Royal Blood under fire after branding Radio 1’s Big Weekend audience ‘pathetic’ at Dundee music festival

A rock band has come under fire for “throwing a tantrum” and criticising the crowd at Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Dundee.

Royal Blood frontman Mike Kerr branded the audience “pathetic” for their apparent lack of enthusiasm.

The Brit Award-winning duo performed on the main stage on Sunday, which also included Wet Leg, Niall Horan, Anne-Marie and headliner Lewis Capaldi on the line-up.

The English band – comprising singer/bassist Kerr and drummer Ben Thatcher – began to mock the crowd during their set.

Kerr said: “Well, I guess I should introduce ourselves seeing as no one actually knows who we are. We’re called Royal Blood and this is rock music. Who likes rock music? Nine people, brilliant.”

He later quipped: “We’re having to clap ourselves because that was so pathetic. Well done, Ben.”

At one point Kerr addressed the camera operator, saying: “Yes, even he’s clapping.” He then turned to the crowd and added: “What does that say about you?”

At the end of the set, Kerr stuck his middle fingers up to the audience as he stormed off.

Royal Blood’s three studio albums have each topped the UK albums chart. Their fourth, Back to the Water Below, is due to be released this September.

Upcoming shows this summer include Glastonbury and TRNSMT, as well as headline performances at Kendal Calling and Y Not Festival.

Radio 1’s Big Weekend took place in Dundee’s Camperdown Park between Friday and Sunday.

The band’s performance has since been removed from the BBC’s online coverage, but a video shared by The Rock Revival has gone viral on Twitter.

Music fans were quick to hit back.

Chelsea Cochrane said: “This is downright embarrassing and reeks of entitlement.

“Could’ve simply not agreed to play if you didn’t see yourself fitting into the line-up, or decide to take the payday and just try to put on a good show.”

Jamie Kent added: “Royal Blood are brilliant live, but respect the audience.

“This is a festival not a Royal Blood gig and you’re playing before arguably the biggest British artist right now in Lewis Capaldi, 70%-plus aren’t here for you.

“Should be trying to make new fans at festivals like this.”

Read more:
The View forced to abandon gig after bandmates fight on stage

Stuart Milne said: “Huge fan of Royal Blood and their music, but throwing a tantrum like this at a crowd filled with teenagers isn’t as ‘rock n roll’ as you think it is.

“You were on the line-up between Niall Horan and Lewis Capaldi. Go have a lie down.”

Kieran Hamill added: “I love Royal Blood but this is David Brent level cringe.

“A grown man talking about rock music and walking off like one of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.”

Click to subscribe to Backstage wherever you get your podcasts

However, some sympathised with the group.

One said: “State of the responses to this.

“Royal Blood will be co-headlining at the biggest festival in the world this summer. They deserve the crowd to be giving it a bit. Proper music like this is dying nowadays. Kids haven’t got a clue.”

Another added: “I was there and enjoyed Royal Blood.

“However, the Sunday audience had a large proportion of kids and a crowd predominantly there to see Lewis Capaldi.

“Not exactly going to go down a storm in that environment.”

Askern Music Fest replied: “Festival organisers put them on [before] Niall Horan and Lewis Capaldi, whose idea was that?”