Who do you want to see at READING ROCK 1976?

This alternate poster suggests Can played too, but you don't want a poll walkover so let's stick with the above

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSfJk8aBE4_uptBJINTlaPrn9STp6-SFdv3i7sfbnBgttS_ZgohwVaXrog-&s=10

Gong

Probably Gong, Shamal-era and way too many congas, but probably still pretty good.

Alan Holdsworth 'sat in'.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-HBg65k5lc

AC/DC

Man it is a toss up for me between AC/DC and Van Der Graaf Generator, though I am leaning heavy toward VDGG cuz this prime Still Life era which is my fave of theirs...AC/DC though...damn

Quite a lot of these are on YouTube too.

U-Roy or the Mighty Diamonds mostly but obv there's an embarrassment of riches also it wd be cool to see the Sutherland Brothers & Quiver

if I found myself in 1976 England, I’d be trying to find a Sex Pistols gig

but seeing U-Roy with a crowd pf white hard rockers would be a trip too

if I found myself in 1976 England, I’d be trying to find a Sex Pistols gig

― Illegal Algae (Boring, Maryland), Wednesday, July 8, 2026 9:39 AM (five minutes ago) bookmarkflaglink

This same wknd they played Screen on the Green with the Clash & Buzzcocks, which could probably be another poll

801 or U-Roy

AC/DC with Bon Scott - but would be sad they didn't play Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap or It's A Long Way... after that it's Gong or VDGG

also it's a shitty drop-off from the year before which had Hawkwind, Judas Priest, Yes, Thin Lizzy, Mahavishnu, Soft Machine, Caravan, Richard & Linda Thompson!

This lovely, creaky Web 1.0 site is a great resource and fun read: https://www.ukrockfestivals.com/

xp I dunno, if I had to pick between '75 and '76, Can alone might be enough to sway me.

U-Roy or AC/DC

tough call between 801 and AC/DC, went with 801

lots of amazing options but rory gallagher would melt my face off

This alternate poster suggests Can played too, but you don't want a poll walkover so let's stick with the above

Pretty certain Can never played at the Reading Festival!

The lone AFT vote is mine, one-LP wonders who were possibly the missing link between Wishbone Ash and King Crimson. In fact I started this poll purely so I could vote for them.

Pretty certain Can never played at the Reading Festival!

CANcelled

The lone AFT vote is mine, one-LP wonders who were possibly the missing link between Wishbone Ash and King Crimson. In fact I started this poll purely so I could vote for them.

Their only album was co-produced by Loyd Grossman.

VDGG

Yes, I mean was Gong not Pierre Moerlen's Gong by 1976?

... oh yeah, I see Alan Holdsworth was playing with them. Count me out then.

Will no-one speak up for The Enid?

This is a toss-up for me between Van Der Graaf Generator and Ted Nugent. Seriously.

(Black Oak Arkansas were already on the decline by 1976, can't believe they were headliners. Also can't believe Phil Collins was touring with Brand X. Were Genesis on a break?)

I like the proto-Cocteau Twins aesthetic here

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/3c/Aerie-Faerie-Nonsense-%281977%29.jpg

Not much Cocteaus in the music tbh

"U-Roy or AC/DC

― il lavoro mi rovina la giornata (PBKR), Wednesday, July 8, 2026 9:50 AM"

you too me too

U-Roy on Friday, Manzanera with Eno on lead vox Saturday, Dacca on Sunday.

Stallion v Mallard v Camel (actual fight not poll dilemma)

trilemma, if you will

Apparently Osibisa were the mystery guests who closed out the festival on the Sunday night

voted for VDGG

had never heard of AFT before. or if i have, i probably got them confused with ATF who doubtless also played at Reading at sonme point in the 70s or 80s