Today's line-up announcement is surely reason enough
Gigwise

12:04 28th January 2016

In case you missed it, Reading + Leeds made some pretty big line-up announcements this morning. Joining the previously announced headliners Red Hot Chili Peppers, Foals and Disclosure are set to co-headline.

Elsewhere on the bill, the likes of The Internet, Two Door Cinema Club and Jack U have been added, which means - even with the third headliner still absent - things are shaping up pretty damn nicely. Here's why you should go.  

  • The 1975: Let's just put it out there - their new album title is stupid as hell. But, from what we%u2019re hearing, it's destined to be the pop album of 2016. For the short amount of time Matt Healy and his gang have been around, they've put the work in to deserve a evening slot on the main stage.

  • Red Hot Chili Peppers: The most Reading & Leeds band of all time have, surprisingly, been announced as the first headliner for the festival. Could this allude to new material? We are not sure but it's going to be one hell of party.

  • Rat Boy: One of the biggest and brightest new stars for 2016, you will most likely find Rat Boy waxing angsty lyrical about being broke, pissed and covered in urine at the NME tent while, appropriately, thinking about how broke, pissed and covered in urine you have been for the last 2-3 days.

  • Twenty One Pilots: Reading & Leeds import US artists like no other festival. For the younger fans in the audience who aren't prepared for Crossfaith, Twenty One Pilots will be an affirming respite from the intense and OTT temporary festival lifestyle.

  • Boy Better Know: Nothing says youthful abandon for anyone aged 20-25 right now than the clattering bark of BBK. With the whole crew in tow, the grime gang are returning after an 'integrity' filled 'shutdown' of the festival this summer. Grime is back in a big way, and it's here to stay.

  • Crossfaith: Definitely one for Main Stage on Friday, Crossfaith will be, and have always been, welcomed with open arms and glorious mosh-pits at Reading & Leeds. Although, we wouldn't rule out a headline slot at The Pit stage, it's worth thinking about it.

  • DJ Ez: Reading and Leeds isn't a 'rock festival' anymore. The addition of the Dance Tent is one of the festival's best moves to draw in a varied crowd. If you're looking for a good time with strobes a-plenty, be sure to swing by the set from Kiss FM's DJ EZ.

  • Hinds: Another must-see band that are going to be huge in 2016. When things are getting a bit real at your campsite, slip out to catch the Spanish garage-pop sounds of Hinds. It's guaranteed to put a smile on your face and help you totally forget about how your mate overdid it with the Strongbow and nearly fell into the campfire.

  • Slaves: Despite having only played the festival a few times, the Kent punk duo have already cultivated a veteran status. Currently working on their second album, expect to have heard new material by the time you catch Slaves next summer.

  • The Courteeners: Actual veterans of the festival, Liam Fray and Co. have put their time in and, regardless of album promotion, have always taken the time to give the Reading & Leeds crowds the show of their lives.

  • There are still two headliners to be announced: Muse? The Stone Roses? Guns N Roses? It could be literally anyone. If that's not something to get excited about, we don't know what is.

  • Two Door Cinema Club: The band have been worryingly quiet for the past two years or so - ever since they cancelled their headline slot at Latitude last minute due to illness. Thankfully, the band that were once selling out the O2 Arena are back. Fingers crossed they'll showcase new material.

  • Foals: There wouldn't have been many complaints if Foals had been given a headline slot all to themselves, particularly given the success of their latest album, What Went Down, and the evolution of their frenetic live shows. Still, with a little less time, they'll just have to pare the show down to the very best bits.

  • Disclosure: One of the best things about Disclosure's live shows is the endless capacity for surprise guests. Their latest album, Caracal, produced one of the best songs of 2015 - Lorde collaboration 'Magnets'. What better opportunity to bring Lorde out to perform it live than Reading + Leeds?

  • The Internet: We've been quite taken with The Internet, who comprise Odd Future members Syd The Kid and Matt Martians (along with a handful more), since we saw the soul collective's Tiny Desk session last year. They've cancelled a few shows in London recently, so this is the perfect chance to finally see them in the flesh.


Photo: WENN