Arctic Monkeys Disappointed Not to Share Stage With Rihanna at V Festival

Arctic Monkeys have admitted that one of the reasons for accepting a headline slot at the V Festival was so they could share a stage with Rihanna. Unfortunately for them, the 'S&M' singer's set has now been moved to a different day, leaving the band feeling "duped."

Speaking to the NME (via Contactmusic), frontman Alex Turner said, "We were under the impression that we were playing after Rihanna. That was a draw. They duped us." Drummer Matt Helders added jokingly, "They used her as bait!"

For the Monkeys, choosing who supports them is never an afterthought. "It's always something we pick and think about wherever we go really," Helder explained. "There's only been a couple of times where we haven't been able to pick or it hasn't worked out. But that's just because someone drops out and we end up with a stinker."

Before their V appearance on Aug. 21, the band kick off their new tour with a two-night homecoming residency at Sheffield's Don Valley Stadium, starting on Friday, June 10. Helders said, "They'll feel a bit more special. A bit more personal. Don Valley is coming right at the start of the cycle for the album, they're what it's all kicking off with."

Watch the Video for Arctic Monkeys' 'Don't Sit Down 'Cos I've Moved Your Chair'

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