February 11, 2009 17:30

'No Oasis or Kings Of Leon' for Isle Of Wight festival

Festival founder rules out two rumoured acts

Isle Of Wight Festival organiser John Giddings has dropped hints over who might be headlining the this year's event along with The Prodigy.

He did though rule out two names previously rumoured to be linked with the 2009 festival.

Giddings, who was speaking after appearing on NME Radio's weekly Forum, said that negotiations with possible Saturday (June 13) and Sunday (14) headliners were still taking place, saying that both acts were guitar-based.

Speaking to NME.COM, he quashed industry rumours that Oasis and Kings Of Leon were set to play at the event.

"It's definitely neither of those," he said. "I can honestly tell you it's neither."

He added: "We're negotiating with the headliners for the Saturday and Sunday. They're definitely guitar bands."

Although he would not be drawn on possible headline names, Gidding did give a clue as to who might appear at the festival further down the bill.

"I was thinking about booking The Zombies," he said, because they did 'Odessey And Oracle' [the 1968 album the band played in full at 2008 shows, and are set to play live again at UK dates in April]. They're amazing, because they have musicianship. You don't have bands like that any more."

As well as The Prodigy, Basement Jaxx, The Ting Tings and Pendulum are confirmed for the festival, which kicks off on June 12.

To check the availability of Isle Of Wight tickets and get all the latest listings, go to NME.COM/GIGS now, or call 0871 230 1094.