Mumford & Sons will join Metallica as main stage headliners of Reading and Leeds 2015. The folk troupe will return to the annual summer event which takes place from 28–30 August, their first UK show since the announcement of their brief hiatus.
Following a succession of near-relentless tour dates since the release of their 2009 album, Sigh No More, the band will make their live comeback at Bonnaroo festival in Manchester, Tennessee in June alongside Billy Joel and Kendrick Lamar, the band’s first show since September 2013.
In June 2013, Mumford & Sons were forced to cancel three concerts when bassist Ted Dwane was found to have a blood clot on his brain. After surgery, Dwane and the band returned to close the Pyramid stage at Glastonbury. Aside from the odd special appearance and recording for the Lost on the River: The New Basement Tapes release, this new headline set marks their first proper return to the UK festival circuit, and their first appearance at this specific festival since 2010 on the NME/BBC Radio 1 Stage.
Melvin Benn, festival organiser said he was “delighted” to have secured the band for the festival and “can’t wait to see them return to the festivals for their first UK performance in over two years”.
Also on the list of names newly announced for the Reading and Leeds bill is Brighton duo Royal Blood, chart-topping Bastille and EDM overlord Deadmau5. Rebel Sound featuring Chase & Status, Rage, David Rodigan and Shy FX, will also perform collectively. “The last time we played Reading and Leeds, the crowd were insane and we had to stop the set four times – there was so much energy,” Chase & Status said. “This year, we’re coming back as Rebel Sound, Culture Clash Champions 2014 – ourselves and Rage, David Rodigan and Shy FX. We’ve only performed together once and it’s safe to say that night was incredible.”
Up-and-coming artists added to the bill include Catfish and the Bottlemen, Years & Years, Wolf Alice, Pretty Vicious, Jack Garratt and Hannah Wants.
“With today’s announcement of a further eight great acts joining the bill, the Reading and Leeds lineup is already shaping up to be one of the best ever and I’m looking forward to revealing the third headliner and even more great artists soon,” said Benn.
As previously announced, Metallica will also top the bill at the split event, while Jamie T, Run the Jewels and Refused are among the other confirmed names. Tickets are available now.
.png?w=600)
