Elbow confirm themselves for Glastonbury

United Kingdom | by Andrew Future | 13 February 2008

Elbow will play at Glastonbury this year, the band confirmed last night.

Unveiling their new album, The Seldom Seen Kid, in west London, the Manchester-based five piece confirmed their appearance as singer Guy Garvey continually engaged the audience in conversation throughout the show.

Responding to cheers from the crowd at the announcement, Garvey said: "No, thank Emily Eavis, she's over there."

The secret show at the Porchester Hall was a fitting comeback for Elbow, who haven't played a gig in two years. Their fourth album will be released on Polydor in March, following the band's second major label break, most recently from V2. "We've now got a full set of major labels behind us," Garvey had previously said.

The band mixed in old favourites such as 'Red' and 'Fugitive Motel' with new songs 'Loneliness of a Tower Crane Driver' and new single 'Grounds For Divorce', released 10 March. The best receptions were reserved for 'Station Approach' off their last album, and the classic 'New Born', which Garvey dedicated to a pregnant fan in the front row.

Speaking at the aftershow, Garvey admitted it was great to be back.

Emily Eavis also confirmed that there would be 'plenty of surprises' to come from this year's Glastonbury Festival line up.

The Seldom Seen Kid is released on 17 March through Fiction/Polydor.