April 4, 2008 14:48

Michael Eavis to help Jay-Z overcome fear of Glastonbury crowd

Festival boss will personally introduce the rapper onstage

Glastonbury Festival boss Michael Eavis will personally introduce Jay-Z to the crowd when he plays his headline slot on the Pyramid Stage on June 28.

Eavis explained that he is making the introduction himself to allay fears from the rapper and his manager about playing to an unfamiliar crowd.

Speaking to Glastonburyfestivals.co.uk, the festival boss said: "I was discussing it [the headline slot] with Jay-Z and his manager. They were slightly worried about the audience not being a London or Birmingham urban crowd.

"I said, 'OK, I'll do something that I haven't done for the entire 38 year history of the festival ? I'll take you on stage and introduce you to the audience.' And he Jay-Z said, 'Michael, I'll do your show'."

Tickets for the festival go on sale this Sunday (April 6) at 9am. Read NME.COM's guide to getting Glastonbury tickets now.