Slane gets set for Bon Jovi

US rockers Bon Jovi have been confirmed as the headline act for next year’s Slane music festival — but there is still no news on whether the event will double in size.

The multi-award-winning band, who have sold more than 130m records worldwide since rising to prominence in the 1980s, will head up the event next June.

Speaking in Dublin as the news was announced, Jon Bon Jovi said Slane — which is rumoured to be planned as a two-day event next year after it was not run this summer — is a major attraction to top-selling musicians around the globe.

“I’m so excited to be here. From the Point, to the RDS, to Lansdowne Road, this was always the goal, to play Slane. It’s a great thrill,” the singer said when asked about the 80,000 capacity Meath venue.

The US act will follow in the footsteps of previous headliners such as U2, the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Thin Lizzy, among others.

Slane Castle owner Lord Henry Mountcharles said he is a big fan of the group, which will play on Saturday, Jun 15, as part of their Because We Can tour.

“It’s been clear to me that Bon Jovi wanted to play Slane and it was a matter of trying to fit it in,” he said.

“We’re very careful about who we choose. Slane is a special place to play and next year is their year.”

When asked about growing rumours that next year’s Slane festival will take place over two days, Lord Henry added: “I’m a man with a very open mind.”

Among Bon Jovi’s biggest hits are You Give Love A Bad Name; Livin’ On A Prayer; Bad Medicine; It’s My Life; and I’ll Be There For You.

Slane has been running big music gigs since 1981.

The event has only been held twice in the same year once before, when U2 bowed to public interest by playing a double-header in 2001.

Last April, Slane’s official Facebook page hinted at the possibility of a repeat extra session next year by saying: “2013 will be busy.”

* Tickets for Bon Jovi’s Slane show will go on sale at 8am on Nov 8, with ticket prices starting from €79.50.