Feature: 25 Must See Bands at Leeds and Reading Festival
This weekend the annual Leeds and Reading Festival takes place. As always both festivals range from stadium-size rock bands to up and coming acts and everything in between. There is no doubt plenty to see, and with this years line-up being headlined by Guns N Roses, Arcade Fire and blink-182, it is one of the best festival line-ups you'll see all summer.After much thought and discussion, we've whittled down a list of 25 must see bands (in no order) to see at Leeds and Reading.
Arcade FireLeeds: Main Stage, Friday August 27th
Reading: Main Stage, Saturday August 28th
Canada's Arcade Fire make the unlikely step up to the headline spot on the main stage. Whilst not quite having that arena-rock sound, the band have gradually found their home in such an environment and with a number one album on both sides of the Atlantic with The Suburbs'. Their appearance at Leeds and Reading will mark the next milestone in a career, that been praised by critics and is now gaining momentum in the public.
Words: Sean Reid
Limp BizkitLeeds: Main Stage, Saturday
Reading: Main Stage, Sunday August 30th
The reformed Limp Bizkit are surely set to deliver a nostalgic set, with plenty of "nu-metal" hits; 'Nookie', 'Rollin'' and ''Break Stuff' are just some to mention. Fred Durst and co could be one of the funnest sets all weekend.
PhoenixLeeds: NME/Radio One Stage, Saturday
Reading: NME/Radio One Stage, Friday
The French indie-pop quartet's sub-headline slot on the NME/Radio One stage is a slightly surprising decision. However with such a concise, enjoyable record then 2009's 'Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix’, its easy to see why this band are a must-see. Their take on quirky, guitar-based, indie-pop is pulled off in its finest form, and tracks such as 1901' and 'Lizstomania' are perfect for a summer's evening.
A Day To RememberLeeds: Main Stage, Saturday
Reading: Main Stage, Friday
Before heading back into the studio to finish of their next album, A Day To The Remember treat UK fans to one last bash of 2009's 'Homesick'. Expect a set mixed with sing-a-long choruses and plenty of moshing; for Reading fans they'll be great to kick off the festival and for Leeds attendees they'll give you one almighty wake up call.
Words: Sean Reid
WeezerLeeds: Main Stage, Saturday
Reading: Main Stage, Sunday
Weezer finally return to the UK! I wish that is all I could say, but for some Weezer playing in the UK has been a long time coming, and with 7 albums worth of material and their eighth ('Hurley') set for release next month. It'd be surprising if the four-piece don't deliver a set filled with highlights; 'Hash Pipe', 'Pork and Beans' and '(If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To'. We dare you to try and not to singalong to 'Buddy Holly'!
Words: Sean Reid
LostprophetsLeeds: Main Stage, Sunday
Reading: Main Stage, Friday
Lostprophets are somewhat Reading & Leeds legends these days, despite being looked over for that ever elusive headline slot; the boys return this year to help get the main stage rocking, you only have to watch videos of their previous performances at Reading and Leeds to realise how unmissable this set will be. 'Where We Belong' if played has that potential festival moment that, will have you looking back upon the weekend on Monday evening with a massive smile on your face.
Words: Chris Marshman
Mumford & SonsLeeds: NME/Radio One Stage, Saturday
Reading: NME/Radio One Stage, Friday
Get your spot in the NME tent as early as possible for this lot, because I can tell you now, it will be packed out. Perhaps harbouring the weight of being the most anticipated band of the weekend on their shoulders, with Mumford & Sons it's guaranteed that you're in for a special treat. Every live show is a unique experience with this band and it's certainly one you won't want to miss out on.
ParamoreLeeds: Main Stage, Saturday
Reading: Main Stage, Sunday
Its strange to think to think in 2010 that this female-fronted pop-rock group are one of the biggest bands in the world right now. With sell out arena shows, number one albums and much more, Paramore are a pretty big deal right now and it can be expected that Hayley Williams and company will bring their brand of energetic, catchy rock to Leeds and Reading with as much passion as possible. Don't be surprised if they attempt to upstage the days headliners.
Words: Sean Reid
Against Me!Leeds: Lock Up Stage, Sunday
Reading: Lock Up Stage, Friday
Without a doubt 'White Crosses' is one of the best albums of 2010 (so far), and Florida's Against Me! are bound to bring a superb set for their set on the Lock Up Stage, with a catalogue with plenty of depth, that will please both new and old fans. Despite their major label connections, Against Me!stick to their punk rock roots and will deliver a show with tons of energy.
Alkaline TrioLeeds: Lock Up Stage, Sunday
Reading: Lock Up Stage, Friday
The only headliner I'm considering for this day is Alkaline Trio; still touring in support of their utterly fantastic album "This Addiction" you can guarantee a great mixture of old and new during their headlining slot on the Lock Up Stage, any casual fan can attend and will be able to recognise at least a couple of songs, so why not? Certainly beats Axl and his backing band.
Words: Chris Marshman
LightsLeeds: Dance Tent, Saturday
Reading: Dance Tent, Sunday
The Canadian female pop songstress might subtly stick out like a sore thumb in the dance tent. However her sweet, melodic electro pop will provide a sweet, feel-good atmosphere as her voice (and looks) will melt some hearts but great songs like 'Ice' and 'Drive My Soul' will please the euphoric crowd.
Words: Sean Reid
The LibertinesLeeds: Main Stage, Friday
Reading: Main Stage, Saturday
Although the "legendary" indie-rockers reportedly being paid a huge fee for their special guest appearance. The Libertines slot could either become a stand out moment of the weekend or a complete shambles. Nevertheless the comeback of this rawkus four-piece will delight the festival crowd with a set filled with classic tunes; 'Up The Bracket', 'Don't Look Back Into The Sun' and 'Time For Hereos' being just some of many highlights from a short yet superb back catalogue.
3OH!3Leeds: NME/Radio One Stage, Friday
Reading: NME/Radio One Stage, Saturday
SHOCK! I've chosen to go see 3OH3! on the NME stage, what more can I say than this is just for the complete and utter fun of it? even the most mardy festival goer has unwittingly bobbed his head to 'Starstrukk', so why not get drunk, lose all your inhabitions and get your dance on? This band stands out as having the potential for one of the most fun sets of the weekend, it may be shameless pop, but who cares!
Words: Chris Marshman
ThriceLeeds: Main Stage, Saturday
Reading: Main Stage, Sunday
After producing one of the best albums of 2009 with 'Beggars', Thrice return to the UK once more for a set on the headline stage. Expect a passionate, energetic display that will please fans, and if their UK dates from earlier this year are anything to go buy, expect a set that stretches throughout the bands seven studio albums and more.
Words: Sean Reid
Queens Of The Stone AgeLeeds: Main Stage, Sunday
Reading: Main Stage, Friday
The mighty Queens Of The Stone Age return and with the recent deluxe edition release of 'Rated R', a set filled with vintage QOTSA is likely, with cuts from the latter such as 'The Lost Art of Keeping a Secret', as well the bands other hits such as 'Go With The Flow', 'First It Giveth' and 'No One Knows'. Josh Homme's band of beastly rockers are one not to be missed.
The DrumsLeeds: NME/Radio One Stage, Saturday
Reading: NME/Radio One Stage, Sunday
New Yorkers The Drums continue their rise to greater things with a mid-afternoon slot on the NME/Radio One Stage. With plenty of hype, this indie-pop quartet are bound to get the crowd moving with upbeat tracks such as, 'Let's Go Surfing' and 'Best Friend', that mix 80's Joy Division-like basslines with a modern, "hipster" twist.
Words: Sean Reid
Frank TurnerLeeds: NME/Radio One Stage, Friday
Reading: NME/Radio One Stage, Saturday
The ever popular Frank Turner resumes his 2010 festival run with another appearance at Reading and Leeds, one things for sure is that you can definitely expect singalongs a plenty along with a brilliant performance from Turner. Going by his appearance last year you can expect the NME tent to be packed to the edges so arrive early to make sure of a good spot for one of the must see sets of the weekend.
Words: Chris Marshman
You Me At SixLeeds: Main Stage, Saturday
Reading: Main Stage, Sunday
The Surrey pop-punksters are set to mark another milestone in their young career, with a slot on the main stage. With increasing popularity on both sides on the Atlantic, a Top 5 UK albums, regular daytime radio airplay and having just finished playing Warped Tour, You Me At Six go into Leeds and Reading with plenty of momentum. Expect the five-piece plenty of fun-filled, upbeat pop-rock moments from both 'Hold Me Down' and 'Take Off Your Colours'.
Foxy ShazamLeeds: Festival Republic Stage, Saturday
Reading: Festival Republic Stage, Sunday
This band may just be the next big thing in both the American and UK markets, their recently released self-titled album is stunning and their live show is one of the most energetic, innovative and quite frankly quirky around, get yourself up early and make the effort to go see these guys slay the Festival Republic stage, you won't see another act like them all weekend.
Words: Chris Marshman
Guns N RosesLeeds: Main Stage, Sunday
Reading: Main Stage, Friday
Ok this may not be THE Guns N Roses everyone wants to see (Slash, Izzy, Duff etc). However the classic GNR songs will still be there and Axl Rose will be there screaming and singing his heart out, along with the thousands in attendance. With a nearly endless list of fantastic songs; 'Welcome to The Jungle', 'Paradise City' and of course, 'Sweet Child o' Mine'.
Words: Sean Reid
The Get Up KidsLeeds: Lock Up Stage, Friday
Reading: Lock Up Stage, Saturday
Having reunited back in 2008, The Get Up Kids have gone from strength to strength, it's such a joy and a privilege to see them touring again, if you're like me and are a relative newcomer to this band, then I can only urge you to start buying their music, realise what you're missing out on and head on down to the Lock Up Stage to show your support. Expect a set that will definitely please fans, as the Kansas five-piece are bound to play cuts from their superb back catalogue; from 'Four Minute Mile' to 'Something To Write Home About' to this year's brilliant 'Simple Science'.
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The Gaslight AnthemLeeds: Main Stage, Friday
Reading: Main Stage, Saturday
The ever-consistent Gaslight Anthem are back for another festival appearance, and one that will see the New Jersey group at their best. With a mix from this year's 'American Slang' and their other releases, especially 2008's 'The '59 Sound', where the title track is bound to stir up the festival crowd. If you're not singalong during that, you're definitely missing out.
Words: Sean Reid
All Time LowLeeds: Main Stage, Saturday
Reading: Main Stage, Sunday
The increasingly popular All Time Low continue to grow in the UK, and their appearance on the main stage are bound to continue this trend. The Maryland group will likely bring their highly energetic brand of pop-punk overseas, that despite how much you try not to be drawn, you can't help but singalong to the bands infectious songs, such as 'Weightless', 'Dear Maria, Count Me In', 'Damned If I Do Ya (Damned If I Don't)' and 'Coffee Shop Soundtrack'.
Words: Sean Reid
Blink-182Leeds: Main Stage, Saturday
Reading: Main Stage, Sunday
For many and myself included, there is only one headline act on Sunday I'm remotely interested in; they may not be the most competent live act in the world, but you can guarantee that as soon as Blink-182 hit the stage on sunday those worries will slink away as you regress back into your fourteen year old self for the biggest nostalgia fest of all time. Ever since Blink 182 reunited after a tasty break up the UK have been awaiting their return and after their Main Stage Headlining set you can guarantee everybody will be leaving the arena with a broad smile on their faces.
