The last day of Reading & Leeds

and last EVER Hope Of The States gig

27 Aug 06 - Hope Of The States are to split up after their last ever gig this afternoon, we can announce.

Talking to 6 Music earlier, frontman Sam Herlihy exclusively revealed that he already had plans to form a new band.

He also said he's going to announce Hope Of The States split live on stage before their last song this afternoon in the NME/Radio One tent at Reading Festival.

There's no word yet though on why exactly they're calling it a day.

It's the last day of the Reading Festival today and it kicked off with the mighty Mastodon opening affairs on the mainstage.

Muse headlined last night with their own particular brand of over-the-top rock and ended with a massive pyrotechnics display. Talking after the gig, frontman Matt Bellamy told 6 Music it had been mind-boggling to headline the event.

He said: "It's a dream come true really. I remember coming to this gig 10 years ago, when Rage Against The Machine played in '96 was it? I remember looking up and thinking that's it, it I get on that stage, I've done well. I think it's safe to say we've done well, haha!"

Last night at Leeds festival meanwhile Kaiser Chiefs played a joyful homecoming show on the main stage - after being introduced by comedian Peter Kay.
 
And back at Reading, The Raconteurs played a host of covers during their gig in the NME/Radio 1 Stage - including The Undertones Teenage Kicks. They also tackled Nancy Sinatra's Bang Bang and The Stooges' TV Eye.

Pearl Jam wrap up events down south tonight meanwhile and in Leeds, it's Muse's turn once more to close the mainstage.


Jody Thompson