Reading and Leeds Preview: Arctic Monkeys

Returning to headline Reading & Leeds for the second time, Arctic Monkeys headline on Saturday at Reading and Sunday at Leeds. No one can doubt the band’s credentials: five consecutive number 1 albums, headlining every other festival of note in the UK, selling out arenas and, of course, two huge sold out shows at London’s Finsbury Park this past May. Last headlining R&L in 2009 off the back of their album Humbug, they return with the critically acclaimed AM and sets heavy with new material alongside earlier hits and some fan favourites.





Naturally, recent set lists are packed with material from, with 10 songs from the album getting aired every night - with megahits ‘Do I Wanna Know?’ and ‘R U Mine?’ bookending the shows. Outside of this, there is a fair mix of material from all their albums, although casual fans may miss ‘When The Sun Goes Down’ which hasn’t been played in almost a year. Highlights though include breakthrough hit ‘I Bet That You Look Good On The Dancefloor’ and ‘Fluorescent Adolescent’ which will undoubtedly get the fields bouncing in unison, whilst the tender ‘She’s Thunderstorms’ (from 2011’s) and’s ‘I Wanna Be Yours’ will have those lighters in the air in no time.With the recent rave reviews from their live shows, it seems a no-brainer that the country’s biggest band right now can pull off their headline slots with ease. But will they throw in any surprises? A special guest maybe? We'll have to wait and see ...