Metallica Headlining Reading & Leeds 2015

November 26, 2014

Heavy metal heroes Metallica will headline the main stage of England’s Reading and Leeds festivals next year, marking their fourth R&L appearance, and their first since headlining in 2008. Metallica’s headline set at both festivals will be a “UK Festival Exclusive performance”, organisers have said.

The 2015 Reading and Leeds bill will also feature English singer-songwriter Jamie T, New York hip hop duo Run The Jewels, Swedish hardcore punk outfit Refused, American indie rockers Manchester Orchestra, as well as post-hardcore band Pierce The Veil and drum and bass producer Wilkinson.

Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich has shared his excitement. “We are obviously beyond thrilled to be returning to headline the magnificent and mighty double shot at Reading & Leeds for the fourth time,” he said via the Reading and Leeds website. “We are practically the house band. Bring it!”

Refused will be making their live return in 2015, appearing at Belgium’s Groezrock and Canada’s Amnesia Rock Fest before playing Reading and Leeds. The influential band, who momentarily reformed for a set of shows in 2012, including six Australian dates, will now play with only four members after guitarist Jon Brännström’s was fired from the group.

According to Reading and Leeds organisers, Refused “have returned stronger than ever with a live set that shows the true scope of their musical legacy”. Here’s hoping a live return means new music from the band is on the way.

Reading and Leeds boss Melvin Benn has said the 2015 lineup “will feature the absolute best of rock, indie, dance and hip hop, and will only add to the amazing atmosphere that make Reading & Leeds so special”. The 2014 Reading and Leeds Festivals were headlined by Arctic Monkeys, Blink-182, Paramore and Queens Of The Stone Age, so 2015 has a lot to live up to.

Reading and Leeds 2015 festival details and first lineup announcement are available in full, below.