White Stripes out of Reading / Leeds

By Neil Greenway | Published: Thu 31st Jul 2003

Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th August 2003
Richfield Avenue, Reading, Berkshire, England MAP
£95 for weekend (SOLD OUT), £40 any day
Daily capacity: 55,000
Last updated: Thu 31st Jul 2003

The White Stripes have had to withdraw from this year’s Reading and Leeds festivals on doctor's advice following Jack White's recent traffic accident, where he brpke a bopne in his hand.

The press release from the Festivals organisers go on to say:
"I am sure that everyone going to the festivals will join us in wishing Jack a speedy recovery and we look forward to the White Stripes returning to headline at the 2004 Carling Weekend: Reading and Leeds Festivals."

So, that looks like one of next year's headliners is sorted already. When Eminem pulled out in 2000 he came back in 2001 to headline.

No information is available as to any replacement - or even if they'll definitely be one. The press releasae says:
"Whilst we cannot replace the irreplaceable we hope to add to what is already a great bill on the Saturday at the Reading site and the Sunday at the Leeds site alongside recent Top 10 debutees The Darkness and The Thrills amongst others."

There are rumours that the Manic Street Preachers may replace them, although a similar rumour for T in the Park turned out to be false.

In other news, according to their website the Lostprophets have also pulled out, due to recording commitments.


Both the Reading and Leeds Festivals have a line-up that includes Linkin Park, Blur, Metallica, Blink 182, Placebo, Beck, Doves, System of a Down, Sum 41, Primal Scream, The Darkness and loads more. For the full list of the confirmed acts, click here for Reading and here for Leeds.

Reading Festival takes place over the August Bank Holiday weekend of Friday 22nd August until Sunday 24 August along with the simultaneous Leeds Festival.

Reading Festival takes place Little John's Farm, Richfield Avenue, Reading, Berkshire, and Leeds Festival takes place at Bramham Park, nr Leeds, West Yorkshire.

Tickets are priced at £95 for the weekend (including camping) and £40 for any day. Just Friday tickets for Reading are still available.

To buy tickets for Reading Festival click here.

To buy tickets for Leeds Festival click here.


Latest Updates

Reading Festival 2024
festival details
last updated: Fri 2nd Feb 2024
Reading Festival 2024
line-ups & rumours
last updated: Fri 2nd Feb 2024
Reading Festival 2023
festival details
last updated: Mon 10th Jul 2023
Reading Festival 2023
line-ups & rumours
last updated: Mon 10th Jul 2023