For U2 fans who are disappointed in the band’s recent tour postponement and Glastonbury cancelation, fear not. A band who sounds nothing like U2 will be taking their slot. Gorillaz, who for some reason weren’t already playing the festival, have announced they will be filling in for Bono and crew on June 25 at Glastonbury.
Festival organizer Michael Eavis offered the news on the festival’s website earlier today. “This is going to be Gorilllaz’ only UK festival appearance, and it’ll be a massive audio visual spectacle, which will really ignite the Pyramid on the Friday night, with Muse, then Stevie Wonder to follow. I’m very excited about Gorillaz’ show coming here because they’re so open to guests and collaborations. The alchemy of Friday’s show is going to be astonishing: a perfect, contemporary way to kick off the 40th anniversary celebrations. I am so grateful for the enthusiasm of the media and the whole of the music industry for their willingness and eagerness to support us in what could have been a crisis.”
Murdoc Niccols, cartoon frontman of Gorillaz, also gave a statement of sorts on the band’s new gig, hinting at possible special guests. “We’re like some great big horrible warship pulling in to the Bay of Glastonbury to save the day,” Niccols said. “It was us or The Beatles and they split up years ago. The previous soldiers got pulled from duty last minute so it’s up to my Plastic Beach naval cavalry to sail in and sort the battlefield out. I can assure you, though, I’m bringing extra troops. Loads of them. Glastonbury will be ours… cutlasses drawn, trumpets ready. We’re coming in…”
Glastonbury takes place from Wednesday June 23 through Sunday June 28. The festival is sold out, but you can likely watch bad cell phone videos of Gorillaz’ set on the Internet the next day. We’ll see you there.