Glasto 2005: U2 and Prince in the frame!
Photographer:John Bownas
29 June 2004
Despite this year's festival site turning into a rain-drenched mud bath, festival
organiser Michael Eavis has heralded the event "the best Glastonbury ever" and confirmed it will be full steam ahead
for 2005.
And as exclusively revealed by Virtual Festivals last week, U2
have been lined-up to headline!
Eavis said: "I say this every year but it just keeps getting better and better.
There will definitely be a festival next year and then we will take 2006 off. I've agreed a headline act today. It's a band who
have never headlined here before - and let's just say the number 2 is very involved!"
Describing Sir Paul McCartney's
set as "the best thing I have ever seen" while dismissing Oasis as "grumpy",
Eavis hinted he would be picking up his efforts to sign Prince for next year, but denied rumours that the
Rolling Stones are being chased to co-headline.
He said: "I try to get them (Rolling
Stones) every year, but it won't be next year. We just missed out on Prince this time, but I'm
hopeful for next year - if I can persuade him to get on a plane!"
The festival's founder also
hinted that the impressively smooth running of this year's event could pave the way for an increase in the number
of tickets allocated - possibly by as much as 20,000. They could be allocated via a lottery system.
He said: "We may increase numbers
yet. I haven't decided yet. But Glastonbury will carry on getting bigger and bigger. I'm 70 next year but have never felt
like retiring. We are going to be here a long time yet."
Festival officials and police have reported that revellers
remained in "good spirits" throughout the weekend, as crime rates plummeted.
The infamous 'toilet police' received
an overall positive reaction in their efforts persuading people to use the cubicles, rather than streams and
bushes. Pollution rates were down.
And touts were virtually eradicated, with only four found loitering outside
the site's perimeter.
When Virtual Festivals asked Eavis if a knighthood may be on the cards, he laughed:
"That's not really my thing. I don't know if I'd even be able to accept it!"
Sir Eavis or not, it's
looking good for next year already!
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