Amongst other festival headline announcements appearing, Reading and Leeds festival organiser, Melvin Benn, continues in somewhat new fashion, announcing main bands in three different periods over the coming months, leading up to ticket release in March. Speculation of who he has booked has circulated the internet and with NME reporting a 'Big British Band' that will headline the festivals over summer 2014, questions over who it could possibly be have arisen.
Last night, Zane Lowe took to his Radio One show to announcing the first installment of the summer line-up.
First main headliners, Blink 182, play their only UK show of 2014! A somewhat suprise announcement, after only headlining the same festival 3 years ago. The Californian pop-punk outfit take centre stage for the second time, bringing their fast-paced melody pop to Bramham Park and Richfield Avenue. Promise of new music has made their announcement that bit more exciting. A massive booking, likely to bring in an even more diverse crowd. Not one to miss.
Jake Bugg takes his first stint on the main stage. After a triumphant year, can he carry on his success into 2014? Well with a UK number one debut album, multiple massive support slots, sell out tours and follow-up album 'Shangi-la' just being released, things are surely looking rosy for Jake in the new year.
After a Disclosure set to remember in the Radio 1/NME tent last year, the duo are back at Reading and Leeds. Surely one of the leading acts in UK dance music over the past decade and the lads are set to make next year bigger and better than ever. A captivating, sweaty, euphoric set that you just cannot miss.
Metronomy are back and ready to tear up Reading and Leeds! Personally one I just can not wait for. With new single 'I'm Aquarius' and a new record set for an early 2014 release, it just gets more and more exciting. One of the great live UK bands and one that surely can't be missed.
Mixing it up, joining fellow Californians Blink 182 are metalcore rockers Of Mice & Men. Alongside them, acts Wilkinson and I Am Legion will be bringing some diversity to the plate.
It must be disappointing to some, but Blink are a massive band to book and especially with it being so exclusive next year. It will bring in a varied crowd to next summers festival, which is exactly what the promoters are looking for. Remember Reading and Leeds festivals never disappoint, so if you're not pleased right now, just wait for the next announcement. There will always be something for everyone.
Keep an eye out over the next few months for more announcements.
Charles
