Kings of Leon to rock out for Slane’s 30th anniversary

AMERICAN rockers Kings of Leon have been confirmed as the headline act at the Slane Castle concert next summer. The band will play Meath venue on May 28 next year, some 30 years after Irish band Thin Lizzy headlined the very first concert at the venue in 1981.

Some of the biggest bands in history have played the historic venue, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Queen, David Bowie and Neil Young.

Next summer will see the turn of Nashville-born brothers Caleb, Nathan and Jared Followill, alongside their cousin Cameron.

The band has a massive Irish following and they headlined at Oxegen music festival in 2008 and 2009.

The band are currently in the middle of a sell-out tour across Europe and America following the release of their fifth album, Come Around Sundown.

The band have also announced a string of major outdoor shows in Britain, including a return to London’s Hyde Park on June 22 which will be their biggest ever concert in Britain.

Tickets for the 80,000 capacity Irish venue will go on sale on Friday November 5, priced at €79. Details of the four support acts have not yet been released by promoter MCD.

Meanwhile, Lord of the Dance Michael Flatley yesterday hung up his famous tap shoes for a display featuring some of his famous costumes.

Hot on the heels of the opening night of his latest tour, the dance legend unveiled an exclusive exhibition in the Newbridge Museum of Style Icons in Co Kildare that covers his 20-year career.

More than 100 fans showed up too see Flatley – whose new Lord of the Dance show premiered in Belfast last night – officially open the permanent display.

The Michael Flatley Collection, which will feature costumes and memorabilia from Lord of the Dance, Celtic Tiger and Feet of Flames shows, is the newest addition to the newly revamped Museum of Style Icons.

William Doyle, Newbridge Silverware chief executive, said he was delighted to add the collection to the museum.

“Michael is a living legend and is proof that the human spirit can indeed achieve anything. His phenomenal success in bringing Irish dance to the world will guarantee him a place in history,” he said.

Originally opening in 2007, the Museum of Style Icons has showcased memorabilia and iconic garments from a host of legends including Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Princess Diana, Grace Kelly, Michael Jackson and the Beatles. It also features an audio tour, graphic presentation and simulated movie sets.