Lionel Richie For Glastonbury

Lionel Richie has become the first artist officially confirmed for next year’s Glastonbury Festival.

The American superstar will play the Pyramid Stage at the world-famous festival next June, filling the prestigious and coveted Sunday afternoon slot that this year attracted massive publicity when it featured Dolly Parton. The Sunday teatime booking has become one of the highlights of Glastonbury in recent years for featuring major national and international names that might not be expected to appear in that setting.

Glastonbury 2015 takes place between June 24 and 28, with Richie appearing on the closing afternoon. The booking represents his mainstream UK festival debut. “We are over the moon,” says festival organiser Emily Eavis. “We’ve had some amazing performances in the Sunday teatime slot over the years, from Neil Diamond, Shirley Bassey, Paul Simon and many others. And, of course, Dolly Parton played an incredible set this year.

“So we felt very lucky to get the call from a true Motown legend asking to play next year. He’s got so many amazing songs, to see him perform here on the farm is just going to be wonderful.”

“I’m really excited to play Glastonbury next year as it’s one of the most iconic festivals in the world,” says Richie. “It has a phenomenal history and the alumni of artists who have previously played is incredible, so I’m honoured to be joining that club.

“It will be a really special moment for me and I can’t wait to share it with everyone. I can now say ‘Yes, I’m playing Glastonbury’.”

Format: UK English