It was announced this morning that Foals are to co-headline Reading and Leeds this August alongside Disclosure and there has been a mixed reaction varying from general distaste and how they’re not “iconic” enough for the headline slot, to the fact they actually have to share top of the bill and are deserving of it by themselves. But in my eyes Foals headlining is exactly what Reading & Leeds, and festivals in general, need.
Its not just their music which in my eyes makes the Oxford quartet deserving, 4 UK top ten albums should speak volumes as it is, but it’s more the fact they’re a new headlining band. I personally am sick and tired of the same dozen bands being regurgitated by the larger festivals; and more often than not these are bands haven’t released anything of any significance for several years – now of course if can be argued that these bands have a plethora of bangers from huge back catalogues but is that really what festivals are about? To me a headline slot at a major festival signifies a band reaching the top of their game – something which foals have; and with 8 years of hard work under there belt it's safe to say that their time has finally come and they are most definitely ready.
Foals are a phenomenal live band, having seen them at their secret set at Reading last year and in Kingston’s intimate Hippodrome they create so much energy through out, even during the slower songs such as Spanish Sahara. But for me it’s the passion shown by Yannis during every single one of their songs that takes their gigs to the next level – and his balcony jump during two steps twice wasn’t really harming their cause as a great live band either.
In terms of back catalogue, they aren’t shy of hits either with four studio albums. From old fan favourites such as Cassius and two steps twice to My Number which was one of the biggest hits of 2013 and What Went Down and Mountain at my gates proved to be great success in 2015, with the latter even making it on to FIFA – so there’s one for all you cheeky Nandos shuffling lads too!
Now I understand that Foals aren’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea but alongside Disclosure they do offer something for a huge demographic, which is why I think the co-headline slot has been chosen, that or they were fearful of the backlash that might come if Foals were stand alone headliners – but then again this is the same festival that actually booked Mumford and sons last year. To put into context how badly new headline worthy bands are needed, there hasn't been a lineup since 2006 where none of the 3 bands topping the bill haven't already headlined.
It is so refreshing to have Foals and Disclosure both headline for the first time and maybe this will break the mould of booking has beens year after year *cough* the who at Glastonbury *cough*.
Also the pair released two of 2015’s best albums and have been rewarded with a co-headline slot , a welcome change of the usual routine of booking a band after churning out yet another compilation of greatest hits. But this year can only be seen as positive even if Foals and Disclosure aren't your favourite artists on the planet. Hopefully this will let big festival organisers see the light and book new bands giving them that final elevation to reaching the top as Reading have done with Foals. (Less so with Red Hot Chilli Peppers as this is the fourth time they have headlined but baby steps, Reading, baby steps.)
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