THE ALTERNATIVE STAGE

Now a fully fledged regular at the Reading and Leeds festivals, The Alternative Stage, in its third year continues to serve up a veritable feast of creativity. From the mainstay of comedy through to spoken word and film, the stage will host an acclaimed array of performers which no doubt will provide some unique moments along the way. Leeds once again kicks things off with cinematic delights on Thursday evening.

COMEDY HEADLINERS

DOUG STANHOPE (Leeds Sunday 30th, Reading Saturday 29th)
We are thrilled to have Doug Stanhope on the Reading and Leeds bill as he is the comic’s comic who has inspired and influenced many a young stand up. His material ranges from the true-life graphic perversion to volatile social criticism. Doug is vulgar, opinionated, brutally harsh and shockingly uninhibited. Doug's confrontational stance comes from the rough, blistered underbelly of America's trailer parks; he's a feral, aggressive man fuelled by primal urges to drink, fight and screw - and the corrosive material has all the venomous aggression you might expect from that background. But what underlines it, and makes it so untouchably good, is the passion and conviction with which he holds his intelligent beliefs, informed by sensibilities that might seem alien to such a no nonsense, pig-headed persona...Doug has appeared on a wide range of TV shows both here and in America as well as having released three CD's and DVD's the latest of which ' No Refunds' was in 2008.


TIM MINCHIN (Leeds Saturday 29th, Reading Friday 28th)
We are very proud to announce the incredible Tim Minchin who plays the Reading and Leeds Festival this year. Tim is an Australian musician, actor, comedian and writer. Having established himself back home he made the break to the Northern hemisphere where he became one of the most successful debut acts at the Edinburgh fringe.  He won Best Alternative Comedian at the HBO US Comedy Arts Festival in 2007, sold out seasons in both New York and LA. In Australia, Tim has performed at sell out shows at the Sydney Opera House alongside shows at the Adelaide Fringe, Melbourne International Comedy Festival and the Big Laugh Festival in Sydney.Tim's TV credits include appearances on Never Mind The Buzzcocks and Comedy Cuts whilst he has also played roles in theatre, the title in Hamlet and Amadeus and Pilate in Jesus Christ Superstar. He has written a music play POP – A Tragically Musical Romantic Black Comedy, and in 2001 recorded an album ‘Sit’ with his band Timmy The Dog. ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Nerd’ a documentary about Tim’s life between 2005 and 2006 was premiered at the Melbourne International Film Festival last year and released on DVD earlier this year.


BRENDON BURNS (Leeds Saturday 29th , Reading Sunday 30th)
Australian comic Brendon Burns' television career began alongside Sacha Baron Cohen and Ricky Gervais as a performer on Channel 4's late-night spontaneous comedy show 'The Eleven O'Clock Show'.His wittily controversial show 'So I Suppose This Is Offensive Now' won the top prize at the if.comedy awards at the 2007 Edinburgh Festival Fringe and also appeared alongside fellow Comedy Arena stand up Adam Hills in a stage version of Breaker Morant directed by Phil Nichol at the same festival. However it is his solo shows that have shown the basis for his revered reputation with six live show recordings under his belt.


JACK WHITEHALL (Leeds Friday 28th)
Jack Whitehall appeared at the festival last year as a newcomer, but now we’re all watching him.  His comedic use of language, deadpan delivery and world weariness beyond his years will have the Leeds crowds in stitches. In 2008 he presented two weeks worth of Big Brother's Big Mouth on E4 and returned to present the show full time during the 2009 series of Celebrity Big Brother. He's also appeared on Channel 4's 8 Out Of 10 Cats and The Sunday Night Project – and this summer had his own show TNT with Holly Walsh on Channel 4. Jack is also the winner of several awards including Amused Moose Laugh Off in 2007. He was also runner up in The Laughing Horse New Act of the Year competition, a finalist in So You Think You're Funny? and winner of the Charlie Harthill Special Reserve in the same year. Last year also saw Jack nominated in the Chortle Awards and an appearance in the finals of the Hackney Empire New Act of the Year. August 2009 sees Jack performing his solo stand up show 'Nearly Rebellious' at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. 


    ADAM BUXTON (Reading Sunday 30th)presents BUG - The Evolution Of Music Video (Hosted in association with BFI Southbank)
BUG is about giving big screen exposure to the most awe-inspiring, innovative and downright brilliant music videos being made around the globe today. Hosted by Adam Buxton (of Adam & Joe fame) – 6 Music presenter, actor, music video director himself – the events have become an essential forum for aspiring film-makers and fans of music video alike. BUG is about new creativity, new talent, and the new democracy of filmmaking that means a great little film can be made by a 17 year old with a stills camera, or by Michel Gondry. It’s also about what people are actually watching when they come home from the pub: the really cool, really creative and sometimes really ridiculous viral hits that you might find on YouTube or elsewhere online. This special edition of BUG at Reading 2009 promises more brilliant clips rarely seen on a big screen (or even a TV screen) and some incredible online discoveries – with insightful and hilarious contributions from Adam. Come feast your eyes – and, of course, ears.


Also appearing …

JUNIOR SIMPSON (Leeds Friday 28th, Reading Sunday 30th)
Having survived the 'new Lenny Henry ' tags and honed his material on the British black comedy circuit, lapsed choirboy Junior  is now much in demand and is a familiar face from the various shows he's been on - The Comedy Store, Never Mind The Buzzcocks and The Stand Up Show. With his infectious energy and huge stage presence it's easy to see why Junior is such a circuit favourite. A true observational comic Simpson discovers his humour in the everyday and humdrum which with his boundless joy and exuberance has his audiences with hilarity A vigorous raconteur and vibrant mimic with lots to say, Junior is also a stalwart of the Festivals having previously played Leeds / Reading as well as the likes of Guilfest Brighton festival and Leeds Comedy In The Park.SARAH MILLICAN (Leeds Sunday 30th)Currently working a play, sitcom and radio programme. Sarah made her solo debut at last year's Edinburgh Festival with her acclaimed show 'Sarah Millican's Not Nice' which won the If.Comedy Award for Best Newcomer .A hard working stand-up, Sarah has been noted for her gentle delivery of some cutting observations on life and love. She has also appeared on various TV shows including The Comedy Store Series and 8 Out Of 10 Cats, Sarah arrives at Leeds fresh from this year's Edinburgh Festival. MILTON JONES (Reading Sunday 30th)Comedian, writer and actor, whose stand-up is full of surrealism, nonsense and sharp wit - a linguistic toymaker .Having won Best Newcomer at Edinburgh in 96, he has enjoyed great success on the stand-up circuit and radio where he has performed regularly for Radio 4 and he has won a Sony Radio Award for his series 'The Very World Of Milton Jones'. He describes his live act as "weaving threads of ideas with the tatters of life, to fashion a uniquely fetching jumper of obscurity. Milton Jones is one of the UK's most prolific comedians.

TOM STADE (Leeds Saturday 29th, Reading Friday 28th)
With delicious naivety and charismatic charm, he has audiences captivated with each devastating punchline.   Hailing from the wilds of suburban Canada and fresh from his recent TV excursions on Mock The Week and Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow Stade is certainly one to catch...
www.myspace.com/tomstadecomedian

HUGH LENNON (Leeds Saturday 29th, Reading Friday 28th)
Along with Hypnodog, the world's only canine hypnotist, Hugh has been on the circuit entertaining crowds across the world for years. Well known at both sites he always pulls a huge crowd and converts the cynics.

JAMIE KILSTEIN (Saturday 29th)
 If you haven’t yet, it’s probably time to start getting excited about Jamie Kilstein. For a while, the American has been the comedian that other comedians get excited about...he has been described as one of the few truly insightful, passionate and hysterically funny political comedians around.  New Yorker Jamie draws on his terrifying first hand experiences of the American religious right and probes politics and religion with eloquently constructed arguments. Don't miss his unflinching, razor sharp stand up.

MITCH BENN (Reading Sunday 30th)

Mitch is not only one the most sought after acts on the comedy circuit but is widely acknowledged as one of the best writer/performers of comic songs in the country. A regular on both radio and TV as well as the proud owner of several recordings...www.mitchbenn.comMC MATT READ (Leeds Sunday 30th, Reading Friday 28th)Sunderland born and bred, Matt started out as one half of duo Mat and Faron with Faron Smith. He MC's at Leeds on Sunday 30th.MC MARTIN BIGPIG (Leeds Friday 28th)Owner of uncanny comic improv skills, which comes in handy as he MC's the stage for the day.STEVE GRIBBIN (Leeds Sunday 30th, Reading Friday 28th)Firmly established as one of the stalwarts on the comedy circuit from way back when he was the smaller half of Skint Video to the present where he can be witnessed practising his acerbic musical wit on suspecting punters  across the country.www.stevegribbin.comKEVIN BRIDGES (Leeds Friday 28th)Entering the world of stand-up at just 17 years old, Kevin reached the finals of 'So You think You're Funny' contest at Edinburgh 2005 just a year later. He’s recently seen on Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow.

STEVE WILLIAMS (Reading Saturday 29th)
This supremely enjoyable and hugely popular Welsh comedian & writer continues to enchant audiences around the world with his quirky and imaginative fun packed stand up shows.
HOLLY WALSH (Leeds Saturday 29th, Reading Friday 28th)Sometime children’s television presenter, Holly Walsh can be described as the ‘Rice-Krispies’ of the comedy world: she’s gifted with snappy wit and crackling talent and has polished a stand up routine that is as feel-good and funny as the best bubblegum pop.STEPHEN GRANT (Leeds Saturday 29th, Reading Friday 28th)Observational comedy of the highest order and lightning improvisational skills carved out a very definite niche for this original performer.

MARKUS BIRDMAN (Leeds Friday 28th, Reading Saturday 29th)
This man sympathises with those who've sold their soul to the devil. Thanks to natural acumen and a touch of charm, his reckoning is delightful comic, despite some risky confessions and vivid observations of human nature. Topical, controversial and personal, he throws together a wickedly punchy gig.STUCKEY and MURRAY (Leeds Friday 28th, Reading Sunday 30th)American musicians who present a fantastically rude sing-a-long, dealing with anything sexual that will have you blushing, howling or laughing 'til it hurts. The duo have recorded two albums accrued plenty of plaudits and as performers have appeared on a myriad of TV shows on MTV, VH1, The Discovery Channel and NBC.JESSICA DELFINO (Leeds Sunday 30th, Reading Saturday 29th)East Side New Yorker Jessica is a seriously talented instrument wielding comic songwriter. She combines a host of quirky instruments with her own smart and edgy brand of comedy and is possibly one of the best and weirdest things you'll see. Her polarising performances, songs and videos have won her awards and world-wide acclaim and she made numerous TV and radio appearances in the UK.

DAN NIGHTINGALE (Leeds Friday 28th)
Having spent time as a soundman at a comedy club in Newcastle, Dan finally took to the stage where he's not looked back be it as a performer or compere.GARY DELANEY (Leeds Sunday 30th Reading Saturday 29th)Hard hitting razor sharp comic, Gary Delaney is a regular at the country's top comedy hotspots.MARK OLVER (Leeds Friday 28th, Reading Saturday 29th)Bristol based Mark is famed for his walk from home to Edinburgh throughout June and July last year which provided material for his third solo outing at the festival. He has supported Russell Howard and is a regular TV warm-up as well as numerous radio appearances.
www.markolver.com

DANIEL TOWNES (Leeds Saturday 29th, Reading Sunday 30th)
Already well established back home in his native Australia, courtesy of various accolades, Daniel made his Edinburgh debut barely two years ago and has since amused audiences across the UK with his laid back easy going demeanor that conceals the sharp wit of his live show.

MC DAVE TWENTYMAN (Leeds Saturday 29th)
One of the most affable and natural comedians you'll see this year which should stand him in good stead for MC duties at LeedsJOE BOR
A sharp and observational comedian and winner of The Comedy Store Gong Show and Comedy Cafe New Act Night, Joe is a rising star of the stand up circuit. Joe has also written for TV and theatre as well acting parts for The BBC and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

JOEY PAGE (Leeds Friday 28th)
A relative newcomer Joey is one of the most unique and exciting stars in the comedy world and is hailed as the future of stand-up.

DOC BROWN (Leeds Saturday 29th)
A rapper who turned to stand-up and who was recently voted third in the English Comedian of the Year 2009, Doc is the younger brother of author Zadie Smith.SPOKEN

WORDAIDAN MOFFAT (Leeds Friday 28th, Reading Saturday 29th)
If you always thought Aidan Moffat was the dirty one in Arab Strap, prepare to be proved right. Moffat’s intimate poems and stories are set to sound collages, song snippets and crackles, and while Moffat cites Ivor Cutler and William Burroughs as inspirations for making his first spoken word album, there are elements that could make Charles Bukowski blush. Now 34 and living in Glasgow, Moffat currently has a number of musical projects on the go, including his band /Aidan Moffat & The Best-Ofs, whose recent album 'How To Get To Heaven From Scotland came out on Valentines day on Chemikal Underground.

THE PETEBOX (Leeds Friday 28th, Reading Saturday 29th)
Not only is The Petebox one of the world's finest human beatboxers, he has spent the past year crafting a whole new approach to using his beatbox skills to create music. His live show is akin that of a full band and sees him creating fully crafted songs as well as demonstrating his world class beatbox skills. The Petebox's show leads the audience through a journey of real time music production which builds up and delivers a full frequency spectrum of sound, from deep bass, to high pitched trumpets, to multiple vocal harmonies - all made with his mouth! The past twelve months has seen The Petebox take his cutting edge show across Europe and the UK where he has played at Bestival, Glastonbury, V Festival and Creamfields.

KATE TEMPEST (Leeds Friday 28th, Reading 29th)(Fomerly Excentral Tempest)
Kate has been extensively gigging since the age of 16, this South London rapper, poet, and playwright is making a name for herself across the country be it the spoken word, UK Hip Hop or London live music scenes. She has played at some of the largest music festivals - Glastonbury, Big Chill and Leeds Carling Weekend supporting John Cooper Clarke, alongside some of the smallest - The Big Green Gathering. She has won poetry slams in New York, she has performed at squat parties, protest marches as well as the more intimate surroundings poetry cafes and pre-show theatre foyer gigs. Passionate and inspired by language she is renowned for her delivery and intelligent content and is currently writing a play, a novel and her own debut album, whilst also contributing to a second EP with her band Sound Of Rum - the beats and rhymes trio.

MIK ARTISTIK (Leeds Friday 28th)
Part comedian, painter, performer and spoken word artist - Mik Artistik is unpredictable, unnerving and with the tendency to incorporate his audience in the act, impossible to ignore.

JOHN BERKAVITCH (Leeds Friday 28th)w/ ANDY CRAVEN GRIFFITHS ( Reading Saturday 29th)
John is a Midlands - based live artist and is best known for his Slam Poetry and Spoken Word performances. A veteran of the spoken word scene up and down the country, John will be performing solo in Leeds and with Andy in Reading. Andy is a fast rising star on the spoken word scene; a regular on the festival circuit, he's donned his poetry garb and wellies for gigs at Glastonbury and Latitude also regularly appears on Radio 1 and 2
LECTURE

JEFFREY LEWIS - Watchmen Lecture / Q & A session (Reading Sunday 30th)
American anti-folk singer/songwriter Jeffrey Lewis will host a lecture and Q&A session on the Watchmen at Reading Festival. A comic book artist himself, Lewis is a self-confessed fan of Alan Moore’s classic comic book series having written his university thesis on the symbolism and intricacies hidden within them. Hailed as one of the world’s greatest graphic novels that brims with apocalyptic themes, Lewis’ lecture endeavours to unveil cryptic references and hidden meanings as a means to reflect contemporary anxieties and to critique the superhero concept. With a huge reputation within the underground, expect the talk to be a highlight of the weekend.

DEBATE

ID POLITICAL DEBATE (Leeds Friday 28th, Reading Friday 28th)
Instigate Debate – the counterculture project formed by a collective of musicians including Carl Barat, and Jon “The Reverend” McClure. A diverse panel of guests will discuss political points from across the spectrum, expect passion and forthright debate

LATE NIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

SMASH n GRAB (Leeds Saturday 29th, Reading Friday 28th)
Temporarily exchanging the somewhat swanky confines Camden - where this club night has earned the right to be 'the place to go' on a Thursday night - for a weekend of tunes and all manner of grown up party games.  It’s the only night dedicated to dancing and kissing where every song is a love song.  Queens of Noize DJ’s Mairead and Tabatha have presented Big Brother’s Big Mouthy and their own 6 Music show but clubs are where they come from and this is where they’ll get everybody dancing.

SWAP-A-RAMA (Leeds Thursday 27th)
The most fun you can have with your clothes off – and on! The infamous Shoreditch nightclub comes to Leeds this year.  Playing the finest selection of pop, soul and rock and roll, at the sound of a klaxon dancers are required to swap an item of clothing with a fellow clubber and the idea is to go home wearing a brand new outfit!  Don’t come along in anything you don’t want to lose – and don’t swap your wellies for flip-flops if it’s raining! Swap-a-Rama always ends in exhilarating chaos. The revellers leave looking ridiculous and feeling fabulous.

TRANSGRESSIVE RECORDS (Leeds Sunday 30th)
Transgressive once again return to Leeds to close the weekend.  Having featured the likes of Laura Marling and Noah and The Whale at last years extravaganza and this years line-up is no less appetising. Young Irish up and comers Two Door Cinema Club and local Leeds act Pulled Apart By Horses - who have been described as being "the most insane, life affirming band to come out of England, let alone Leeds for a long while." are both playing live sets whilst the DJ booth is home to exclusive sets from the likes of The Rockfeedback DJ's and Transgressive DJ's.

FILMLE DONK (Leeds Saturday 29th, Reading Sunday 30th) - 
A very special preview screening of this improvised comedy, shot over five days by Shane Meadows, devised with and starring Paddy Considine.  15 years ago a roadie named Donk seemed to have it all.  Now his life is shit.  So he decides to take UK rapper Scor-zay-zee with him on a road trip that he hopes will change their lives forever. This low-budget rockumentary follows Le Donk and Scorz on their journey of a lifetime and includes appearances from amongst other, the Arctic Monkeys. The preview screening at Leeds will be followed by a Q & A session with producer Mark Herbert and special guests from the film on Saturday 29th only.

3D NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD (Leeds Thursday 27th, Reading Friday 28th)
In this 3D chiller, Barb and her brother Johnny arrive late for the burial of their aunt - and walk straight into a nightmare. With Zombies on her heels, Barb flees the cemetery and is rescued by Ben, a local college student.  The two seek refuge in the nearby farmhouse of the Cooper family, where the laid-back residents aren't remotely prepared to have their lives turn into a horror movie.   But Barb is destined for an even grimmer confrontation - with the dark secret of the pyrophobic mortician, Gerald Tovar Jr. Pick up your glasses and prepare for the nightmare!

THIS IS SPINAL TAP (Leeds Saturday 30th, Reading Friday 28th)
1981 and the world's loudest rock band, Spinal Tap, are about to embark on their biggest world tour to date. Along for the ride with band members Nigel Tufnel, David St Hubbins, Derek Smalls and one unlucky drummer, is filmmaker and fan Marti Dibergi, there to make a behind-the-scenes tribute to his favourite heavy metal band. However instead of a celebrating the genius of the musicians behind such classics as ‘Big Bottom’ and ‘Hell Hole’, the documentary captures the cracks as they begin to appear for this band whose time has come...and gone...and come back...and now appears to have gone again. Reading and Leeds festivals invite to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the best 'rockumentary' ever made ahead of its special re-release on DVD and for the first time on blu-ray.ANVIL!

THE STORY OF ANVIL (Leeds Sunday 30th, Reading Saturday 29th)
At 14, Toronto school friends Steve 'Lips' Kudlow and Robb Reiner made a pact to rock together forever. They meant it. Their band Anvil went on to become the 'demigods of Canadian metal', releasing one of the heaviest albums in metal history, 1982's ‘Metal On Metal’. The album influenced a musical generation, including Metallica, Slayer and Anthrax, that went on to sell millions of records. But Anvil's career took a different path - straight to obscurity. This is a wonderful and often hilarious account of Anvil's last-ditch quest for elusive fame and fortune. At its core, Anvil! The Story Of Anvil is a timeless tale of survival and the unadulterated passion it takes to follow your dream, year after year. Anvil rocks - it has no other choice.

THE READING AND LEEDS FESTIVAL ARE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE FOLLOWING ADDITION TO THIS YEAR’S LINE-UP

ON THE NME / RADIO ONE STAGE

Friday 28th August at The Reading Festival / Sunday 30th August at The Leeds Festival

With a critically heralded return in the shape of new album 'Everything is New'  JACK PEÑATE comes to the twin sites in fine form.  Having wowed the UK with hit single 'Torn on the Platform' and top ten album 'Matinee' in 2007 the London born singer has continued to prove himself one of the UK's brightest hopes with that new album, the NME noting, "Jack Peñate has made a record that’s light on its feet, [and] has glamour bordering on sex appeal".  Following rapturous reviews for his recent UK tour expect a full house at both sites for these shows from one of the UK's brightest hopes.

For more information - www.jackpenate.com

The Line-Up for the stage is now

Faith No More
Jamie T
Friendly Fires
Florence and the Machine
Jack Penate
The Horrors
Little Boots
The Airborne Toxic Event
The Virgins
Manchester Orchestra
Dananananaykroyd

For the full line-up for all days go to www.readingfestival.com / www.leedsfestival.com

The Ultimate Rock ‘n’ Roll Weekend Is Back

 The World’s Greatest Festival Announces Exclusive Headliners

The world famous Reading and Leeds Festival returns to its dual homes of Little Johns Farm in Reading and Bramham Park Leeds for its traditional three days of the best music from across the globe. This year, organisers FestivalRepublic have once again upped the ante with a trio of headliners playing exclusive sets for Europe’s biggest and best dual site, three day event. The countdown to the August Bank Holiday Weekend starts here.

It is with enormous pleasure that we announce the return to the live arena of Yorkshire’s favourite sons in a UK exclusive performance, THE ARCTIC MONKEYS, another UK exclusive from one of the world’s biggest bands in the shape of RADIOHEAD and an English exclusive from double Brit winners KINGS OF LEON. Below that triumvirate of rock godheads are a list of bands that read like a who’s who of rock and alternative music.

This is the 21st year of the modern Reading Festival since Melvin Benn and his team transformed the event in 1989 and secured its legacy for ever in the history of rock ‘n’ roll. Leeds festival enters its second decade following its ten year anniversary last year and has grown to equal its Southern sibling over that period. Over the years every band worth talking about has graced the stages of the festival and we continue to see rock history written year on year at the dual sites.

In addition to the amazing acts confirmed today there is plenty more to come. Look out for a very special announcement on the Radio One / NME Stage soon alongside the cream of the punk and skate scene on the ever popular Lock-Up Stage whilst the headliners of the future will be packed into the Festival Republic Stage. With BBC Introducing giving unsigned and under the radar bands a break at both sites and a host of other late night entertainment, film, comedy and cabaret this is the ultimate weekend for the true music fan.

Over 3 days and 150 acts, this is the Reading and Leeds Festival, back again to make the summer worthwhile.

THIS YEAR’S HEADLINERS

KINGS OF LEON TO HEADLINE

Friday 28th August at The Reading Festival / Sunday 30th August at The Leeds Festival

Having recently picked up two Brit Awards (Best International Group and Best International Album) headliners KINGS OF LEON can justifiably be described as “one of the great American bands of our times" (NME).    Their first three albums achieved critical acclaim and led to multi platinum sales, sold out arenas and headline festival appearances.  Their fourth album ‘Only By The Night’ (5 x platinum and NME Album of the Year) has seen Kings of Leon take up permanent residency in the UK and International charts whilst maintaining their unique credibility. Now firmly established globally as one of the most important bands of their generation, these, their only English festival dates & final UK shows of 2009, are sure to re-confirm their staggering live reputation.

FOR MORE INFORMATION – www.kingsofleon.com

ARCTIC MONKEYS TO HEADLINE

Saturday 29th August at The Reading Festival / Friday 28th August at The Leeds

ARCTIC MONKEYS are set to headline at Leeds on Friday 28th August and Reading on Saturday 29th August, which will surely rekindle memories of their legendary performances of 2006. This will be the first opportunity for fans to see the band perform since they last toured in the UK in December 2007 and it’s already set to be another monumental occasion.

The band are currently in the studio working on their third album, which is scheduled for release later in the year.

ARCTIC MONKEYS ARE: Alex Turner, Jamie Cook, Matt Helders, Nick O' Malley

FOR MORE INFORMATION - www.arcticmonkeys.com

RADIOHEAD TO HEADLINE

Sunday 30th August at The Reading Festival / Saturday 29th August at The Leeds Festival

RADIOHEAD’s debut headline performances at Reading and Leeds will be a long awaited return (they last played Reading in 1994) and cause for celebration amongst all discerning music fans.  The band that other groups measure themselves against, the Oxford five piece are quite possibly the most revered group in the world.   A constant sense of experimentation has meant that we never know what to expect from them next, and they have achieved the rare feat of becoming a massively popular band whilst retaining complete credibility with their fans, their peers and critics. Dazzling live performances have led to previous festival performances being hailed as amongst the best in the world and these UK exclusive performances at Reading and Leeds are sure to be a highlight of the summer.

FOR MORE INFORMATION – www.radiohead.com

Joining our three headliners is a bill of quite staggering talent and a line-up sure to thrill every music fan. 

ON THE MAIN STAGE

Friday 28th August at The Reading Festival / Sunday 30th August at The Leeds Festival

Having been on the road with third album, ‘Off With Their Heads’ since last year, it is fitting that KAISER CHIEFS should choose the twin sites to end another momentous chapter in their phenomenal history. Quite simply one of the most popular and successful British groups of the last five years, the Leeds five piece have headlined their home town football stadium, appeared at Live 8, sold millions of albums across the world and, in the form of tunes such as ‘Ruby’ and ‘I Predict A Riot’ etched themselves forever into the history of British music. And they played the FestivalRepublic stage unannounced a few years ago at Leeds.

FOR MORE INFORMATION – www.kaiserchiefs.co.uk

After thirteen years, five studio albums, and ten million album sales PLACEBO have earned their place in rock and on the stage at this year’s Reading and Leeds Festivals.  Energised by a new drummer, record deal and album ‘Battle For The Sun’ due for release in the summer the group will no doubt exceed their own exceptionally high standards and deliver an exceptionally thrilling live performance.

FOR MORE INFORMATION – www.placeboworld.co.uk

One of the standard bearers of emo, FALL OUT BOY have out grown their original scene to become one of the biggest, and most passionately supported, bands in the world. In singles ‘Sugar, We’re Going Down’, ‘Dance, Dance’ and ‘This Ain’t A Scene, It’s An Arms Race’, the Chicago four piece have anthems that will reach to the back of the field and there is sure to be standing room only for their sets at the dual sites.

FOR MORE INFORMATION – www.falloutboyrock.com

One of the most unique and exciting US bands of recent times, DEFTONES have, since their debut album in 1994, created rock music of extreme heaviness but shot through with soul and emotion. Lead singer Chino Moreno’s incredible voice and the band’s collective abilities make all Deftones shows special and these sets are a sure fire highlight over the weekend.

FOR MORE INFORMATION – www.deftones.com

With four top twenty albums under their belt, the most current, ‘Memory and Humanity’, on their own Join Us record label, FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND are one of the UK’s biggest and most prominent worldwide acts. A host of Top Twenty singles and high profile slots on the Warped tour in the US have ensured that the five piece from Bridgend, Wales, are well known beyond their native shores. With a dedicated fanbase, expect a big crowd down the front for these sets.

MORE INFORMATION – www.ffaf.co.uk

Saturday 29th August at The Reading Festival / Friday 28th August at The Leeds Festival

THE PRODIGY have, with the release of current Number One album ‘Invaders Must Die’, reclaimed their rightful place at the top of the UK music tree. Rejuvenated by setting up their own label, the trio are back on the form that made them one of the biggest and best live bands in the world and expect a  full on assault when the band step on to the stages over the weekend. From ‘Charly’ to ‘Omen’, The Prodigy are the constant in the story of British dance music, the original live pioneers and showmen of the highest order. Get ready for one of the legendary Reading and Leeds sets.

FOR MORE INFORMATION – www.theprodigy.com

They’ve got two albums that are just about to go platinum. A Mercury nomination for the first one, 2005’s ‘A Certain Trigger’, a fanbase that turns out in droves whenever the Newcastle five-piece performsand, in lead singer Paul Smith, a superb frontman. MAXIMO PARK have gone from contenders to established act with consummate ease and now, on the release of their third album, ‘Quicken The Heart’ and this high profile Main Stage set, it looks like Maximo Park are about to have the world at their feet.

FOR MORE INFORMATION – www.maximopark.com

One of the great pop icons of the last twenty years, our VERY SPECIAL GUEST comes to the dual sites for what are sure to be two amazing sets. IAN BROWN is rightly seen as the face and voice of a generation, a maverick artist steeped in the revolutionary power of music to change and influence. With an eagerly awaited new album due in August , these very special performances are a must see for the weekend.

FOR MORE INFORMATION – www.ianbrown.co.uk

Following the success of their debut album, ‘St Jude’ (which scooped the Guardian’s debut album of the year at the close of 2008), THE COURTEENERS were one of the musical success stories of last year. The bands live shows are already legendary and have rightly earned comparisons with The Smiths, Stone Roses and Oasis. With new tracks in the pipeline these shows are all set to mark another stage in the story of the Mancunian boys.

FOR MORE INFORMATION – www.thecourteeners.com

Famously achieving huge status without the help of any record label, ENTER SHIKARI have progressed from being the poster boys of the label-less new world to making huge strides towards becoming a massive band. Having played huge shows across the world in the last two years, they come to the dual sites all set to steal the show.

FOR MORE INFORMATION – www.entershikari.com

The EAGLES OF DEATH METAL come to the festival this year, stirred and served chilled in a tall glass of class.  The band have rocked their way round the world since their inception in 1998 and their festival appearances are of legend – this year we expect nothing short of legendary, their sole purpose in life is to bring sexy back.

FOR MORE INFORMATION – www.eaglesofdeathmetal.com

Sunday 30th August at The Reading Festival / Saturday 29th August at The Leeds Festival

If there were an award for fan’s favourite at Reading and Leeds then BLOC PARTY would be likely favourites at the bookies. The subject of many pleas for an appearance at this year’s festival on the chat rooms and blogs their sets are sure to be rapturously received by massive crowds at both sites. With a well deserved reputation for never sitting on their laurels, each of Bloc Party’s three albums has its own distinct character whilst live, the band have gone from strength to strength, now more than capable of holding the huge crowds that are sure to gather for these sets.

FOR MORE INFORMATION – www.blocparty.com

YEAH YEAH YEAHS are back back BACK! The New York City trio are poised to release the follow-up to 2006’s “Show Your Bones”, an album described as “a slow-burning masterpiece” by Observer Music Monthly and “one of the albums of the decade” by NME in the shape of ‘It’s Blitz’. With lead single from that album, ‘Zero’ hogging the airwaves and looking to be a sure fire bet for their biggest single yet and with a well deserved reputation for incredible live shows, these look like the shows that send the NYC band stellar.

FOR MORE INFORMATION – www.yeahyeahyeahs.com

VAMPIRE WEEKEND’s debut eponymous album was one of the highlights of 2008. With a charm all of its own and a nod to African high life and American rock ‘n’ roll in equal measure, the preppy image saw the band described as brainy party music. Live, the good time feelings are there for all to enjoy and these shows are guaranteed to put a smile on the faces and a shuffle in the feet that will no doubt be packing in the crowds from front to back.

FOR MORE INFORMATION – www.vampireweekend.com

Over three albums, BRAND NEW have carved a niche for their intelligent hard edged pop sound. As frontman Jesse Lacey said, “We just want to play songs that you want to listen to over and over again, and that kids relate to, and that you can't get out of your head”. With a new album in the pipeline and an awesome live reputation, expect a set full of unforgettable hooks.

FOR MORE INFORMATION - www.fightoffyourdemons.com

THE NME/RADIO 1 STAGE

For Friday 28th August at The Leeds Festival / Saturday 29th August at The Reading Festival we are very proud to announce GOSSIP and GLASVEGAS as co-headliners for this day.

The rise of GOSSIP to international prominence is a story that goes far beyond music. In Beth Ditto, the trio have a frontwoman who seemingly commands attention and who is prepared to use shock tactics to make good points. Her naked NME cover shoot may well have provided a short window of incredulity in certain quarters but made a clear stand against the size zero fashion prevalent at the time. Possessed of a true blues voice and backed by a truly innovative guitarist in Brace Paine and fluid drummer in Hannah Blilie, their soon to come Rick Rubin produced new album is sure to be a massive hit by the time these co-headline shows come round.

FOR MORE INFORMATION - www.gossipyouth.co.uk

From winning the NME Philip Hall Radar Award in 2008, GLASVEGAS  have risen at such speed that it seemingly defies gravity. Not only are they daytime radio candidates but their first US appearances were greeted with similar rapture on the other side of the pond. In debut album, ‘Glasvegas’, the quartet demonstrated an ability to meld heart rending lyrics to wall of sound production to create a new soul sound for the 21st century. With new tracks in the pipeline these co-headline slots are where Glasvegas will come of age.

FOR MORE INFORMATION – www.glasvegas.net

In addition to these co-headliner, a very special headliner playing a long awaited UK appearance will be announced soon.

Other bands confirmed for the weekend on the Radio One / NME Stage include:

Currently working on the follow up to the Mercury nominated ‘Panic Prevention’, JAMIE T is fast proving himself a worthy successor to his musical inspirations Joe Strummer and Billy Bragg. Having bagged the NME Award for Best Solo artist in 2007, the return of Jamie to the live stage is sure to see a packed tent at both sites.

FOR MORE INFORMATION – www.jamie-t.com

Having built one of the most loyal fanbases in rock, AFI, broke to the overground on their seventh album, ‘Sing The Sorrow’.  Possessed of an ability to write chant along choruses and with the experience to develop increasingly virtuosic musicianship, the Californian four piece have gone from strength to strength since that breakthrough, picking up accolades from the likes of Alternnative Press, Spin and USA Today amongst others.

FOR MORE INFORMATION – www.afireinside.net

2009 has already been an incredible year for the three members of WHITE LIES. Debut album, ‘To Lose My Life’ shot into the charts at Number One and singles, ‘Death’ and ‘To Lose My Life’ have taken hold of the nation’s airwaves. A viscerally compelling live band, the Chiswick trio are well worth a bet for hit of the festival and should be a must see for those in the know.

FOR MORE INFORMATION – www.whitelies.com

St. Alban’s FRIENDLY FIRES  have a well deserved reputation for incredible live shows, their recent turn at the NME Awards seeing them rock up with a full on salsa band and dancers to bring something of Rio to downtown Brixton. In ‘Paris’, ‘Jump In The Pool’ and ‘Skeleton Boy’ they also have three of the best floor fillers around, all great adverts for their debut eponymous album.

FOR MORE INFORMATION - www.wearefriendlyfires.com

Following the successes of their debut album, ‘Colour It In’ (“the best alt.pop record of 2007” NME), sold out tours, a triumphant night at London’s Roundhouse), THE MACCABEES return to form with their eagerly awaited second album, ‘Wall Of Arms’. With a fervent fanbase waiting for the release, these performances are all set to mark another momentous growth in the story of the London boys.

FOR MORE INFORMATION – www.themaccabees.co.uk

Welcome to ‘GreyBritain’. Welcome to the real Britain: a land of poverty, petty violence, bad diets, bad attitudes. Welcome to GALLOWS’ new state of the nation address. Grey Britain is Gallows’ second album and is a damning indictment and aural document of a country currently crippled by recession. Expect no less than full on performances from this most vital of UK hardcore acts over the weekend.

FOR MORE INFORMATION – www.gallows.co.uk

Although New Brunswick, New Jersey’s THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM have only technically been a band for three years, in that short amount of time they’ve managed to become one of the punk underground’s most celebrated acts, spurring a cultish fan base with their music and completing successful tours with acts like Against Me!, the Loved Ones and the Bouncing Souls.  Current album, ‘The 59 Sound’ is making friends across the globe and expect their sets to see a packed tent at both sites.

FOR MORE INFORMATION – www.thegaslightanthem.com

FLORENCE AND THE MACHINE, aka Florence Mary Leontine Welsh and whoever happens to be beside her on stage are already the talking point of 2009. Having bagged a BRIT Award at the opening of the year and been acclaimed by NME as ‘among the most charismatic greats’, it is the combination of Florence’s stunning voice and her electrifying stage presence that draw such high praise for an artist about to release her debut album. By the time these shows come round expect many more plaudits and a huge crowd at each site.

FOR MORE INFORMATION – www.florenceandthemachine.net

There’s much more to come so check back for the remainder of THE MAIN STAGE, that SPECIAL HEADLINE announcement on the RADIO ONE / NME STAGE, the entire LOCK UP and FESTIVAL REPUBLIC STAGES plus the DANCE STAGE, THE ALTERNATIVE STAGE and the stars of the future on the BBC INTRODUCING STAGE.

TICKETING INFO

Weekend tickets £175 plus booking fees • Day tickets Fri, Sat, Sun £70 plus booking fee. Weekend tickets prices include camping.

Online/Telephone from Monday 30th March 7pm:
Tickets are strictly limited to a maximum of four per household for those booking by telephone or online.
Credit Card line: 0871 231 0821
Or online at: www.festivalrepublic.com   www.seetickets.com  www.readingfestival.com    www.leedsfestival.com

In Person from Monday 30th March 7pm:
Selected HMV stores from 7pm Monday 30th March. See websites for store listings.

In Person from Tuesday 31st March 8.30am:
Reading tickets can be bought at face value,in person from Tuesday 31st March 8.30am when paid for in cash at the Reading Arts & Venues Box Office, The Hexagon.

Leeds tickets can be bought at face value, in person from Tuesday 31st March 9am when paid for in cash at Leeds Visitor Centre, Crash Records and Jumbo Records.

Please note that picture ID/proof of address will be required at the time of booking. Tickets are subject to availability.

Limit of 4 per household/person for personal callers.

Children under 13 (12 and under) are admitted free but MUST be accompanied by a ticket holding adult. Please note there is no separate children's area at this event.

For a full list of national and regional outlets please visit www.readingfestival.com www.leedsfestival.com

Back to the Festival Guide 2009