Talk About Rock Music

Since Green Day announced details of a massive US tour this summer (as noted in a previous post) following the release of their new album 21st Century Breakdown I have been frantically trying to find out if this tour will eventually include the UK. On the MTV website it does say that the group are expected to tour the UK this year too, but that is all I can find at the moment.

However, I was excited to hear that Green Day and Blink 182 (who toured together in 2002) are set to be approached by Festival Republic, the Leeds/Reading Festival organisers to headline next year’s festivals.

The event’s chief booker, Neil Pengelly told Rock Sound that he had spoken to both bands regarding this year’s bash but that next year would be a better fit for all concerned.

He said:

“I think that Blink-182 will be doing something over here next year and I don’t think we will see them here this year. I can’t say what Green Day want to do but I’m sure they will reveal their plans in the course of time.

“We would love to have Green Day at Reading and Leeds one year and when they are around doing festivals then I’m sure we are something they will look at.”

This year has seen a notable lack of rock emphasis giving way to indie acts. Pengelly did admit the lack of a heavy rock day in the line-up:

“It was definitely a question and something we are conscious of as we booked the rest of the bill.

“We want to keep that appeal and be as broad as possible while at the same time getting the best bands we can. Once we announce the Lock-Up Stage people will see how rounded it is.”

Green Day last played the event in 2004 and I was there – it was an amazing performance for the band. I was also there the year before when Blink 182 headlined with Linkin Park and more strangely (for a rock festival), 50 Cent.