Having fended of criticism for their recent line-up announcement, Read and Leeds Festival have explained to fans why Arctic Monkeys were not chosen to appear.

Some fans labeled the 2018 festival as ‘the worst line-up ever’ and those who decided to purchase early bird tickets have been left disappointed by the lack of Sheffield band Arctic Monkeys who are set to return with their sixth studio album.

The band, who are thought to be planning a series of homecoming shows in Yorkshire this summer, announced their return to the stage by sharing a huge run of festival dates throughout 2018 which will see them cover the globe. So far, they have only one UK show in the pipeline which is headlining Glasgow’s TRNSMT Festival.

Festival Republic boss Melvin Benn, who runs Reading and Leeds, was asked why the Alex Turner led band would not be appearing, he told the BBC: “Not really. The Arctic Monkeys have headlined Reading and Leeds twice before so they’re an act we’re always talking to.

“Was it ever likely for this year? No, it wasn’t. They’ve got their own plans.”

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