At this year’s Reading Festival, Dublin-based band Fontaines DC paid a heartfelt tribute to their late manager, Trevor Dietz, during a deeply emotional headline performance. Frontman Grian Chatten, typically reserved in his stage presence, broke his usual silence approximately an hour into their set, acknowledging the difficulty the band had faced in recent months following Dietz’s death in early June.
“It’s been a very hard time for us over the last couple of months,” Chatten said, his voice faltering before the audience offered a supportive round of applause. The band’s homage to Dietz was evident throughout the performance, from Chatten’s visible “Trev” tattoo to the phrase “Trevor forever” projected across screens via a guitar display. After a moving rendition of their well-known song “Favourite,” Chatten dedicated the moment with a simple, “Love you, Trev,” as the moonlight broke through clouds overhead.
Despite beginning their set 25 minutes late, Fontaines DC delivered a powerful show that demonstrated their continued strength and resilience as they prepare for their autumn tour supporting their fifth album, Dopamine Chamber.
Earlier in the day, British pop artist Charli XCX offered a striking performance that reflected her recent creative shift. Her latest album, *Music, Fashion, Film*, marks a move toward rock influences following her 2024 dance-heavy release *Brat*. At Reading, this transition was accompanied by theatrical staging featuring Charli atop a large speaker structure resembling an abandoned house, complementing the dystopian themes explored in her new work.
Charli XCX’s set included dancers performing in a style reminiscent of an ominous fashion show, highlighted by a dynamic segment combining songs “Brat” and “Girl, So Confusing,” the latter receiving praise as one of the most compelling pop songs of the decade. The choreography was noted for its intricate synchronization and restlessness, contributing to a visually captivating performance.
The festival also weathered challenging conditions, with heavy rain affecting the mainstage slot of north London rapper Skepta, prompting many festivalgoers to seek shelter inside the tent hosting 6 Music favorites Geese. The New York rockers, led by frontman Cameron Winter, captivated the crowd, including Charli XCX’s producers and music video director, who were seen enjoying the band’s energetic set.
Overall, despite the adverse weather and emotional weight for some performers, Reading Festival continued to deliver memorable moments across genres, underscoring its reputation as a major event in the UK music calendar.