Elbow Call For Calm After UK Riots As They Play Leeds Festival 2011

Elbow's Guy Garvey urged for unity following the recent riots as the band co-headlined Leeds festival tonight (August 26).

The Manchester band, who were making their seventh appearance at the festival, delighted fans with a career-spanning on the main stage set ahead of Muse.

Garvey addressed the crowd about the riots, which disrupted towns and cities across England this summer, ahead of 'Lippy Kids'.

"We released this on the day of the riots and it's a song asking people to remember when they were young, and they weren't all f*ck wits," he said.

"There was only a handful of people doing that sh*t. There is a lot more of us here today. But let's hear it for everybody who looks after each other. All of you basically."

Garvey also appeared to make reference after the band's biggest hit 'Grounds For Divorce'.

"This is what we do things when we get together," he said. "Not smashing things or ripping things out."

Elbow's set began just as the day of rain came to an end at Branham Park.

 "Is everybody OK? Hardcore is what you are Leeds," Garvey said.

"Shout f*ck the rain," he added, as the crowd responded enthusiastically. "Do it again and it will stay away all night."

The singer's wish came to fruition as the rain abated for rest of their performance, which included several songs from their recent album, 'Build A Rocket Boys!'.

Highlights included 'Lippy Kids' and closer 'One Day Like This', which featured a huge sing-along.

Gigwise will be coming live from both Reading and Leeds throughout the weekend so stay tuned for all the latest news, gig reports and photos.

For more details about Reading and Leeds and all this summer's festivals, check out the Gigwise Festival Guide.