Green Day - Green Day Bring U.k. Music Festival To A Standstill

The rockers appeared on the NME/Radio 1 Stage at the annual music festival with frontman Billie Joe Armstrong confirming the show shortly before its start via Twitter.com.

The band was rumoured to be appearing at midday but instead began its set at 11am, with Armstrong writing on Twitter, "Green day - Reading Festival Confirmed!! On stage in 45 minutes! In the Nme / Radio 1 tent. 11am!! Be there!"

Delighted revellers flocked to catch the unexpected gig, prompting bosses to close entrances to the tent, forcing people to watch on a large screen outside.

The musicians played songs from various stages of their career including one new tune called Stay The Night from their forthcoming album Uno!.

Armstrong appeared to tease fans about the surprise last Wednesday (22Aug12) and sparked speculation his band would be performing at Reading by writing in a tweet, "Hello England! What rhymes with shredding??!!"

The message was later removed from the microblogging site.