Festival-goers slam Reading and Leeds line-up as the worst in 65 years

In the United Kingdom, the Reading and Leeds Festival announced its lineup for 2025, which has elicited mixed reactions from fans. Scheduled to take place over the Bank Holiday Weekend from August 23 to 25, the festival revealed that Hozier, Chappell Roan, Bring Me the Horizon, and Travis Scott will be the headliners. Other acts set to perform include Amyl and the Sniffers, Bloc Party, and Wunderhorse, showcasing a variety of musicians and bands across different stages. However, the reaction from fans has been polarized. Many long-time festival-goers expressed disappointment with the announcement, alleging that the 2025 lineup is the worst they have seen in 65 years of the festival's existence. Comments on social media reflected this dissatisfaction, with one fan calling it the worst lineup in the past decade and others branding it as "absolutely terrible". Some attendees compared this year’s lineup unfavorably against previous years, such as 2009, which featured headliners like Kings of Leon, Arctic Monkeys, and Radiohead. Conversely, not all feedback was negative. A segment of the audience appreciated the lineup's diversity, mentioning that many up-and-coming acts are included, alongside more established names. Some fans voiced their excitement for particular acts, demonstrating that there is still interest in the festival's offerings. The organizers have attempted to cater to a variety of tastes, which some attendees viewed as beneficial to the festival's evolution. Furthermore, one fan who had previously sworn off future festivals due to a negative experience expressed newfound excitement, indicating the lineup's appeal to certain segments of the audience. In light of the varied responses, it is clear that while some fans are disenchanted, others find value in the upcoming festival performances.