Reading and Leeds Festival is now ONE WEEK AWAY! Here is our definitive guide to who you should check out while you’re there!
FRIDAY*
Architects
Playing their only UK festival of the year, Architects are set to destroy the main stage on the Friday. Playing songs from their 6th studio album ‘Lost Forever, Lost Together’ the set will be emotionally charged but you’re sure to be blown away by the sheer talent of this band.
Charli XCX
Charli XCX is no stranger to this festival and is sure to blow the crowds away with her unique style and musicality. Her new hit single ‘Boys’ has a fair few male artists who are also performing at the festival this weekend so maybe a few special guests might be seen on stage with her?
Halsey
The ‘Badlands’ artists has a solid career in her own right (selling out Madison Square Garden has to be a highlight) but it was her collaboration with The Chainsmokers on ‘Closer’ last year that propelled Halsey to dizzy heights. Expect a weird and wonderful performance from the vibrant American.
Haim
Este, Danielle and Alana are the sisters who make up female powerhouse Haim. Back in 2013 you couldn’t get near the stage when they played a mid-afternoon slot on the 2nd stage and expect this year to be no different. After wowing the crowds at this years’ Glastonbury, the Haim girls are ready to show why they are the perfect headliners- expect dance moves a plenty!
Muse
Rock dynamos Muse have headlined the festival before so they know how to treat the R+L crowds- also note headlining Download festival and Glastonbury. Muse always change up their live show, example playing “in the round” on their 2016 Drones tour, even if you’re not keen on the songs go watch purely for the lighting show!
Blossoms
Blossoms are relatively new to the mainstream indie ears but the band have been producing music since 2013. They have only gotten bigger since the release of their debut self-titled album back in 2015. Blossoms have the songs you want to dance to, so grab your mates, grab a cider and do not miss this band!
Ash
Legends Ash return to the R+L festivals again this year after last playing in 2015. After a two-decade career expect the set to be full of the hits of the past 20 years, as well as songs from their latest release ‘Kablammo!’
SATURDAY*
Circa Waves
Having released their second album this year, Circa Waves are on an upward climb to become one of the biggest indie rock bands in the UK. Look out for summer hit ‘Fire That Burns’ that features Lynn Gunn from Pvris, could we possibly see a collaboration on the main stage?
Jimmy Eat World
Pop rock legends Jimmy Eat World have been around for over 20 years, and nine albums later they’re still producing quality hits. Although they have an extensive back catalogue, we’re all excited to hear ‘The Middle’ aren’t we?
Two Door Cinema Club
Having headlined the 2nd stage last year, TDCC are getting bigger and better each year. Their latest release ‘Gameshow’ received great reviews from the media and we cannot wait to hear tracks from the album, as well as the tried and true classics from the Irish alt-pop outfit.
The Amity Affliction
Hardcore outfit The Amity Affliction are going to provide one of the heaviest sets of the weekend and their emotional, intense lyrics should be screamed around The Pit stage on the Saturday. 2016 album ‘This Could Be Heartbreak’ is outstanding and here at Backseat Mafia we know they will put on a one of a kind show, prepare to leave the tent astounded by this band.
You Me At Six
The band who were the surprise set of 2016 at the festival, YMAS are back as 2nd stage headliners and they’ve played in these fields enough to know how to work the crowd. With huge hits like ‘Underdog’, ‘Bite My Tongue’ and ‘Night People’ we’re anticipating that their set will be just over an hour of constant, enormous singalongs.
Billy Talent
Canadian rockers Billy Talent are headlining The Pit stage this year and are one of the most polished bands performing at the festival. Front man Benjamin Kowalewicz’s vocals are stellar, expect to sing along to classics with him like ‘Fallen Leaves’ and ‘Red Flag’.
Kasabian
Second time headliners Kasabian are back in 2017 after a few years break (apart from performing at Leicester City’s Premier League title winning show at the King Power Stadium). The Leicester boys were back with a bang earlier this year with new album ‘For Crying Out Loud’ with singles ‘You’re In Love With A Psycho’ and ‘Bless This Acid House’. Classics like ‘LSF’ and ‘Fire’ are sure to be highlights of their hugely anticipated headline show.
SUNDAY*
Vukovi
Vukovi released their self-titled debut album this year to rave reviews from the media, the colourful Scottish quartet are sure to leave the Leeds stunned by their vibrant and frivolous performances; expect to be captivated by front woman Janine Shilstone.
The View
Yep that’s right, The View are back and ready to perform for the R+L crowds again! It’s been 10 years since hit ‘Same Jeans’ was released and let’s be honest, we’re just all really stoked to have a dance and a singalong to it! We cannot wait!
The Pretty Reckless
New York rockers The Pretty Reckless are now 3 albums deep into their musical career and after cancelling their last appearance at R+L festival a few years ago, the crowd will be eager to see this band finally perform in the fields. Expect a fierce performance from the entire band but especially front woman Taylor Momsen.
Joe Lycett
If you’ve had enough music or just need cheering up because it’s nearly the end of the weekend, you can always rely on The Alternative Stage to have the biggest names in comedy for you to watch at the festival. Birmingham’s finest Joe Lycett is set to make you belly laugh from the pits of your stomach- whether it’s him recounting the story of his parking fine or the fun he has tweeting Donald Trump. Do not miss him!
Bill Bailey
Comedy and music legend Bill Bailey is the Sunday headliner for The Alternative Stage and you can always rely on his quirky humour to leave you chuckling all the way home. Let’s hope for an appearance from his array of bicycle horns- maybe the odd Metallica cover on those too!
Frank Carter And The Rattlesnakes
Destroying the Main Stage last year, Frank Carter is back again in 2017. The punk rock sounds of The Rattlesnakes will dominate the 2nd stage and if their appearance at Glastonbury festival this year is anything to go by, expect a circle pit around the sound desk! Here at Backseat Mafia, we also can’t wait for the women only crowd-surfing track; where the females are encouraged to crowd surf in a safe environment. Side note: expect an even jazzier suit than last year’s two-piece.
Korn
Nu Metal heroes Korn are making a special appearance at the R+L festival this year. The band returned to glory with new album ‘The Serenity Of Suffering’ last year and expect to hear new tracks from that including certified banger ‘Rotting In Vain’. Look out for front man Johnathan Davies playing bagpipes before anthem ‘Shoots And Ladders’.
Eminem
Closing the festival for the second time in 4 years is rap legend Eminem. You know there will be anthems for days and here at Backseat Mafia we are super excited to see if Dido joins him on stage like she did in 2013 for the classic ‘Stan’. Rarely making a live appearance nowadays, the festival is super lucky to secure such a formidable performer and character in Eminem. With day tickets for Sunday selling out immediately, this suggests that everyone is as stoked to see Mr Mathers play as we are here at BM!
*Days based on the Leeds Festival line-up.
Reading and Leeds Festival runs from Friday 25th – Sunday 27th August and if you’re planning to go to the festival, why not check out the Reading and Leeds Survival Guide! Put together by our friends at www.AllTheRooms.com. Also, check out AllTheRooms for cheap hotels/airbnb’s close to the festival site if camping isn’t the one for you, they have great value accomodation for the festival- perfect for groups or couples.
