The metal band make their first visit to Worthy Farm, joining Arcade Fire and Kasabian at the top of the 2014 bill

After months of rumour and speculation, organisers have confirmed Metallica as the final headliner of this year's Glastonbury. The metal band will take to the Pyramid stage on the Saturday night of the festival, joining Arcade Fire and Kasabian at the top of the 2014 bill.

“They're one of the biggest bands in the world," said festival organiser Michael Eavis. "And on my travels people are always asking me, 'When are Metallica going to be playing Glastonbury?' I was so keen to book them. They'll be pleasing so many thousands of people."

Formed by James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich in 1981, Metallica have sold more than 100m albums worldwide. Rising to prominence with their debut Kill 'Em All, the group have released 10 studio albums, including their collaborative LP, Lulu, with Lou Reed. The group were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009 and have won numerous awards, including nine Grammys.

Metallica, who also co-headline Sonisphere this year, have said that their set at the Worthy Farm festival will be a straightforward performance. "We figured that, since all the people had bought the tickets and it’s our first visit to the hallowed Glastonbury grounds, maybe we would be better off if I took charge [and wrote] what I considered to be the most suitable setlist," drummer Lars Ulrich told the Guardian.

Although the booking may come as a surprise to many punters and Glastonbury purists, the festival has previously ventured into the world of heavier, niche rock acts, with artists such as Rage Against the Machine performing in 1994, and Hawkwind headlining in 1981.



"We do change from time to time," said Eavis. "We had Jay Z headlining [in 2008], and people were surprised with the Smiths in 1984. But that was the Smiths and look at them now! We put on all types of music. I'll be there at the front of house right on the mixing desk, so I'm listening to them head on. I can't wait for that moment."



Facebook Twitter Pinterest Michael and his grandson Noah rocking out in the Worthy Farm kitchen, courtesy Glastoofficial.

Also added to the Pyramid stage are the War on Drugs, Nick Mulvey and English National Ballet, the latter of which will be opening the stage on Sunday morning with their performance of Akram Khan’s first world war-themed Dust.

Other stage confirmations include the Yoko Ono Plastic Ono Band, who will perform at the event for the first time on the Park stage, playing in between St Vincent and headliner James Blake, while Haim, Bombay Bicycle Club, the Horrors, the London Sinfonietta with Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood will appear elsewhere. Lastly, MIA, Bryan Ferry and Disclosure will headline the West Holts stage, respectively.



The rest of the Glastonbury lineup has been announced gradually over the past six months, but the Saturday-night headline slot remained unfilled, with Kate Bush, Fleetwood Mac, Prince and Outkast all rumoured to steal it. Then Liam Gallagher last week sparked a flurry of speculation over a supposed Oasis set, after spelling out the initials O, A, S, I, S, adding "OASIS LG" on Twitter. The response of fans retweeting the post was enough to prompt bookmakers to stop bets on Oasis performing at the festival. "It’s looking as though Oasis will live for ever after all," said a spokesperson for Paddy Power.



• This year's Glastonbury festival takes place from 25-29 June at Worthy Farm, Somerset.

• The Guardian is Glastonbury festival's media partner.

