PINK Floyd star Dave Gilmour has reportedly had his offer to perform at this year's Glastonbury Festival turned down by organiser Michael Eavis, who said he wasn't interested.
A source told Britain’s The Sun newspaper: “Dave has always had a soft spot for Glastonbury. He has a window in his touring plans and thought he would contact Michael about performing. And while Michael was grateful for the offer he turned it down. He wants the event to appeal to a younger generation and feels that Dave wouldn’t.” The line-up at this year’s Glastonbury has been heavily criticised, with the event failing to sell out as it has in recent years. The lukewarm response has been blamed on the appearance of US rapper Jay-Z, who has proved to be a controversial choice as headliner. Oasis star Noel Gallagher said: "If it isn't broken then don't fix it. If you start to break it then people aren't going to go. I'm sorry, but Jay-Z? No chance. "Glastonbury has a tradition of guitar music… But I'm not having hip-hop at Glastonbury. It's wrong."
Meanwhile, Jay-Z is planning several parties to celebrate his forthcoming Glastonbury festival appearance. The rapper – real name Shawn Carter - is determined not to let critics of his headlining slot at the world famous UK event spoil his fun. He has already ordered cases of £300 bottles of Armand De Brignac champagne for his bashes, which are believed to be taking place in both the US and UK. A source revealed: “After hearing Tom Cruise and Will Smith laid it on at David and Victoria Beckham’s Welcome to America party last year, he wants a piece of the action.” Newlywed Jay-Z – who married long-term girlfriend Beyonce Knowles in a secret ceremony in April – is also set to arrive at the Somerset festival site, famed for its mud and bad weather, in style. The source added to Britain’s Daily Mirror newspaper: “Jay-Z will have a top-of-the-range helicopter to fly him in with champagne and the works.” Jay-Z recently spoke out to defend his appearance at the festival, after numerous people voiced their disapproval about the decision to have a hip-hop artist top the bill. The rap superstar said: "We don't play guitars but hip-hop has put in its work like any other form of music. “The world changes and we have to embrace the change. I've never been involved in anything this controversial. What's the big deal about doing a show?" Glastonbury festival runs over the weekend of June 27-29. Other headline acts include The Verve and the Kings of Leon.
