A festival source has reportedly told Virtual Festivals that Muse and Franz Ferdinand will make up two of the three headliners at this summer's Reading and Leeds Festivals, with organisers believed to be in negotiations to book a more traditional rock act for the third slot. Last year it was Iron Maiden, so expect a band from a similar mould to head up the heavier rock day.
Franz Ferdinand may headline the Friday at Reading before closing Leeds on the Saturday night. The Scottish art rockers, along with Scissor Sisters, were headliners at V Festival last year.
Muse will probably top Reading's Saturday bill before closing Leeds the following evening on Sunday. Matt Bellamy's band triumphed at Glastonbury in 2004 and with new material on the way, could once again provide the summer's defining set.
After being voted "Best New Live Act" in the 2005 awards, Leeds' own Kaiser Chiefs will also feature high up the bill. The band were apparently offered a headlining slot but turned it down, possibly because they feared it would put unwanted pressure on writing their second album. They will now play second fiddle to Franz Ferdinand.
Rumours initially pointed to The Strokes appearing as a headliner, however that possibility now seems unlikely due to a lukewarm response to the band's third album "First Impressions Of Earth". However, they could potentially still appear before Muse on the bill.
One unlikely rumour doing the rounds is that Red Hot Chili Peppers will headline. The band have hinted towards indoor venues for their next tour and they are believed to have ruled out playing any festivals in the UK.
Reading and Leeds Festivals take place from 25-27 August at Little Johns Farm, Reading, and Bramham Park, Leeds.
Find more rumours at Virtual Festivals.
muse - rock for clever people