Reading Festival has added a major surprise to its Friday line-up, with Royal Blood set to make an unexpected appearance at Richfield Avenue.
The Brighton rock duo were revealed as the festival’s mystery act on BBC Radio on Wednesday evening, with Mike Kerr and Ben Thatcher now confirmed to play the Gallery stage at 2pm on Friday.
For fans who have suddenly found themselves with Royal Blood on their Reading Festival schedule, here are five songs worth knowing before their set.
1. Out of the Black
The track that introduced Royal Blood to the world, Out of the Black was released as the duo’s debut single in 2013.
It remains one of their best-known songs and showcases the band’s trademark combination of Kerr’s bass and vocals with Thatcher’s powerful drumming.
The song was also the title track of their debut EP and later appeared on their self-titled first album.
2. Figure It Out
One of the band’s biggest early hits, Figure It Out was released in 2014 and became a key track from their debut album.
The song reached number 43 in the UK singles chart and topped the UK Rock & Metal Singles Chart.
It is also exactly the sort of high-energy track that makes Royal Blood a natural fit for a festival crowd.
3. Little Monster
Another early favourite, Little Monster was released in 2014 and became one of the band’s signature tracks.
It was their second single and later appeared on the band’s debut album, helping establish the sound that would become synonymous with Royal Blood.
Expect plenty of fans singing along if it makes the setlist.
4. Lights Out
Moving into the band’s second album era, Lights Out was released in 2017 as the first single from How Did We Get So Dark?
The track topped the UK Rock & Metal Singles Chart and remains one of the band’s most recognisable songs.
Its driving bassline and huge chorus should make it another strong festival moment.
5. Ten Over Ten
The newest song on the list, Ten Over Ten is Royal Blood’s latest single and marks the beginning of a new chapter for the duo.
Released earlier this month alongside the announcement of their fifth studio album, Dead Company, the track gives fans a taste of what to expect from the band’s upcoming record.
It has also already made its way into Royal Blood’s live set, meaning Reading Festival fans could be among the first UK festival crowds to hear it performed.
The band have described the new material as being written with the stage in mind, and Ten Over Ten looks set to fit perfectly into their hard-hitting live show.
Royal Blood’s surprise Reading Festival set is at 2pm on Friday on The Gallery stage, just hours after the festival opens.
