Blur have been announced as headliners for the Isle of Wight Festival.
Following the announcement of the Britpop veterans’ “surprise” new album The Magic Whip, the four-piece, headed by Damon Albarn, have confirmed their appearance at the first major festival of the summer.
They join fellow headliners Fleetwood Mac, The Black Keys and The Prodigy, and other acts already named including Pharrell Williams, Paolo Nutini, Jessie Ware, James Bay, Billy Idol, Paul Oakenfold and The Charlatans.
Blur guitarist Graham Coxon said: “These summer shows are going to be quite different to the gigs we did a few years back. We’re excited to play the new record live and we’ll have some surprises in store for the fans too.”
Bassist Alex James said: “The British summer is just not complete without a trip to a festival. We’ve never played Isle of Wight Festival before so we’re really looking forward to this one. And we get to take our tour bus on a boat.”
Isle of Wight Festival promoter John Giddings said: “I’m a huge fan of Blur and have always wanted to bring them to the Isle of Wight Festival so I’m really pleased we’ve finally done it. I know they’re going to blow the crowd away on the Saturday night – see you down the front.”
Music fans have reacted to the news on Twitter.
The Isle of Wight Festival, now in its 14th year, takes place at Seaclose Park, Newport, between June 11 and 14.
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