The Edge made the announcement in a video speech played at the NME Awards ceremony
It was the worst kept secret in the music world, but more than a few music fans will be reaching for their wellies and sunglasses following the confirmation by U2 that the band will headline the Glastonbury festival's Friday night slot this year.
U2's guitarist, The Edge, made the announcement in a video speech played at the NME Awards ceremony in London shortly after Glastonbury was named Best Festival.
"Congratulations to Michael and Emily [Eavis] and the rest of the team for the continued success of Glastonbury," he said. "It's more a way of life than a festival."
The musician then recalled his guest appearance with Muse at Glastonbury in 2010, when he joined the British band on the Pyramid stage, before delivering the news that U2 will be playing at the event on 24 June .
"I have to say there is something really special and iconic about that stage. So, we're all looking forward to coming back to pick up where I left off," he said.
"U2 will be playing on June 24. And we're so excited to get to play in front of the world's greatest festival audience. We'll see you there!"
The Irish band was originally set to headline the festival in 2010 but was forced to pull out after its lead singer, Bono, picked up a back injury while preparing for a tour in the US. At the time Bono said: "We really wanted to be there to do something really special. We even wrote a song especially for the festival."
Gorillaz, fronted by Damon Albarn, were late replacements but garnered mixed reviews from fans and critics for their performance at the festival's 40th anniversary. There was also a varied reaction to the announcement by U2.
"U2, Coldplay and Beyonce healing Glastonbury. It's now a festival for the middle class and accountants," tweeted Joe Richardson in York whose displeasure was typical of some others.
However, excitement at the prospect of watching the band at the iconic event was also palpable, with U2's legion of followers tweeting their happiness in a range of languages.
At the NME awards last night, goth rockers My Chemical Romance triumphed with two prizes. The New Jersey outfit were crowned best international band, and also took the award for best video for Na Na Na (Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na).
For the fourth successive year stadium rockers Muse were also winners, walking away with best British band having seen off Arctic Monkeys, Foals, Kasabian and Biffy Clyro.
Laura Marling continued her winning run after picking up a surprise award for best British female at the Brit Awards last week, which saw sales of her acclaimed second album 'I Speak Because I can' leap as a result, moving from No 80 to No 21 in the chart. Last night at the Brixton Academy, she picked up a gong for best solo artist, seeing off challenges from starrier names, such as Kanye West.
