Bon Jovi: 'Always the goal' to play Slane

Bon Jovi are to headline next year's Slane Castle concert.

The US rock band will play the Co Meath venue as part of the group's "Because We Can" world tour on Saturday June 15.

After a break this year, the Co Meath venue is to host another major open air concert, which is expected to attract up to 80,000 music fans.

Bon Jovi follow in the footsteps of such acts as U2, the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan and Thin Lizzy amongst others.

The band's lead singer Jon Bon Jovi flew in by helicopter from London this morning to announce the gig:

"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," he said.

Slane Castle owner Lord Henry Mountcharles says he is a big fan.

"It's been clear to me that Bon Jovi wanted to play Slane and it was a matter of trying to fit it in.

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

And Lord Henry is not dismissing the mounting speculation of a second Slane gig next year: "I'm a man with a very open mind."

Tickets for the gig, starting from €79.50, will go on sale at 8am on Thursday November 8.+