Dave Shuts Down Reading Festival With Surprise Guest Appearances From Central Cee, James Blake and Kano

Dave shut down Reading Festival on Friday night (August 29), delivering an unforgettable headline set stacked with A-list collaborators and breathtaking musical arrangements. Marking his first time taking the top slot at the UK event since 2022, the South London artist took over the main stage—now dubbed The Grid—at Little John’s Farm as his massive 'The Boy Who Played The Harp' world tour neared its finale. ## What happened during Dave's Reading Festival set? The performance was a masterclass in dynamic stagecraft, seamlessly blending heavy rap energy with delicate orchestral instrumentation. Early in the evening, crooner James Blake stepped out to assist with an evocative rendition of "Both Sides Of A Smile," a standout track from Dave’s critically acclaimed 2021 LP *We’re All Alone In This Together*. Later in the set, the crowd roared as the instantly recognizable guitar riff from The White Stripes' classic "Seven Nation Army" echoed across the field, serving as the dramatic launching pad for his fan-favorite anthem "Thiago Silva." The star power only amplified from there. UK grime legend Kano graced the stage for a high-octane takeover, teaming up with Dave for a live performance of their 2023 freestyle "Three P's*" before slowing things down with a heartfelt delivery of "Chapter 16." The two rap powerhouses shared a warm, emotional embrace before Kano exited the stage, highlighting the deep mutual respect between UK hip-hop generations. ## Who were the surprise guests at Dave's Reading set? Adding even more texture to the monumental night, Dave was repeatedly joined on stage by a full string section. The live musicians elevated several tracks, most notably delivering a hauntingly beautiful backdrop for the title track of his current era, "The Boy Who Played The Harp." Just when fans thought the show couldn't get any bigger, West London hitmaker Central Cee exploded onto the stage to crank the energy back up to maximum velocity. The duo reunited to perform their smash hit 2023 single, sending the massive festival crowd into an absolute frenzy before Dave prepped for his final tour stop at Leeds Festival the following evening.