British summertime is amazing. You know contrary to popular belief we often sport good weather during the summer months. The concept of it being a constant washout here is both unfair and untrue. But that’s not why it’s amazing.
One specific event takes place in the summer here which we can boast about. It happens every year, it’s always the highlight of the year, and, it’s back.
The Carling Weekend: Reading and Leeds Festivals!
Now I’m not going to pretend I’m a Reading Festival veteran. I’ve been five years in a row. That’s not much considering that it’s been in existence in it’s current format since 1971. 1971!
However, my five years have taught me one thing. If you’ve never been to Carling Weekend: Reading Festival, you are missing out. You are missing out on the multitude of people camping. The diverse mix of both bands and people in attendance and the down right fun and frolics of the event. The beer flows, and fun times are had in a field on the banks of the Thames. What more could one want?
The lineup was released last night at an exclusive event in London and we were there! For the full run down of the announced bands read on! (remember, this is just the currently announced bands, there are plenty more to follow!)
Friday (Reading, Leeds Saturday)
The Radio 1 tent is sporting such names as 2007 breakthrough act Enter Shikari. Glastonbury favourites The Subways make an appearance but the two top bands of this tent are names which will likely draw some of the biggest crowds of the day. Brand New followed by Ash. Two artists who have plenty of material, new albums, and an army of devoted fans.
Meanwhile on the main stage, the gypsy delights of Gogol Bordello (surely a highlight of last years event) currently prop up a lineup which includes The Gossip, Maximo Park, Interpol, Kings of Leon who’s new material sounds as top notch as their previous albums and then Razorlight, who have gone from strength to strength over the last couple of years and thoroughly deserve this slot.
Saturday (Reading, Sunday Leeds)
Brit new comers The Twang make a new-music sandwich of the Radio 1 stage with Scot-rockers Biffy Clyro and the brilliant We Are Scientists playing post Twang but pre-NME favorites The View.
The main stage however brings together arguably five of the biggest names in rock right now. Angels and Airwaves play before Panic! At The Disco who will be avoiding bottles this year (after Brendon Urie was knocked clean out last year by a well aimed missile). Both with new albums, Bloc Party and Arcade Fire play next, Neon Bible specifically being one of the most anticipated releases for a long time. One name however, towers above the rest and will likely be the main attraction for many. The Red Hot Chilli Peppers make a welcome return to the festival after a thirteen year absence.
Sunday (Reading, Friday Leeds)
‘New Rave’ is a horrible term. It’s dancey and rocky. Let’s call it dance rock. Whatever your preference, it’s taking over the Radio 1 stage with CSS and LCD Soundsystem propping up the downright dance worthy Klaxons. Come on, you know Golden Skans is a good song.
The main stage however brings a mix of favorites new and old. +44 feature as do Funeral For A Friend who have a new album out pretty soon. With world domination on the back burner, Fall Out Boy play before Kings-of-USA Lost Prophets. Trent Reznor makes a return too as Nine In Nails take to the 2nd headline slot with Billy Corgans posse Smashing Pumpkins prepare to blow away fans of old and grunge up a new generation.
Yet again, the lineup is undoubtedly the best of the fests, and yet again, we’ll see you in the pit. Reading Rock and Roll.
The Carling Weekend: Reading and Leeds Festivals takes place on August Bank Holiday weekend. That’s August 24 – August 26th 2007. Tickets available now at http://www.readingfestival.com and http://www.leedsfestival.com respectively!