The Welsh band the Stereophonics will be the headline act at the annual Slane concert in August. The members of the band, voted Best International Artists at this year's Meteor Irish Music Awards, flew into Dublin yesterday to publicise this year's concert line-up.
The band's frontman Kelly Jones told those attending the launch at the Four Season's Hotel in Ballsbridge that the band was "absolutely thrilled" to be playing Slane and following in the footsteps of "the legends" who had headlined the event in the past. With him were band-mates Stuart Cable and Richard Jones.
Promoters MCD expect to see 80,000 fans flocking to the natural amphitheatre at Slane Castle for the concert on Saturday, August 24th. Slane Castle, which will host its 21st concert this year, has played host over the years to U2, The Verve, Oasis, Robbie Williams, REM, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and Thin Lizzy.
Lord Henry Mountcharles, the castle's owner, said a very special headline act was required to follow U2's sellout shows last year.
"We've got that with the Stereophonics who are a world-class live act. I've seen them several times and they've never failed to deliver a stunning live show," he said.
The support bill for Slane 2002 includes Nickelbrack, Doves, Counting Crows and the Irish band, The Revs.
Tickets, priced at €49.50, go on sale on Saturday June 15th.
It has just been announced that The Revs are to play at the Heineken Green Energy Festival which takes place in Cork this coming bank holiday weekend.
The Revs join a host of other top international and Irish acts who will perform at the Munster Showgrounds. They include The Frames & Damien Rice tomorrow; Van Morrison on Saturday; De La Soul & Lo Fidelity Allstars on Sunday and Bryan Ferry on Monday.