It's not impossible to get into the front row at Reading - and these days they have a barrier around the pit area to prevent crushing, so I usually move into position into that area when the band before the one I want to see are finishing. People will then head off to the loo/bar between bands and you can wend your way towards the front. The barrier is quite a good idea really as the front section of the crowd is reasonably protected against the whole weight of the field behind you. (first time I went to Reading in 95, this was NOT the case and I was in the front row for hours being squished by most of Reading!..back in the hardcore days!)
Be warned with Reading, like all festivals - the toilets are not a good situation. Lots of people dress up though, so wear whatever you like. Yes there are twats there, but you get idiots at gigs/festivals all over the world and am sure the huge number of Guns fans there will be up for the best time possible. Although I've seen bottling at Reading, I dont think its ever happened with a headline band, more during ill-advised bookings during the daytime (Daphne and Celeste, The Rasmus, 50 cent) - I've been to Reading 8 times over the years and never been hit by piss bottles or anything - the odds are pretty good. I'd say the thing to avoid most is camping at Reading - thats where the real trouble is and the reason I've paid for a guest ticket for the last 6 years and got separate guest camping. But then I'm older and less tolerant of screeching teens these days! Am sure for some, its all about the camping experience
Hope to see/meet you there!
Its great your seeing Love Never Dies while your there too! I must book my tickets.
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