The Guardian (UK) 9th Feb 2008 -
Rosie Swash:
Jay-Z and Kings of Leon top the bill at Glastonbury
· Indie veterans the Verve return to the stage
· Eclectic line-up to include folk icon Leonard Cohen
The strains of Big Pimpin' will ring out across the fields of Somerset this summer after the organisers of Glastonbury confirmed that the US rapper Jay-Z will be headlining this year's festival, along with Kings of Leon and the Verve.
After months of speculation, in which names such as Radiohead and Led Zeppelin seemed the most likely contenders for the Pyramid stage, the headliners were finally disclosed yesterday.
Organiser Emily Eavis said: "Kings of Leon have played at Glastonbury several times, from starting in the new bands tent a few years back, and the Verve are an all-time classic Glastonbury band."
Eavis, however, seemed most excited about the prospect of a "historical" performance from rapper Jay-Z, saying: "Not only is it amazing for us to have Jay-Z at Glastonbury, because he's such a truly great artist, but it's also really exciting because Glastonbury has always been about doing things differently, and breaking from tradition, which we're doing by headlining with a hip-hop artist."
A very different character has also been announced as part of the festival's line-up. Leonard Cohen, poet, novelist and singer/songwriter, will take the stage after shunning live performances for more than 10 years. The enigmatic Cohen recently announced he would embark on his first tour for 14 years.
The 73-year-old will not be the only elder statesman at Glastonbury this year. Neil Diamond, who has just turned 67, has agreed to play for a fraction of his normal fee. "I can't tell you what we're paying him, but it's very little. He just wants to be here, bless him," said Emily's father, Michael Eavis.
Although the organisers have done their best to ensure this year's festival attracts a younger crowd, the lure of the reformed Verve is likely to attract a legion of 30 and 40-somethings nostalgic for the 1990s. "The Verve are a classic Glastonbury band who've played some amazing sets at the festival over the years," said Emily Eavis. "Now that they're back together again, playing brilliant shows, we've finally got them doing the headline slot that they've always deserved. I can't wait."
Other acts confirmed are Hot Chip and the Brazilian band CSS, who will be headlining the festival's Park stage, which proved popular when it was introduced last year and played host to acts such as Kate Nash and Damon Albarn's Africa Express. Glastonbury 2008 will take place from Friday 27 to Sunday 29 June.