Reading And Leeds 2009 - What Do You Think Of The Line-Up? - NME Festivals Blog - NME.COM - The world's fastest music news service, music videos, interviews, photos and free stuff to win

Sophie Eggleton [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 10:41

I agree that Vampire Weekend will be a highlight, I was extremely happy to see deftones on the list too, haven't seen them for a fews years, lets hope they play some of the classics!

Nico Bower [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 10:49

I really dislike Radiohead and all they are about, good other headliners in arctic monkeys and KOL though, i really enjoyed vampire weekend last year but i think they are more suited to NME stage rather than the maintage

ek [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 11:01

I didn't know every1 hated the arctic monkeys soo much (I live in australia) does every1 also hate alex?

Amy [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 11:03

I always enjoy Reading regardless of the lineup. I won't be watching Arctic Monkeys or Kings of Leon but Radiohead, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Prodigy and Placebo all have me very excited!

Leum [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 11:10

Good Choices, apart from the Artic Monkeys. Radiohead Is A Surprise KOL not so after the last year. This year should be great.

rob sadler [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 11:13

well chuffed with the line up so far! the only metal band i really like are deftones so it has worked out well for me this year :-) as the article says radiohead and vampire weekend (in the sun?!) will be highlights as well as prodigy, YYY's, KOL and ian brown. looking forward to the announcement of more but happy so far! also hoping for .........anvil and the get up kids!

Dan B [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 11:14

Im happy theres not a traditional rock day, more room for more interesting bands,Leeds is still diverse without metal bands!. Really happy to get to Radiohead at Leeds,did they get poached from Glastos 4th headliner slot??,and glad that Arctic Monkeys and Kings Of Leon are there too, im pleased with amount of quality main stage music,and im looking forward to whos going to be in the NME tent aswell as festival republic and lock up stage having maybe a few gems also.

bongo [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 11:17

Itll be interesting to see how radiohead will do this time round- its been a while! That said, the rest of the lineup/headliners looks pretty bland- especially compared to last years headliners- RATM, killers and Metallica (amongst a fantastic array of supporting bands)- that lineup smacks the shit out of this years one.

boofir [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 11:34

Radiohead...over rated. Artic monkeys...so 2006. And as for KOL...i think TOTP's is more suited. Can't believe people are even buying to watch these skinny jeaned checked shirt pieces of shit fuck about on a stage....bring on DOWNLOAD BABY!!!!

Sam Crosby-Browne [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 11:43

I cant wait to see Arctic monkeys. my favourite band and seen them live before but with a new album due out soon they'll probably play loads of new material. Vampire weekend will be sweet and i can't wait to see white lies on the nme stage aswell, i think they'll be great.

uncommon [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 11:47

oh dear boofir, obviously still in that 'impressed with overdrive & distortion and shouting' childlike view of rawk music. Bless. Now go and play with your action figures like a good little boy....

Tree [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 11:49

I think so far the line-up is pretty amazing. I love the mix of bands this year. Also made up to see arctic monkeys back on the scene, Radiohead is deffo a good band to see and Kings of leon are simply amazing seen them twice already before the whole "sex on fire" scene kicked off. I cant wait to see the yeah yeah yeahs and white lies and friendly fires and Jamie t :) I hope the rest of the line-up is just as good. I dont like KAISER CHIEFS THOUGH. there pretty shitty

charlotte [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 11:50

really impressed with this years line-up, radiohead will be amazing. Still not as good as lat year's mix.

Nazr [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 11:51

judging from the lineup, this should be great

luke what the hell u talking about [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 11:57

the prodigy are mint

TimesUp [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 12:01

@ uncommon - Boofir is spot on here!! So you know where you can take your views... I can only imagine what bland music you listen too. This Reading lineup isn't even in the same league as Download.

luke [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 12:04

The first day looks dog shit

Benjamin [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 12:09

The way I see it is, as a starting point, it's pretty strong and very diverse. There's still a shit load to come and I think we will see some suprises. Last year's line up was good but more metal so it's great to see some quality indie bands on the main stage like Vampire Weekend, Bloc Party. Love that Brandnew are there too.

Jake [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 12:14

Really pleased with the line-up thus far, Radiohead are the best British band since Pink Floyd.

Rebecca [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 12:16

The line-up isn't great the only reason i'd go is to see Kol and radiohead! I'm not paying £175 for a ticket to see them two bands.

Vicky [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 12:25

amazing line-up..arctic monkeys and radiohead... just fantastic.

Ashley [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 12:28

Courteneers and ian brown great line-up on friday nite at leeds

Dom [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 12:41

With the Arctic Monkeys playing, thought i couldn't be more happy. But Kings of Leon, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Bloc Party, Friendly Fires, Vampire Weekend, The Courteeners just to name a few i'm over the moon. Thank God i put my faith in Reading and bought my presale tickets last year :D

[Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 12:41

I'm sorry but Reading is a ROCK festival, always has been. This line up is poor, looks like a V Festival/Radio 1's big weekend line up. Only people worth seeing are Gallows & Deftones.

Smogo [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 12:50

Very unimpressed by what's been released so far. The Prodge and Yeah Yeah Yeahs are the only main stage bands I'd push my way to the front for. But last year most of the best action was on the smaller stages - Justice, Crystal Castles, Simian Mobile Disco, Late of the Pier, etc, etc, etc. I await the announcements on those lineups with interest, but for the moment it looks like my money will be going to Bestival (and possibly Download on the Fri & Sat if day tickets come available)....

Simon [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 12:57

Where are the rock bands? What the hell is Kings of Leon doing there along with Artic Monkeys

Meepee [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 13:00

I am not impressed with Saturday at all, shall be spending Saturday at the lock up (hopefully someone decent will play there!!) Friday & Sunday are average compared to 08 & 07. Not amazing and not shit, inbetween.

Liam [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 13:07

Reading and leeds are known for the diversity of the music. They can't be labelled solely as a ROCK festival... tard.

Mulder [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 13:08

I am sad there is no rock day and I am 37 so no action figures for me...well maybe one or two :p radiohead will be the highlight so far but lookin forward to Prodigy, Brand New and Placebo.

[Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 13:30

last year was fucking smashing and this year looks set to be the same,good acts,good crowd ,thats what make it, am travelling up from london with the lads again,get them yorkishire wraps ready backscratchers

NIN666 [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 13:52

Radiohead rule so that is an amazing headliner but feel they should be on Fri/Sat - ditch KOL and have a RAWK headliner Sunday - Download trumps this festival just by having the mighty Faith No More back - They should be headlining Reading's usual Sunday 'Rock Day' which seems to have vanished.

Lord Harker Esq [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 13:56

radiohead... Awsome!! All the others.. well its just the same as all the other Reading/Leeds that has gone by...surely?

Jedd [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 13:57

Going This Year Cant watie for ian borwn and arctic monkeys and vampire weekend :D

timbolala [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 13:58

Boofir is spot on! Tis a pity its such a poor line up, may have to get rid of my tickets and go to download!

El Presidente [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 14:00

I'm not going to this years festival and tbh, I'm glad I'm not. I don't understand why people are saying 'its so diverse this year' when other genres like rock, metal and punk have been cut out from the main stage. The traditional 'rock day' gave the Festival that extra edge over other festivals in that it branched out to other music fans. If you're into new-age indie bands (cept for Prodigy, Fallout Boy and Deftones) then this years festival is paradise but not really so for others.

Cam [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 14:04

This line-up is immense in my opinion. Radiohead are one of, if not the best band in the world, then with the likes of Placebo, Brand New, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Bloc Party and KOL to name a few! If the rest of the line up keeps growing with names like this it's going to be amazing!

Hitchy [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 14:10

Yay for radiohead and deftones but i'm surprised there aren't more diverse bands. it all seems to be radio 1 playlisted/ nme generic apart from the above. wheres sonic youth? wheres jesus lizard? where's dinosaur jr? after spectacular reunion tours from both Jesus lizard and dinosaur jr. portishead are recording a new album this year, but where are they? i have a ticket but i hope to jesus almighty i don't have to wait all weekend for 2 bands, no matter their worth.

Mitchell [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 14:26

I get what you mean about Vampire Weekend in the sun, last year the sun was setting and was shining under the NME tent, and combined with their music was such a great experience. I'm not really pleased with the overall line-up however, and only really excited for Jamie T, Vampire Weekend, Placebo and The Maccabees.

NatalieC [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 14:26

7pm on the 30th of March 2009. Leeds Festival line up announced. It's going to be handbags at dawn when Leeds Regulars of the world cast their eyes on this abysmal yellow picture. The yellow banner that usually signifies excitement, madness and the occasional burnt tent or silent disco will now connote sheer depression. As an LR, it breaks my heart to see the awesome Kings of Leon headlining AGAIN. Not to sound like an absolute idiot, but they are not a band I ever want to take for granted. White Lies, Friendly Fires and Florence and the Machine are enough to get any muso's heart racing not to mention Radiohead and Prodigy. But Bloc Party? Kaiser Chiefs? Fall out Boy? Courteeners? Dull, dull, dull. Now come on Leeds Fest, when you're selling weekend tickets at an astronomical £175 a head (lets do the maths here folks, £175 x 60,000 people? its a rather large number) surely we can be offered more than the pitiful leftovers from the festival circuit. On loading up the rather basic line up page I even wondered if it was last years line up. Where's Art Brut Leeds Fest? They've got a new album out in April. Where's Green Day Leeds Fest? They've been rumoured to headline for months now. Where is your decency Leeds Fest? You tell me that due to the rise of the dollar against the pound costs of tickets had to go up. Well I want an explanation. Don't get me wrong, I love Leeds Festival. It's just nobody wants left over, festival-ed-out bands who are only playing because they have nothing else on that weekend. If what you are trying to say Leeds Festival is that their are simply no new bands this year (as your line up seems to tell us) then I feel something has gone horrificly wrong. Lets just hope the line up gets better. Or I'm staying in my hotel all weekend.

Patrick [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 14:28

It's not the best line up is it? : / I don't know, I can't wait for it but I'm just a bit disappointed about some of the bands on the main stage. This is supposed to be for the big names! The yeah yeah yeahs? the courteeners? ian brown ffs? whats he done this year?? the headliners are good though, can't wait to see Radiohead, but I'm sure I'll get pissed off by the little kids that turn up to see the Arctic Monkeys and KOL just waiting for Sex On Fire and I Bet you Look Good. I hope both of them play PROPER obscure sets :) it'd be really funny haha. Marmaduke Duke to headline the lock up ;) xx

Gaza [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 14:45

i think artic monkeys new "sophisticated" album will low you all away....pop haters

Matt [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 14:52

What a load of pants. Radiohead are not really a festival band in my opinion. Where are the big names? Maybe I was spoiled by the awesomeness of last year, but I am really dissapointed.

alexxx [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 15:00

Overall, the year's lineup is pretty bland and predictable. It just seems to be the same old names that have played the last 3 or so years. Sure, Radiohead are always good live, KOL will put on a decent show, as will Prodigy no doubt, but there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of diversity across the three days thus far. The lineup just lacks the excitement that previous ones have had. I was hoping for a few spanners in the works like Jane's Addiction, or The Cure, or everyone's favourites Weezer, but maybe that's wishful thinking.

danny [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 15:06

Has anyone compared reading and glastonbury? If anyone goes to glasto say hi to my grandparents

KOL! [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 15:08

other than the headliners not as good as last year! KOL and monkeys gunna be on fire though! and proidgy and bloc party will be class

Martyn [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 15:16

I think the line-ups really weak! I knew that the line up would be hard to top last years because it was ace but i think they could have put a few more rock/metal bands in surely! i still like to see indie bands aswell What happend to Lostprophets, Rise Against, Fratellis because they all confirmed! I have heard nothing from them lot I'm thinking maybe they mite have a new stage with heavier music on it?? I would love for Blink to play! but it doesn't seem to be happening! However it said on Mark Hoppus's Twitter... #blink182 has not been confirmed for reading/leeds festivals. doesn't mean it won't happen. love those festivals. but we are not booked yet. some good news?? I Hope??

GarryBoy [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 15:17

Courteeners should just headline this year since they'll be headlining in 3 years anyway!

Dolan [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 15:17

What a load of blandness here, very disappointing i must say, download for me it looks like

DB [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 15:19

this line up is far superior in type of bands appearing,and it will get even better . Download isnt on the same level as leeds and reading, all Leeds headliners are massive bands with mass popularity,solid record sales, great influence on other bands,great live,all previously headlined glasto so proven festival bands. Small minded music fans just dont go seen as the festival is mixed with various bands from many genres, people dont judge the line up till its complete either. Just go to the fresh,insipring,original and diverse sonishpere and download festivals!.pfft,ha.

Luke + Sarah [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 15:24

Luke and sarah say that this years line up is about 10% good and for it to be at least decent...50%. Diversity = Shocking, tis wot lds fst iz knw 4. We cant even describe the dissappointment. 1st....Arctic Monkeys is suuuuch a let down that headlining spot should be reserved for great bands such as....Greenday, Beastie Boys, or even Blink...any of these would have done for me and sarah and the rest of the LR. Instead, we are awash with indie bands alll weekend. Lets hope the new anoucements will bring a much needed diversity to this bril fest. x

Anamaria [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 15:24

seems pretty bland this year... except for Radiohead, they're always incredible to see live. Monkeys are quite good too; but KOL's earlier stuff >>> only by the night, i hated that album. though, all in all, it's just kinda... meh.

Charlie [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 15:33

the friday night is immense with ian brown prodigy arctic monkeys and courteeners however sat and sunday are a disappointment, the decent acts on the friday should be spread over the weekend....peace

James [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 15:37

Thank god the 'rock' day is gone. If you want rock go to fucking download. Last year the mettallica day was a heap of shit. Reading/Leeds is not a rock festival. Saturday lineup is top so far, as is the whole thing

cake [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 15:40

absolutely trash. Im glad i didnt queue up at hmv to buy a ticket regardless of the lineup, i would have got home, seen it and quite possibly cried.

IYER [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 15:52

No Pete Doherty? Whats going on there

Promo [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 16:02

Not enough variation for me. I like rock as well as mainstream indie, so there a Pearl Jam, Metallica or Rage missing for me. Boring line up.

Mell [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 16:04

Bit disappointed with KOL headling yet another festival. Hate to be all 'oooh so many people like them now that means I can't' It's not that, it's just all got a bit boring now. Radiohead was an amazing choice, really unexpected. I'm excited to see Yeah Yeah Yeahs, & The Prodigy. Hoping the lineup for dance arena will be good. I think the lack of metal will be disappointing to a lot of people but the variety is still there in my opinion.

Strum [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 16:47

really happy to see deftones on the lineup, would of liked to of seen interpol make an appearance somewhere aswell !

Sallymanda [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 16:55

Reading's good fun regardless of the bands playing, and since Radiohead are on the cards... well... It's going to be brilliant.

Go:Kath [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 17:07

I'm really excited about this year's lineup. I was really suprised to hear Radiohead were playing, but dead happy about it. Also looking forward to seeing the White Lies and Florence and the Machine again, as they were really impressive at the NME awards tour.

Cage that god damn elephant [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 17:13

Could seriously do with some Cage the Elephant being added to make it a great weekend

Ryan Cherrington [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 17:29

I'd say the line-up is not as good as last years. The headliners and tent bands were amazing last year. But let's not forget there's more bands to be confirmed. I wasn't able to get a weekend ticket because of the madness of the internet and phone lines on monday night, but got a Sunday ticket, which I'm happy with because of radiohead and bloc party, who are defintiely in my top 5 faves!

Bryn [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 17:34

A Good Line Up Was Never Guna Beat Last Year

joe [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 17:41

couldn't be happier with this years line up, just waiting for frank turner and blink 182 to pop up and i'm spent.

Matt [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 17:49

The line up is pretty terrible to be honest, aside from Radiohead and Prodigy, the rest of the bands are pretty ordinary and similar.

djbee [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 18:09

Thank god there's no rock day. If you like rock/metal go to download. Radiohead are the best possible headliner and the other acts are quality. There's always good stuff that comes up in tents that you can't predict. Basic laths. Most people who go to Reading like radiohead/monkeys etc. If you put metal on Sunday people like me won't buy a weekend ticket. Metal people will only buy a day ticket for the Sunday. So by making all indie then they have a better chance of selling out weeknd tickets. There'll be more people there on Sunday now. More money. Now all they have to do is sort out the sound. Terrible last year. So you couldn't hear the main stage bands. But seeing as they were rubbish it didn't matter. Thisyear is a totally different proposition.

PlanetTelex [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 18:15

Radiohead , Kings of Leon and Arctic Monkeys are the 3 best bands in the world at the moment!!! It is probably the best 3 headliners of any festival in the world!!!

Emily [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 18:46

This years line up already kick's last years ass so much! i mean kings of leon, fall out boy on the friday, the progidy and arctic monkeys on the saturday and brand new and vampire weekend on the sunday and thats just the first announcement!

the carv [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 18:46

kol the band that deserve to headline, arctic monkeys way with words not seen since pulps different class and radioheads genius! nude, charmer and dancing shoes all in the dark!!! priceless

shel [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 18:58

Thank god theres no rock day. Radiohead, KOL, YYYs, Wow!!!

arcticmonkeys! [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 18:58

i love love love most of the bands, i want to know when the rest of the choices will come out though! pigeon detectives, one night only and i'll fight my way to the front! needs the enemy there though too!

dvb [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 19:02

Must be shitty with sound problems, i feel for the reading people,but leeds sound is always good,and it doesnt get filmed much,wheres the sense in that!

tom [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 19:03

quality headliners this year, good to see they havent clouded friday at leeds with heavy metal bands as in the past. Big improvement on last year

Jack Layton [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 19:13

Hey, this will be my first reading festival. I dont know why everyone dislikes the arctic monkeys they are the highlight for me! Along with kings of leon, vampire weekend, kaiser chiefs and Bloc party. cant wait !

YHS [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 19:49

GALLOWS GALLOWS GALLOWS

Jack [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 19:52

Kings of leon-best band in the world at the moment, Arctic Monkeys-most popular band in britain and probably the band of my generation. Finally Radiohead- One of the greatest bands of all time. By far the best line-up this year, in fact its the best line up for a festival ive seen for a long time. With a few exceptions, this years Reading and Leeds festival will be one to remember. Roll on august!

G [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 19:56

Looks like the lineup has put all my friends off buying tickets and I'll be on my own. Personally I spend a lot of time in the new bands, alternative and dance tents, so while the announced headliners don't excite me much (Radiohead and Prodigy aside) I'm sure there will be plenty for me to enjoy. I also found the din from the main stage would bleed into all the surrounding tents, making it hard to enjoy what I intended to listen to. The sound was so awful it can't have been much easier to decipher what was being played if you were right up the front of the main stage. I think for that reason only I won't miss much of the heavy rock. Mixing up the types of music played may also help spread the people around the tents a bit better too. Moving between them at times last year was a nightmare.

Emma [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 19:56

Kaiser Chiefs will be incredible as always, also looking forward to Maximo Park, Friendly Fires and The Courteeners! Who let Arcshit Scumkeys in though?

JC [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 19:57

i have to agree, that lineup looks far better to me with no rock day - if you want that go to download and don't stop bitching about it. The headliners are basically unreal, Radiohead, KOL and Arctics sounds immense. And yes i would like to see a bit more depth in the lineup aside from the headliners but hey, there's definitely room for growth and still pleanty of time people.

Owen [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 20:11

Personally, i'd say Friday at Leeds on the main stage is bloody brilliant. Cba with Radiohead, i know they have a huge fanbase and all that, but they ain't really a great headliner for my age-range 16/17/18. KoL are just boring me now, well overplayed by everyone i know including myself. Can't wait for Arctics, loving that choice. And White Lies. Bloc Party . . . again - i ain't complaining. Hoping for a Blink or Green Day appearance somewhere, see how it goes. Better than i expected overall.

Davie [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 20:46

why the hell are kaiser chiefs above bands like placebo and deftones?? they are perhaps the most annoying and shittist band on the planet. Glad to see deftones are coming back and love the fact Radiohead are headlining. Marmaduke duke to headline lock up ;)

de [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 20:46

Its full of indie crap, bar a few bands. all the headliners are shit. and common radiohead last thing on sunday?! one boring/dull end to the festival.

dev [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 20:49

djbee - "thank god there's no rock day. If you like rock/metal go to download. Radiohead are the best possible headliner and the other acts are quality. There's always good stuff that comes up in tents that you can't predict. Basic laths. Most people who go to Reading like radiohead/monkeys etc. If you put metal on Sunday people like me won't buy a weekend ticket. Metal people will only buy a day ticket for the Sunday. So by making all indie then they have a better chance of selling out weeknd tickets. There'll be more people there on Sunday now. More money. Now all they have to do is sort out the sound. Terrible last year. So you couldn't hear the main stage bands. But seeing as they were rubbish it didn't matter. Thisyear is a totally different proposition." this guy's opinion does not count. radiohead are shit & dull and i bet you a tenner this kid will have 3 outfits for each day of the festival picked out of topman. INDIE music is lyrically retarded and has no charge to its music, they all feed of each other.

Rockgeek [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 21:11

Too much boring/bland NME drivel. Will this festival be remembered in 5 years time for being great? No. Will 2008 be remembered for featuring a heavier lineup? Yes. Reading will sell out no matter who you out on. djbee = pure unadulterated cock

Rockgeek [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 21:13

djbee - you couldn't be more wrong if you tried... erm... the festival is a "rock festival" and FR publicise it as the "best rock festival" so the core of your pathetic rant is pointless and laughable. Now grow some balls and do one.

Beadle [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 21:36

It seems as though it's everyone who has played there the last few years and just added Radiohead to it.

NA [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 21:36

Been going to Reading since 2003. This lineup is a Joke!

James Tyas [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 21:38

My only query is why Limp Bizkit aren't on the bill. With an album likely to be as groundbreaking as the behemoth that was 'Chineese Democracy' and a dedicated fanbase it is an absolute atrocity.

a guy [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 22:01

shut up DJbee quiet

alex [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 22:23

to be honest i like the line up, it's not as good as last year but it's different. the sunday is terrible but the friday is imense and i do wonder how bands like the yeah yeah yeahs and vampire weekend are above the likes of deftones and funeral for a friend. Bloc party for the 3rd year in a row is disappointing but i'm hearing lostprophets could headline the nme stage so things are looking up.

Mike [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 22:32

Its a decent line up, i got my ticket but my favourites are arctic monkeys, prodigy, enter shikari and funeral for a friend......which doesn't compare to last year's line up....and i think slipknot should have played after letting us down last year

Benny K [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 22:37

This year is pretty poor...they've chosen bands that have already played over the last 2 or 3 years, save Radiohead and The Prodigy. I've been for the last 3 years, so I'm taking my money to Bestival, hopefully the 3rd headliner there will be impressive!

Amy [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 22:42

Absolutely gutted at the lineup, I know last year was a hard act to follow but this is fairly poor going. Hopefully the line up will improve

Rob [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 23:04

Reading has truly been thrashed by sonisphere and download this year! hell V is even more diverse! if you dont like Indie there is nothing... a little fact 16 of the 20 bands announced have played the last 3 years! shocking value for money oh and Bloc party again thats a disgrace in its self, easily the worst line up to a festival this year! All these people saying if you like rock go to Download im sorry Reading is just V 2 now! Diverse festival yeah rite! i dont mind a bit of indie but 3 days full of it ughh

T [Visitor] //March 31 2009 at 23:12

FUCKING YES!! KINGS OF LEON GET IN!!!

jmk [Visitor] //April 1 2009 at 00:21

highlights got to be prodigy that is going to be one crzy mosh pit, looking forward to find out mor nme tent bands last year was class , hoping late of the pier metronemy and a bit of passion pit

jmk [Visitor] //April 1 2009 at 00:23

jiust onboofire more thing

jmk [Visitor] //April 1 2009 at 00:25

just one more thing what is boofir playing at , we all know he loves aqua, and thats why he is not going as there not there, oh and sorry to dissapoint you steps not playing download dude

itsme [Visitor] //April 1 2009 at 00:28

crap lineup, was hoping for blink but never really expected it. in the unlikely event that they are announced at a later stage i cant really see where they'd fit into the lineup, and i'd have thought the only chance of them being there would be if they had headlined

uncommon [Visitor] //April 1 2009 at 00:46

My God, listening to some of you metal fans (don't get me wrong, I like a bit of it myself) it's as if we're still in 1987. Would Whitesnake and Twisted Sister make you happy?

Heather [Visitor] //April 1 2009 at 00:56

Arctic Monkeys are definitely the highlight of leeds the best act added by far.I couldn't be happier with the line up hesitatingly awaiting Placebo who are always fantastic live, The prodigy was a pleasant surprise along with Funeral for a Friend. Glasvegas put on a staggering performance! Looks like a good all rounder this year...

Andrew [Visitor] //April 1 2009 at 01:09

Can everyone quit whining I'm over here in Toronto and for out V-Fest our headliners were Oasis, Foo Fighters, The Kooks, and Bloc Party (all bands i enjoy) but I would kill for a Sunday night lineup of Radiohead, Vampire Weekend, Yeah Yeah Yeahs or even a small stage that had White Lies and Florence and the Machine and on top of that throw in Kings of Leon, Ian Brown, Arctic Monkeys, Glasvegas, Prodigy, and Kaiser Chiefs and its a bloody amazing line-up so stop all the yapping that its not that good and be greatful you live on an island that appreachates good music while I'm stuck here wishing I was there

Rob [Visitor] //April 1 2009 at 02:07

Fortunately, I have a tin of paint and a good wall booked for that weekend as opposed to spending £175 + booking fee's to see 72 hours of utter shite. Why Ian Brown is lowering himself to appear half way down on such a poor, unimaginative and frankly shite line-up is worrying.

Rockgeek [Visitor] //April 1 2009 at 08:21

There is a vast difference between metal and rock you frickin' idiots. It's a truly awful lineup that will not be remembered years down the line. It's simply putting on what's fashionable to like. Most acts have played to death recently or playing at better/cheaper alternatives. FR should just call it the BBC/NME festival and stop calling it the best rock festival in the world because it simply isn't.

Paul [Visitor] //April 1 2009 at 09:01

Brand New, Brand New, Brand New, Brand New!!!!!!!

justboy [Visitor] //April 1 2009 at 09:02

@James [Visitor] 'If you want rock go to fucking download. Reading/Leeds is not a rock festival.' Well..it is actually. Why are people complaining about the line up so much? Yes there's some fairly average bands, but you don't have to see them. Far more to be announced, and the smaller stages make the festival anyway. Besides which, the bands are only half the fun

Lee [Visitor] //April 1 2009 at 09:46

sorry Andrew, we're British we always find something to complain about ;)

promo [Visitor] //April 1 2009 at 09:58

How come all the same bands headline nowadays? what used to make Reading great was the variation. Now its just turned into a boring version of Glastonbury. Whats for 2010? Robbie Williams?

SuckMeWest [Visitor] //April 1 2009 at 10:01

Come on! Not a rate good line up, prob not gonna be as good as Benicassim, but should still be a top weekend! hopefully the weather'll be better!

Rob [Visitor] //April 1 2009 at 10:20

The headliners are actually quite strong, the friday is looking pretty strong too, saturday having Prodigy and Ian Brown is great. Why are Bloc Party playing again though! Reading's strength is usually it's diversity and I feel this has not been shown in this year's lineup so far, I believe this has alienated some loyal festival goer's that go to reading/leeds festival year after year! hopefully the rumours about two heavier headliners on the friday/sunday in the radio one/nme tent turn out to be true. Saturday is pretty weak at the top of the bill, arctic monkeys good but not interested, glasvegas and gossip eugh! no thanks. Radiohead is a massive booking though so kudos to them for that but I won't be seeing them as they probably won't be better than the last two times I saw them in the Hammersmith Apollo and V festival. The lineup is really missing that something special like Nine Inch Nails, Jane's Addiction, Weezer, Offspring or the highly rumoured Lost Prophets...

Jake Thompson [Visitor] //April 1 2009 at 10:44

Rubbish really. Last years was much, much better. Still want to go though

ROB [Visitor] //April 1 2009 at 11:18

I hate these narrowminded indie folk! us ROCK fans dnt mind indie in the line up but when you have the mainstage full of it and 1 or 2 rock bands its a complete joke! Its the indie fans which cause all the trouble as well! never hear of riots at download!

Gaz [Visitor] //April 1 2009 at 11:31

Worst line-up in the 18 years I have been going. May get rid of my tickets.

Duncan [Visitor] //April 1 2009 at 11:44

No Jane's Addiction? No point going... Simple as.

laurendemz [Visitor] //April 1 2009 at 12:09

Surely Brand New should be above Vampire Weekend?! It wouldn't kill to make the Main Stage slightly more diverse either, and one more heavier band wouldn't of gone a miss!

Bug [Visitor] //April 1 2009 at 12:20

Someone further up the page said about Reading being a rock fest but this line-up looks more V-fest /Radio 1 weekend. They're right. The bands announced so far are basically all the 'indie' bands that even chavs and general music fans like...kaiser chiefs, kings of leon, arctic monkeys, bloc party... Pretty disappointed so far tbh. the only ones i'm that excited about are prodigy, placebo and deftones. but 90s rave stalwarts prodigy playing second fiddle to 2006 band of the moment arctic monkeys? there's something very wrong about that.

Massey [Visitor] //April 1 2009 at 12:23

Quality line up. Never been to Reading or Leeds before, but am happy there is no Rock day, if I wanted that would have got a ticket for download!! That Friday is beyond superb, with The Courteeners, Ian Brown, Maximo Park, Prodigy then Arctic Monkeys!!! That is going to be a hell of an opening day

ben [Visitor] //April 1 2009 at 12:42

radiohead has made it for me

Izz [Visitor] //April 1 2009 at 16:42

line up cant be that bad, sold out quick enough! personally i think the line-up looks immense this year! pretty happy there's no rock day as well to everyone whos crying about it, why not just go to download?

tosh [Visitor] //April 1 2009 at 16:46

exactly what justifies the kaiser chiefs to be above placebo on the list?!

tosh [Visitor] //April 1 2009 at 16:46

exactly what justifies the kaiser chiefs to be above placebo on the list?!

stan [Visitor] //April 1 2009 at 16:51

i got presale tickets last year...absolutely gutted now tho, what a crap lineup! introduce interpol, blink, lost prophets and few more of the alternative/ rock genre and it may persuade me not to sell my tickets

GM [Visitor] //April 1 2009 at 17:09

I don't see why people are moaning about the lineup. No ones forcing you to go if you don't like it go somewhere else. Its not like Glasto where you can't sell on your tickets so those of you who would prefer to download or another festival just go. The lineup obviously isn't to everyones tastes as there isn't that heavier day that a lot of people enjoyed and from what I heard (as I didn't go due to getting scammed like a right a mug) it was a really good day. Festivals are designed to have at least one act that will appeal to everyone. I'm trying to stay Mr Neutral in all of this and I'm not saying that anyones favourite band is better than anyone elses all I'm saying is that there is the option there to go elsewhere. Even if there are no tickets for some of these other festivals left I'm sure the money you can make from selling on your reading ticket will mean you can get another for somewhere else

Richard [Visitor] //April 2 2009 at 12:29

Not been to Reading since Pixies and Nirvana days.. always felt it to be a rubbish site for a festival.. Radiohead and Yeah yeah yeahs sound good.. Arctic Monkey and Ian (Zzz) Brown can stick they're 'professional northerner' nonesence though.. I live here, and its grim..

Sam [Visitor] //April 2 2009 at 12:33

Kaiser Chiefs fella looks and behaves like Simon Le Bonne did....always trying to be Rock'n Roll but never carrying it off.. You can always tell....If your Mum and Dad like it and see it as they're still cutting the mustard (as it were) then you know it's wrong!

Paul [Visitor] //April 2 2009 at 16:46

Forget every other band i would pay £180 for radiohead and the good times.

yawntastic [Visitor] //April 2 2009 at 20:44

i dont mind the line up and i think it is rather diverse in areas already (and i say that being a giant metal fan). i never got why most metalheads hate indie and why most scenekids or indie kids dislike metal so passionatly. if you have bought a ticket already, then theres no point complaining or you will just add insult to your injury. i must say i am not a fan of the Arctic Monkeys and i think Kings are slightly over hyped personally and the only legendary band in my oppinion is Radiohead. i cant wait for the Tents acts bto be announced and i would love a sunday performance from Blink as the special guests. i recon that that on its own would defeat any other festival. i was considering going to Knebworth before Reading was announced but Radiohead won me over. after all they are undoubtedly the most uncommon band for constant gigging in the line up

lee [Visitor] //April 2 2009 at 22:07

so disapointed lineups pathetic wish i didnt buy tickets

the [Visitor] //April 3 2009 at 03:16

there aint no good rock bands to headline this year! metal these days is shite! and last year apart from metallica and rage was crap for rock music. its the indie kids turn this year. end of

Dave [Visitor] //April 3 2009 at 20:11

I must say, the Saturday lineup is absolutely shocking. Not a single band i would pay a fiver to see. The organisers need to produce a genuine alternative headliner on this day especially as Radiohead seem to be a band you either love or hate. NME stage is absolutely terrible at the moment. The Gossip headlining? Seriously? What a sack of wank. This American NME headline act better be Weezer as they are the only band that are plausible and would satisfy the masses. Yeahyeahyeahs and Maximo Park as third-top acts? What the hell has happened to this festival. Prices have risen ridiculously over the past few years and yet the quality of the acts have decreased. 2005 was the last great lineup. This is the fourth year that i've bought tickets and will have to tout them due to a shocking lineup. Rant over.

Nichola [Visitor] //April 4 2009 at 21:39

Rubbish line up, last years was much better in my opinion. Glad I've got my ticket for Download this year, seems Download & Sonisphere grabbed the heavier acts.

Mat [Visitor] //April 4 2009 at 21:40

Mediocrity will kill us all

Spookus [Visitor] //April 5 2009 at 19:09

I hate it how so many of you people are suggesting that harder rock fans go to download, thats just not fair. Reading and Leeds are diverse festivals, it has been a given for many years that there is a rock day, Reading and Leeds were tradiotionally rock festivals, infact this is the first year really that indie is over-bearingly present, so please stop suggesting rock fans go to download, its depressing. Ofcourse I wouldn't want to get rid of Indie from Leeds and Reading completely, but that doesn't mean thats all I want....there truly is very little diversity at the festival this year, so little that I fear for its future.

Daniel [Visitor] //April 6 2009 at 15:05

Reading wasnt originally a rock festival, and its tradition nowadays is mix of genres, and its not a full line up yet. it was a jazz festival firstly. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reading_festival people should realise that reading/ leeds has less of rock so far becuase of download AND sonisphere stopping them from getting a main stage rock day,and last year having a lot of rock high up on line up. they should aslo hold their thoughts till the full line up is released and then speak their opinions, the NME headliners,Lock up stage and fest republic are barely announced yet and people are calling it all indie when its not ALL announced. And its know known that NME headliners are going to be 2 big rock acts. I think people should go to Leeds. people shouldnt encourage download to be such a narrow minded has been band bookers festival with nothing special about it.festivals are about good fun,new bands,special appearances and finding new genres of music. A lot of acts for reading leeds now arent indie,there rock, just becuase there not to your taste and not heavy doesnt make them indie. Ile list all the non indie acts playing so far and then u can all tell me how indie it is. Radiohead (alt rock) Prodigy (Dance) Kings of Leon (Rock) Enter Shikari( Indie??,no.) Placebo(indie?,nope.) deftones(indie?,yeah,well indie!) funerel for a friend(sooo indie clearly!) Eagles of death metal( so very indie of course!) AFI( honestly tell me there indie?) Gallows( not in my indie book!) Lost prohets possible NME headliners. Very indie arent they?. Next year will be good as every year and will have more rock metal originally announced im sure, this year the blinks,greenday,acdc prob didnt show up on line up due to thier own plans,so leeds reading not having them is down to the bands not the festival bookers.

NME Headliner hint [Visitor] //April 6 2009 at 16:47

http://www.rocksound.tv/features/article/reading-and-leeds-festival-interview interview with head booker of the festival, he speaks a lot of sense!.

S [Visitor] //April 6 2009 at 16:54

Arctic Monkeys are fukin dnt dis. its gonna be awesome mann

s [Visitor] //April 6 2009 at 16:55

Arctic Monkeys. its gonna be awesome their mint mannn

2 [Visitor] //April 7 2009 at 10:15

I suggest the festival organisers should be seriously considering a rethink on the lineup. Its all that indie and emo s*** get some diversity. How can you go from metallica one year and F*** all decent the next.

Jamie [Visitor] //April 8 2009 at 22:19

I really think radiohead don't deserve to be on main stage and that they should swap there headline position with Lostprophets. as lostprophets are way too big for the NME tent and radiohead well hopefully they get bottled off too teach them a lesson

Jamie [Visitor] //April 8 2009 at 22:26

i should also add that the organisers should be submitted for a mental examination, what where they smokin,injectin,or drinkin when they came up with this line-up in don't know. having the gossip headline the nme tent, who is going to re-erect the stage after her fat arse makes it fall down, that is supposing she actually fits into the tent and someone better tell her not to strip this time otherwise alot more than bottles will be thrown in here direction - for entertainment purposes people have a look at her shortend performance in 2007 * please not sick bags have not been provided for this viewing

billybob [Visitor] //April 9 2009 at 20:22

good line up friday in Reading looks the best lol

Richy [Visitor] //April 12 2009 at 12:18

When is the lock up stage announced ? hoping that might soften the blow with the price,and current line up

Skup [Visitor] //April 15 2009 at 16:22

MARMADUKE DUKE for lock up stage?

[Visitor] //April 17 2009 at 21:06

Basically, I would have paid the £70 ticket price (only off on Saturday) for RADIOHEAD ALONE. Vampire Weekend, Bloc Party, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, (hopefully for Lock Up Stage) Marmaduke Duke are just a bonus :)

Bob? [Visitor] //April 18 2009 at 23:32

Seriously, Download does NOT look any better than Reading/Leeds at the moment. Slipknot? Korn? Limp Bizkit? Marilyn Manson? No thanks. So shut up about it.

Anniversary Circle [Visitor] //April 19 2009 at 20:05

This looks like a great line up as always but I’m not sure Kings of Leon should be headlining They have little or no stage presence so you might as well stay in your tent and listen to their albums on your ipod. The Arctic Monkeys aren’t really my cup of tea but at least they will give us a good show, As for the missing rock day being a massive rock band fan myself I say “oh well” get yourselves to the NME stage and go see Gallows they will blow your socks off ( in other words they rock).

Silo [Visitor] //April 19 2009 at 20:32

Lets face it Reading is now a mainstream pop festival for people who want to listen to mainstream bands. Even if they had a rock day this year it would have been a mainstream metal band just like last years Metallica who have played the festival a number of times. Who would they have put on Nickel Back. Or other rock bands that firmly belong on Fred Targets Mobile Disco play list when he does the ham salad wedding reception gigs. There are defiantly no surprises on this year’s line up.

senorgreif [Visitor] //April 22 2009 at 17:56

im surprised its not called the nme fesitval this year, with all the indie playing. bring some rock/metal to the scene. what is there to mosh to?!?

nate [Visitor] //April 22 2009 at 20:28

wow this lineup just made me impotent arctic monkeys? and fall out boy ahead of the deftones?

EMMA.C [Visitor] //April 24 2009 at 19:20

Tbh i think that the line up is immense, still. Placebo are probably my highlight. Despite the missing hard rock bands i think that the atmosphere is always one thats not to be missed! Roll on Leeds Fest 2009!!

Samuth [Visitor] //April 27 2009 at 17:44

The line up is amazing its pulled together some of the best bands ever apart from Kings of leon there new genric sex is on fire scene is shit. There old stuff were so much better . And i cant wait for bloc party vampire weekend radio head artic monkeys white lies yeah yeah yeahds etc etc

G [Visitor] //May 7 2009 at 18:34

Radiohead are rubbish, what a disappointment

Proc [Visitor] //May 12 2009 at 17:58

the line up is awesome! I mean KOl are possibly the biggest band in the world right now, the arctics are one of the best and Radiohead have always been one of the best so whats the problem? Last year we had two hard rock headliners (rage and metallica, who were both fucking amazing by the way!) and this year they have just toned it down a bit which i think is acceptable! Could do with a few more metal bands to make it more diverse, especially on the main stage! only problem is the weak NME headliners, i mean the Prophets are fine, but Gossip and Jamie T? Fuck off, they are wank! last year there were 3 amazing headliners who were all big and could have easily played high up on the main stage! Oh well, Bring it on anyway, gona be amazing! Cant wait for Prodigy and Ian Brown!

LK [Visitor] //May 15 2009 at 13:06

Its okay FNM are gonna be playing in the NME tent Sunday (leeds) so I would go to see these alone!!! I think lineup is good plenty for me to see but defo looking forwards to FR stage lineup...

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Reading And Leeds 2009 - What Do You Think Of The Line-Up?

By Luke Lewis

Posted on 31/03/09 at 10:31:21 am

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