Hip-hop hits Glastonbury - Is this the future of festivals?

This summer, Glastonbury has made the surprise decision to headline the US rapper Jay-Z, instead of the traditional rock band that graces every major UK festival.

Amid accusations that the festival has become too middle aged, the decision appears to be based on the desire to draw in a new younger generation whilst discouraging the older festival goer.

Glastonbury has always prided itself on being a diverse festival and breaking with tradition, as this year's headliners clearly illustrates.

Organisers seem excited by the prospect of trialling such an unusual act.

"Eavis... seemed most excited about the prospect of a "historical" performance from rapper Jay-Z, saying: "Not only is it amazing for us to have Jay-Z at Glastonbury, because he's such a truly great artist, but... because Glastonbury has always been about doing things differently... which we're doing by headlining with a hip-hop artist." (The Guardian, 09/02/08)

Glastonbury recently made the somewhat controversial decision to appoint rapper Jay-Z as one of its 2008 festival headliners. Are we looking at the future of music festivals?

Kirsty Birkett-Stubbs

However based on the recent poor registration figures it seems that perhaps fans do not share Eavis's enthusiasm.

"But registration is significantly down this year... Eavis admitted that the choice of headliners - Kings of Leon, Jay-Z and the Verve - might account for the decline." (The Guardian, 30/03/08)

The issue may be down to the fact that whilst an artist like Jay-Z may draw in a younger crowd, a more established act like The Who has many generations of fans.

There is also the view that many older rock bands may not continue performing for much longer and so fans feel seeing them may be a 'once in a lifetime' opportunity.

Whilst there are many conflicting opinions on this subject, it seems many people are prepared to tolerate if not support the decision, recognising Jay-Z's position as an influential and prominent new artist.

"Jay-Z is one of the biggest artists out there and just because he makes hip hop I don't think he should be excluded from Glastonbury.

Like everyone Glastonbury moves with the times, the decision may be to get a more DIVERSE audience...but not necessarily younger." (Jonathan Miller, 30/03/08)

Glastonbury is certainly taking a gamble on Jay-Z but one that could prove lucrative if it pays off.

One thing's for sure, all eyes will be on the fields of Somerset this June and if all goes well we could see other festivals following suit next summer.

Get ready for diversity; the new age rock n roll.