Gorillaz are to replace U2 at this year’s Glastonbury on June 25, following yesterday’s (May 25) news that the Irish band have pulled out because of Bono‘s back injury.
The news was confirmed on Glastonburyfestivals.co.uk, with organiser Michael Eavis saying:
“This is going to be Gorilllaz‘ only UK festival appearance, and it’ll be a massive audio visual spectacle which will really ignite the Pyramid on the Friday night, with Muse, then Stevie Wonder to follow.
“I’m very excited about Gorillaz‘ show coming here because they’re so open to guests and collaborations. The alchemy of Friday’s show is going to be astonishing: a perfect, contemporary way to kick off the 40th anniversary celebrations.
Eavis added: “I am so grateful for the enthusiasm of the media and the whole of the music industry for their willingness and eagerness to support us in what could have been a crisis.”
Gorillaz‘ cartoon member Murdoc Niccals also spoke to the booking, likening the band to “some great big horrible warship pulling in to the Bay of Glastonbury to save the day”.
Niccals also hinted that Gorillaz are likely to bring a host of special guests with them for their performance.
“It was us or The Beatles and they split up years ago. The previous soldiers got pulled from duty last minute so it’s up to my Plastic Beach naval cavalry to sail in and sort the battlefield out. I can assure you though, I’m bringing extra troops. Loads of them. Glastonbury will be ours…cutlasses drawn, trumpets ready. We’re coming in…”
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