Bono Says U2 Are 'Delighted and Humbled' Over Glastonbury

Posted on Dec 1st 2009 4:47AM by Stephen Dowling
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U2 have said they are "delighted and humbled" with the prospect of playing Glastonbury next year -- and have promised to hit the stage running for their first time at the festival.

The band have been announced as the Friday (Jun. 25) headliner at the 40th anniversary festival.

Bono told the BBC News website, "Everyone in the band is very excited about it." The headline slot will be the first time the band have played a festival in 25 years. It will take place in the middle of their North American tour.

The singer spoke to the BBC at the launch of an anti-Aids/HIV event in London, "Lace Up. Save Lives," which asks people to buy red shoe laces to fund anti-Aids programmes. Asked if he would use the headline slot to campaign for the cause, Bono said: "I think it will just be about the music on that day, and that spirit that seems to take over everybody in that sacred ground.

"We'll certainly be well-rehearsed, we'll be coming straight from the tour," he added.

No other headliners have so far been announced for next year's Glastonbury, although Muse have been widely tipped to play.

David Bowie, who closed the festival as Sunday night headliner in 2000, has denied rumours he will play.