With ticket pre-sales just around the corner, the rumours have begun as to who will be headlining 2014’s Glastonbury Festival.
Michael Eavis sparked much speculation whilst talking to the NME at this year’s AIM Awards when he hinted towards who will be headlining next year’s Glastonbury festival. A simple but indefinite claim has spun fans into quick-fire frenzy, frantically reading up on their Glasto history as Eavis revealed that the possible headliners consist of “three bands who haven’t played Glastonbury, and that’s important. There aren’t many bands left who haven’t played the festival”.
Satisfying returning Glasto fans in 2014 may prove difficult for next year’s headliners, playing to an audience who left this year with Jagger shaped imprints etched onto their hearts; so, who’s up to the challenge?
The grapevine currently suggests Madonna and Prince may be making an appearance; with Prince harbouring new material it could be the perfect opportunity for a comeback performance. However Eavis’ use of the term ‘band’ has moved discussion onto Daft Punk – who were rumoured for this year, and Fleetwood Mac; also rumoured for this year but who had arranged a US tour which clashed with the festival.
There are still many big names which are yet to check Glastonbury off of their bucket lists; for example Bon Jovi, The Stone Roses and Pearl Jam have, perhaps surprisingly, never headlined the festival. Following 2011’s sensational headliner; Queen Bee, Beyonce, perhaps a more current artist such as Rihanna may fill the slot. Having got a taste for The Other Stage at this year’s festival, Beady Eye’s Liam Gallagher has also hinted at an Oasis reunion which could well take place on the Pyramid Stage.
Festival organiser Emily Eavis told NME earlier this year that at the top of her wishlist is Adele and Led Zeppelin; “I mean Zeppelin have got to do it haven’t they? It would be so good, wouldn’t it.” Albeit, her wishlist features on a napkin pinned to her fridge, but it’s still worth considering.
Amongst all of the uncertainty and whilst nothing is yet confirmed, seemingly safe bets are rested on an appearance from Depeche Mode and Elbow, both of whom currently feature on eFestivals predicted line up. Having already played the Pyramid Stage in 2011 however it is unlikely that Elbow will appear as headliners, leaving the slot still open for the taking.
Watch the mystery unfold here.
