After their divisive headline booking at last year’s Glastonbury, Metallica have been confirmed for a festival with a history rich in metal heritage – Reading and Leeds. After first headlining the mainstage 18 years ago, James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett, Lars Ulrich and Rob Trujillo will top the bill at the event in 2015.
Formed in 1981, Metallica have released 10 studio albums and have sold more than 100m albums worldwide. Described by Ulrich as the festival’s “house band,” Metallica have previously performed at the annual UK rock event in 2008, 2003 and 1997. At their debut Reading and Leeds show they appeared before Terrorvision, Bush and Marilyn Manson.
“We are obviously beyond thrilled to be returning to headline the magnificent and mighty double shot at Reading and Leeds for the fourth time,” Metallica’s drummer said in a statement.
Despite initial, pre-festival grumbling, Metallica’s Glastonbury show was praised by critics. It was, however, marred by some controversy: in response to a campaign to prevent pro-hunting frontman James Hetfield from appearing, the group teased critics by playing a short film featuring fox hunters and gun-toting bears ahead of their show.
Festival organiser Melvin Benn said he was “excited” about the Reading and Leeds booking: “Their amazing live show promises to be a favourite with rock, metal and genuine music fans at the UK’s most important music festival, perfectly topping a bill of brilliant acts from across the genres.”
Also appearing are post-hardcore group Pierce the Veil, drum’n’bass artist Wilkinson, Atlanta’s Manchester Orchestra, Swedish punk band Refused, Killer Mike and El-P’s project Run The Jewels and the return of London-based songwriter Jamie T.
Tickets for Reading and Leeds 2015, which takes place during August bank holiday, are now on sale.
