Rudimental
Rudimental are a British drum and bass band formed in Hackney, East London, in 2010 by childhood friends Piers Aggett, Kesi Dryden, and Leon "Locksmith" Rolle, later joined by producer Amir Amor until his amicable departure in 2022 to pursue solo work.[1][2] Known for their genre-blending sound that fuses drum and bass with live instrumentation, soulful vocals, and electronic elements influenced by UK garage, grime, dubstep, jazz, and hip-hop, the group rose to prominence through high-energy performances and collaborations with artists like John Newman, Ella Eyre, and Jess Glynne.[3][1] The band's debut single "Feel the Love" featuring John Newman topped the UK Singles Chart in 2012, marking their breakthrough and earning a nomination for British Single at the 2013 Brit Awards.[4][3] Their debut album Home, released in 2013, also reached number one on the UK Albums Chart, received a Mercury Prize nomination, and won the MOBO Award for Best Album.[4][4][5] Follow-up albums including We the Generation (2015), Toast to Our Differences (2018), Ground Control (2021), and RUDIM3NTAL (2025) have solidified their commercial success, with three UK number-one singles—"Feel the Love" (2012), "Waiting All Night" (2013), and "These Days" (2018)—and total album sales exceeding 3 million worldwide alongside over 5 billion streams.[4][1] In addition to their chart dominance, Rudimental have won a Brit Award for British Single in 2014 for "Waiting All Night" and expanded their live shows into large-scale productions featuring up to 20 musicians.[6][1]History
2009–2011: Formation and early career
Rudimental was formed in 2009 in East London by childhood friends Piers Aggett, Kesi Dryden, and Leon "Locksmith" Rolle, who began collaborating as a loose collective experimenting with drum and bass rhythms fused with live instrumentation such as piano, guitar, and percussion.[7] Growing up in Hackney, the trio drew from the local urban music scene, initially producing tracks in makeshift home studios and performing at informal house parties to hone their sound.[8] In their early days, the group focused on grassroots promotion through London's underground circuit, including frequent appearances on pirate radio stations where they DJed and previewed unreleased material to build a grassroots following among drum and bass enthusiasts.[9] They played intimate gigs at small venues across the city, emphasizing live elements like brass sections and MC collaborations to distinguish their high-energy sets from purely electronic acts.[10] This period of experimentation helped refine their signature blend of electronic beats and organic instrumentation, laying the foundation for their later success. Amir Amor joined the group in mid-2011 as a key producer and songwriter, completing the quartet after meeting Aggett, Dryden, and Rolle at his Major Tom's studio in East London, where he contributed remixes and production expertise.[11] With Amor's involvement, the lineup solidified, enabling more polished productions that caught the attention of industry figures. The band's first official releases came via independent label Black Butter Records, starting with the debut single "Deep in the Valley" featuring MC Shantie in March 2011, followed by "Club Love" in June 2011.[12] These tracks, distributed digitally and played on specialist radio shows, generated initial buzz within the UK bass and drum and bass communities, showcasing their innovative approach to genre fusion.[13] By late 2011, Rudimental had secured a deal with major label Asylum Records (a Warner Music imprint) after their independent singles earned support from BBC Radio 1, including airplay from DJs who highlighted their potential in the evolving dance scene.[14] This signing marked the end of their formative underground phase, positioning them for broader exposure.[15]2012–2014: Home and mainstream breakthrough
Rudimental's breakthrough to mainstream success began with the release of their debut singles in 2012. The lead single "Feel the Love", featuring vocals from John Newman, debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart in June 2012, marking the band's first chart-topping hit and establishing their drum and bass sound with pop sensibilities.[4] This was followed by "Not Giving In", featuring John Newman and Alex Clare, which peaked at number 14 on the UK Singles Chart later that year, further building anticipation for their full-length project. The band's debut album, Home, was released on 29 April 2013 through Asylum Records, debuting at number one on the UK Albums Chart and selling over 37,000 copies in its first week.[16] The album featured prominent collaborations, including Ella Eyre on the track "Waiting All Night"—which became their second number-one single in April 2013—and Angel Haze on "Hell Could Freeze", alongside contributions from artists such as Emeli Sandé and MNEK. Home was mastered at Metropolis Studios in London, capturing the group's energetic production style rooted in drum and bass, 2-step garage, and soulful vocals. The album's success was underscored by its certification as 2× Platinum in the UK by the BPI, denoting shipments of 600,000 units. Home received critical acclaim and commercial accolades, including a nomination for the 2013 Mercury Prize, recognizing its innovative blend of electronic genres. In 2014, "Waiting All Night" won the Brit Award for British Single, highlighting the track's impact with its uplifting brass hooks and Eyre's powerful performance. The album expanded internationally, with a US release in August 2013 via Warner Bros. Records, achieving sales exceeding one million copies worldwide and introducing Rudimental to broader audiences through performances on American television.2015–2016: We the Generation
In May 2015, Rudimental announced their second studio album, We the Generation, marking a continuation of their collaborative approach following the success of their debut.[17] The band self-produced the record, drawing on sessions conducted throughout 2015, including time spent at Real World Studios in Wiltshire where portions were crafted in the Wood Room.[18] Notable global collaborations featured on the album include Major Lazer on "Hold You," Craig David on "Rumour Mill," and Lianne La Havas on "Unstoppable," alongside contributions from Ed Sheeran, Bobby Womack, Will Heard, and Foy Vance, highlighting the band's emphasis on international and diverse vocal talents.[17][19] We the Generation was released on 2 October 2015 through Asylum Records and Major Tom's, debuting at number one on the UK Albums Chart with sales more than double those of the runner-up.[20][21] The album was later certified Gold in the UK, reflecting over 100,000 units sold by 2019.[22] Key singles from the project included "Lay It All on Me" featuring Ed Sheeran, which peaked at number 12 on the UK Singles Chart upon its October 2015 release, and "Never Let You Go" featuring Foy Vance, reaching number 19 in June 2015.[23][4] "Common Emotion," released in early 2016, served as a follow-up single emphasizing emotional introspection.[20] The album's themes centered on generational unity and shared human experiences, as explored in the title track "We the Generation" featuring Mahalia, which celebrates collective youth identity amid diverse cultural influences.[17] Promotional efforts included a performance at BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend in Norwich on 23 May 2015, where the band previewed material from the album to a large festival audience.[24] To support the release, Rudimental embarked on the We the Generation World Tour, commencing in September 2015 with an initial run of 21 dates across the US, UK, and Europe, followed by additional shows in 2016 that extended to over 50 performances in total, including stops in Australia via Frontier Touring.[25][26][27] The tour underscored the band's evolution toward a more pop-infused drum and bass sound, broadening their appeal through high-energy live sets of the new material.[25]2017–2019: Toast to Our Differences and Distinction
Following the release of their second album We the Generation in 2015 and its supporting world tour, Rudimental members focused on individual creative pursuits in 2017, allowing time for personal development before reconvening as a group. This period enabled exploration of solo endeavors, such as DJ Locksmith's contributions to various production projects, while the collective began conceptualizing their next body of work. By early 2018, the band announced their third studio album, Toast to Our Differences, initially slated for September but ultimately delayed to ensure refined production.[22] Recording for Toast to Our Differences took place primarily in London, including sessions at the band's Major Toms studio in Hackney and Miloco Studios, spanning over three years to incorporate diverse influences and collaborations. The album was released on 25 January 2019 through Asylum Records, featuring a roster of guest artists such as Dan Caplen on "These Days," Raye on "Regardless," and Idris Elba on "Voices," emphasizing themes of unity and cultural diversity amid global challenges. It debuted at number 5 on the UK Albums Chart, marking the band's continued commercial presence in the electronic music landscape.[28][29][4] Key singles from the album drove its success, with "These Days" (featuring Jess Glynne, Macklemore, and Dan Caplen) topping the UK Singles Chart for one week in March 2018 after seven weeks at number 2, becoming Rudimental's third number-one hit. "Let Me Live" (with Major Lazer, Anne-Marie, and Mr Eazi) followed, peaking at number 7 on the UK Singles Chart and spending 20 weeks in the top 100. A deluxe edition of the album, released alongside the standard version, included bonus tracks such as "Do You Remember" (featuring Kevin Garrett), "Ghost" (with N.E.R.D and Meta), and "Summer's Back" (featuring AJ Tracey and Alika), expanding its collaborative scope. By late 2019, the album and its singles had amassed over 1 billion global streams, underscoring its widespread appeal.[30][31][32][33] Internally, the extended recording process highlighted evolving creative dynamics within the quartet, with discussions around artistic direction foreshadowing future adjustments, though the group maintained cohesion for this release. The album earned a nomination for Best Video at the 2019 MOBO Awards for "These Days," recognizing its visual and musical impact.[22]2020–2021: Ground Control and lineup changes
The COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020 profoundly influenced Rudimental's creative process for their fourth studio album, Ground Control, which the band recorded entirely during this period of isolation.[34] Core members Piers Aggett, Kesi Dryden, Leon Rolle, and Amir Amor collaborated remotely, drawing on their East London roots to produce a 16-track project that blended drum and bass, UK garage, and house elements.[35] The album featured contributions from producers and artists such as Skream, MJ Cole, and D Double E, alongside vocalists including Anne-Marie, Kareen Lomax, and Nørskov, reflecting a return to the group's energetic, collaborative sound.[35] Released on 3 September 2021 via Asylum Records, Ground Control emphasized themes of positivity and escape amid adversity, serving as an uplifting response to the pandemic's challenges with its kinetic rhythms and soulful hooks.[36] It debuted at No. 16 on the UK Albums Chart and topped the UK Dance Albums Chart, marking a solid commercial performance despite the disrupted live music landscape.[4] The lead single, "Come Over" featuring Anne-Marie and Tion Wayne—initially released in August 2020 but tied to the album's promotion—highlighted the record's blend of pop accessibility and electronic drive.[37] In a nod to broader social issues, the album incorporated mental health advocacy, notably through "Something About You" featuring Elderbrook, which was crafted to raise awareness about men's mental health struggles during lockdown.[38] The band promoted virtual performances to connect with fans, including sessions streamed via platforms like YouTube, adapting to restrictions that limited traditional tours.[39] Select tracks from the era, such as prior singles recontextualized in the album rollout, achieved BPI Silver certification in the UK for exceeding 200,000 units. Ground Control represented the final full-length release with the original quartet lineup, as Amir Amor departed the group in October 2022 after 11 years, citing a desire to pursue solo endeavors; the band affirmed their commitment to continuing as a trio while expressing mutual respect.[40] This transition underscored a period of evolution, with the album's liner notes and messaging emphasizing resilience and personal growth as Rudimental navigated change.[34]2022–present: RUDIM3NTAL and recent developments
Following the departure of a band member in late 2022, Rudimental regrouped as a trio in 2022, focusing on new material that emphasized their electronic production strengths. They released the single "Break My Heart" that year, marking an initial step in rebuilding momentum. This period saw the group experimenting with drum and bass-infused tracks while adapting to their streamlined lineup.[2] In 2023, Rudimental issued "Dancing Is Healing," a collaborative single featuring vocals from Charlotte Plank and production support from Vibe Chemistry, which highlighted themes of emotional recovery through music and dance. The track received positive attention for its uplifting energy and served as a bridge to more focused releases. By 2024, the band announced their fifth studio album, titled RUDIM3NTAL, signaling a deliberate return to their core sound. That year, they collaborated with DJ Skepsis on "Green & Gold," featuring Charlotte Plank and grime artist Riko Dan, which became one of the year's standout drum and bass tracks and later achieved silver certification in the UK.[41][42][43] RUDIM3NTAL was self-released on 22 August 2025 through the band's own Room Two Records imprint, comprising 15 tracks that celebrated their drum and bass origins while incorporating contemporary UK influences. Key collaborations included "Nights Like These" with Rag'n'Bone Man, delivering soulful vocals over high-energy beats, and the aforementioned "Green & Gold." Critics praised the album for its bold reclamation of jungle and drum 'n' bass elements, describing it as a "masterclass" in euphoric grooves and a nod to the band's early Hackney roots without straying into overly commercial territory. It debuted at No. 31 on the UK Albums Chart, with strong digital sales performance peaking at No. 9 on the Official Album Downloads Chart, and has since accumulated over 200 million global streams across platforms.[44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51] Throughout 2024 and 2025, Rudimental continued building on their collaborative ethos, reuniting with Skepsis for the single "Vex" featuring MIST and Popcaan in November 2024, which extended the album's momentum into fresh territory. The trio has also been vocal about the importance of live music's resurgence after the COVID-19 disruptions, participating in festivals and tours that underscore the communal healing power of performances, including a 2025 Australian tour and North American dates such as shows in Los Angeles and Brooklyn in November 2025. As of November 2025, interviews reveal early discussions around a potential sixth album, with the band expressing enthusiasm for evolving their sound further while maintaining their drum and bass foundation.[52][53][1][54][2][55]Members
Current members
Rudimental's current lineup consists of the trio Piers Aggett, Kesi Dryden, and Leon "Locksmith" Rolle, who have driven the band's activities since 2022 following the departure of Amir Amor.[56][57] Piers Aggett (born March 1987) serves as the primary songwriter, producer, keyboardist, and backing vocalist, contributing key melodic elements to the band's sound since its inception in 2009.[58][59] Kesi Dryden (born January 1986) is the bass guitarist, programmer, and multi-instrumentalist, responsible for string arrangements and live bass duties within the group's performances and recordings.[59][60] Leon "Locksmith" Rolle (born 25 December 1986) functions as the DJ, MC, and percussionist, infusing hip-hop and spoken-word influences into Rudimental's live shows and tracks.[61][62] Post-2021, the trio has adopted a structure of equal creative input, reflected in their shared production credits on the 2025 album RUDIM3NTAL.[49][63]Former members
Amir Amor (born 23 March 1985) served as Rudimental's primary former member, joining the group in 2010 as a producer and guitarist.[64] His involvement began through early collaborations that shaped the band's sound, integrating electronic production with live guitar elements to blend drum and bass with soulful influences.[65] Amor contributed significantly to Rudimental's output, co-writing and producing tracks across all their studio albums from Home (2013) to Ground Control (2021), including major hits such as "Waiting All Night" featuring Ella Eyre.[66][67] His work emphasized layered electronic textures and guitar riffs, helping define the band's crossover appeal in the electronic music scene.[68] In 2022, following the release of Ground Control, Amor amicably departed Rudimental to focus on solo projects and independent production endeavors, with the band publicly expressing gratitude for his contributions.[1][69] Post-departure, he has continued his career as a producer, notably helming Kaiser Chiefs' eighth studio album Easy Eighth (2024), which featured collaborations with Nile Rodgers.[70][71][72]Musical style and influences
Genre evolution
Rudimental's foundational sound emerged from the drum and bass genre, characterized by high-energy breakbeats augmented with live brass sections, piano melodies, and soulful vocals, as exemplified in their breakthrough single "Feel the Love" from 2012, which featured a soaring trumpet solo over maximalist DnB rhythms.[73] Early singles prior to their 2013 debut album Home leaned into a more underground, hardcore-leaning DnB style, drawing from the genre's rave origins with rapid percussion and minimal melodic overlays.[8] By Home, the band had evolved toward pop crossovers, blending DnB drops with accessible hooks and collaborations that broadened their appeal, such as the soul-infused "Not Giving In" with John Newman and Alex Clare, marking a shift from niche electronic scenes to mainstream charts.[74][75] This progression continued with their 2015 album We the Generation, where Rudimental incorporated elements of house and garage, expanding beyond pure DnB structures; tracks like "Rumour Mill" adopted a classic garage groove with sped-up 2-step rhythms, while "Foreign World" infused deep house nu-soul vibes through layered synths and emotive vocals.[76] The 2018 release Toast to Our Differences further diversified their palette with hip-hop fusions, evident in "These Days" featuring Macklemore's rap verses over repetitive dance beats and electronic backdrops, alongside broader cross-pollinations like reggae-inspired jungle and Latin-inflected percussion that emphasized rhythmic experimentation.[77][68] Throughout their career, Rudimental's production hallmarks have included layered percussion builds leading to uplifting drops, frequent guest vocalists to add emotional depth, and a hybrid approach blending DJ techniques with live elements, often utilizing Ableton Live for sequencing and real-time performance integration alongside primary tools like Logic Pro.[78][79] Their 2025 album RUDIM3NTAL signals a deliberate return to raw DnB roots with minimal pop concessions, stripping back to jungle-infused breakbeats and vintage textures inspired by 1990s influences, as articulated by co-founder Piers Aggett in discussions of the project's focus on genre purity amid DnB's resurgence.[54]Key influences and production techniques
Rudimental's music draws heavily from the UK's electronic and urban music scenes, particularly UK garage, as exemplified by artists like Artful Dodger, whose chopped vocal samples and upbeat rhythms informed the band's early rhythmic foundations.[80] Drum and bass pioneers such as Goldie and Roni Size also shaped their high-energy beats and intricate breakbeats, with Rudimental citing the genre's evolution from underground raves as a core inspiration during discussions on its mainstream resurgence.[81] Soul influences are prominent, including acts like Sly and the Family Stone, Funkadelic, and Soul II Soul, which contributed to the band's emphasis on emotive vocals and live instrumentation, as noted by members Amir Amor and Kesi Dryden in interviews reflecting on their formative listening.[82] Additional elements from grime and dubstep further enriched their genre-blending approach. Hip-hop elements stem from DJ Locksmith's MC background, incorporating spoken-word flows and rhythmic delivery akin to influences like the Fugees, blending rap-infused energy with electronic production.[82] In production, Rudimental employs a hybrid live-electronic setup, merging acoustic elements with digital tools to create dynamic tracks; they frequently use MPC samplers to craft beats, providing a tactile, hip-hop-inspired workflow that allows for quick iteration on drum patterns.[49] Collaborative songwriting sessions form the backbone of their process, often held in London studios like Strongroom, where band members and guest artists co-create in real-time, fostering organic development of hooks and structures.[49] Vocal processing balances polish and authenticity, with Auto-Tune applied selectively to featured vocalists for enhanced pop accessibility while preserving natural timbre through minimal compression via tools like the 1176.[83] Brass sections are recorded live to maintain an organic feel, as seen in sessions with trombonist Namba Robinson in Jamaica, then processed with hardware like the Culture Vulture for added warmth and distortion.[49] The band's tool evolution reflects broader industry shifts, moving from early 2010s hardware synths—such as the Moog Voyager for bass sounds—to software like Serum by their 2025 album RUDIM3NTAL, enabling more flexible sound design and efficiency in drum and bass synthesis.[49]Discography
Studio albums
Rudimental's discography includes five studio albums, each showcasing their evolution in drum and bass, pop, and electronic music production. Their debut album, Home, released on 29 April 2013, debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart and achieved 2× Platinum certification in the UK for sales and streams exceeding 600,000 units.[84][85] The album features 14 tracks with a total runtime of 58 minutes, blending high-energy drum and bass with soulful vocals and collaborations.[86] The band's second studio album, We the Generation, arrived on 2 October 2015 and also topped the UK Albums Chart, earning Gold certification for over 100,000 units sold and streamed.[87] It comprises 15 tracks spanning 54 minutes, incorporating influences from house, garage, and pop while maintaining Rudimental's signature upbeat rhythms.[88] Toast to Our Differences, their third album, was released on 25 January 2019 and peaked at number 5 on the UK Albums Chart, later receiving Gold certification in the UK.[89] The standard edition includes 17 tracks over 55 minutes, with a Distinction edition adding 5 bonus tracks for an extended listening experience focused on themes of unity and diversity.[90] In 2021, Rudimental issued Ground Control on 23 July, which reached number 16 on the UK Albums Chart. This 17-track album, lasting 55 minutes, marks a return to their drum and bass roots with garage and 2-step elements, featuring a range of guest artists. (Note: Apple Music link approximate based on search.) Their fifth studio album, RUDIM3NTAL, self-released on 22 August 2025, peaked at number 31 on the UK Albums Chart and consists of 15 tracks totaling 46 minutes.[50][48] The project emphasizes independent production and includes collaborations with artists like Khalid and MIST, reflecting the band's current creative direction.| Album | Release Date | UK Peak | Certification (UK) | Tracks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home | 29 April 2013 | 1 | 2× Platinum | 14 | 58 min |
| We the Generation | 2 October 2015 | 1 | Gold | 15 | 54 min |
| Toast to Our Differences | 25 January 2019 | 5 | Gold | 17 (standard; +5 Distinction) | 55 min |
| Ground Control | 23 July 2021 | 16 | — | 17 | 55 min |
| RUDIM3NTAL | 22 August 2025 | 31 | — | 15 | 46 min |
Singles and EPs
Rudimental has released a total of 49 singles as of 2025, many of which have achieved commercial success through chart performance, certifications, and streaming milestones. Their breakthrough came with the 2012 debut single "Feel the Love" featuring John Newman, which topped the UK Singles Chart and earned 3× Platinum certification from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) for over 1,800,000 units sold in the UK.[4][91] This track marked their entry into the mainstream, blending drum and bass with soulful vocals to secure international recognition, including top 10 placements in Australia and Belgium.[92] Subsequent singles solidified their chart dominance, with "These Days" (2018) featuring Jess Glynne, Macklemore, and Dan Caplen reaching number 1 on the UK Singles Chart and certified 3× Platinum by the BPI, reflecting sales and streams exceeding 1,800,000 units in the UK.[4][93] The song's uplifting lyrics and collaborative energy contributed to its enduring popularity, amassing hundreds of millions of global streams. More recently, "Green & Gold" (2024) featuring Skepsis, Charlotte Plank, and Riko Dan peaked at number 18 on the UK Singles Chart and went viral on TikTok, generating over 50 million streams on Spotify within its first year through user-generated content and festival performances. Internationally, tracks like "Come Over" (2021) featuring Anne-Marie and Tion Wayne reached number 26 on the UK Singles Chart and number 28 on the US Billboard Dance/Electronic Songs chart, highlighting their crossover appeal in electronic music markets.[4][92][94][95] In addition to singles, Rudimental has issued several EPs, often featuring remixes and exclusive tracks to extend their hits' lifecycle. The Sleepwalking EP (2014) served as an early exploration of their production style, while the Never Let You Go EP (2016) included remix variations of the title track, emphasizing limited-edition releases with contributions from DJs and producers. These EPs complemented their album cycles by offering fans deeper dives into remixed versions and B-sides. Overall, the band's singles have sold over 25 million units globally, with more than 5 billion streams on Spotify underscoring their digital-era dominance.[96][92]| Key Single | Release Year | UK Peak | Certification (BPI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feel the Love (ft. John Newman) | 2012 | 1 | 3× Platinum |
| These Days (ft. Jess Glynne, Macklemore & Dan Caplen) | 2018 | 1 | 3× Platinum |
| Green & Gold (ft. Skepsis, Charlotte Plank & Riko Dan) | 2024 | 18 | - |
| Come Over (ft. Anne-Marie & Tion Wayne) | 2021 | 26 | - |
Tours and live performances
Headlining tours
Rudimental's headlining tours have showcased their high-energy drum and bass sound to global audiences, often supporting album releases and featuring large-scale productions in arenas and international venues.[97] The Home World Tour (2013–2014), supporting their debut album Home, encompassed over 200 dates across the UK, Europe, and the US, including sold-out shows at arenas such as London's O2 Academy Brixton.[98][99] The We the Generation Tour (2015–2016), promoting their second album We the Generation, featured a 21-date global run with 50 shows overall, highlighted by their first headline performance at London's O2 Arena and Australian dates in cities like Sydney and Melbourne.[100][101][27] The Toast to Our Differences Tour (2019), tied to their third album, focused on the UK with around 20 dates, including a 10-show run across cities like Glasgow, Nottingham, and Manchester, alongside an Australian leg in five cities such as Perth and Brisbane; some later international plans were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.[14][102][103] The RUDIM3NTAL Tour (2025) marks a DJ-focused evolution, with an Australian leg in February across five cities including Perth, Adelaide, and Sydney, followed by North American dates in November–December featuring 10 shows in the US and Canada, such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and Toronto. As of November 2025, the North American leg includes performances in Chicago on November 14 and ongoing dates through December.[104][105][55][106] Cumulatively, Rudimental's headlining tours have sold over 1 million tickets, reflecting their growth from club venues to major international stages.[97]Festival appearances and support slots
Rudimental have established themselves as a staple of the international festival circuit since their breakthrough in 2012, with performances at over 200 events worldwide that highlight their high-energy drum and bass sound and collaborative live approach.[107] Their appearances often feature guest vocalists and a mix of hits from across their discography, drawing large crowds and earning them recognition as one of the UK's premier festival acts.[108] Key festival slots include multiple performances at Glastonbury Festival, where they debuted on the West Holts Stage in 2013, delivering a set that blended dubstep, drum and bass, and soulful vocals, including a cover of The Fugees' "Ready or Not."[108] They returned to perform on the Pyramid Stage in 2014, sharing the bill with acts like Arcade Fire and bringing an interactive energy that was cut short by weather but captivated audiences.[109][110] In 2015, they played the Other Stage, and they appeared again in 2023 with a vibrant set featuring tracks like "Waiting All Night."[111][112] Their 2025 slot at Glastonbury further solidified their recurring presence at the event.[69] The band has also been a regular at Reading and Leeds Festivals, with annual appearances from 2014 through 2019 showcasing their evolution from breakout act to festival favorites, often closing out dance tents with anthems like "Feel the Love."[113] They returned in 2025 for high-energy sets across both sites, performing on the Chevron Stage and emphasizing crowd interaction during tracks such as "Nights Like These."[114] Another landmark U.S. festival appearance came at Coachella in 2016, where their Mojave Stage set included staples like "Not Giving In" and "Free," contributing to the event's diverse electronic lineup.[115] In a notable support role that blurred into festival prestige, Rudimental headlined BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend in 2015 at Earlham Park, Norwich, delivering a 50-minute set with songs including "Never Let You Go" and "Waiting All Night" to a massive audience, marking a pivotal moment in their live reputation. Post-pandemic, they adapted with virtual performances before resuming in-person slots, such as their DJ set at Let It Roll Open Air in Milovice, Czech Republic, in 2024, where they played bass-heavy remixes to a drum and bass-focused crowd.[116] More recently, they performed at Electric Avenue Festival in Christchurch, New Zealand, in February 2025, joining a lineup featuring The Prodigy and Chase & Status for a two-day event emphasizing electronic and dance acts.[117] These slots underscore Rudimental's versatility in both headlining and supporting capacities, prioritizing immersive experiences over traditional tour structures.Awards and nominations
Awards won
Rudimental has garnered recognition for their innovative blend of drum and bass with pop and electronic elements, earning several UK-based honors that highlight their breakthrough success and genre revival. In 2014, the group won the Brit Award for British Single for "Waiting All Night" featuring Ella Eyre, a track that topped the UK charts and exemplified their signature high-energy production.[118] They also secured the MOBO Award for Best Album in 2013 for their debut release Home, which was celebrated for introducing fresh, collaborative sounds to urban music audiences.[119] At the UK Festival Awards in 2013, Rudimental were named Breakthrough Act of the Year, reflecting their explosive live performances and rapid ascent in the festival circuit.[120] These victories, among others, emphasize Rudimental's pivotal role in elevating drum and bass within the British music landscape.| Award | Year | Category | Work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brit Awards | 2014 | British Single | "Waiting All Night" (feat. Ella Eyre)[118] |
| MOBO Awards | 2013 | Best Album | Home[119] |
| UK Festival Awards | 2013 | Breakthrough Act of the Year | N/A[120] |