Music
Reading and Leeds 2014: Arctic Monkeys’ 10 greatest moments
In a couple of weeks, Arctic Monkeys are set to headline Reading and Leeds for the second time in their relatively short career.
When they first performed in 2005, the Sheffield lads were still unsigned, but were creating huge amounts of buzz in the music press and on the internet.
By the time they took to the Carling Stage the hype had reached frenzied levels and fans were left clambering for a view of the band, as their performance was one of the busiest and most talked about of the weekend.
Since that performance the band haven’t looked back – selling millions of records worldwide, headlining festivals across Europe and picking up numerous awards along the way.
Before they return to headline Reading and Leeds festivals for the second time, we take a look at their ten greatest moments
1. I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor
In 2005 their debut single I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor is released on Domino Records and goes straight to No.1 in the UK.
2. Whatever People Say I am, That’s What I’m Not
A year later their debut album Whatever People Say I am, That’s What I’m Not is released and becomes the fastest selling debut album in British history. The same year it goes on to win The Mercury Music Prize, and is named Album of The Year at the NME Awards.
3. Headline Manchester Apollo
In December 2007 the band wrapped up a year of touring and festivals with a headline show at Manchester Apollo, which was filmed for the live DVD At The Apollo.
4. Named Best British band
A year later, the Arctic Monkeys are named Best British band at the 2008 BRIT awards.
5. Headline Reading and Leeds
In 2009 the band returns to Reading and Leeds for their third appearance, this time as headliners.
6. Play two hometown shows at the Don Valley Bowl in Sheffield
The band returns to their hometown in the summer of 2011 to play two sold-out shows at the Don Valley Bowl in Sheffield.
7. London 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony
In 2012 the band are chosen to perform at the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics, joining the likes of Paul McCartney, Dizzee Rascal and Emeli Sandé.
8. AM
In 2013 the band released their fifth album, AM, which again went in at No.1 in the UK album charts, selling over 157,000 copies in its first week.
9. Brit Awards 2013
Alex Turner delivers a controversial speech as the band pick up their third British Album of the Year gong at the Brit Awards 2013.
10. Announced as Reading and Leeds 2014 headliners
At the start of 2014, the band are announced Reading and Leeds headliners for the second time.
Reading and Leeds Festivals 2014 take place on August bank holiday weekend, 22-24 August, and tickets are available here.
