Excitement is building among fans for the upcoming Reading and Leeds Festival 2025, a twin festival event that has a history of surprising attendees with unannounced performances. The festival, sponsored by Rockstar Energy, is set to feature a star-studded lineup including Travis Scott, Bring Me the Horizon, Hozier, and Chappell Roan, with the latter making her exclusive UK headline festival appearance. However, the fervent speculation surrounding potential "secret sets" has captured the most attention from eagle-eyed gig-goers and online communities.

Several bands are at the forefront of this speculation. Fans are strongly convinced that British rock band Wolf Alice, formed in London in 2010, will make a surprise appearance. This theory is fueled by the timing of their fourth studio album, "The Clearing," which is reportedly due for release on Friday, August 22. One Reddit user noted this, stating, "Wolf Alice would be the logical one given when the album comes out," a sentiment echoed by others. Similarly, Australian electronic rock band Pendulum is also rumored to be on the line-up, with fans pointing to their upcoming album, "Inertia," also set for release on Friday, and their current touring schedule. Secret sets, varying in size and prominence, are a well-established tradition at the twin festival, with usually at least two or more acts each year.

The Foo Fighters have also ignited a considerable frenzy among their fan base. Speculation began after followers noticed apparent gaps in the festival lineup poster, which seemed sparser than in previous years. This theory gained significant traction when the band themselves posted a nostalgic video on Instagram featuring their 2019 Reading Festival performance, with a caption referencing their full set available on BBC iPlayer. This throwback led many to believe it was a hint at a surprise appearance at either Reading or Leeds, or both. The Foo Fighters, headed by Dave Grohl and active since 1994, have a long history with the festival, headlining multiple times since 2002, including 2005, 2012, and 2019, and performing in 1995, 1998, and 2000. Despite the excitement, some in the Leeds Festival Community Reddit page remain skeptical, with comments ranging from "Very much confident about them not being there this year" to "Less than zero chance," arguing that it's been years since a truly massive headline band performed a secret set.

Adding to the list of potential surprise acts, rumors are circulating about Chase & Status. Speculation intensified after the festival's official Instagram account posted a "giveaway" clue: a silhouette of two people adorned with question marks. Fans on Reddit quickly concluded this imagery strongly resembled Chase & Status, with many expressing hopes for their appearance, particularly for a rumored "special happening" secret set at 19:30 on the Aux Stage at Reading.

However, not all news from the festival front has been positive. American rockers House of Protection unfortunately confirmed they will no longer be performing at this year's Reading & Leeds Festivals. The band cited financial difficulties as the reason, explaining that most of their anticipated funding for the trip was contingent on their performance at the Heavy Music Awards. This event was unexpectedly cancelled due to severe health issues affecting a key member of its team. House of Protection expressed deep disappointment to their fans but assured them of future plans, including a return to the UK in October to tour with fellow band Architects, as well as a visit to Spain.