Photo: wenn
It my have changed up its logo and branding but Reading festival without a shadow of a doubt remains one of the UK's most-loved and after this weekend's 'no-frills' event it's clear to see why.
With Glastonbury taking a well needed year off music lovers turned towards Reading to fill the gap and it seems their is no stopping it as 2012 was packed with more monumental 'moments' than any other of this year so far.
Jay-Z and Kanye West may have made history with their 'Watch The Throne' tour earlier this year but seeing Green Day fans run in their masses for he band's 'secret' show at the Radio1/NME tent on Saturday was a highlight of the weekend by far. Reading has built a reputation for delivering those kind of moments over its 25 year history
Saturday's early 11am wake-up was a difficult but well worth it to see Bille Joe Armstrong screaming 'F*ck the time, i'm going to play for as long as i want'. They may have promised fans a 'Dookie' filled set but Green Day did manage to squeeze in some tracks from their anticipated new albums '.
Friday's line-up offered the likes of Deaf Havana, Cancer Bats, Crystal Castles and You Me At Six. The Surrey rockers have certainly come along way since their first appearance at Reading festival over four years ago, with Josh Franceshi and co pulling in one of the largest crowds of the day.
Headliners The Cure may have suffered from Friday night's downpour, with the audience thin on the ground but watching them return to Reading festival after 33 years was a show not to be missed.
Their two and a half hour set was full of the predict brooding and 'gothic genius' that is The Cure with 'Friday I'm In Love', 'Next To You' and 'Heaven' bringing an end to the first day of the festival.
Frank Carter's new project Pure Love took to the NME stage first thing Saturday, they may have not even released an album but those who have seen the duo live will be pleasantly surprised with Carter's new direction.
The ladies didn't dissapoint, with highlights coming from Santigold, Azelia Banks and Florence & The Machine across the weekend. Santigold's set was visual spectacular of dancing hip hop horses with a stage invasion for sing-along track 'Big Mouth'.
Playing what would be one of their final shows of the next year, Kasabian were a headline act that have without doubt earned their place at the top of this year's bill.
A favourite British live band, Kasabian treated fans to both old favourites and tracks from their recent album 'Velociraptor!' rounding off their set with a group hug and 'LSF' and 'Fire.
Before taking to the stage, Foo Fighter's three-hour headline set was always going to be something very special. After a weekend of music and plenty of beer, the audience were a little deflated during The Black Keys but soon gathered the last bit of momentum as Dave Grohl and co took the the stage.
20 years ago Nirvana made history when Kurt Cobain was wheeled onstage so their seemed no more fitting time for Grohl to dedicate 'These Days' to Kurt and Kris Novoselic.
There 26 song hit-heavy set was a time for reflection for the band, marking the final show of their recent tour in support of their album 'Wasting Light'.
Speaking at the start of the show, Grohl told the crowd: 'Well, well, well. The f*cking Reading festival. You guys realise we've got a lot of songs to play. It's the last show of the tour and it's the last show for a long time.'
Rounding off with 'Best of You', 'Times Like These' and finally 'Everlong' the Foo Fighters and some well timed fireworks brought an end to Reading 2012. With more unmissable and unforgettable moments, Reading delivered yet again as the highlight of the festival summer.
