One of the most highly anticipated acts of the day at this year’s Reading Festival, and probably even the entire weekend, Chappell Roan. After years of hard work finally seeing her explosive breakout success, the crowd of dedicated fans at Reading are ready to celebrate this headline slot.
Following an extended animated theatrical opening to match the witchy-gothic aesthetic of the stage set, things kick off with Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl. Bringing off the chart levels of sass to the stage the roars of cheers as Chappell came on stage would easily have been heard at the furthest end of the festival site. After Midnight offers an incredibly funky glittery pop hit to dance along to. With cheeky lyrics and an upbeat energy it’s a great dance along track that feels like it should be as popular as some of the singles released.
Probably one of the most anticipated tracks of the set to hear live, newly released hit The Subway. Haunting in the most beautiful way, this track sends shivers down your spine, and it’s so clear why it’s become an instant hit. Creating such a strong connection through her lyrics and vocals, you almost feel as it you’re going through the heartbreak for her. Hearing the whole crowd chant back lyrics “I’m moving to Saskatchewan” in unison was just one of many cathartic moments of this set.
Amongst the crowd there’s a sea of cowboy hats in all shades of pink ready to dance their hearts out. If you don’t know the rules by now when it comes to HOT TO GO!, where have you been? If you don’t join in YOU’RE NO FUN! Giving us a beat and a quick reminder of the moves so there’s no excuse, it’s time to up the energy and give it your all. Reading clearly was ready to go. While it’s quite the task to keep up with the fast pace, it seems not a single arm is left down and everyone is getting in the spirit of the Midwest princess.
At this point Chappell has already gone above and beyond showing off exactly how to put on a show stopping headline performance. But the surprises just keep rolling at Reading festival. With some confusion amongst the young crowd at the opening guitar riff as to whether this was a new song, or what exactly was going on, others were extremely giddy. Making a jaw-dropping entrance back to stage with piercing eyes, it’s time for Chappell Roans cover of Barracuda (Heart). A flawless and mind blowing performance, her vocals are perfectly matched with a killer rockstar energy to fit. Hitting every single note and leaving the audience gasping for more, this is how you show you belong on top spot.
After such a fiery cover, we’re all in need of a moment to cool down and catch our breath. Throwing it back to a 2020 release with Love Me Anyway, we’re given a calm breather and a moment to reflect; all while getting nostalgic for the early days of Chappells career. Beautifully soft and delicate, it’s a contrast from the fast pace and high energy confident pop bangers in Roans catalogue.
Following iconic hits The Giver and Red Wine Supernova, it’s time again to slow things down and get deep in our feels with Coffee. Sat gracefully upon a throne to serenade us, while cuddling her pet Shigella (A small and adorable dragon looking creature.) It’s another hit where Chappell shows off her vocal talent and that shes more than just a pop star. It’s not the evening drop in temperature that’s giving us goosebumps, its Chappell and her band having us completely in awe.
Once again giving us an extended musical theatrical opening which greatly builds the atmosphere and adds an incredible layer to the track, of course Good Luck Babe! couldn’t be left off the set list. With one of the most iconic and memorable bridges being chanted right back at her, you can feel every ounce of her being poured into the the song, with more cathartic moments of being part of singing “You’d have to stop the world just to stop the feeling” with thousands of others.
Dedicating the next song to “My ex, who is in the crowd tonight” My Kink is Karma. A huge set highlight with this absolute ballad. While the studio version of this is gorgeous in its own right, live its another story. Beginning slower and steady, all to build up to extended explosive guitar riffs that elevate it to a whole other experience. With the enhanced instrumentals and powerful vocals, this is one where its so hard to get the ear worm chorus out of your head even hours after the show is over.
While it may have taken years to get the recognition it deserves, it feels worth the wait to be part of the crowd singing along to closing track Pink Pony Club. This is another track where Chappell Roans vocal talent shines through. Showing off the soft and delicate moments, while smashing the high notes with ease.
Chappell Roan truly is one of the most iconic and talented performers of this decade. All consuming and captivating from the moment she struts on stage, you can’t help but be in awe of the talent that explodes out of her. What’s so impressive is you could take away all the props, the stage set and theatrics and still be totally absorbed with just Chappell and her all female band. With a phenomenal range in her vocal skills, its almost an out of body experience watching her perform live. The energy and talent delivered by Chappell and her band shows she should absolutely have been holding the closing headline slot for Reading Festival. With a flawless aura and performance from start to finish, it’s 90 minutes of pure perfection.
