Reading and Leeds Festival boss drops biggest hint yet about 2024 headliner after Lewis Capaldi pulled out
READING and Leeds boss Melvin Benn has dropped a series of hints about who he thinks could headline the festivals next year.
Lewis Capaldi was due to take centre stage last weekend, but was forced to pull out due to health issues.
He is however welcome back at any time once he is well enough, with Melvin telling NME: “I think there will always be an open offer, but at the same time the only thing that needs to be thought about is Lewis’ health. We certainly wouldn’t be having a discussion prior to Lewis’ health being right.”
The boss went on to tease that he thinks Central Cee could be well on his way to headlining after this year’s performance, but he was reluctant to put that pressure on the artist.
He admitted: “I’m not going to say he’s going to be a future headliner because I don’t want to give anyone that burden. I felt like it was a burden I’d given to Foals. They came through with it, but I don’t want to do that again.”
This year’s event saw headline performances from Foals, Sam Fender, The 1975, The Killers, Imagine Dragons and Billie Eilish.
Lewis Capaldi had been lined up to headline on Saturday, but, following his performance at Glastonbury this year, he announced on his social media accounts that he would be “taking a break” from touring as he is still “learning to adjust to the impact” of his Tourette’s.
Following his announcement that he would be “taking a break”, Reading and Leeds Festival released a statement on social media saying: “We’re gutted that Lewis Capaldi won’t be performing at R&L this year, but health comes first and we wish him a speedy recovery.
“We’re working hard to book a replacement, stay tuned.”
It was later revealed that The 1975 would fill the singer’s slot in the line-up, having also stepped in last year to replace rock band Rage Against The Machine when the group pulled out.
During their performance, lead singer Matt Healy asked the crowd to applaud Lewis and said: “Can we have a big, the loudest round of applause in our set for Mr Lewis Capaldi, who couldn’t make it this evening.
“Give it up for Lewis. Give it up for Lewis.”
He added: “When Lewis decided to take a well-deserved and well-needed break, that left this slot open and it’s been 10 years since we put out our debut album.”