Fred Again at Reading Festival review | Historic set rewrites the future of festival headliners

Fred Again has quickly become one of the most talked-about electronic artists in recent years. His unique style of emotional electronic music perfectly captures the emotions of partying during times of sadness and uncertainty, both during and after lockdown.

The live performance became highly popular, supported by a remarkable Boiler Room set and confirmed with a four-day show at Alexandra Palace and a standout performance at the Other Stage at Glastonbury 2022. It attracted large crowds at other festivals as well, such as Helsinki's Flow Festival and Budapest's Sziget Festival, with Reading being no exception.

"We don't usually begin a show in this way," he remarks about the powerful 'Turn On the Lights again...' that started tonight's set, "but I had a clear vision of how to kick this off, because I understand what it's like to be in that audience." It becomes evident that Reading's Main Stage has never witnessed a performance like this before. Not only is electronic music not typically the headliner since Disclosure in 2016, but the magnitude of this show and the enormity of the crowd may indicate a notable change in Reading's booking choices.

Choosing not to include emotional speeches and slow piano music that distinguish him from other DJs and producers, Fred is performing at an exceptional level tonight. His popular songs like 'adore u', inspired by his little sister, and the energetic 'leavemealone' are played early in the set. Fred is quickly moving between his opening set on a scissor lift and the main stage.

It goes without saying that Fred Again's music is at its best when it's the most energetic and exciting. The powerful lineup of 'BerwynGesaffNeighbours', 'Jungle' and 'Rumble' from the 2022 album 'USB' is truly unmatched. The addition of a Baby Keem sample and a intense D&B outro on 'Rumble' takes it to another level. It feels like a wild Saturday night at Reading Festival, with only The Wombats playing at the same time but Fred Again is definitely making the most of every moment.

Following a powerful and exhilarating moment, we return to the familiar style of Fred for the final part. Songs like 'Angie (i’ve been lost)' and 'Clara (the night is dark)' lead up to his popular track, 'Marea (we’ve lost dancing)', a collaboration with the Blessed Madonna that captures the feeling of longing for parties during the pandemic. Much of Fred Again's 'Actual Life' series shows influences from artists such as James Blake and Caribou, but Fred's unique style truly shines through in this genre.

When the performances of 'Billie (loving arms)' and 'Delilah (pull me out of this)' start to close out the festival, a feeling of excitement and joy spreads among the crowd. It's a rare moment that really stands out. Some people may have had doubts about booking Fred Again.. as a headliner for a rock festival, but the decision paid off with a fantastic performance.

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