Jay-Z, whose appearance at Glastonbury last year irked Noel Gallagher but thrilled the Somerset masses, will headline next year’s Isle of Wight festival, it was announced today. The US rapper will appear on the Friday night, with fellow New Yorkers The Strokes doing the honours on Saturday. Other acts include Pink, Blondie, Orbital and Squeeze.
The Strokes recently picked up the NME album of the decade award for their 2001 debut, Is This It.Pink, who has achieved more than 23m album sales, has been announced as a special guest for the Sunday night.
Festival promoter John Giddings said: “Ever since I heard the first Strokes album, I’ve wanted them for the Isle of Wight. Jay-Z and Pink are two of the best live acts I have ever seen and the Blondie hits speak for themselves. I can’t wait.”Some 55,000 music fans are expected to attend the festival, which runs at Seaclose park, Newport, between 11 and 13 June. Tickets go on sale this Friday.
