LEEDS FESTIVAL 2018 - SUNDAY // BRAMHAM PARK, LEEDS
KENDRICK LAMAR AND PANIC! AT THE DISCO CLOSE LEEDS FESTIVAL 2018 WITH AN OUTSTANDING VISUAL PERFORMANCES
PANIC! AT THE DISCO PERFORMING AT THIRD AND LAST DAY OF LEEDS FESTIVAL 2018 - 26.08.2018
PICTURE BY: MATT EACHUS
★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
American International rapper superstar 'Kendrick Lamar' and American pop-rockers 'Panic! At The Disco' topped off an unforgettable weekend at Leeds Festival 2018. Other outstanding performances across the day included likes of 'N.E.R.D', 'Dua Lipa', 'Pendulum', 'Papa Roach', 'Kate Nash', 'Sum 41', 'Mike Shinoda (Linkin' Park'), 'Sigrid', 'Pale Waves', 'Bloxx' and many more who rocked and jammed the final of Leeds Festival 2018.
First up kicking off final day at Leeds Festival 2018, over on the main-stage were British punk-rockers 'Trash Boat' from St Albans, who rocked stage in front small crowd. It's always hard to perform on last day at festival as festival goers will most likely still be sleeping due to partying night before on second day which happens to be Saturday. So Trash Boat still managed perform a decent set and performed some known track such as 'Inside Out', 'Tring Quarry', 'Strangers', 'Old Soul', 'Shade' and many more.
Chase Atlantic opened up over on the BBC Radio 1 Stage, flying over from Australia, alternative pop rockers 'Chase Atlantic' bought one hell of a performance, performing some known tracks including... 'Keep It Up', 'Right Here', 'Church', 'Into It', 'Numb to the Feeling' and new single 'Triggered' plus many more. The band's set attracted decent-sized crowd and festival goers seem to love it their performance, definitely a band to check out.
Taking to the stage over on the Festival Republic tent, DIY praised female fronted 4 piece alt rock and indie pop band, 'BLOXX' took to the stage, the band are also known for their fuse grungy undertones and classic indie-influenced melodies to create their unique, yet comfortably familiar sound which is seen at their live stages.
Kicking off straight off with their track 'Curtains' followed by 'Coke', Bloxx drew in reasonable sized crowd and the crowd were loving them, loving their sound and energy on stage, the atmosphere in the tent was amazing. For upcoming band who bound be playing on bigger stages in future years to come is incredible.
Already been supporting likes of Sundara Karma last year around the UK, Bloxx future is definitely one watch out for. Their set also included some of their incredible singles such as 'Second Opinion', 'Novocain', 'You' and 'Your Boyfriend'.
Bloxx will head out next on their headline tour around the UK with Scottish upcoming rockers 'VISTAS' who will be supporting around some shows around the UK in October. Definetly should check out both bands.
Back over on the main-stage welsh metal rockers 'Skindred' take to the stage who got the party started for final day. Bringing their massive anthems to the stage such as 'Rat Race', 'Pressure', 'Kill the Power' and 'Warning'. Frontman 'Benji Webbe' and co. energy on stage was incredible, despite the raining coming down heavy, the crowd were jumping about, singing back lyrics to the songs it was definetly great way to start off the day for the likes of Mike Shinoda, Sum 41, DUA LIPA, Panic! At The Disco and Kendrick Lamar who were all due to perform on main-stage later during the day.
Skindred also performed massive hit cover 'Out Of Space' from The Prodigy which went down a storm, definetly a great set and we would recommend checking them out on their massive upcoming UK Headline tour this autumn.
SKINDRED PERFORMING ON THE MAIN-STAGE AT THE LAST DAY OF LEEDS FESTIVAL 2018 - 26.08.2018
PICTURE BY: CALUM BUCHAN PHOTOGRAPHY
Back over on Festival Republic Tent, some of the best current talent was performing on stage with some energetic sets from 'Pretty Vicious' and 'Sea Girls'. First up were welsh rockers 'Pretty Vicious' who performed a six-song set yet still managed bring in crowd who were loving them. Despite the heavy rain, a upcoming band still managed to put on a show. Performing some their well-known tracks such as 'Are You Ready For Me', 'National Plastics', 'It's Always There' and more, their set went down a treat by festival goers.
Next up were the energetic rockers 'Sea Girls' from Leicestershire. Known for their current singles 'Call Me Out', 'Lost', 'What For', and their new single 'Adored' Sea Girls put one a show which went down delight with festival goers who were looking softer rock sound. Only performing at seven song setlist, Sea Girls still managed prove why their one best fresh upcoming talent at moment, writing their own music and producing their own songs, the band are onto a bright future with upcoming a debut album, already releasing their debut EP 'Call Me Out EP' and more recent 'Heavy Adored EP' their music proving be a hit. We would definitely recommend checking them out on tour.
Taking us back over to main-stage now for something very special and something which will be remembered for rest of lives, even the rain had stopped for this performance set, remembering one of greatest front man of one of the successful American Rock bands 'Linkin Park', bassist and backing vocalist 'Mike Shinoda' performed a performance in memory of his co-band and friend 'Chester Bennington' who we sadly lost last year due him committing suicide.
Performing a ten-song set, Mike Shinoda's set went down by delight with Linkin' Park fans who had came to come watch his set, attracting a crowd, Shinoda performed mixture of tracks from Linkin' Park and his debut album 'Post Traumatic' which Shinoda released in June this year and was inspired by the aftermath of Chester Bennington's death.
MIKE SHINODA PERFORMING ON MAIN STAGE AT FINAL DAY OF LEEDS FESTIVAL 2018 - 26.08.2018
PICTURE BY: CALUM BUCHAN PHOTOGRAPHY
His set included some of Linkin' Park's iconic classics such as 'When They Come For Me', 'Castle of Glass', 'In the End' and 'Good Goodbye / Bleed It Out'. Shinoda also took time before performing 'In the End' to address the crowd saying "I heard you guys start a chant a little earlier for Chester,” he said.
Speaking of continuing to perform following Bennington’s death, Shinoda told those in attendance: “Getting up here and doing this for me is really fulfilling, and it’s really an accomplishment just to kind of get over my own anxiety about doing it again.
Mike Shinoda's set was welcomed by many of Linkin' Park fans and festival goers, it is hard thing after loving a band member and a very close friend to get back up on stage and perform and Shinoda showed with his performance. Shinoda gave a chance for LP fans to remember and never forget one the greatest front man's of all time and helping those who are still hurting and grieving every day from Chester Bennington's death and those suffering from depression and suicidal thoughts. Music is powerful thing and Linkin' Park's music will always be there to help people. Mike Shinoda's set was definitely a highlight of the weekend for us.
SUM 41 PERFORMING WITH LINKIN' PARK'S MIKE SHINODA ON THE MAIN STAGE AT LEEDS FESTIVAL 2018 - 26.08.2018
PICTURE BY: MATT EACHUS
The support of remembering Chester Bennington continued next on the main stage with California Rockers 'Sum 41' who took to the stage next straight after Mike Shinoda's emotional set before. Performing a nine-song set, front man 'Deryck Whibley' and co... performed a classic set of rock music including some of Sum 41's iconic hits including 'The Hell Song', 'Motivation', 'Walking Disaster' and 'Still Waiting'.
The band also had time to perform classic Queen cover 'We Will Rock You'. Sum 41's set attracted a massive crowd and band bought vision performance on stage. It was definitely right band to open up after Mike Shinoda's set. The Energy and atmosphere of the crowd was incredible, Sum 41 knew how to surprise and rock the Leeds Festival crowd.
Sum 41 ended their set with a classic Linkin' Park cover 'Faint' and bought on Mike Shinoda onto the stage to jam and perform with them, the Leeds festival crowd were delighted and happy with this and were singing along to every word, it was really a very special moment and will be remembered in Leeds Festival history.
Back over now to the BBC Radio 1 Stage, seen Norwegian BBC Sound Of The Year winner 'SIGRID' take to the stage. Performing a ten-song set in support of her successful EPs 'Don't Kill My Vibe' and 'Raw'. Kicking off with track 'Schedules' the crowd already couldn't get enough of her on stage. Her set continued prove why she won BBC Sound Of The Year this year. Building up for debut album, SIGRID proved with sounds why she was a exciting artist to go and see.
Performing some of exciting known singles such as 'Don't Kill My Vibe', 'Plot Twist', 'Strangers' and more recently released 'Raw', 'High Fives' and 'Schedules'.
SIGRID's set went down by a storm and those who managed to witness it were treated with Norwegian pop sounds.
SIGRID PERFORMING ON BBC RADIO 1 STAGE ON THE LAST DAY OF LEEDS FESTIVAL 2018 - 26.08.2018
PICTURE BY: CALUM BUCHAN PHOTOGRAPHY
Continuning the pop sounds back over the main stage was British and international award-winning... DUA LIPA who was making her debut performance at Reading and Leeds festivals this year and also first pop-artist to performing on Main-Stage in it's history of the festival.
Kicking off with her iconic hit 'Blow Your Mind (Mwah)', Dua Lipa's set got off to great start with Leeds Festival. Already unexpected mosh pits happening, proved why Dua Lipa was the right choice to bring more different music genre to the Leeds Festival line-up bill. Attracting the largest audience so far on last day, thousands came from nowhere to see her perform on stage, from all different ages.
Dua Lipa knew her to get the party continuing... She shouted: "I'm going to blow your f***ing socks off, are you guys ready for a party?"
Dua continued her set with iconic pop-sounds including some her best work including the likes of recent collaboration 'One Kiss' with Calvin Harris, 'Be The One', 'IDGAF' and 'New Rules'. Her set was full of enegry and getting into the crowd to shake the ground, even head-banging along to a rockier version of her Martin Garrix collaboration, 'Scared to be Lonely'.
The 'New Rules' hitmaker flaunted her killer toned abs in a yellow plaid bralet and delivered all of her hits, including a mashup of 'Dreams' and Sean Paul track 'No Lie, for the adoring audience.
DUA LIPA PERFORMING AT LEEDS FESTIVAL 2018 - 26.08.2018
PICTURE BY: ANDREW BENGE
A number of female artists played across the weekend, including 'Phases' hitmaker Alma, indie rockers Pale Waves, 'GLOW' star Kate Nash, rockers Wolf Alice, Swedish star Sigrid and rising artist Rae Morris.
Ahead of her main stage performance, Dua had said she hopes playing Reading and sister site Leeds proves "diversity" is possible at festivals.
Whilst the pop star is aware of both event's rock history - having hosted bands such as Nirvana, Metallica and Kasabian over the years - Dua feels there is "room" for pop acts to bring just as "energetic" live shows to the festivals.
She explained: "I totally know the legacy that Reading & Leeds have had and that in the past, it's been more of a rock festival, but when you come to do a show, there's so much energy to it and there's so much diversity to the sound, it's not just a pop show.
"I feel like there is room for diversity and I think there is room for pop artists to come and bring their best show to festivals which aren't necessarily directed in that genre."
Now over at The Pit/Lock Up stage some of best upcoming British alt-rock bands took the stage including the likes of Blood Youth and Black Peaks.
Harrogate heavyweight's Blood Youth bought exciting set to the Leeds Festival this year, known for music based on fears and frustrations in life, Blood Youth knew how to win over the festival crowd, performing some of their known tracks such as 'Failure', 'Starve', and 'Closure' Blood Youth performance was incredible'.
Brighton's Black Peaks to the stage also, performing another exciting set, performing tracks off their three studio albums 'Closer To The Sun', 'Statues' and 'All That Divides', Black Peaks proved why their one of the freshest and exciting upcoming bands around at the moment. With their progressive rock sound, Black Peaks got the crowd going, performing some of their known tracks such as 'Can't Sleep', 'Electric Fires' and 'Survivor', Black Peaks proved why their playing The Pit Stage at Leeds Festival this year.
THE SNUTS PERFORMING ON THE BBC INTRODUCING STAGE AT LEEDS FESTIVAL 2018 - 26.08.2018
PICTURE BY: CALUM BUCHAN PHOTOGRAPHY
Over on the BBC Introducing stage, 'The Snuts' took the stage, who are one of Scotland's best upcoming fresh talent in the music scene at the moment.
Upcoming West Lothain rockers 'The Snuts' have been having a lot success lately, releasing demo EPs and their debut EP 'Seasons' recently, The Snuts are definitely one band watch out for and to check out. Known for their singles 'Seasons', 'Glasgow', and 'What's Going On?', The Snuts have proven why their one of best upcoming bands around Scotland at the moment.
Having performed lots of home crowd headline shows around the Scotland and selling-out their upcoming Scottish headline-tour and performing at TRNSMT festival this year in Glasgow, The Snuts bought some Scottish atmosphere to the BBC Introducing stage at Leeds Festival this year.
PALE WAVES PERFORMING A EXCITING SET OVER ON THE FESTIVAL REPUBLIC STAGE AT LEEDS FESTIVAL 2018 - 26.08.2018
PICTURE BY: CALUM BUCHAN PHOTOGRAPHY
Exciting stuff was happening over on the Festival Republic tent with a set from Pale Waves. Manchester's indie pop-rockers 'Pale Waves' have had being having a massive upcoming successful early career so far. Female fronted four-piece, Heather Baron-Gracie and co.signed to Dirty Hit label in 2017 and since have gone onto release several singles and set release their long-awaited acclaimed debut album 'My Mind Makes Noises' later this month.
Performing nine-set full of pop-indie rock sounds, Pale Waves set went down by a storm with festival goers who packed out the tent to see the band perform on stage. Despite the heavy rain pouring down, hundreds flocked in to see the band, and probably made the right choice as we think after their debut album the band will be massive... watch this space!
Pale Waves performed some of their known tracks such as 'Television Romance', 'Heavenly', 'Kiss', 'My Obsession', and many more. The four piece are set to head out on a UK headline tour during September to celebrate the release of their debut album.
Pale Waves were first noticed when they supported The 1975 on their previous tour, who are also signed to their record company 'Dirty Hit'.
PALE WAVES PERFORMING AT FESTIVAL REPUBLIC STAGE AT LEEDS FESTIVAL 2018- 26.08.2018
PICTURE BY: CALUM BUCHAN PHOTOGRAPHY
We headed across to BBC Radio 1 Stage to catch a glimpse at live return for PENDULUM to Reading and Leeds festivals and safe to say it well worth the wait to see this band back together after a very long time being away.
Bringing their drum and bass sounds to BBC Radio 1 Stage, definitely attracted a massive crowd, the tent was packed with people all excited to see Pendulum live, maybe for first time ever or getting the chance see them again, was a pretty surreal moment to witness.
Pendulum performed some of their well-known hits such as 'Ransom', 'Witchcraft', 'Blood Sugar','Granite', 'Watercolour' and many more. Their set definitely went down delight with the crowd they attracted and definitely was great alternative to other stuff on other stages for festival goers, we just feel they should have actually been headlining BBC Radio 1 Stage instead that night.
PENDULUM PERFORMING ON BBC RADIO 1 STAGE AT LEEDS FESTIVAL 2018 - 26.08.2018
PICTURE BY: CALUM BUCHAN PHOTOGRAPHY
Back over to the main-stage seen another live return from N.E.R.D fronted by American international rapper 'Pharrell Williams'. N.E.R.D performed fifth-teen set performance and including some of their iconic tracks such as 'Lapdance', 'She wants to Move', 'Everyone Nose (All the Girls Standing in the Line for the Bathroom)', 'Lemon' and much more.
Pharrell Wiliams and co's set definitely was delighted by fans who came to watch them but wouldn't say they had the biggest crowd and wouldn't say was our cup of tea either but to see legend perform on stage was incredible moment.
N,E.R,D PERFORMING AT LEEDS FESTIVAL 2018 - 26.08.2018
PICTURE BY: CALUM BUCHAN PHOTOGRAPHY
Next up was first of two co-headliners taking to the stage to close final day of Leeds Festival 2018, American rockers 'Panic! At The Disco' took the stage with front man Brendon Urie delivering a vocal masterclass performance with his theatrical emo-pop stage show. A powerhouse of pizazz he commanded the Main Stage, paying homage to the band’s first Reading and Leeds appearance in 2007 with ‘I Write Sins Not Tragedies’ and led the mass singalongs with a stunning cover of Queen’s iconic ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ - before going out with a bang with a visual spectacle firework display. As well as playing their own hits SUM 41 were also heard playing homage to their heroes with a rocked-up version Queen’s ‘We Will Rock You’.
Panic! At The Disco attracted by far the biggest crowd of the day, with thousands checking out iconic anthems such as 'Hallelujah', 'The Ballad of Mona Lisa', 'Nine in the Afternoon', 'Girls/Girls/Boys', 'Death of a Bachelor', 'Victorious' and many more.
In due to respect to Kendrick Lamar who was up next, we do think Panic! At The Disco should have been the main headliner out of the two closing Leeds Festival 2018, but also headlining outright on their own. Brendon's vocals are incredible and proved worthy why their co-headlining Reading and Leeds festivals this year and bought fantastic show full of visuals and fireworks, probably best headline slot of the weekend by far.
BRENDON URIE OF PANIC! AT THE DISCO CO-HEADLINING ON THE MAIN STAGE ON THE FINAL DAY OF LEEDS FESTIVAL 2018 - 26.08.2018
PICTURE BY: MATT EACHUS
As Sunday and the final day of Leeds Festival 2018 headliner 'Kendrick Lamar' was due to take to the stage over on the main-stage next, Festival organisers put on alternative headliners on other stages. Including the likes of American rockers 'Papa Roach' closing The Pit/Lock-Up tent, British pop sensational favourite 'Kate Nash' wrapping up things over on Festival Republic Stage, NETSKY B2B JAUZ B2B SLUSHII closing things on BBC Radio 1 Stage and Alan Walker closing over on BBC Radio 1 Dance Stage.
We managed to check out both sets from Papa Roach and Kate Nash. - Over at The Pit Stage, Papa Roach took to the stage giving festivals performance to remember. Appearing on stage with 'Crooked Teeth'' the crowd in the tent wanted more from the band already, the crowd were loving the band on stage and atmosphere was just crazy as hell.
The band continued performing their exciting set on stage. Papa Roach continued performing fan favourites such as 'Getting Away With Murder', 'Face Everything and Rise', 'Periscope', 'Scars' and closing their set with 'Last Resort' and '...To Be Loved'. The band also had time to perform a couple of covers including, 'Song 2' by Blur and snippet of 'In The End' from Linkin' Park at end of their song 'Forever'.
This performance by Papa Roach at Leeds Festival and was definitely one to remember. The tent was packed with people trying watch from the outside and headline slot was so intimate was definitely right choice to put on against Kendrick Lamar. The atmosphere was insane.
PAPA ROACH CLOSING ON THE PIT / LOCK UP STAGE AT FINAL DAY OF LEEDS FESTIVAL 2018 - 26.08.2018
PICTURE BY: CALUM BUCHAN PHOTOGRAPHY
Over back on the Festival Republic Stage closing the stage, was one of British classic pop sensation 'KATE NASH' who performed full set of classic tracks. Appearing on stage with bizarre outfit and bringing a exciting stage look with her, Kate Nash proved she still has it and was owning the festival republic stage. She was definitely the right choice to wrap up things for 2018 Leeds Festival, giving festival goers one last party before going home.
Her opening track was 'Mouth Wash' from her debut album 'Made Of Bricks', Kate Nash returned to music scene last year to celebrate anniversary of 'Made Of Bricks'. She continued beltering through her classic hit tracks such as 'Life in Pink', 'Hate You', 'Foundations', 'Merry Happy' and many more.
Her energy on stage was insane, she jumped off the stage started jamming with crowd at barrier her energy on stage was just amazing, was definitely a set to remember. Atmosphere in tent was incredible.
KATE NASH WRAPPING UP THINGS ON FESTIVAL REPUBLIC STAGE ON THE FINAL DAY OF LEEDS FESTIVAL 2018 - 26.08.2018
PICTURE BY: CALUM BUCHAN PHOTOGRAPHY
Finally over on the Main Stage, closing the stage were American international rapper 'Kendrick Lamr' who return to the Reading and Leeds Festival since performing last in 2015 with performance in support of his current album 'DAMN.'.
Kendrick Lamar had one of the biggest Main Stage crowds of the weekend as the star closed Leeds Festival 2018. The Californian is one of the biggest artists around at the minute and was more than at ease bringing the curtain down on the fun at Bramham Park.
There wasn’t too much crowd interaction and Lamar’s band were oddly hidden off stage but the hip hop artist put in an accomplished performance. King Kunta was an early highlight as the crowd loudly sang ‘I’ve got a bone to pick’ with the American.
The Leeds and Reading Festival team are known to be a big supporters of Lamar and the marquee booking didn’t let them down despite him having to contend with a little Yorkshire rain. Later in the set, we had an airing of Money Trees and Alright ahead of a one song encore.
Lamar brought things to a close with B***h Don’t Kill My Vibe which saw the masses walking back to their tents chanting the sassy lyric long after the set had finished.
SETLIST: | KENDRICK LAMAR - LEEDS FESTIVAL 2018 - 26.08.2018
DNA.
ELEMENT.
YAH (instrumental)
King Kunta
Big Shot (Kendrick Lamar & Travis Scott cover)
goosebumps (Travis Scott cover)
Collard Greens (ScHoolboy Q cover)
Swimming Pools (Drank)
LOYALTY.
Backseat Freestyle
XXX.
m.A.A.d city
Money Trees
PRIDE.
Alright
HUMBLE. (acapella)
ENCORE:
Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe