Glastonbury Festival Organizers Defend Booking Beyonce

Emily Eavis, a booker/promoter behind Britain’s Glastonbury Festival explains why this summer’s concert series will be headlined by U2, Coldplay, and…err Beyonce?

Last week’s announcement that R&B superstar would be taking center stage at the same traditionally rock festival that her husband headlined in 2008 produced a few grumbles, according to Eavis. Jay-Z was the first hip-hop act to star at Glastonbury when he performed three years ago — much to the chagrin of musicians and rock fans alike. Eavis says though bosses have been receiving similar complaints about Beyonce’s closing performance at this June’s event, Glastonbury officials are determined to keep the concert as “diverse” as possible.

“We really want the people who are the masters of their fields, and that’s what she is,” Eavis told Glastonburyfestivals.co.uk. “I went to see her live last year and was blown away by the might of the show. She has such soul, an amazing voice with an incredible, all-female band. She knows how to deliver live, and she packs a big punch – it’s gonna explode!”

Beyonce will serve as the annual event’s closing act, performing a lively 90-minute set on the main Pyramid Stage to round off this summer’s event on Sunday, June 26. The outdoor festival, one of the largest and best-known of its kind, celebrated its 40th anniversary last year. Tickets for this year’s event — which kicks off June 24 — have already have sold out.

“This really is the biggest festival in the world and I cannot wait to perform there. Everyone who attends is really appreciative of music and is in such a good mood that entire weekend,” the singer said last week. “I’m pumped just thinking about that huge audience and soaking up their energy.”

What do you think of the decision to book Beyonce as a Glastonbury headliner?