Muse Help Close Reading And Leeds 2011

Mammoth festival draws to a close

Muse have delivered an epic performance to help bring Reading and Leeds to a close.

That was the weekend that was. Reading and Leeds brings with it vast crowds and special performances, with the line up for 2011’s instalment containing numerous exclusive sets and surprise guests.

Opening on Friday (August 26th) the twin-site festival swung into gear with a set from My Chemical Romance. Joined by Queen guitarist Brian May, the American group played a rousing rendition of ‘We Will Rock You’.

The weather throughout the weekend was mixed on both sites, with Leeds arguably enduring the worst of the rain. Adding to their woes, Jane’s Addiction were forced to pull out of the festival entirely after singer Perry Farrell lost his voice.

However Reading and Leeds ended in fine style last night (August 28th). Twin headliners The Strokes and Pulp delivered memorable sets at Reading on Saturday (August 27th) with Jarvis Cocker even joining the New York band onstage.

Travelling to Leeds, the two did not repeat the collaboration. However Pulp had another surprise in store for the crowd, with former touring guitarist Richard Hawley joining the band onstage.

The Strokes, meanwhile, played a straight set without any guest stars. Bringing down the curtain in Leeds, the twin-headliners were matched by a typically flamboyant display from Muse at Reading.

Bringing their 2001 album ‘Origin Of Symmetry’ to life the band even had time for a short ‘greatest hits’ section towards the end. Ending with a flourish, Muse were matched by fireworks before fans departed to their tents.

ClashMusic had a team on site all weekend – expect some photo galleries, reviews and more on the site shortly!

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