2023 Festival

[TKOCF]

I remember watching an interview with Melvin years ago where he said that Reading and Leeds was great because it was a festival “for music fans of any and all genres” or something along those lines.

I don’t know if that exactly rings true anymore.

[Andre91]

2 minutes ago, gfa said:

What confuses me is why everyone in here goes every year still - seems to be some younger people then older people who just moan moan moan. Fair enough like do what you want, but surely there are better festivals for your taste be it glasto, download, APE or somewhere abroad if you can afford that.

I don't think i'll ever return but like the chatter, could definitely do day tickets tho

I’ve done a complete 180 after this year. 2021 left a bad taste in my mouth but this year was great. A million times better in every way. LONG LIVE LEEDS. 

[FeverDream]

5 minutes ago, Andre91 said:

2018 was the worst lineup they’ve had since I started going in 2010 imo. Rubbish. 

It’s no 2019 which I realised after I had typed it! But yeah I think after 2017 the lineups have been really hit or miss for me. I look back at 2017 and it’s so damn heavy on that main stage.

[thewayiam]

7 minutes ago, Andre91 said:

2018 was the worst lineup they’ve had since I started going in 2010 imo. Rubbish. 

2018 had the best lineup for the second day I'd see since 2012 and I wasn't even fussed for the main headline. Nothing is going to beat 2010

[Andre91]

Just now, thewayiam said:

2018 had the best lineup for the second day I'd see since 2012 and I wasn't even fussed for the main headline. Nothing is going to beat 2010

With you there. 

[notitk]

Having thought about the rumoured names (and tried to convince myself that this can’t possibly be what the festival has come to) I don’t think there’s enough range there.

The last few years we have had a mix of proper rock, indie, rap and pop - whereas the 6 being talked about today all seem to cater to indie pop/indie rock with the exception of billie eilish being pure pop.

So final prediction:

MCR and Paramore - rock

Foals and Sam Fender - Indie

Kendrick Lamar - Rap

Billie Eilish - pop

[foolee]

5 minutes ago, thewayiam said:

2018 had the best lineup for the second day I'd see since 2012 and I wasn't even fussed for the main headline. Nothing is going to beat 2010

2008

[TKOCF]

The problem is there really doesn’t feel like there’s going to be any surprises anymore. Just like “yep, Billie Eilish and Sam Fender”. 

Not saying they’re bad or anything, I just wish we got a curveball like System in 2013 or Rage in 2020. Sure others will be able to contribute more.

[CG31]

So bored, where’s Dan

[Matt42]

43 minutes ago, Andre91 said:

This is the least hype I’ve ever known for an R&L lineup announcement in 12 years of posting on this forum. The least amount of hype by a million miles. Mental. 

Can I give my 2 cents on this?

Everyone… and I repeat EVERYONE recognises that this year is a weak touring year. This is why I think predictions and hype has been low.

Slowly but surely lineups have been coming out and it really looks like there’s a drought on exciting names.

When other festivals look to be having rough years, it’s almost a given that R&L will have a shaky set at the top.

If I’m honest though, R&L looks to be one of the only festivals who have actually managed to pull in a massive pop name (Billie). Look across the board and you will see that other festivals are really struggling to get the star power this year. Lots of repeats and predictable slots.

[FeverDream]

1 minute ago, Matt42 said:

Can I give my 2 cents on this?

Everyone… and I repeat EVERYONE recognises that this year is a weak touring year. This is why I think predictions and hype has been low.

Slowly but surely lineups have been coming out and it really looks like there’s a drought on exciting names.

When other festivals look to be having rough years, it’s almost a given that R&L will have a shaky set at the top.

If I’m honest though, R&L looks to be one of the only festivals who have actually managed to pull in a massive pop name (Billie). Look across the board and you will see that other festivals are really struggling to get the star power this year. Lots of repeats and predictable slots.

I suppose this makes sense. Virtually every artist was touring and fighting for positions mid-2021 to 2022 at festivals.

[Hughdogs]

I go every year and always have a belta..always sumin to do. I listen to nearly all the line up on lead up to the festival. They usualy know the shiit im gonna like before i know it haha im easily lead. Highlights last year were megan, delta heavy, bring me, bru c, pendulum secret set, denzil curry,willow, ashniko. Gettin high in camper...this year still gonna get me going no doubt. Might be the smaller acts...

[R-K1D]

1975 anybody? 😉

[Benj]

31 minutes ago, FeverDream said:

Actually, I take that back, 2019 was great. Most of the top acts on main stage were bands which was surprising.

…The last year it was a proper festival

The main problem is the two main stages. The lineup in itself last year wasn’t bad.

There just wasn’t enough of it.

Too many periods where there was nothing you actually wanted to see for 2-3 hours if you didn’t like what was on the main stage….

it was the same in 2021. 

it’s highly doubtful I’ll be going in 2023 for that reason alone

[wghennessy]

Billie

Kendrick

Sam Fender

 

Thats my pick for the headliners.

 

Underneath fuck knows but YB will be there.

[FullLineup]

The Killers

Billie Eilish

Foals

Haim

Lewis Capaldi

Sam Fender

Wolf Alice

Central Cee

Inhaler

The Kooks

Andy C

Becky Hill

 

That's your lot!

[charlierc]

16 minutes ago, Gerard the Fab said:

So bored, where’s Dan

Maybe the real Dan Wilcox was the friends we made along the way.

[thewayiam]

17 minutes ago, foolee said:

2008

I may agree had they not had Slipknot pull out. But I also wasn't a huge Metallic or RATM fan. Didn't even know who RATM were until the rumor came around. Whereas, Pendulum headlined the tent along with Blink, GNR and The Libertines reunions. Weezer played, Biffy Clyro played off of one of their best albums and Paramore were at their height.  

[FeverDream]

4 minutes ago, Benj said:

…The last year it was a proper festival

The main problem is the two main stages. The lineup in itself last year wasn’t bad.

There just wasn’t enough of it.

Too many periods where there was nothing you actually wanted to see for 2-3 hours if you didn’t like what was on the main stage….

it was the same in 2021. 

it’s highly doubtful I’ll be going in 2023 for that reason alone

Yeah it’s shit isn’t it. Especially when other festivals do the 2 main stage set up infinitely better in terms of the quality of acts booked. Mad Cool 2022 being a prime example.

[andyrhodes24]

8 minutes ago, R-K1D said:

1975 anybody? 😉

Some belter on Reddit suggested not only they should be back in 2023, but that they should sub

[mttJ]

I did a day in 2021 but that’s my only experience with the two mains. 

Place felt empty without the NME tent, which was always my favourite part of the festival.

[charlierc]

24 minutes ago, foolee said:

2008

That one looked amazing. I'm more regretful I didn't go in 2011 - went on the Sunday as that's all I could afford at the time (some mates did the whole thing) but all 3 days had a ton of acts I would listen to or consequently saw live.

Nevermind eh.

[charlierc]

Just now, mttJ said:

I did a day in 2021 but that’s my only experience with the two mains. 

Place felt empty without the NME tent, which was always my favourite part of the festival.

Yeah I last went in 2017, so it's going to feel a bit odd as contrast between both that and my 2011 journey and now. It's the lack of competition that's bewildering as well given it usually offered a solid alternative to whomever was on main.

[nathanh]

My main issue with last year was the amount of time i sat around waiting for something that excited me

[Hawky93]

Hahaha, this thread is awful.