UK Festivals Promoter Denies Reliance on US and Re-formed Bands

One of the UK's biggest festival bookers has denied that this summer's events will be dominated by US and reformed or returning acts.

Artists such as Bob Dylan, Guns N' Roses, Pearl Jam and Stevie Wonder have been confirmed as headliners in 2010.

Speaking to the Guardian newspaper, Festival Republic MD Melvin Benn -- who promotes Glastonbury, Reading and Leeds, Latitude and the Big Chill festivals -- said it was not true that US acts had taken over the schedule, saying, "I don't think that accusation can be levied at promoters. When the bands are there to step up, we want it, believe me."

Artists such as Queens of the Stone Age, Blink-182 and the Libertines are all returning in 2010 and are some of the most anticipated acts to appear at Reading and Leeds this year. The Libertines launched their return to the live scene with a press conference last week, where the four members played together for the first time in six years.

Benn said, "If the only bands getting to headline were [reformed acts] then, yes, that would be a concern, but up-and-coming acts are being elevated at the same time."

Latitude festival for example will see acts like Florence and the Machine, Grizzly Bear and the XX all perform high on the bill this July.

Editor of music industry magazine Record of the Day James Foley said, "Reunions definitely seem to be a theme running through this summer's gigs and festivals. There seems to be an overreliance by promoters on large US acts, particularly acts that have been on hiatus or that are reforming. Potentially, that could be damaging for UK bands who are not getting the chance to see if they can step up to the mark."

It's also not just an accusation that can be lobbied at UK festivals in 2010 -- in the US the recently re-formed grunge band Soundgarden have been announced as headliners for Chicago's Lollapalooza.