Eminem leads Reading line-up

Eminem's last UK appearance caused a furore

Eminem and the Manic Street Preachers lead the bill for this year's Reading and Leeds festivals.

Travis, PJ Harvey and US acts Marilyn Manson, Green Day and Fun Lovin' Criminals are also on the bill for the two festivals, to be held over the weekend of 24-26 August.

Eminem, Green Day and Marilyn Manson are also playing at a sister event in Glasgow, Gig On The Green, to be held over two days on the same weekend.

His last appearances in the UK caused a media furore, with protesters condemning what they saw as sexist and homophobic lyrics.

Line-ups

Travis, Green Day, PJ Harvey - Reading Friday, Leeds Saturday

Manic Street Preachers, Fun Lovin' Criminals, Supergrass - Reading Saturday, Leeds Sunday

Eminem, Marilyn Manson, Queens of the Stone Age, "special guests" - Reading Sunday, Leeds Friday

However, audiences will be watching closely the outcome of a weapons trial in the US where Eminem - real name Marshall Mathers III - could face jail.

He pleaded no contest to two charges relating to an alleged assault on the road manager for rival group Insane Clown Posse in Michigan, and could face up to five years in prison.

Musical highlight

Also on the bill are Supergrass and cult rock act Queens of the Stone Age, plus un-named "special guests" to play Leeds on Friday, Reading on Sunday.

Reading has long been one of the highlights of the UK musical calendar, and it is arguably this year's most prestigious festival following the cancellation of Glastonbury earlier this year.

The festival's origins lie in a 1960s jazz festival, but as the years went on, the music got harder and it gained a reputation as the country's top rock festival.

But trouble set in as hard rock bands started to decline, and 1988's festival saw the likes of Bonnie Tyler and Meatloaf running for cover as drunken crowds started throwing bottles of urine at them.

The festival was relaunched in 1989 with indie bands, and now Reading plays host to a wide range of acts, although its harder Sunday night bill is a nod to its past.

In 1999 it expanded to take in a second site in Leeds, and in 2000 the Glasgow festival was added to the line-up.