reading_and_leeds_2018

Reading and Leeds boss defends "worst ever" lineup

Reading and Leeds have announced their 2018 lineup, with headliners including Panic! At The Disco, Fall Out Boy, Kendrick Lamar and more.

Now, the festival boss, Melvin Benn, is defending the lineup after fans call it “incredibly underwhelming” and the “worst ever,” as BBC reports.

Read more: P!ATD, FOB, Underoath, Waterparks, more announced for Reading & Leeds

One of the biggest complaints? The festival is straying too far from its rock roots, with headliners including the likes of Dua Lipa, Kendrick Lamar, Post Malone and more.

“The key thing about any festival is that you don't stand still,” Benn says. “I'm very clear on that.”

“You can't keep drumming up the same acts and expect people to continue to come and see them. Festivals have to be a reflection of what the public are listening to.”

He claims that, based on ticket sales, they're “doing the right thing.”

He goes on to explain that although these acts may not involve anyone onstage playing a guitar, they have songwriting “skill and attitude,” and according to Benn, that's what defines rock 'n' roll beyond the sound.

Check out the full list of acts announced so far below. (via NME)

Kendrick Lamar
Kings Of Leon
Fall Out Boy
Panic! at the Disco
$uicide Boy$
A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie
AJ Tracey
Annie Mac
Beartooth
Belly
Bicep Live
Brockhampton
Courteeners
Creeper
Diplo
Dream Wife
Dua Lipa
Fredo
Ghetts
Hannah Wants
Hinds
Hollywood Undead
Hudson Taylor
IAMDDB
J Hus
Kojo Funds
Lil Pump
Mist
Mr EAZI
Ms Banks
My Nu Leng
Nadia Rose
Netsky b2b Jauz b2b Slushii
nothing,nowhere
Nothing But Thieves
Pale Waves
Papa Roach
Playboi Carti
Post Malone
Riton & Kah-Lo
Sigrid
Skepta
Ski Mask The Slump God
Sum 41
The Blaze
The Magician
The Magic Gang
The Wombats
Tom Grennan
UnderØath
Waterparks
Wolf Alice
Wretch 32
Yungen

Reading & Leeds takes place from Aug. 24-26 at Richfield Avenue in Reading and Bramham Park in Leeds. You can get tickets here.

Watch more: 10 things you didn't know about P!ATD

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