down the line, MYSTERY JETS have accrued success in abundance with their own quirky pop sound. Their imminent fourth album ‘Radlands’ saw the band relocate to Austin, Texas for the recording, the first time the band have recorded outside of the capital. A fervent fanbase will be down the front for classic songs from the new and previous albums.
Since the release of their debut almost four years ago, Brighton-based duo BLOOD RED SHOES have embarked on a gruelling, unrelenting tour schedule to all four corners of the world. The release of their recent third album ‘In Time To Voices” comes of age musically from their punk rock roots moving into an altogether more ambitious three dimensional sound that includes some of their most bold and defiant tracks to date. An electrifying live prospect making their debut on the Main Stage, make it a date.
Sunday 26th August at Reading Festival / Friday 24th August at Leeds Festival
No strangers to Reading & Leeds Festival, KAISER CHIEFS returned from a two-year hiatus last year with the release of their fifth album ‘The Future is Medieval’. The band have a career spanning selection of hits which they can call upon, be it the effervescence of debut ‘Oh My God’, the generation jumping ‘Ruby’ or the anthemic enormity of live classics ‘The Angry Mob’ and ‘Modern Way’. Kaiser Chiefs have wowed crowds worldwide, gained a phenomenal reputation for their live shows led by singer Ricky Wilson’s ebullient persona and along the way evolved into one of the UK’s most successful and favourite bands of the past decade.
Hailing from Bridgend in Wales, BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE have become one of Britain’s biggest metal bands over the last few years. With three amazing albums behind them (the latest being 2010’s ‘Fever’ with a new one promised soon) and massive success both here and in the US they have picked up awards and plaudits for their modern take on traditional rock. Always popular at the festival expect a packed crowd for the new kings of heavy.
ALL TIME LOW never fail to get the crowd bouncing, and their vibrant pop punk will liven up any audience and this festival will be no exception. The four-piece from Baltimore formed in 2003 and have released four albums to increasing acclaim. Their hilarious video for last year’s cracking hit ‘I Feel Like Dancin’ has notched over 3.5 million hits on YouTube and their fans will pack out both sites this summer.
All the way from New Jersey, THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM come to the Reading & Leeds Festival Main Stage with expectations for their new album ‘Handwritten’ riding high. They have won over fans worldwide with their anthemic tunes and energetic live shows where they take the spirit of The Clash/The Replacements and their most famous fan Bruce Springsteen and make a modern sound unmistakingly their own. Look out for arms in the air …
www.gaslightanthem.com
EAGLES OF DEATH METAL have attracted a cult following over the years with three dark and heavy albums and very sexy live shows! With a cast list that reads like a who’s who of rock with members culled from QOTSA, Foo Fighters and the likes of Mark Lanegan contributing, the band are mysterious, menacing and magnificent.
Incessant touring has seen this quartet from Southampton hone their live performance to great acclaim. Having released their debut album in 2009 BAND OF SKULLS surfed a wave of feverish approval following their inclusion on the ‘Twilight: New Moon Soundtrack’ and with the attention afforded to them in far-away places, the UK eventually caught up. This year’s ‘Sweet Sour’ album has again caught the critics’ imagination and with recent support slots with The Black Keys already taken care of they’re set to unleash their fresh arsenal of songs.
Fuelled by a love of classic rock, punk and post-hardcore bands, Leeds quartet PULLED APART BY HORSES quickly gained a reputation for their live shows which more often than not resulted in blood-letting and generally chaotic scenes, their shows are no less entertaining now. With a second album ‘Tough Love’ out now, PABH have been no less enthusiastically embraced and see a repertoire including dueling Thin Lizzy-style guitars, dark melodies reminiscent of Queens Of The Stone Age and the explosiveness of early hardcore that retains the defiance that has ridden with them from their early days. Miss at your peril!
Friday 24th August at Reading Festival / Saturday 25th August at Leeds Festival
THE MACCABEES’ third album ‘Given To The Wild’ was released earlier this year to massive critical acclaim and soared into the UK charts at Number Four. The South London five-piece are enjoying a hugely successful year so far, and with a sold out Brixton Academy under their belts The Maccabees are further cementing their status as one of the most exciting British bands of our time. We welcome them for their first headline appearance on the NME/Radio 1 Stage.
FOSTER THE PEOPLE have garnered a huge amount of critical acclaim and public adoration on both sides of the Atlantic since the release of their debut album ‘Torches’. With last year’s feel-good hit of the summer ‘Pumped Up Kicks’, word of their music spread in a manner that was shockingly quick, even in the age of endless internet churn with everyone agreeing on one thing: this was a band on the cusp of an undeniable breakthrough and Foster The People show no sign of slowing down.
Band of the people, THE COURTEENERS, head to Reading & Leeds Festival ahead of the release of their third studio album, the follow up to 2010’s ‘Falcon’. With the Manchester four-piece eager to road test new material, head honcho Liam Fray recently declared their new sound as “industrial Motown”. An incredible live band, this could be one of the years most talked about performances.
Saturday 25TH August at Reading Festival / Sunday 26th August at Leeds Festival
Hailing from El Paso, Texas AT THE DRIVE-IN came, conquered and released three albums: ‘Acrobatic Tenement’, ‘In/Casino/Out’, the EP ‘Vaya’, and their ultimate swansong ‘The Relationship of Command’ which is now cited in dispatches as one the most important albums of its genre. Then they split. Now it looks like the many who were never able to see this incendiary live act back in the day will have their dreams fulfilled with this NME/Radio1 stage headline show. This band are name checked and revered by fellow musicians and fans alike and this, their ONLY UK FESTIVAL APPEARANCE will definitely be unmissable.
On the eve of their fifth album ‘In The Belly Of The Brazen Bull’ THE CRIBS make a return to the scene of one (or two) of their best ever shows. Recently reverting back to their near legendary three-piece status the band continues to evoke passion amongst their fiercely dedicated and ever growing fanbase. The Jarmans – brothers Gary, Ryan and Ross have always been fiercely independent, proud of their DIY ethos and from their early days adept at writing great songs leaving a catalogue of classic punk rock brilliance, battle scars and memories. The Cribs will once again be thrilling, spilling, entertaining and engaging.
Canadian punks BILLY TALENT come to Reading & Leeds Festival with expectations for their upcoming fourth album riding high. The band, led by vocalist Ben Kowalewicz had been playing together for almost a decade before a name change lead to a record deal and their debut eponymous album was released in 2003. “A sh*t-hot, world-dominating hard-rock band has grown out of these four former Mississauga teenagers' shared high-school dreams of … well … growing into a sh*t-hot, world-dominating hard-rock band” is how they describe themselves. Check it out for yourself at the NME/Radio 1 Stage.
MIIKE SNOW are back and return with their new album ‘Happy To You’ later this month. The hugely talented Stockholm-based three-piece have previously dabbled in the DJ scene and in punk bands, alongside electro and new wave, which lead to writing and production stints with the likes of Madonna and Britney Spears. Now ready to step out of the studio again, these shows are a must see for all music fans.
Sunday 26th August at Reading Festival / Friday 24th August at Leeds Festival
Ed Banger’s JUSTICE make electronic music that everyone can rock to. With riffs now as heavy as their beats, the Grammy-nominated Parisian pair head for Reading & Leeds armed with new album ‘Audio, Video, Disco’. The record has established them as an international force who are equally at home blaring from a dance club sound system or performing in an arena. Expect a powerful and mesmerising headline performance from a truly unique group.
Since releasing their debut album ‘Tourist History’ in March 2010, TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB have rapidly become one of the biggest new success stories in UK music. After selling out headline tours in the UK, US, Europe, Australia, Asia, Japan and South America, playing two successive sold out nights at Shepherds Bush Empire and selling out Brixton Academy in under four hours, the band have deservedly earned both a devoted word-of-mouth live following and huge critical acclaim. The Times have called them “the band of the moment” and NME declared that they have “quietly become one of the UK’s best loved bands".
The release of THE HORRORS’ third album ‘Skying’ saw the band’s already impeccable credentials soar even higher. The record was celebrated across the board by fans new and old as their finest yet and recently won the NME ‘Album of the Year’ accolade. Not that their debut ‘Strange House’ and follow up ‘Primary Colours’ hadn’t already cemented their reputation as one of the most original and ground breaking groups around. Both dense and expansive, insidiously poppy and stubbornly arty, The Horrors are one of the bands you must see at the festival.
SBTRKT returns to Reading & Leeds Festival after last year's triumphant DJ set on the Dance Stage, this time round, fans will be treated to his famous live show. His self-titled, Mercury nominated debut album propelled towards the top of DJ’s playlists around the world with his combination of funk, soul, synths and bass. Fresh from releasing single ‘Hold On’ with Sampha, SBTRKT now has his sights firmly set on the August Bank Holiday weekend.
Saturday 25TH August at Reading Festival / Sunday 26th August at Leeds Festival
After ranking high on several Best Of 2011 lists with their Mercury-nominated album ‘The English Riviera’ and playing to a sold out Royal Albert Hall in October, METRONOMY now turn their attention to 2012 with a headline set on the Dance Stage. Expect a belting, unashamed summer pop set which is sure to propel the quartet to new heights.
KATY B stops off at Reading & Leeds Festival having captured the sound, spirit and energy of British youth culture with 2011’s Mercury nominated debut album ‘On A Mission’. Having just won ‘Best Dancefloor Anthem’ for ‘Broken Record’ at the recent NME Awards, Katy has captured the hearts of many, setting her apart from her peers and firmly gaining her status as one of the UK’s biggest breakthrough acts of recent years.
www.katyonamission.com
Having recently completed a stint on the sold out NME Awards tour, 2012 is shaping up to be a huge year for AZEALIA BANKS. The controversial ‘212’ is fast approaching four million views on YouTube, whilst Azealia recently topped NME’s cool list for 2012 and featured in the Top Three in the BBC Sound Of 2012 poll. With her recently announced debut album ‘Broke With Expensive Taste’ due out in September, Reading & Leeds audiences will be treated to a very special preview come August.
www.azealiabanks.com
Known for his lightening DJ mash ups, JAGUAR SKILLS is one of the most in demand names on the circuit. Praise has been forthcoming from Trevor Nelson who declared he is “the greatest mash-up DJ right now, no one does it better” while Mark Ronson stated “Jaguar Skills, like myself, is a proper ninja! He’s dope!!!” Expect an aural assault of every tempo, from dubstep to drum ‘n’ bass, and everything in-between.
Weekend tickets £197.50 plus applicable booking fees ● Day tickets Fri, Sat, Sun £85.00 plus applicable booking fees ● Early entry permits £15.00 ● Campervan permits £60.00 ● Lockers £15.00 ● Reading car parking £5.00 ● Weekend ticket prices include camping
Online/Telephone from Monday 12th March 7.15pm:
Tickets are strictly limited to a maximum of four per person/address/payment card for those booking by telephone or online and two per person/address/payment card for personal callers to walk in stores.
I made my way down there on Thursday in time for Friday’s music and the atmosphere was buzzing with many festival-goers joking around and talking with a real sense of excitement about the forthcoming bands there. I entered, squeezed my tent into the crowded yellow camp and left to have a look around the festival.
I was surprised at the huge open space called ‘the village’ that occupied a few acres. It had food stalls covering its perimeter with most people relaxing and enjoying the prospect of having a special weekend. There were even a few football goals set up where people were playing a couple of 5-a-side games of football which seemed quite unusual for a festival. When the night came there were a couple of stages open and places to go that were outside of the main arena. The Relentless stage in the village proved a hit with its thumping dance music played to massive crowds till the early hours of the morning, with this stage open and it being popular every night of the bank holiday weekend. It perhaps showed that dance music perhaps should not be entirely in the background at Leeds Festival.
FRIDAY
I woke up the next day and made my way towards the main arena. The main arena was really well laid out with people having to make their way down a slight slope to get to the main stage. Though, it was about a five minute walk to the main arena the distance was not a bother but was welcomed as it made the whole arena seem less cluttered then some other festivals.
The first band on the main stage was We Are the Ocean, and with the amount of rain that was pouring down on the crowd, it did seem like we were indeed – the ocean. The rain didn't hold this band back as they put on a spirited set, and bar a couple of technical hiccups, played with plenty of energy to wake the early birds up.
Next over to the NME/Radio 1 tent came Best Coast who tried to add a bit of sunshine to the day with their summery lo-fi songs. Keen to stay out of the apocalyptic downfall of rain that just would not quit, I headed towards the deliciously named Ham Sandwich in the BBC Introducing tent whose light cute instrumentation suited the lead singer’s gentle voice; they seem like a band who will gather a strong following in the coming years, they’re even suitable for vegetarians.
Now to a band on the main stage of which I am a huge fan: Interpol. They played a brilliantly atmospheric set list that evenly covered their four albums. It was hard to take my fan goggles off for these guys, though perhaps the crowd wasn’t too up for them. It was a treat for fans nonetheless. It was now Elbow’s turn. The rain had finally completely stopped by now, but for me an eight hour drenching of rain was preferable to the drenching of a suspiciously warm cup of liquid that was hurled towards my section during Elbow’s set. Elbow’s Guy Garvey tried to warm the crowd up in a more endearing manner by trying to get us all to move, being particularly insistent on us all keeping our hands up in the air for long periods (perhaps he should have called the band ‘Hands’ not Elbow)
Next was Muse whose live reputation is out of this world. They opened with an eerie voice (from Tom Wait’s ‘What’s he Building?’) talking whilst there were flashes of large shadows of the band, contained in a curtain. Finally the curtain raised and much to the crowds anticipation they launched into 'New Born,' the first track from Muse's second album 'Origin of Symmetry' which they had previously claimed they would play the whole way through. And they did.
Due to the massive guitar riffs on the album and Muse's amazing ability to put on a show, the whole thing was incredible. Particular highlights included 'Micro Cuts' where Matt Bellamy showed off astonishingly high pitched vocals for dramatically long periods before the song came crashing to its epic guitar crunching close.
It wasn't just Matt who was thoroughly impressive musically, Chris and Dominic were too, and they particularly got to demonstrate this during a drum and bass jam for a few minutes while Matt went off stage. The sheer power of them during this jam left me thinking that these two could do a whole live set as a duo and still produce a better show than most bands (though I'm not suggesting they should lose Matt)
Muse’s set was littered with all sorts of cool things;lasers, flames the size of the stage, fireworks, interesting videos, lights and of course plenty of gigantic eyeballs filled with confetti that were thrown into the crowd. No band should ever perform without some form of gigantic eyeball being thrown around somewhere. Muse really did throw everything at this headline slot, bar the kitchen sink, and to be honest an on-stage kitchen sink wouldn’t have been all that spectacular. At the very end – after Muse had come on and played nine of their greatest hits – a fireworks display came bursting out from the top of the stage and as this came to a close I was left with my heart racing and with a sense of awe. Fantastic!
SATURDAY
The next day started off sunny while I made my way to see Miles Kane's set of high trousers, kicks and Indie licks. He had a cool swagger about him that made it hard to take your eyes off of him, even during his weaker songs. The next highlight of the day was Deftones. I've heard a lot about these guys but never seen them live before and they absolutely blew me away. I'm sure that, based on that set, they would have gained fans from the few people there who weren’t familiar with them before.
After having left the main stage for a bit to purchase an expensive Yorkshire pudding the size of a paddling pool, and still with the Deftones wonderfully gripping set in the back of my mind, it was now time for 30 Seconds to Mars. Similarly to Deftones I could not believe how great they were. Jared Leto spoke to the crowd in between songs and gave the whole set an intimate feel, almost as if he was addressing everyone personally in a crowd that had thousands; it was something really special. Towards the end they made the performance even more special for dozens of crowd members at the front when Jared invited them onstage for 'Kings and Queens,' and credit to the on-stagers; they all went mad.
Next up were Jared Leto's "good friends" and headliners My Chemical Romance. They came out in their album themed attire putting on a triumphant display. No sign of the trouble they had at Leeds twin festival Reading in their 2006 performance, where they got bottled by many angry Slayer Fans (who were stupidly placed next to them on the bill that year). They stormed through many songs off their latest album ('Danger Days') and put on an all round good show.
SUNDAY
On the final day Leeds Festival we were treated to not one but two festival headliners. Just as Pulp had stepped aside for The Strokes to go on stage last at Reading on the Saturday, The Strokes returned the favour and Pulp went on last at Leeds on the Sunday. Pulp played a strong set and won over many of the youths of the festival who may have only heard a couple of their songs, as when queried on the best performance of the weekend; Pulp was a popular choice. It also seemed to make more sense to have Pulp last over The Strokes, as Jarvis Cocker and co. seemed genuinely excited to be there; dancing around the stage in his unique style, whereas The Strokes were somewhat static and let their anthems and cool approach do the talking (or singing). Earlier highlights in the day included the sing-alongs to Madness' 'Our House' and opener 'One Step Beyond', though the lesser known tracks did not go down as well with the crowd; it was worth it for the well-known ones.
All in all the festival was a major success and although the amount of rain did make it an extremely Welly-squelching affair, it was clear that behind all those festival goers mud covered faces there were big white smiles..
SBTRKT aka Aaron Jerome is already playing a DJ set at this year’s festival, but will close the Alternative Stage in Leeds with a live set. Famous for remixing the likes of MIA, Basement Jaxx, Mark Ronson and Underworld, he has just released his eponymous debut album. This is a rare opportunity to see this exemplary artist, or perhaps not, as he is usually performing from behind the tribal masks that have become his trademark. Dancing will be obligatory …
Winner of the Guardian First Album Award for his debut‘Lucky Shiner’ GOLD PANDA aka Derwin Panda has been one of the most acclaimed new artists of the last 12 months. He started by building up a library of
original, dizzyingly eclectic electronic music incorporating a disparate mix of influences and source material. The results were gleaming instrumental hip-hop tracks saturated with bright colors and sublimely chopped-up vocal samples.
THREE TRAPPED TIGERS recently released their debut album ‘Route One or Die’ which NME described as “…the sound of imagination itself”. The type of electronica put forward by the London trio defies classification but we call it music to enjoy yourself to and this will definitely be happening in the tent.
“Ice cold fucking synth music” is how BECOMING REAL describes his sound, we say it’s like a strand of early grime music he’s stretched, warping it into ever more pretty, frightening, ghostly shapes. From starting out in a school band playing covers of Sonic Youth, Toby Ridler has evolved into one of the darkest new artists coming out of London. You’ll be scared, but you’ll enjoy it!
Just some of the artists confirmed for this year’s festival – which takes place on on Friday 26th to Sunday 28th August at Little John’s Farm in Reading and Bramham Park in Leeds – include: MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE, THE STROKES, PULP, MUSE, BEADY EYE, JANE’S ADDICTION, 2MANYDJS, THE STREETS, UNKLE Sounds, SIMIAN MOBILE DISCO, MIGHTY MIGHTY BOSSTONES, DESCENDENTS, PETER DOHERTY, THE HORRORS, and THE MIDNIGHT BEAST. On the Alternative Stage you can also find MARK THOMAS, RUSSELL KANE, TIM MINCHIN, HENRY ROLLINS, LEE NELSON, MARK WATSON, THE RUBBERBANDITS and ANDREW O’NEILL.
TRANSGRESSIVE & FRIENDS PRESENT …. SATURDAY
Johnny Flynn & The Sussex Wit (live) Pete & The Pirates (live) Dry The River (live) Goldierocks (DJ) Transgressive / Rockfeedback (DJ’s)
SUNDAY
SBTRKT (live) Gold Panda (live) Three Trapped TIgers (live) Becoming Real (live) Transgressive / Rockfeedback (DJ’s)
We welcome MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE as first time headliners at their only English festival appearance of the year. They conquered the globe with their platinum-selling third album, the bombastic The Black Parade. But the band’s four members, Gerard Way, Mikey Way, Ray Toro and Frank Iero took a radical new direction for their current album Danger Days: The True Lives of The Fabulous Killjoys; an utterly outrageous, gleefully creative explosion of every quirk, kick and punch the band had been holding in for years. It’s the album My Chemical Romance have been building towards their entire, nearly decade-long career as it defies lazy labels and demolishes expectations. Beholden to no scene, credo or code it’s a rock ‘n’ roll album from the future aimed directly at the dead-hearted present. The band’s vision was rewarded with two NME Awards including the highly prestigious Best International Band. Expect a powerful and thrilling performance from a band at their peak.
THE STROKES are set to co-headline this year’s Reading & Leeds Festival. Having recently topped NME’s album of the decade list for debut ‘Is This It’ they can justifiably be described as one of the perennial rock bands of our generation. Their first three albums achieved critical acclaim and led to multimillion sales and headline festival appearances. With the band’s eagerly anticipated fourth album, ‘Angles’, due out 21st March, these dates are sure to re-confirm their staggering live reputation.
PULP will co-headline this year’s Reading & Leeds Festival, the Leeds show being their only date in the North of England since they announced their return. Quite simply one of the most popular and successful British groups of our times, the Mercury Music Prize winners have forever etched their way into the history of British music with anthems such as ‘Common People’, ‘Sorted For E’s & Wizz’ and ‘Do You Remember The First Time’ and these sets from the Sheffield band are sure to be one of the events of the weekend.
* The bands will flip places at the festivals with The Strokes playing after Pulp at Reading and Pulp closing after The Strokes in Leeds.
MUSE TO HEADLINE
Sunday 28th August at Reading Festival
Friday 26th August at Leeds Festival
One of the biggest, most impressive live bands in the world, and regularly voted the best, MUSEreturn to Reading and Leeds for what is sure to be a monumental performance and their Only European Shows of 2011. The band have sold over ten million albums since their formation in 1994 and the trio of Matt Bellamy, Christopher Wolstenholme and Dominic Howard have enthralled audiences globally with their incredible live shows. Currently working on an amazing set list which will include all the massive tunes from their extraordinary back catalogue, the Teignmouth group are also putting plans in place to build a spectacular one off, never seen before, stage set which is sure to see the band live up to their tag as Britain’s most ambitious live act. Having recently picked up a Grammy Award for their fifth studio album ‘The Resistance’ and named by the NME as the ‘Best Band’ for the second year running, the group are planning to record the follow up later this year. This will be an un-missable highlight of the weekend to enjoy tens of thousands people singing, dancing and air-guitaring to one of the UK’s most celebrated rock acts.
Friday 26th August at Reading Festival / Saturday 27th August at Leeds Festival
From Los Angeles, Special Guests THIRTY SECONDS TO MARS have built a huge following since the release of their debut eponymous album in 2002. Featuring Jared Leto (lead vocals, rhythm guitar, songwriter), Shannon Leto (drums, percussion) and Tomo Miličević (lead guitar, keyboards) the band have released three albums and collected countless awards and gold discs along the way. Their latest release ‘This Is War’ was produced by Flood and Steve Lillywhite and has been described as their “strongest and most accomplished work to date.” The band’s live performances have included ballet dancers, string quartets and opera singers in the past, all secondary to Leto’s enthralling showmanship so Reading & Leeds can expect a fabulous performance at this their Only UK Festival Appearance.
www.thirtysecondstomars.net
American punk rock at its very finest, THE OFFSPRING have enthralled audiences since they formed back in 1984. They have sold an incredible 35 million albums worldwide and toured continually with an incredible live show. Currently working on their ninth studio album, which vocalist Dexter Holland has hinted will be ”straight-up rockin'” this set is sure to feature hits such as UK Number. 1 ‘Pretty Fly (For A White Guy)’, ‘Original Prankster’ and ‘You’re Gonna Go Far, Kid’. These are the bands Only UK Festival Appearances in 2011.
DEFTONES’ sixth and latest studio album‘Diamond Eyes’ was named iTunes’ 2010 Rock Album of the Year and is recognised as one of their best to date. The Californian band’s diverse and genre -bending sound has seen their career span over a decade and secured them global success. Off the back of a mammoth tour of Europe and the US the band return to the main stage this summer and are sure to be firing on all cylinders at this their Only UK Festival Appearances.
Formed in 1999 and selling over 100,000 records in the UK alone, RISE AGAINST are set to make their Main Stage debut at this year’s Reading & Leeds Festival. The punk rock four-piece from Chicago, Illinois graced us with their stage presence in 2009 when they headlined the Lock-up stage, now having released their sixth studio album ‘Endgame’ and touring once again, we can look forward to an explosive return.
We welcome BRING ME THE HORIZON, the Sheffield band who are defining the sound of modern metal. Their third full length album, ‘There Is A Hell, Believe Me I’ve Seen It. There Is A Heaven, Let’s Keep It A Secret’ was released to fantastic reviews last year and their live shows are legendary. Since their formation in 2004 they have found fans around the world and a blistering performance is sure to be in store.
www.bringmethehorizon.co.uk
Energetic pop–punk icons NEW FOUND GLORY once described themselves as “five kids from the suburbs that knew some power chords”. The band have certainly come a long way, with 2010 seeing the 10th anniversary reissue of their groundbreaking self-titled album. Their fusion of emo, pop and heavy hardcore riffs will once again bring a lot of fans dancing to the main stage.
Recently signing a worldwide record deal with their new label Cooking Vinyl and releasing their third studio album ‘Hope’, 2011 is certainly moving quickly for six-piece Welsh rock-bruisers,THE BLACKOUT. Having played storming sets on numerous sell out headline tours, the band will once again be unleashing their wrath this summer.
www.theblackout.net
Brighton based youngsters ARCHITECTS have certainly made an impact since their arrival on the UK metal scene, playing alongside acts such as Paramore, Jane’s Addiction and metal legends Faith No More. With the band opening proceedings on the main stage, you can guarantee an explosive start to the day.
Saturday 27h August at Reading Festival / Sunday 28th August at Leeds Festival
Brooklyn-based alternative rock band THE NATIONAL return to Reading & Leeds Festival after a five year absence, and will no doubt do so to a huge warm welcome. The release of their fifth album ‘High Violet’ last year saw them crack the top five in the UK and US and pick up a massive fan base along the way. These were added to the supporters in the know who had been praising and proclaiming the greatness of this five piece since the release of their debut album in 2001. A genuine hype-free success story they can only win-over more people with their classic Americana sounds this summer.
Festival favourites JIMMY EAT WORLD bring their unique brand of Arizona rock to Reading & Leeds this summer. With recently released album ‘Invented’ heralding a return to the classic sound of their earlier albums, the band fronted by Jim Adkins since they formed in 1993, have continued to thrill crowds with their hard-edged yet melodic rock sounds and blistering live shows.
Don’t watch that, watch THIS as our Special Guests MADNESS, North London’s finest moonstompers rock up to the Reading & Leeds Festival with their unique brand of nutty boy ska/pop. Expect a barn-storming greatest hits set comprising old favourites and tracks from the latest album 2009’s return to form ‘The Liberty of Norton Folgate’. ‘One Step Beyond’, ‘House of Fun’, ‘My Girl’ – the hits are endless and Suggs and Co. are a formidable live act who will guarantee outbreaks of crazy dancing and sing-a-longs.
Since releasing their debut album ‘Tourist History’ – the 2010 Choice Music Prize Irish Album of the year in March 2010, TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB have rapidly become one of the biggest new success stories in UK music. After selling out headline tours in the UK, US, Europe, Australia, Japan and South America the band have deservedly earned both a devoted word-of-mouth live following and huge critical acclaim. The Times have called them “the band of the moment” and NME declared that they have “quietly become one of the UK’s best loved bands.”
Few artists at Reading & Leeds Festival this year will have recently celebrated their 70thbirthday, but SEASICK STEVE – guitarist and bluesman extraordinaire is a truly unique individual. He made his first UK television appearance on Jools Holland’s show in 2006 and was an instant hit – an overnight sensation after playing for over 50 years. Two Brit Award nominations followed in 2009 and 2010 and he’s just kept playing and startling fans with his incredible talent. A classic artist for the festival.
Late 2008 marked the end of a chapter in the life of Leeds’ THE PIGEON DETECTIVES, with a sold out headline show at London’s Alexandra Palace which, added to the 500,000 sales of their first two albums left the band with an impressive CV. Now, fresh from a self imposed two year hiatus they return recharged with a new album. ‘UP,GUARDS AND AT ‘EM!’, ever popular with the public, this year’s appearance at Reading & Leeds – particularly in Leeds , will once again remind us what an enviable live proposition The Pigeon Detectives are.
www.thepigeondestectives.com
The past twelve months has seen Welsh trio THE JOY FORMIDABLE emerge as one of the acts to watch in 2011. Having headlined the NME’s Radar Tour last year and playing a sold out UK tour early in 2011 live is where The Joy Formidable excel. The gigs had the critics salivating with a breathless NME declaring them “a shockingly special band.” On stage they push themselves emotionally and sonically to create soundscapes that produce an intense, yet uplifting experience often resulting with singer Ritzy Bryan amongst the crowd.
Sunday 28th August at Reading Festival / Friday 26th August at Leeds Festival
The Reading & Leeds Festival play host to one of the UK’s most loved and influential bands this summer – ELBOW - one of only two UK festival appearances the band have confirmed this year. The immense success of the double platinum selling ‘The Seldom Seen Kid’ brought with it the acclaim the band so richly merited, winning the Mercury Music Prize in 2008, a Brit Award for Best British Band, a South Bank Show prize for Best Album whilst also picking up a pair of Ivor Novello Awards for ‘One Day Like This’ and ‘Grounds For Divorce. Since then the band have written and recently released their fifth studio album ‘Build A Rocket Boys’ entering the charts at Number 2 – the band’s highest ever chart position, and it seems another chapter is written in one of the most intriguing and heart-warming stories in British music.
With the release of INTERPOL’s eponymous fourth album last year, expectation was high and the band didn’t disappoint. “…another album of exquisitely anguished atmospherics…” exclaimed one critic whilst another stated; “…a stadium band in the making, if they choose to be.” The grandiose cinematic beauty and often eerie intensity of Interpol’s catalogue lends itself to soaring climatic shows and as on previous occasions Interpol will plough where others merely follow. A rabid and loyal fanbase will see a band at the top of the game, for those yet to join the ranks catch this stunning live act and be converted.
Since the release of FRIENDLY FIRES self-titled debut album in 2008, accolades have arrived thick and fast for this trio from St Albans. The album was a slow burning success which over the ensuing two years saw the band rack up sales in excess of 200,000 in the UK as well as picking a Mercury Music Prize nomination and two Brit Award nominations. The band draw inspiration as much from the electronic world as the guitar one and this is no more obvious than when they hit the stage which has led them to be one the most exciting and critically feted new bands of the past few years. Currently holed up in the studio putting the finishing touches to their second album, this year’s appearance should be captivating.
The ever youthful post-hardcore quartet from St Albans ENTER SHIKARI are favourites at Reading & Leeds. Irrespective of which stage they play, the mantra remains the same; have fun and the crowd go absolutely insane! The band have built a fearsome live reputation over the past few years whilst touring across the globe with appearances at Big Day Out In Australia and The Warped Tour in the US and with news that the band are looking to release new material later this year, fans and newcomers alike will again be drawn to what is a most exhilarating live experience.
Dundee’s THE VIEW bring their energetic and hit-packed live show to this year’s Reading & Leeds Festival. The band who with a Number 1 and Mercury Music Prize album ‘Hats Off To The Buskers’ under their belt first entertained the crowds here when they headlined the NME/Radio 1 stage way back in 2007. This year will witness no less excitement when they appear playing old favourites along with new material from their third album ‘Bread And Circuses’ with no let up in their irrepressible live experience.
FRANK TURNER has developed from a fledgling artist armed with an acoustic guitar and an exceptional DIY work ethic and blossomed from an underground hero to a bona fide mainstream success story following the demise of his previous band Million Dead. From supporting Green Day at Wembley last year and more recently being nominated for two NME Awards at this year’s Brats, the past twelve months has been a whirlwind success which shows no sign of slowing down. A new album is imminent which will no doubt win this amazing artist more fans.
TAKING BACK SUNDAY play the UK for the first time ever under their original line-up which saw their 2002 debut album ‘Tell All Your Friends’ pave the way towards the bands future successes . With a brand new studio album set for release produced by Eric Valentine – (QOTSA, Lostprophets) the five-piece from Long Island are sure to be a hit on the Main Stage this summer.
Dan Brown, Liam Cromby, Alfie Scully, Jack Spence and Tom Whittaker are WE ARE THE OCEAN. The band formed in 2007 and has since toured with the likes of The Used, Lostprophets, You Me At Six and Funeral For A Friend. If you have yet to experience We Are The Ocean then there is no better time than these sets, sure to be the talk of the site at the close of the weekend.
Friday 26th August at Reading Festival / Saturday 27th August at Leeds Festival
Reading & Leeds are thrilled to welcome BEADY EYE to headline the NME/Radio 1 Stage for their first ever appearance at the festival. Formed after Oasis split in 2009, Liam Gallagher, Gem Archer, Andy Bell and Chris Sharrock released their debut album ‘Different Gear, Still Speeding’ in February of this year and played their first live shows worldwide in March. Having been voted the ‘greatest frontman of all time’, Gallagher and the band have already gained plaudits for their live performances with one newspaper declaring Gallagher to be “in the most commanding vocal form of his career”. This should be an absolutely not to be missed highlight of the weekend.
www.beadyeyemusic.com
Formed in 2007, West London trio WHITE LIES released their debut album ‘To Lose My Life’ in 2009 reaching number one on its release to a fanfare of both critical and commercial acclaim. With an 18 month world tour under their belts the band emerged as one of the bands of 2009. Recharged, excited and buoyed by a new found self- belief, this year has seen the follow-up ‘Ritual’ – their full-blooded big-booted tech-rock outing continue the band’s ascendancy both here in the UK and around the world.
The continued maturation of NOAH AND THE WHALE has been a pleasing thing to follow – from the joyous burst of their debut ,’Peaceful, the World Lays Me Down’, through the lovelorn sobriety of ‘The First Days Of Spring’, it now reaches a kind of fruition on the recent ‘Last Night on Earth’. Certainly the band seem to have come of age, as perceived leaders of the same British folk-rock scene that has spawned so many in recent times, with this album the band have found their place and perhaps appear to stand a little taller and little broader than their peers. Theirs is a beautifully woven tapestry of richness, words and entertainment, be enthralled.
THE VACCINES are the quartet who have mopped up the superlatives when it comes to the next big thing over the past six months – including being shortlisted in the BBC’s Sound of 2011 poll and primed with their debut album ‘What Did You Expect From The Vaccines’ – look set to thrill on this, their first Reading & Leeds Festival showing. The debut single ‘Wreckin’ Bar’ bore all the hallmarks of what The Vaccines were about, songs that wiggle their way into your consciousness and won’t let go. So, what can you expect from The Vaccines? Excitement, thrills, melody, power, romance?
About to release their third album ‘The English Riviera’, the follow up to 2008’s critically acclaimed ‘Nights Out’ – METRONOMY bring their vast sonic soundscapes to this year’s festival. Although a lot of the newer material sees the band embrace warmer pop melodies they haven’t left the dancefloor behind and new tracks such as ‘The Look’ with it’s all conquering synth-riff will be a festival favourite come the end of the summer.
Having worked with a diverse range of artists including Florence Welch, Marianne Faithfull, Tilda Swinton and most recently Patti Smith, PATRICK WOLF’s iconoclastic music has seen him spread his prodigious talents into a number of fields. Following his previous album ‘The Bachelor’ in 2009, Wolf has been working on new material which arrives in the shape of new album ‘Lupercalia’. Renowned for the spectacular, especially live, the new songs should propel him into the bigger arena that the scale and ambition of his new music already inhabits.
THE NAKED AND FAMOUS are already (naked and) famous in their native New Zealand, one of 2010’s genuine organic buzzes has seen a band lauded by the critics and now with Down Under virtually conquered look set to trailblaze likewise in the Northern hemisphere. This is a band set to blow a crater in 2011’s musical landscape with their first international release ‘Passive Me, Aggressive You’, a young group of warped sound merchants to invest your heart and soul in, catch ‘em early on their festival debut!
Saturday 27th August at Reading Festival / Sunday 28th August at Leeds Festival
Headlining the NME/Radio 1 stage we are honored to welcome the incredible JANE’S ADDICTION. The flamboyant, outspoken frontman Perry Farrell is one of the most thrilling and electrifying artists of our generation and as anyone privileged to see the band will testify, they remain one of the world’s most accomplished live acts. ‘Jane Says’, ‘Been Caught Stealing’ and ‘Just Because’ are just some of the classic tracks the band have recorded over their eventful career. The group will also be featuring material from their upcoming new album set for August release. The new album was produced by Rich Costey (Muse, Rage Against The Machine etc) and TV on the Radio’s Dave Sitek joined in to help write, program and play bass in what promises to be one of the most anticipated releases of 2011. Jane’s Addiction are a definite must-see for rock fans everywhere and are guaranteed to give Reading & Leeds a very special moment.
Fresh from headlining this year’s NME Awards tour, CRYSTAL CASTLES, a somewhat anti-social duo of drummer Ethan Kath and the ever enigmatic vocalist Alice Glass return to grace Reading & Leeds Festival. Famed for their uncompromising style both on and off stage their performances are a wonderful cacophony of chaos and crowd participation. With two albums under their belt, sold out tours worldwide, Crystal Castles have created an unexpected and remarkable loyal cult following which is witnessed no more so than when they take to the stage. Miss this duo at your peril.
BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB return to play this year’s Reading & Leeds Festival, their first appearance since 2009. The band have certainly not been idle in the intervening period having released their well received debut album ‘I Had The Blues But I Shook Them Loose’ in 2009, picking up ‘Best New Band’ at last year’s NME Awards and releasing their stunning Top 10 acoustic album ‘Flaws’ last summer. 2011 sees the band plug back in and are currently recording their third album which is slated for release later this year.
From their festival debut last summer, EVERYTHING EVERYTHING appear to have gone from ‘ones to watch’ to THE ones towatch. Last year saw a nomination on the feted BBC Sound poll, a year later has seen them pick up The Times Breakthrough Award at this year’s Southbank Awards for their sensational debut album ‘Man Alive’. Described as a record “..of arresting unpredictability and melodic beauty and subtlety, melding art-rock and the dance floor”, everybody’s favourite new cerebral pop outfit look set to continue their breathtaking trail with a highly anticipated showing at this year’s Reading & Leeds Festival.
Armed with a new album ‘Blood Pressures’, THE KILLS – Jamie Hince and Alison Mosshart – return to Reading & Leeds with their swagger and sass intact. Since their arrival in 2003 the duo have retained the searing guitars, driving rhythms and sexually charged lyrical savvy that has become their trademark. Mosshart, meanwhile as vocalist in The Dead Weather which has further enhanced her reputation and that of The Kills as one of the most vital, striking bands today, whose vividly unique ‘rock’ is at once effortless and timeless.
Los Angeles hip-hop collective OFWGKTA (otherwise known as Odd Future… or Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All) have garnered a cult following in the US. Talented, hilarious, villainous and immature – they are at the forefront of modern hip-hop. Having released no fewer than 12 full length albums since 2008, all available for free on their website, the group recently completed a two stop tour, their first outside of Los Angeles, in New York and London which sold out within 48 hours of announcement. Their concerts have frequently been compared to punk rock shows, with stage diving and moshing – these hip-hoppers are very much in the ones to watch category.
Sunday 28th August at Reading Festival / Friday 26th August at Leeds Festival
Stepping away from their day jobs in Soulwax, 2 MANY DJ’s will be this year’s co-headliners on the NME/Radio 1 Stage. Initially finding fame with their genre mashing mixes, the brothers went onto produce remixes for the likes of Gorillaz, The Klaxons, Kylie Minogue, Daft Punk, LCD Soundsystem and many more. The 2 MANY DJ’s set is a guaranteed show stopping headline for this year’s festival and is not to be missed.
As Mike Skinner calls time on THE STREETS it’s hard to underestimate how important our co-headliners have been to the past decade of British music. The final album, ‘Computers and Blues’, crams everything Skinner has learnt in the course of his very personal five album odyssey into a package as irresistibly box-fresh as his game-changing 2002 debut ‘Original Pirate Material’. Ladies and gentlemen, charge your glasses for a farewell toast to The Streets.
www.the-streets.co.uk
After splitting in 2006, DEATH FROM ABOVE 1979 are back and ready to plug in their instruments at Reading & Leeds for another blast of dance-rock mayhem. Formed in 2001, the band were a wakeup call for a stagnant guitar scene. Keeping things simple, the Canadian group had little more than drums, some skittering electronics and bone shuddering bass. With an awesome live reputation, these sets are sure to exceed their own very high standards and deliver a thrilling performance.
PANIC! AT THE DISCO are back and will be performing at Reading & Leeds in support of new album ‘Vices and Virtues’. Just barely out of high school, the emo-pop outfit burst out of suburban Las Vegas in 2005 with their full-length debut, ‘A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out’. Crafting pop-influenced songs with theatrical touches, quirky techno beats, and perceptive lyrics the tents are sure to be packed out for these shows.
Psychedelic rock band WARPAINT formed in 2004 and consists of Emily Kokal, Theresa Wayman, Jenny Lee Lindberg and Stella Mozgawa. The all-girl quartet from Los Angeles have toured incessantly over the last couple of years, with standout shows at CMJ and SXSW. NME awarded the debut album 9/10, and were moved to say ‘it’s arguably the greatest debut of the year’.
Highly rated London based five-piece CHAPEL CLUB follow their sold out UK tour with an appearance on the NME/Radio 1 stage. ‘Palace’, the band’s acclaimed debut album will play its part along with new tracks that together encapsulate the band’s musical diversity – be it the Kraut rock drive of ‘After The Flood’, the seductive roller coaster of ‘The Shore’ or the pop elegance of recent single ‘All The Eastern Girls’ – a song for every mood… Chapel Club are a remarkable band, join the congregation!
When CAGE THE ELEPHANT released their self-titled debut in 2009, they were heralded as saviors of slacker funk-punk thanks to their hit ‘Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked’. The album went on to sell over 500,000 copies worldwide, and remained on the Billboard 200 Chart for 73 consecutive weeks. The raucous Kentucky rockers are now back with new album ‘Thank You Happy Birthday’, so get ready for another ferocious kick of gut-grabbing rock ‘n’ roll.
Friday 26th August at Reading Festival / Saturday 27th August at Leeds Festival
THE HORRORS will take to the Festival Republic Stage as our headliners for what is sure to be two very special shows. After forming in the summer of 2005, the band quickly gained notoriety around London for their look, sound and brief but frantic live shows. Mixing shoegazing, post-punk and goth influences, expect The Horrorsto deliver one of those iconic Festival Republic Stage moments.
Saturday 27th August at Reading Festival / Sunday 28th August at Leeds Festival
After drawing one of the weekend’s biggest crowds last year, THE MIDNIGHT BEAST return as our Festival Republic Stage headliners. The internet sensations sent YouTube into meltdown last year with their cover of Ke$ha’s ‘Tik Tok’. If you haven’t seen them live yet, think of them as a musical version of the characters of The Inbetweeners, and be sure to catch them this summer at Reading & Leeds.
Sunday 28th August at Reading Festival / Friday 26th August at Leeds Festival
We are proud to welcome the quintessential rock star PETER DOHERTY as a Festival Republic Stage headliner. After last year’s incredible performances with The Libertines, one of the best British songwriters of our generation returns in what is sure to be one of the highlights of the weekend.
Sunday 28th August at Reading Festival / Saturday 27th August at Leeds Festival
The return to the Reading & Leeds Festival of the multifaceted TIM MINCHIN is one of the highlights of this year’s Alternative Stage. Having won numerous awards since his rise from obscurity to celebrity in the mid–noughties, Tim has firmly established himself, both here, back home in Australia and America as one the most versatile performers on the live circuit. Tim has performed sell out shows at The Sydney Opera House, Edinburgh and Adelaide Fringe Festivals, Melbourne International Comedy Festival and the Just for Laughs Festivals in Canada amongst others. He has appeared on numerous TV shows, written a pilot for Radio 2 and recently written the music and lyrics for the musical ‘Matilda’ with The Royal Shakespeare Company which opened late last year. 2010 also saw Tim embark on his first Arena Tour of the UK where he was joined by the 55 piece Heritage Orchestra and a band, which he then took on a sell out tour of Australia before its return to the UK culminating in two shows at London’s Royal Albert Hall. Always one for the unexpected, this year is no exception and will feature Tim and a special rock ‘n’ roll set!
Saturday 27th August at Reading Festival / Friday 26th August at Leeds Festival
The Alternative stage welcomes the superb talent of LEE NELSON. The cheeky, happy-go-lucky loveable tearaway from South London has recently been a hit on the stage for other reasons than just stand-up, performing with best pal Omelette to Wham’s ‘Club Tropicana’ on Let’s Dance for Comic Relief. Lee is of course a character created by comedian Simon Brodkin whose successes include the hit BBC3 vehicle ‘Lee Nelson’s Well Good Show’. He has also written for and performed on ‘Al Murray’s Multiple Personality Disorder’. Brace yourselves for this one, it’s gonna be ‘Well Good’.
Award-winning stand-up, writer and performer RUSSELL KANE has firmly established himself as one of the best comics in the UK since exploding onto the scene in autumn 2003. This year saw Russell win the Foster’s Edinburgh Comedy Award for his show ‘Smokescreens and Castles’ – the most prestigious award in Comedy – having been shortlisted for the award a total of three times including one nomination for Best Newcomer for his Edinburgh show, ‘The Theory of Pretension’. In a prolific few years for Russell, some of the highlights include writing a play called ‘The Great British Country Fete’ for the Bush Theatre, joining ITV2’s ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here Now’ presenting team and making an acclaimed appearance on BBC 1’s flagship comedy show ‘Live At The Apollo’. Described as ‘one of the finest young performers around’ by Time Out and an ‘inspiring and brilliant stand-up… perfect’ by Chortle, these shows are not to be missed.
Friday 26th August at Reading Festival / Saturday 27th August at Leeds Festival
In describing HENRY ROLLINS, the tendency is to try to squeeze as many labels as possible into a single sentence – but if he could be reduced to a single word, that word would undoubtedly be ‘workaholic’. For more than a quarter century, Rollins has toured the world as a spoken word artist and as front man for both the Rollins Band and Black Flag. When he’s not living out of a suitcase, Rollins is constantly working as an actor, radio DJ, author and publisher. Henry’s spoken word performances are a seamless mix of humour and political commentary. In 2010, he toured both hemispheres on the slogan ‘knowledge without mileage equals bullshit’ with his ‘Frequent Flyer Tour’, and the Reading & Leeds fans are sure to be in for a treat when he arrives in 2011.
Saturday 27th August at Reading Festival / Friday 26th August at Leeds Festival
One of Britain’s most acclaimed comics, MARK THOMAS has also been at the forefront as one of the country’s most recognised and influential activists. With a career on stage spanning 25 years, from his early days as a guest on Radio 1’s The Mary Whitehouse Experience, Channel 4’s numerous series of the cutting edge Mark Thomas Comedy Project / Mark Thomas Project to his well documented and life changing influence Dispatches programmes, he has continued to argue and investigate. In recent years, Thomas has undertaken several sold out tours of the UK, the latest, ‘Extreme Rambling’ (Walking The Wall) recounts his walking the entire length of the Israeli Separation Barrier crossing between the Israeli and Palestine side. “Moving and inspiring…as gripping as any live performance you will see.” said The Guardian. Passionate and emotive, catch this multi award winning comedian, author and activist and you cannot fail to be inspired.
www.markthomasinfo.com
TICKETING INFO
Weekend tickets £192.50 plus booking fees • Day tickets Fri, Sat, Sun £82.50 plus booking fee • Early entry permits £15 • Weekend ticket prices include camping.
Online/Telephone from Monday 21st March 7.15pm:
Tickets are strictly limited to a maximum of four per household for those booking by telephone or online and two per person for personal callers to walk in stores.
Selected HMV stores from 8am Tuesday 22nd March. See websites for store listings.
In Person from Tuesday 22nd March 8am:
Reading tickets can be bought at face value,in person from Tuesday 22nd March 8.00amwhen paid for in cash at the Reading Arts & Venues Box Office, The Hexagon.
Leeds tickets can be bought at face value, in person from Tuesday 22nd March 8.00am when paid for in cash at Leeds Visitor Centre.
Also in person from Crash Records and Jumbo Records subject to booking fees.
Please note that picture ID/proof of address will be required at the time of booking. Tickets are subject to availability.
Limit of 2 per household/person for personal callers.
Children under 13 (12 and under) are admitted free but MUST be accompanied by a ticket holding adult. Please note there is no separate children’s area at this event.
