Eavis Picks His Subjects

Glastonbury chief Michael Eavis was happy to talk about the advance ticket sales for 2009 but was much quieter when it came to talking about headliners.

“We’ve sold 110,000 including those who’ve taken up an option to buy.”

Asked if Blur and Bruce Springsteen would be among the headliners, he told Pollstar, “I really can’t talk about it. It wouldn’t be right to do that – not at the moment.”

Eavis promised that those who bought a ticket – or an option – will be delighted when the acts are announced.

“We only have to do another 30,000 and, when we announce the bill, I’m confident that they’ll go in a matter of minutes,” Eavis said.

Glastonbury, which won the Pollstar award for Best International Festival in 2005, 2006 and 2008, had a somewhat controversial year.

Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher and several newspaper columnists criticized Eavis for booking Jay-Z, but the fans diasgreed as the U.S. rapper’s rendition of Oasis hit “Wonderwall” was voted the most memorable moment of the U.K. festival season.

The award was the result of a fan vote at virtualfestivals.com.

Glastonbury also took the best major festival category, and Eavis himself was honoured with the outstanding contribution award.