The reading festival has had some fantastic moments the 3 listed below are our all time favourites, please add comments below to suggest other great moments
Nirvana 1992
This is the ultimate festival highlight – and not just for Reading, but all festivals throughout history.
Nirvana’s performance at Reading ’92 was in fact their last UK show. Kurt was wheeled on to the stage by music journalist, Everett True, dragging questions about his mental health. Just before Nirvana launched into ‘All Apologies’, Kurt addressed the audience:
“This song is dedicated to my twelve day year old daughter and my wife. There has been some pretty extreme things written about us, especially my wife… she thinks that everyone hates her. This is being recorded, so why don’t you give her a message and say, Courtney, we love you.’ On the count of three….’ to which thousands of Kurt (and apparently Courtney fans) screamed ‘Courtney, we love you.”
Slipknot 2002
2002 – Slipknot completely tear up Reading. Their set, full of sick inducing metal and concrete shattering screaming vocals, likened itself to a scene of caged animals let loose with microphones. The crowd, intoxicated by Slipknot’s violent and aggressive set, began to swirl ferociously beneath the stage, lapping up every shard of the Slipknot sound.
The Stone Roses 1996
The Stone Roses play Reading Festival ’96 and consequently becomes the last time that The Stone Roses performed live together. Another momentous highlight for Reading Festival.
Arctic Monkey 2014
In 2014, the Arctic Monkeys graced the Reading Festival stage with a transformed aesthetic and an undeniable rockstar aura. The Sheffield lads, who had undergone a notable metamorphosis since their relocation to LA, showcased their evolution with newfound quiffs and a touch of American swagger. Frontman Alex Turner, with a semi-slurred, quasi-American accent, introduced the crowd to tracks from their classic rock-influenced album, “AM.”
Despite the stylistic shift and geographic transition, the Arctic Monkeys remained rooted in their origins. Turner’s nostalgic nod to High Green, their former hometown, created a bridge between past and present, affirming their journey from local heroes to global rock icons. With promises of a “reet laugh” in Leeds, the band retained the charming essence that endeared them to fans in the early days.
Their Reading Festival performance affirmed the Arctic Monkeys’ status as headlining giants, following their triumphant Glastonbury set the year before. The setlist, featuring a diverse range of tracks including “Do I Wanna Know?” and “Crying Lightning,” showcased their musical prowess and ability to command a festival stage. The Arctic Monkeys of 2014 were not just a band; they were a testament to the enduring power of noughties rock, capable of captivating audiences and standing tall among festival headliners.
Eminem 2001
In the rebellious year of 2001, Eminem’s headlining performance at the Reading Festival was nothing short of a cultural earthquake. Eminem, known for his provocative and confrontational lyrics, faced controversy even before stepping onto the stage. A picket line at his Manchester Evening News Arena show highlighted the heated debate surrounding his presence in the UK.
The Reading Festival became the battleground for Eminem’s unapologetic expression and a defining moment of the zeitgeist. The playlist for that unforgettable night featured a barrage of hits, starting with the explosive energy of D12 collaborations like “Shit Can Happen,” “Pistol Pistol,” and “Pimp Like Me.” The stage was transformed into a chaotic spectacle as Eminem, accompanied by D12, delivered a raw and unfiltered performance that lived up to its reputation as the show your mother warned you about.
Eminem’s setlist delved deep into his discography, including iconic tracks like “Stan,” “Criminal,” and “Kill You.” The controversial artist even paid homage to Dr. Dre with a rendition of “Forgot About Dre.” The performance reached a peak with unexpected collaborations, such as “The Way I Am” featuring Marilyn Manson, adding an extra layer of intensity to an already electrifying show.
Eminem’s headlining act in 2001 was not just a concert; it was a bold assertion of artistic freedom, a moment etched in the festival’s history as a testament to the power of music to challenge norms and define an era.
Radiohead 2009
In 2009, Radiohead’s headline performance at the Reading Festival was a masterclass in musical unpredictability and artistic prowess. The Oxford quintet, known for their avant-garde approach to rock, surprised and delighted fans by opening with the iconic “Creep,” a song they had been known to avoid in their live sets for years.
Thom Yorke’s nonchalant “Wassup!” greeting marked a departure from the band’s typically enigmatic stage presence, setting the tone for a night of both familiarity and experimentation. As the lilting guitar melody of “Creep” echoed across the festival grounds, the audience was instantly captivated by the unexpected choice.
The setlist seamlessly blended Radiohead’s classics, such as the anthemic “Karma Police” and the electronic-infused “Idioteque,” with more obscure tracks like “15 Step” from their then-recent album “In Rainbows.” The performance showcased Radiohead’s ability to traverse the spectrum of their discography, creating a dynamic and immersive sonic experience for the audience.
Yorke’s candid announcement of bassist Colin Greenwood’s technical difficulties before “Bodysnatchers” added a touch of spontaneity to the night, revealing the band’s human side amidst their intricate soundscapes.
The encore further demonstrated Radiohead’s sonic dexterity, featuring tracks like “Lucky,” “Jigsaw Falling Into Place,” and the sprawling epic “Paranoid Android.” The set concluded with the mesmerizing “Everything in Its Right Place,” leaving the audience in awe of Radiohead’s ability to push the boundaries of live performance.
Radiohead’s 2009 Reading Festival headline performance was not just a concert; it was a testament to the band’s willingness to defy expectations, embrace their diverse catalog, and deliver a truly unforgettable musical experience. It solidified their status as one of the most innovative and influential acts in contemporary rock music.