February 2, 2008 10:37

Jay-Z confirmed to headline Glastonbury 2008

Michael Eavis says rapper will top Pyramid Stage

Photo Gallery: Jay-Z

Jay-Z will headline this year’s Glastonbury festival, organisers have confirmed.

The event’s boss Michael Eavis had previously kicked off speculation as to who would top the bill on the Pyramid Stage this year saying he had booked a big black artist from New York.

Now Eavis has confirmed as NME.COM speculated at the time, that it will indeed by rapper Jay-Z taking the slot.

The likes of Kanye West and Alicia Keyes had also been speculated for the slot, but Jay-Z quickly became the favourite.

Speaking to BBC Somerset, Eavis explained the choice stating he wanted to "break with tradition this time and put on something totally different".

He added: "He (Jay-Z) will appeal to the young people and under-25s for sure, so that's a big pull for them. It's not like the traditional one we do, like Radiohead, Coldplay and Muse and Oasis."

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.

Meanwhile 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.