As far as large scale music events go Reading Festival 2022 is right up there with some of the boldest, greatest British festival experiences.
With glorious headliner sets from Arctic Monkeys, Dave, The 1975, Megan Thee Stallion, Bring Me The Horizonand Halsey few things had the potential to go pear shaped, and unsurprisingly, Sheffield rock legends Arctic Monkeys made history when they played a world-class set to what must be one of the biggest crowds in the expansive history of the festival. Megan Thee Stallion demonstrated precisely why she is one of the most influential rappers at this point in time, and Bring Me The Horizon delivered a gripping 15-track set that fed right into the passion of their fanbase as well as reaching new audiences, an astonishing concert experience for all to witness. Halsey drew a gigantic crowd on the Sunday when she delivered a punchy pop production to the techy tune of her stage design.
Dave’s awe-inspiring headliner set on the Friday provided immense presentational goods, and the depth of his social commentary left a lasting mark, while the 1975 closed the festival in elaborate style with an entertaining pop feast that made punters laugh, dance and chant in unison. Connecting with the crowd, Healy shared with them his personal connection to Reading, stating that “I have been stood here with you guys, so this means so much to me that you guys are here right now.”
But as much as the headliners impressed us deeply, they do not tell the full story of Reading 2022, which is why Clash handpicked seven essential non-headliner performances.
Fontaines D.C.
Solidifying their arena suitability, attracting a gigantic crowd, Dublin bred, post-punk quintet Fontaines D.C. sustained one of the most compelling presentations of their career. Showing that it’s perfectly possible to exchange small, intimate pub venues in favour of a 90,000 capacity one in just a few years, the Irish group looked natural, at complete ease, as if they had been doing this for decades. Already well-documented, the decision to invite on stage 16-year-old Dexter Dobel to play guitar on ‘Boys In the Better Land’ soon became the burning, hot topic of the weekend, winning the hearts of everyone there, and online, and playing songs such as ‘Cha Cha Cha’, ‘Televised Mind’ and ‘Jackie Down the Line’ in front of the enormous crowd. The conclusive rock ‘n’ roll experience of the weekend.
Griff
Having won over large volumes of the Gen Z audience territory in a record space of time, it’s easy to be cynical about Griff’s popular, soulful bedroom pop, especially when viewing things from the outside. Personable, down to earth, ultimately real, if it wasn’t because the music is so on point, it would be easy to put the popularity down to her amenable, friendly personality. Performing live at Reading, however, she does more than live up to the hype. The tuneful nature of her songs make them work as live renditions, leaving the punters with a smooth, feel-good show that promotes the musicality of her pop brand. Tracks such ‘Say It Again’, ‘One Foot In Front Of the Other’ and the cover of Whitney Houston’s ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody’ do the job. Brimming with warm vibes, Griff’s performance is honest and musically engaging.
AJ Tracey
“I’m sorry that I’m not Jack Harlow, but we’re gonna have fun regardless!” attempts AJ Tracey, only partly disguising a cheeky grin. The rap star knows his stuff, and he would probably only say it, if he feels at home. And that’s just it, the West London rapper is no newbie to the twin town festival. Being brought in last minute is no hindrance, the musician has arrived well-prepared with a setlist that’s loaded with bangers, it’s just what the crowd wants to hear. Bouncy and to the point, ‘Dinner Guest’, ‘Rain’, ‘West Ten’, ‘Ladbroke Grove’ and ‘Thiago Silva’ are among the clear highlights, while the crowd continues to move to the beat throughout the thirty minute set. It has been a wonderfully zestful performance from the versatile musician.
Glass Animals
The last decade has seen Oxford foursome Glass Animals gradually conquer music with their uplifting, hook-fuelled pop belters. One of the biggest indie bands in the world, the band seem more than happy to continue building on recent achievements. Playing to onlookers early evening on the Friday, just as everybody is gearing up, preparing for the full festival buzz, is a good time to hit a main stage at Reading. The energy is there. With a bright, colourful stage backdrop, dressed in equally colourful sprawling jackets and sweatshirts, they deliver the pop belters. The striking, electronic track ‘Tangerine’ invites you in, and more dramatic moments such as ‘The Other Side Of Paradise’ and mega hit ‘Heat Waves’ are delivered with similar slickness. The quintet truly emphasise how transferable their radio friendly hits are to the big arenas with the winning set.
DMA’S
The anthemic nature of indie rockers DMA’S’ songs make them transferable to large venues. The Australian band initially borrowed bits and bobs from the Britpop era, when they were at start of their career, but they have come a long way since those humble, early beginnings. Genre-bending to the core, owning their sound, the Sydney trio continued to work hard, fighting for the dream they all shared, and what they all wanted to achieve. As first-timers at the festival most artists could be forgiven for stumbling, but DMA’S do not fall into this category. Upbeat and vibrant ‘The Glow’ is a bouncy set opener, and tracks like ‘Silver’ and ‘Delete’ soon follow suit. Supremely melodic with choruses so singable and catchy that it hurts, the band’s significance is timeless and modern at the same time. Delivering optimal melodic bliss the performance showcases the additional layers of their potential, indicating what could be to come, it is super-promising, nevertheless.
Pale Waves
Mancunian indie pop rockers Pale Waves know how to empower a crowd, they don’t just want people to believe in themselves, they want them to actually be themselves. Known for the emphatic lyrics, original live performances, they are accustomed to playing large venues around the world and have shared stages with some global heavyweights in music. Marking the Reading occasion by dressing in glittery clothing Heather Baron-Gracie charms the crowd, who responds either by nodding heads or singing the lyrics back, which on this cloudy Sunday afternoon probably is as energising as it gets. But “Now it’s time to mosh”, Baron-Gracie insists, and the crowd looks as if reinvigorated. “Do we have any queer people out there?.. If you didn’t know we’re a very queer band”, it means that it’s time for ‘She’s My Religion’. It has been an electrifying forty minutes with the four-piece.
Little Simz
The animated presence of North London singer and rap sensation Little Simz is absorbing. A measured, well-composed set, there is enough to feed the crowd’s hunger for her eclectic, soulful brand of music. And the former Mercury Prize nominee means business, she is here with a full band, and the sound is big. With plenty of stylistic variety, the pace gets altered from track to track to stimulating effect, and between the intricate lyrical depth of ‘Introvert’, the rocky rendition of ‘Speed’ and the revelatory tone of ‘Two Worlds Apart’ there is a lot of room for immersion, thought or just having a fun time. It has been a pleasure to share some quality time with Little Simz, and her show is one to cherish.
Words: Susan Hansen
Photography: Ben McQuaide
