Lionel Richie confirms Glastonbury slot

OHMYGOSSIP — Lionel Richie has confirmed he will perform at Glastonbury festival next year, following in the footsteps of Dolly Parton by filling the legends’ slot.

The ‘All Night Long’ hitmaker has confirmed he will follow in the footsteps of country singer Dolly Parton by playing in the Legends’ slot at the English music festival next summer.

He said: “I’m really excited to play Glastonbury next year as it’s one of the most iconic festivals in the world. It has a phenomenal history. The alumni of artists that have previously played is incredible, I’m so 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’.”

The 65-year-old star – who is playing a number of dates in the UK and Europe next year – is the first act announced for the 2015 line-up so far.

Festival organiser Emily Eavis shared her excitement, saying: “He’s one of the great soul legends. He’s got some incredible songs and I think he will get people on their feet. There will be a lot of love out there for Lionel.”

The singer-songwriter previously revealed his interest in playing the festival earlier this year after hearing Dolly had drawn in a crowd of 175,000 people.

Other artists rumoured to be in talks to perform at Glastonbury next year include Taylor Swift, Foo Fighters, Fleetwood Mac and Oasis.