Rage for Reading and Leeds 2008?

United Kingdom | | 22 August 2007

The organiser of the Reading and Leeds festivals has set his sights on Rage Against the Machine to headline 2008.

The American rock band last performed at the Carling Weekend in 2000, the year they split, but recently reformed for the Californian festival Coachella.

There were rumours they might play this year's event but sadly for thousands of fans the band would not commit to too many dates.

When asked who could be in the frame for next year's festival, Festival Republic MD Melvin Benn told VF: “Rage Against the Machine, of course would be fantastic. I dearly hope they will be back strong at Reading and Leeds.

“They didn’t want to come over to Europe this time round. They just wanted to play Coachella and a couple of other things in America.

“I’m told they’re getting on well and I’m told its not an issue of personality clashes or anything like that, they just didn’t want to rush into things,” he added.

If Rage Against The Machine were to appear on next year's bill they would join a recent resurgence in big '90s acts to have graced the main stage at Leeds on Friday and Reading on Sunday over the last few years.

Iron Maiden and Pearl Jam topped the bill in 2005 and 2006 respectively, and the Smashing Pumpkins are set to fill the hallowed headline spot this year.

When asked about the reoccurring pattern, Benn said it is merely coincidental. He told VF: “It’s not intended to be like that, it’s just about what’s around at the time. Smashing Pumpkins were a hugely important band during the 90’s and it just felt like the right thing.

“They’re back touring a new album and they’re writing new songs again. They’re not just churning out the old stuff.”

The festival organiser refused to let any other possible headliners out of the bag, but he did suggest a few other names who may appear at next year’s event.

He said: “I think Pigeon Detectives are really strong at the moment. They’re amazingly good live but I’m not sure if they’re going to be festival headliners next year.”

Could that honour fall to another Yorkshire outfit?

Benn hinted: “I think Kaiser Chiefs will be back strong next year. I think they’ve had that slight lull after the first album but I think they’ll be strong again next year.”

Stay posted for the full interview with Festival Republic's Melvin Benn.