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31 March 2009 The Ultimate Rock ‘n’ Roll Weekend Is Back
The world famous Reading and Leeds Festival returns to its dual homes of Little Johns Farm in Reading and Bramham Park Leeds for its traditional three days of the best music from across the globe. This year, organisers Festival Republic have once again upped the ante with a trio of headliners playing exclusive sets for Europe’s biggest and best dual site, three day event. The countdown to the August Bank Holiday Weekend starts here.
It is with enormous pleasure that we announce the return to the live arena of Yorkshire’s favourite sons in a UK exclusive performance, THE ARCTIC MONKEYS, another UK exclusive from one of the world’s biggest bands in the shape of RADIOHEAD and an English exclusive from double Brit winners KINGS OF LEON. Below that triumvirate of rock godheads are a list of bands that read like a who’s who of rock and alternative music.
This is the 21st year of the modern Reading Festival since Melvin Benn and his team transformed the event in 1989 and secured its legacy for ever in the history of rock ‘n’ roll. Leeds festival enters its second decade following its ten year anniversary last year and has grown to equal its Southern sibling over that period. Over the years every band worth talking about has graced the stages of the festival and we continue to see rock history written year on year at the dual sites.
In addition to the amazing acts confirmed today there is plenty more to come. Look out for a very special announcement on the Radio One / NME Stage soon alongside the cream of the punk and skate scene on the ever popular Lock-Up Stage whilst the headliners of the future will be packed into the Festival Republic Stage. With BBC Introducing giving unsigned and under the radar bands a break at both sites and a host of other late night entertainment, film, comedy and cabaret this is the ultimate weekend for the true music fan.
Over 3 days and 150 acts, this is the Reading and Leeds Festival, back again to make the summer worthwhile.
THIS YEAR’S HEADLINERS
KINGS OF LEON TO HEADLINE
Friday 28th August at The Reading Festival / Sunday 30th August at The Leeds Festival
Having recently picked up two Brit Awards (Best International Group and Best International Album) headliners KINGS OF LEON can justifiably be described as “one of the great American bands of our times" (NME). Their first three albums achieved critical acclaim and led to multi platinum sales, sold out arenas and headline festival appearances. Their fourth album ‘Only By The Night’ (5 x platinum and NME Album of the Year) has seen Kings of Leon take up permanent residency in the UK and International charts whilst maintaining their unique credibility. Now firmly established globally as one of the most important bands of their generation, these, their only English festival dates & final UK shows of 2009, are sure to re-confirm their staggering live reputation.
FOR MORE INFORMATION – www.kingsofleon.com
ARCTIC MONKEYS TO HEADLINE
Saturday 29th August at The Reading Festival / Friday 28th August at The Leeds
ARCTIC MONKEYS are set to headline at Leeds on Friday 28th August and Reading on Saturday 29th August, which will surely rekindle memories of their legendary performances of 2006. This will be the first opportunity for fans to see the band perform since they last toured in the UK in December 2007 and it’s already set to be another monumental occasion.
The band are currently in the studio working on their third album, which is scheduled for release later in the year.
ARCTIC MONKEYS ARE: Alex Turner, Jamie Cook, Matt Helders, Nick O' Malley
FOR MORE INFORMATION - www.arcticmonkeys.com
RADIOHEAD TO HEADLINE
Sunday 30th August at The Reading Festival / Saturday 29th August at The Leeds Festival
RADIOHEAD’s debut headline performances at Reading and Leeds will be a long awaited return (they last played Reading in 1994) and cause for celebration amongst all discerning music fans. The band that other groups measure themselves against, the Oxford five piece are quite possibly the most revered group in the world. A constant sense of experimentation has meant that we never know what to expect from them next, and they have achieved the rare feat of becoming a massively popular band whilst retaining complete credibility with their fans, their peers and critics. Dazzling live performances have led to previous festival performances being hailed as amongst the best in the world and these UK exclusive performances at Reading and Leeds are sure to be a highlight of the summer.
FOR MORE INFORMATION – www.radiohead.com
Joining our three headliners is a bill of quite staggering talent and a line-up sure to thrill every music fan.
ON THE MAIN STAGE
Friday 28th August at The Reading Festival / Sunday 30th August at The Leeds Festival
Having been on the road with third album, ‘Off With Their Heads’ since last year, it is fitting that KAISER CHIEFS should choose the twin sites to end another momentous chapter in their phenomenal history. Quite simply one of the most popular and successful British groups of the last five years, the Leeds five piece have headlined their home town football stadium, appeared at Live 8, sold millions of albums across the world and, in the form of tunes such as ‘Ruby’ and ‘I Predict A Riot’ etched themselves forever into the history of British music. And they played the Festival Republic stage unannounced a few years ago at Leeds.
FOR MORE INFORMATION – www.kaiserchiefs.co.uk
After thirteen years, five studio albums, and ten million album sales PLACEBO have earned their place in rock and on the stage at this year’s Reading and Leeds Festivals. Energised by a new drummer, record deal and album ‘Battle For The Sun’ due for release in the summer the group will no doubt exceed their own exceptionally high standards and deliver an exceptionally thrilling live performance.
FOR MORE INFORMATION – www.placeboworld.co.uk
One of the standard bearers of emo, FALL OUT BOY have out grown their original scene to become one of the biggest, and most passionately supported, bands in the world. In singles ‘Sugar, We’re Going Down’, ‘Dance, Dance’ and ‘This Ain’t A Scene, It’s An Arms Race’, the Chicago four piece have anthems that will reach to the back of the field and there is sure to be standing room only for their sets at the dual sites.
FOR MORE INFORMATION – www.falloutboyrock.com
One of the most unique and exciting US bands of recent times, DEFTONES have, since their debut album in 1994, created rock music of extreme heaviness but shot through with soul and emotion. Lead singer Chino Moreno’s incredible voice and the band’s collective abilities make all Deftones shows special and these sets are a sure fire highlight over the weekend.
FOR MORE INFORMATION – www.deftones.com
With four top twenty albums under their belt, the most current, ‘Memory and Humanity’, on their own Join Us record label, FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND are one of the UK’s biggest and most prominent worldwide acts. A host of Top Twenty singles and high profile slots on the Warped tour in the US have ensured that the five piece from Bridgend, Wales, are well known beyond their native shores. With a dedicated fanbase, expect a big crowd down the front for these sets.
MORE INFORMATION – www.ffaf.co.uk
Saturday 29th August at The Reading Festival / Friday 28th August at The Leeds Festival
THE PRODIGY have, with the release of current Number One album ‘Invaders Must Die’, reclaimed their rightful place at the top of the UK music tree. Rejuvenated by setting up their own label, the trio are back on the form that made them one of the biggest and best live bands in the world and expect a full on assault when the band step on to the stages over the weekend. From ‘Charly’ to ‘Omen’, The Prodigy are the constant in the story of British dance music, the original live pioneers and showmen of the highest order. Get ready for one of the legendary Reading and Leeds sets.
FOR MORE INFORMATION – www.theprodigy.com
They’ve got two albums that are just about to go platinum. A Mercury nomination for the first one, 2005’s ‘A Certain Trigger’, a fanbase that turns out in droves whenever the Newcastle five-piece performs and, in lead singer Paul Smith, a superb frontman. MAXIMO PARK have gone from contenders to established act with consummate ease and now, on the release of their third album, ‘Quicken The Heart’ and this high profile Main Stage set, it looks like Maximo Park are about to have the world at their feet.
FOR MORE INFORMATION – www.maximopark.com
One of the great pop icons of the last twenty years, our VERY SPECIAL GUEST comes to the dual sites for what are sure to be two amazing sets. IAN BROWN is rightly seen as the face and voice of a generation, a maverick artist steeped in the revolutionary power of music to change and influence. With an eagerly awaited new album due in August , these very special performances are a must see for the weekend.
FOR MORE INFORMATION – www.ianbrown.co.uk
Following the success of their debut album, ‘St Jude’ (which scooped the Guardian’s debut album of the year at the close of 2008), THE COURTEENERS were one of the musical success stories of last year. The bands live shows are already legendary and have rightly earned comparisons with The Smiths, Stone Roses and Oasis. With new tracks in the pipeline these shows are all set to mark another stage in the story of the Mancunian boys.
FOR MORE INFORMATION – www.thecourteeners.com
Famously achieving huge status without the help of any record label, ENTER SHIKARI have progressed from being the poster boys of the label-less new world to making huge strides towards becoming a massive band. Having played huge shows across the world in the last two years, they come to the dual sites all set to steal the show.
FOR MORE INFORMATION – www.entershikari.com
The EAGLES OF DEATH METAL come to the festival this year, stirred and served chilled in a tall glass of class. The band have rocked their way round the world since their inception in 1998 and their festival appearances are of legend – this year we expect nothing short of legendary, their sole purpose in life is to bring sexy back.
FOR MORE INFORMATION – www.eaglesofdeathmetal.com
Sunday 30th August at The Reading Festival / Saturday 29th August at The Leeds Festival
If there were an award for fan’s favourite at Reading and Leeds then BLOC PARTY would be likely favourites at the bookies. The subject of many pleas for an appearance at this year’s festival on the chat rooms and blogs their sets are sure to be rapturously received by massive crowds at both sites. With a well deserved reputation for never sitting on their laurels, each of Bloc Party’s three albums has its own distinct character whilst live, the band have gone from strength to strength, now more than capable of holding the huge crowds that are sure to gather for these sets.
FOR MORE INFORMATION – www.blocparty.com
YEAH YEAH YEAHS are back back BACK! The New York City trio are poised to release the follow-up to 2006’s “Show Your Bones”, an album described as “a slow-burning masterpiece” by Observer Music Monthly and “one of the albums of the decade” by NME in the shape of ‘It’s Blitz’. With lead single from that album, ‘Zero’ hogging the airwaves and looking to be a sure fire bet for their biggest single yet and with a well deserved reputation for incredible live shows, these look like the shows that send the NYC band stellar.
FOR MORE INFORMATION – www.yeahyeahyeahs.com
VAMPIRE WEEKEND’s debut eponymous album was one of the highlights of 2008. With a charm all of its own and a nod to African high life and American rock ‘n’ roll in equal measure, the preppy image saw the band described as brainy party music. Live, the good time feelings are there for all to enjoy and these shows are guaranteed to put a smile on the faces and a shuffle in the feet that will no doubt be packing in the crowds from front to back.
FOR MORE INFORMATION – www.vampireweekend.com
Over three albums, BRAND NEW have carved a niche for their intelligent hard edged pop sound. As frontman Jesse Lacey said, “We just want to play songs that you want to listen to over and over again, and that kids relate to, and that you can't get out of your head”. With a new album in the pipeline and an awesome live reputation, expect a set full of unforgettable hooks.
FOR MORE INFORMATION - www.fightoffyourdemons.com
THE NME/RADIO 1 STAGE
For Friday 28th August at The Leeds Festival / Saturday 29th August at The Reading Festival we are very proud to announce GOSSIP and GLASVEGAS as co-headliners for this day.
The rise of GOSSIP to international prominence is a story that goes far beyond music. In Beth Ditto, the trio have a frontwoman who seemingly commands attention and who is prepared to use shock tactics to make good points. Her naked NME cover shoot may well have provided a short window of incredulity in certain quarters but made a clear stand against the size zero fashion prevalent at the time. Possessed of a true blues voice and backed by a truly innovative guitarist in Brace Paine and fluid drummer in Hannah Blilie, their soon to come Rick Rubin produced new album is sure to be a massive hit by the time these co-headline shows come round.
FOR MORE INFORMATION - www.gossipyouth.co.uk
From winning the NME Philip Hall Radar Award in 2008, GLASVEGAS have risen at such speed that it seemingly defies gravity. Not only are they daytime radio candidates but their first US appearances were greeted with similar rapture on the other side of the pond. In debut album, ‘Glasvegas’, the quartet demonstrated an ability to meld heart rending lyrics to wall of sound production to create a new soul sound for the 21st century. With new tracks in the pipeline these co-headline slots are where Glasvegas will come of age.
FOR MORE INFORMATION – www.glasvegas.net
In addition to these co-headliner, a very special headliner playing a long awaited UK appearance will be announced soon.
Other bands confirmed for the weekend on the Radio One / NME Stage include:
Currently working on the follow up to the Mercury nominated ‘Panic Prevention’, JAMIE T is fast proving himself a worthy successor to his musical inspirations Joe Strummer and Billy Bragg. Having bagged the NME Award for Best Solo artist in 2007, the return of Jamie to the live stage is sure to see a packed tent at both sites.
FOR MORE INFORMATION – www.jamie-t.com
Having built one of the most loyal fanbases in rock, AFI, broke to the overground on their seventh album, ‘Sing The Sorrow’. Possessed of an ability to write chant along choruses and with the experience to develop increasingly virtuosic musicianship, the Californian four piece have gone from strength to strength since that breakthrough, picking up accolades from the likes of Alternnative Press, Spin and USA Today amongst others.
FOR MORE INFORMATION – www.afireinside.net
2009 has already been an incredible year for the three members of WHITE LIES. Debut album, ‘To Lose My Life’ shot into the charts at Number One and singles, ‘Death’ and ‘To Lose My Life’ have taken hold of the nation’s airwaves. A viscerally compelling live band, the Chiswick trio are well worth a bet for hit of the festival and should be a must see for those in the know.
FOR MORE INFORMATION – www.whitelies.com
St. Alban’s FRIENDLY FIRES have a well deserved reputation for incredible live shows, their recent turn at the NME Awards seeing them rock up with a full on salsa band and dancers to bring something of Rio to downtown Brixton. In ‘Paris’, ‘Jump In The Pool’ and ‘Skeleton Boy’ they also have three of the best floor fillers around, all great adverts for their debut eponymous album.
FOR MORE INFORMATION - www.wearefriendlyfires.com
Following the successes of their debut album, ‘Colour It In’ (“the best alt.pop record of 2007” NME), sold out tours, a triumphant night at London’s Roundhouse), THE MACCABEES return to form with their eagerly awaited second album, ‘Wall Of Arms’. With a fervent fanbase waiting for the release, these performances are all set to mark another momentous growth in the story of the London boys.
FOR MORE INFORMATION – www.themaccabees.co.uk
Welcome to ‘Grey Britain’. Welcome to the real Britain: a land of poverty, petty violence, bad diets, bad attitudes. Welcome to GALLOWS’ new state of the nation address. Grey Britain is Gallows’ second album and is a damning indictment and aural document of a country currently crippled by recession. Expect no less than full on performances from this most vital of UK hardcore acts over the weekend.
FOR MORE INFORMATION – www.gallows.co.uk
Although New Brunswick, New Jersey’s THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM have only technically been a band for three years, in that short amount of time they’ve managed to become one of the punk underground’s most celebrated acts, spurring a cultish fan base with their music and completing successful tours with acts like Against Me!, the Loved Ones and the Bouncing Souls. Current album, ‘The 59 Sound’ is making friends across the globe and expect their sets to see a packed tent at both sites.
FOR MORE INFORMATION – www.thegaslightanthem.com
FLORENCE AND THE MACHINE, aka Florence Mary Leontine Welsh and whoever happens to be beside her on stage are already the talking point of 2009. Having bagged a BRIT Award at the opening of the year and been acclaimed by NME as ‘among the most charismatic greats’, it is the combination of Florence’s stunning voice and her electrifying stage presence that draw such high praise for an artist about to release her debut album. By the time these shows come round expect many more plaudits and a huge crowd at each site.
FOR MORE INFORMATION – www.florenceandthemachine.net
There’s much more to come so check back for the remainder of THE MAIN STAGE, that SPECIAL HEADLINE announcement on the RADIO ONE / NME STAGE, the entire LOCK UP and FESTIVAL REPUBLIC STAGES plus the DANCE STAGE, THE ALTERNATIVE STAGE and the stars of the future on the BBC INTRODUCING STAGE.
TICKETING INFO
Weekend tickets £175 plus booking fees • Day tickets Fri, Sat, Sun £70 plus booking fee. Weekend tickets prices include camping.
Online/Telephone from Monday 30th March 7pm:
Tickets are strictly limited to a maximum of four per household for those booking by telephone or online.
Credit Card line: 0871 231 0821
Or online at: www.festivalrepublic.com www.seetickets.com www.readingfestival.com www.leedsfestival.com
In Person from Monday 30th March 7pm:
Selected HMV stores from 7pm Monday 30th March. See websites for store listings.
In Person from Tuesday 31st March 8.30am:
Reading tickets can be bought at face value, in person from Tuesday 31st March 8.30am when 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 31st March 9am when paid for in cash at Leeds Visitor Centre, Crash Records and Jumbo Records.
Please note that picture ID/proof of address will be required at the time of booking. Tickets are subject to availability.
Limit of 4 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.
For a full list of national and regional outlets please visit www.readingfestival.com www.leedsfestival.com
HIGHLIGHTS TO BE BROADCAST ON:
Radio 1 will be returning to Reading and Leeds festival to feature live performances from one of the summer's biggest festival line-ups. Radio 1 will be broadcasting live from both sites with the latest news, the biggest live acts and all the backstage gossip.
BBC introducing returns to Reading & Leeds in 2009.After its first triumphant year at Reading & Leeds last year we are pleased to announce it will be back at both sites in 2009. BBC Introducing supports unsigned, undiscovered and under the radar music, artists and DJ's from across the UK across the BBC. It gives up and coming artists broadcast opportunities on BBC radio, television and online as well as opportunities to perform at major festivals. · Over 250 artists have played for BBC Introducing at major UK festivals since its launch in 2007 and all sets are filmed for broadcast across BBC Radio, TV and online. Watch out this year for all the new talent - and the best bit is, you can watch it all again online when you get home! Visit: www.bbc.co.uk/introducing/
THIS YEAR’S PRINT MEDIA PARTNER
The NME signing tent is now part of Reading and Leeds folklore. Every year thousands of music fans get the chance to meet their heroes, and this year will be no different, with all the biggest and best bands dropping by to greet their public at both sites. NME magazine and NME.com will have unparalleled coverage of both festivals, in the lead up to the event, right afterwards and all the way through. If something happens, NME is the place to hear about it.
THIS YEAR’S SPONSORS
Official Beer Partner
Available at the best parties in over 100 countries, Tuborg is the light and refreshing lager that has fun and music at the heart of everything it does. Tuborg is the official beer of several of the largest festivals in Europe, and this love affair with all things music continues with Tuborg proudly being the official beer of Reading and Leeds festivals.
It's with great delight that Tuborg can continue the fun with Festival Republic as the official beer of the best rock ‘n’ roll festivals in the world. To find out more about Tuborg, visit Tuborg.co.uk
Official Cider Partner
Gaymers cider is the official cider of Reading and Leeds festivals and will be the only cider on tap at both events. Gaymers cider will bring the Gaymers Cider Garden to festival fans in Leeds. As well as being a great space to soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy a refreshing Gaymers original and Gaymers pear cider, the Gaymers Cider Garden will give festival goers the chance to have a go and be part of a live music experience. Gaymers Cider Garden will be hosting Rockaoke, the ultimate live band version of karaoke, and Vinyl Corner - where festival goers can choose from a host of records and have the DJ play their favourite tunes.
Over 400,000 pints of Gaymers cider are expected to be enjoyed at Reading and Leeds over the course of the weekend.
Official Energy Drink Partner
Relentless are proud to be the official energy drink sponsor for the Reading and Leeds Festivals for the third year running. As a brand deeply involved with cutting edge live music, band development and innovative events, it is a perfect fit to partner up with a festival that sees eye to eye with the brand. Relentless Energy will be served across all festival bars, and look out for a new eye popping activation that will give you an insight into the Relentless ethos and attitude.
Official Gaming Partner of Leeds Festival
Guitar Hero is thrilled to be part of the Leeds Festival after a successful presence at Reading Festival last year. Currently in its fourth instalment with Guitar Hero World Tour, the franchise has become a cultural phenomenon, becoming extremely popular as party games and revolutionizing the modern music industry. What other brand better fit in with this world renowned rock festival! Guitar Hero will be available to play at the dedicated Guitar Hero stand - festival goers of all ages are invited to come and have a go!
Official Travel Partner
CrossCountry, one of Britain’s largest train operators, is proud to be an Official Travel Partner for the Reading and Leeds summer music festivals. CrossCountry is a major operator of train services into both Reading and Leeds and will be working in partnership with Reading & Leeds to encourage as many festival goers as possible to use public transport, and contributing to further growth by providing reliable and frequent train services.
