Fatboy Slim to headline at Bestival

FATBOY Slim aka Norman Cook has been announced as the Friday night headliner for this year's Bestival.

The performance coincides with the dance god's birthday and promises to be a show to remember.

Norman said: “It was at Glastonbury 2003 where I closed the Sunday Best stage for [Bestival founder] Rob da Bank that I first saw the glint in his eye to create his own festival. 

"12 months later I was headlining Bestival and TEN years on, here I am again, throwing them the biggest birthday bash possible and sharing the main stage alongside Elton John and Snoop Dogg. 

"It’s an absolute honour to return for this momentous occasion – staying creative and independent in these times. You've come a long way, baby!"

As well as those headliners, the festival will also feature M.I.A, Franz Ferdinand, The Flaming Lips, Wu Tang Clan, Bombay Bicycle Club and many others.

The festival takes place at the Robin Hill Country Park, Isle of Wight, from September 5th-8th.

For more details, including ticketing, visit http://2013.bestival.net/

Elton John appears on new QOTSA

ELTON John has confirmed he plays on the forthcoming Queens Of The Stone Age album.

The 65-year-old made the revelation to sometime QOTSA drummer Dave Grohl, who was guest presenting the US TV show Chelsea Lately.

But the singer/songwriter/pianist/diva admitted the experience was a little unusual, having joined Josh Homme and the boys after recording with Engelbert Humperdinck.

He told Grohl: "I went down and sang with him and then drove three blocks, in the Valley, I went from Engelbert to Queens of the Stone Age, which was, you know, a bit of a mind-fuck."

Grohl told of how the dry-witted Elton asked the QOTSA guys whether he would be playing a ballad and also said he is not often asked to contribute to other artists' albums because they assume he will turn them down.

But he pointed out that he played on Alice In Chains' Black Gives Way To Blue in 2009.

The new QOTSA album is due out this year.

Sir Elton and Snoop Dogg to headline Bestival

YOU certainly can't accuse the organisers of Bestival of not offering an eclectic mix of music at this year's festival with Elton John and Snoop Dogg announced as its headliners for Saturday and Sunday nights.

This year is the 10th anniversary festival and Sir Elton and Snoop will be joined on the bill by the likes of M.I.A., Franz Ferdinand, The Flaming Lips, The Knife, Wu-Tang Clan, Bombay Bicycle Club, The Roots and many more.

“I haven’t played any of the major festivals in the UK in recent years, so when the opportunity to play Bestival came up I was very interested," said Sir Elton. "I’ve heard that the Bestival audience comes in fancy dress and I can’t wait to see that, they must all look amazing from the stage. 

"At various times I have worn enormous feathered head-dresses, cloaks, hot pants, jumpsuits, clown suits, Donald Duck, Minnie Mouse, French Maid, The Eiffel Tower and The Statue of Liberty onstage! Wearing fancy dress makes us all feel less inhibited so I think it’s a great way to enjoy live music."

Bestival takes place from September 5-8 at Robin Hill Country Park, Isle of Wight, England.

For the full festival line up - including which DJs will be playing sets - visit the official website at www.Bestival.net

Tickets are on sale now with a wealth of ticket types and payment options. For more, visit www.ticketline.co.uk/bestival-tickets