Queen 'ready to tear it up' at Isle of Wight Festival

Updated

Rock legends Queen have been announced as headliners with singer Adam Lambert at next year's Isle of Wight Festival.

The Sunday-night show will be the band's debut performance at a UK music festival which guitarist Brian May says former frontman Freddie Mercury would have loved to attend.

He said: "I think Queen at The Isle of Wight Festival is a date that was long overdue. How incredible to take on this challenge at this point in our lives.

"With an injection of new blood in the shape of the incredible Adam Lambert, Queen will be ready to tear it up on this legendary stage in 2016. Freddie would have loved it. Can't wait."

Drummer Roger Taylor added: "When I think of The Isle of Wight Festival, I think of Hendrix, Dylan and The Who. What immortal company to be in.

"Queen are thrilled to be there and can promise a special night."

Lambert, whose single Ghost Town has been streamed more than 100 million times, said: "I'm so excited to be a part of the Isle of Wight Festival and share the stage once again with the Queen family.

"I adore making music with Roger and Brian, and am thrilled to help continue their legacy into 2016.

"It is true I have large shoes to fill, so I'm urgently planning on searching for a new pair of boots (or 5) to wear for the set."

The act are the first headliners to be announced for the festival which will be marking its 15th year since the classic festivals of the 1970s were relaunched by promoter John Giddings.

He said: "It's an honour for us to have Queen and Adam Lambert at our festival. It's the perfect way for us to celebrate our 15th anniversary.

"Queen's music appeals to people of all generations and it's hard to think of another band with such a famous collection of songs.

"It's going to be an incredible moment for The Isle of Wight Festival when they share these songs with us."

The Isle of Wight Festival, which has seen headliners including the Foo Fighters, The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, The Killers, Coldplay, Blur and Fleetwood Mac, will take place at Seaclose Park, Newport, from June 9 to 12 next year.

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