Fans react to Jay-Z Glastonbury headline announcement

Jay Z

How has the news gone down with music fans across the world?

Feb 4, 2008
38 Comments
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They announcement that Jay-Z is to play a headline slot at this year’s Glastonbury festival has had an early negative reception from fans.

Many music fans have logged on to NME.COM to vent their displeasure at the booking.

One NME.COM user, ‘jamesthomas000’, described the booking as a "disaster", saying that "Jay-Z doesn’t suit Glastonbury at all".

‘meg.rah15’ described the news as “tragic”, while ‘beefster’ wrote, “What a load of shite”. ‘d73375’ added: "Michael Eavis has just ruined the image of Glastonbury in one swoop."

There was some support for the announcements, however, with ‘gingerdave2008’ writing that "Jay-Z is excellent."

Paulinho1980 called on fans to get behind the booking, declaring: "Can all you people stop being ridiculous. Jay-Z is excellent...I am a regular festival goer but don't have a closeted vision of what good music is."

While dcajoe added: "Great news. Didn't even bother registering last year but this year, after hearing this, I definately will... No one 'doesn't suit Glasto', that's the whole point of the festival and why it's different."

Have your say by commenting on the news story.

Meanwhile, to be able to buy a ticket when they go on sale on April 6, fans must register with the festival’s anti touting measures. Check out NME.COM's handy guide to Glastonbury Festival ticket registration now.

The other act confirmed for the event which takes place between June 27 and 29 is Neil Diamond who will play the Sunday afternoon “veterans” slot on the Pyramid Stage.

Organisers hope to keep the rest of the line-up under wraps until June.

The Shockwaves NME Awards 2008 are coming soon – and it’s time to have your say. Vote now by heading to NME.COM/awardsvote and you could win VIP tickets to the ceremony, which takes place in London on February 28.

Jay-Z tickets:

Jul 15, 2008 at BIC, Bournemouth - Check availability
Jul 16, 2008 at International Arena, Cardiff - Check availability
Jul 19, 2008 at Evening News Arena, Manchester - Check availability

More Jay-Z tickets

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Comments (38)

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Evil_Bob

Feb 4, 2008

Its not going to stop me going but it is going to stop me going anywhere near where he is.

AlexG89

Feb 4, 2008

Great to see Eavis has booked Jay-Z, it'll make a change from three rock bands as was last year. I don't see why Jay-Z is any less credible or his music any less 'real' than, say, Radiohead, Muse or The Killers. Not everyone likes every kind of music, but I'm sure there'll still be a massive turn out to see the Jigga..I for one will be there

citizenidiot

Feb 4, 2008

An important move personally as when I have been to Glastonbury there is such a dearth of young people there that this should encourage a new infllux. Its not unfair to say that older people tend not to see newer bands (or at least in the same numbers as youth). If Glastonbury doesnt move on it will become irrelevant.

markcocky1986

Feb 4, 2008

I saw Jay-Z in Manchester, an absolute treat of a gig. Jay-Z does not gather the same crowd as 50 Cent (who comes onstage with 20 other 'hench' blokes and shouts down his mic).

I think it will be a great success.

thelicks55

Feb 5, 2008

this really is something that could make history.
good to see a festival breaking out of the run of the mill white indie bands.
he will be incredible

dani258

Feb 5, 2008

What the hell was Eavis thinking! Jat Z is rubbish and has no talent at all.
Dey keep the tradition of putting on radiohead to headline or Coldplay

Mcop1son

Feb 5, 2008

As others have said, i'll still go but I'm hoping the Other Stage will hold better performers (I dont have anything wrong with Jay-z, hes just not a festival performer)

comedy king

Feb 5, 2008

this is the start of american music taking over. rap has blasted the world of rock in the states and i guarantee that in five years this will be normal. please stop this infection while you can. nothing against jay-z but still it is the beginning of the end.

fj1234

Feb 5, 2008

I'm all for Eavis putting on someone who's a bit different, but his claim that its something for the younger fans becomes null & void when you notice that Jay Z has retired god knows how many times, and his comeback album was horrific. He's about as relevant to young people as talent is to The Automatic.
He's missed a trick by not putting on Kanye, a real showman and personality.

chillbilly85

Feb 5, 2008

Having been at reading festival when 50 cent played, I am not feeling to confident about Jay Z's reception at Glastonbury. Sounds like a bottle barrage to me.

But I hope not, Jay Z is immensely talented and I cant think of a better rapper out there and I'm it will be a success (just as long as Beyonce doesnt start popping up everywhere in his set.)

MAD_FER_IT

Feb 5, 2008

Without a doubt the worst possible news. They need a huge bad to headline not some useless hip hop wank!

howlin pete

Feb 5, 2008

I would have been more excited if Kanye was announced, but I think with Jay-Z as headliner it will path way to more big rap artists performing at the festival, something I think it has missed. To those who think this is a 'disaster', have you ever been to glastonbury? Or any festival? I didn't see one pyramid stage headliner last year, and I had a great time. Just open your mind, for your own sake, theres plenty more to do.

Alexchil

Feb 5, 2008

ThereÂ´s no way out of it, now Glastonbury its contaminated...This is a ROCK/POP festival

James_G

Feb 5, 2008

Haha, is this article a joke? Talk about sensational garbage. Anyway, I think it's an inspired choice, Jay-Z is superb, for anyone whose heard his MTV Unplugged CD will know, that he can put on an amazing show. I'm sure for something like Glasto he'll pull out all the stops and come with a live band, hopefully The Roots, like on MTV. Just watch this if you don't believe me:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeSWMG6Tlhg

maryrog

Feb 5, 2008

JAY Z CAN FUCK OFF.

waterbob22

Feb 5, 2008

not fussed about jay z - more concerned that neil diamond is playing - its hardly new music is it?

loftyrhino

Feb 5, 2008

After making the journey to Glastonbury from the U.S. for two of the past three years, I think I'll head to Coachella or one of the other U.S. festivals. Neil Diamond might have some nostalgic charm, Jay-Z as a headliner does nothing for me. I saw him get Trumped by 50 Cent a few years ago at a Rock The Mic gig and haven't really been into him since. I'll miss you Glastonbury!

bengluke88

Feb 5, 2008

Real shame about the negative reaction: one of the most influential artists of our generation. Still, what more can you expect from a bunch of 30 year old coldplay fans?

clued_up_Jarman

Feb 5, 2008

Michael Eavis has managed to alienate the horde of fans who have been travelling to Glastonbury for years in one announcement. Im all for interesting and ecclectic music but am still of the opinion that rap music is just talking fast over a repetitive beat. After looking at some of the comments for his videos on youtube it looks as though Glastonbury this year will be filled with illiterate cretinous twats. Oh and just to maybe help sway your narrow minded babbling "bengluke88", im not 30 and im not a fan of Coldplay.

the_royal_wee

Feb 5, 2008

eavis has lost the plot but glasto still rocks. what happened to lost vagueness though???

LaRacle

Feb 5, 2008

What a big load of old bollocks!!
I'll be as far away as possible from this filth!!

sinsybinsy

Feb 5, 2008

This is history. In the making. Jay-Z will bring a fresh flavour. It shows that Michael Eavis is moving with the times and trends in popular music, I personally can't wait. Jay-z is a lover of rock music too. Look at his track record. Don't be anxious glasto fans, this is not your average rapper.

He is as important as 2Pac or biggie. And it's got nothing to do with him being black or underground, the man has a brain. "I'm from rags to riches n***as i aint dumb"... Truzzzzzzzzzzzz me

Antarctic Funky

Feb 5, 2008

can you mosh to jay-z : no
can you rave to jay-z : no
bring your deckchairs people

Liam_Is_God

Feb 5, 2008

you people who are moaning about this are all idiots, you get to see one of the greatest artists in the history or hip hop, and I guess its the whole hip hop thing that you're too narrow minded to accept...half of you are probably Cribs fans

Rajtastic

Feb 5, 2008

I'm not a great fan of Jay-Z, but I think Eavis has made the right choice as a good festival should have an eclectic line-up.

Indy fans can be the most boring and conformist people going.

Anway, I'm off to Benicassim.....

AdamShanklyUK

Feb 5, 2008

Neil Diamond and Jay-Z, two reasons I'm not going to Glastonbury this year

Gregblade05

Feb 5, 2008

Glastonbury has always tried to attract diverse music acts to draw in diverse music fans. All these people are moaning about Jay-Z headlining, but they are not offering any alternatives. Why not? Because they know that Radiohead, Muse, The Cilliâ€™s etc. who are renowned as been some of the best live bands in the world have played the festivals, theyâ€™ve headlined the main stages. While Jay-Z isnâ€™t new to music heâ€™s someone new to festivals who is capable putting on an amazing show. Iâ€™ll admit I was hoping for Kanye West when it was announced it would be black solo artist, but I am not disappointed with it being Jay-Z.

Antartic Funky â€“ Who would you have suggested to headline? If you want someone to Mosh to go to Download, if you want music to Rave to then go to Creamfields.

I cant see what everyones problem is, most other bands have been seen by most, how many people can say they have seen Jay-Z in the UK?? Itâ€™s a great opportunity to see an entertainer that very rarely does this kind of show.

Give him a chance, and if your too narrow minded, have fun at Reading, watching the usual predictable line upâ€¦â€¦â€¦â€¦.

vince_vega

Feb 5, 2008

ridiculous, simply ridiculous! So why do we need to promote rap by artificial means? Why not have a jazz or death metal band fr example? Rap is the pop music of the twenty first century, but Glastonbury has always tried to stay away from silly mainstream garbage. Very, very disappointing. No Led Zep and a rubbish headliner instead, this is a double blow.

twizzle

Feb 5, 2008

Isn't the spirit of Glastonbury, the experience and a sense of being one with strangers who for a time share common ideals in an unidealic world. Jay Z is a rampant capitalist and capatalism has shown to bring disparity to people through illusionary competition. At Glastonbury you have all you need for a dreamlike length of time. I'm sure Jay Z's songs of bling, money and conquests will be very suited to all it stood for. Can i get a hell yeah! What! What!

chrishumble

Feb 6, 2008

glastonbury isnt rock/pop, its the 'festival for contemporary performing arts', rap is one of them. jay-z is headlining, get over it. i dont particularly like him but if i manage to get a ticket i will just go and see someone else, you arent forced to see him! glastonbury stayed away from mainstream? Kylie was planned for 2005.....dont forget there are still 2 main stage headliners to be announced!

Garry Smith

Feb 6, 2008

Not an obvious choice but whatever perhaps the Circus Tent would have been a more apropriate venue to the Main Stage

Room6060

Feb 6, 2008

The objections to this have the faint whiff of prejudice and I'm not talking simply the Rock vs. Rap fight. When 57th Dynasty or any other of the smaller groups played Glasto back in the day on the smaller stages no one much cared. But a festival about music and individuality headlines fresh white trainers instead of dirty skinny jeans and all of a sudden it's an outrage. Regardless of you personal taste, or distaste for Jigga and mainstream Hip Hop you need that he IS a talented artist with a justified fan base. I never liked fucking Texas or Pete Tong until I saw the mainstage and loved them both. Half the reason you go to these festivals is to see and learn something new. Stop hating on Hov.

themainburger

Feb 7, 2008

Roc-A-Fella forever...Hov' for life....f*ck the begrudgers and sissy emo kids

andywoo

Apr 7, 2008

I reckon Jay-Z's awesome and certainly hope he doesn't pull out of this year's festival.

Soulpole2000

Apr 9, 2008

The whole point of Glastonbury is the showcasing of music for all tastes. If you don't like hip-hop then go and watch one of the other 30 acts that are likely to be on at the same time or alternatively if you're that bothered go and drink cheap cider with the rest of the EMO freaks on a piece of wasteland somewhere that weekend.

LukeOlds

Apr 9, 2008

dani 258....i dont know how you have got the bollocks to even comment on this story when you have just illustrated your lack of knowledge when it comes to music. Jay is the best at what he does today....go and do some research on him and the come back and say he has no talent...sick of the narrowminded "music fans" on here...

Rajtastic

Apr 15, 2008

I can't see what the big deal is - if you don't like an artist go and see something else. I've been to Glastonbury on a number of occassions and that was the attitude I took.The reason that ticket sales are down are the high cost of tickets and the chance of potential bad weather (again).I, like many of my friends are instead going to Bennicassim. We went last year and the set list was good and varied; the weather was excellent; and the tickets weren't too expensive. We all said that we would never attend a festival in the UK again.

RaviSandhu

Jun 28, 2008

YOU LOT ARE SO STUPID IT MAKES ME LAUGHHe will buy out any other singer on the planet in a minute, and you say he has no talent?He will wipe the fuck outta coldplay and all the rest of the acts at glastonbury, after all he has went platnium numerous times. The reason people don't want him there is because they're scared he will attract a younger crowd and a lot of people think it's going to attract more blacks to glastonbury, and all I have to say about that is thats so messed up, the society we live in.Learn to accept good music, fools.