Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers to headline UK festival
- Published
In 2002 Petty and the Heartbreakers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
US rockers Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers are to play their first major UK gig in 20 years next year, it has been announced.
Petty, best known for hits such as Free Fallin', I Won't Back Down and American Girl, will headline the Isle Of Wight Festival.
Festival promoter John Giddings said: "It has taken years to achieve but I'm sure it will be worth the wait."
Bruce Springsteen, Elbow and Biffy Clyro will also play the event in June.
Mr Giddings described Petty and his band The Heartbreakers as "one of the greatest rock and roll bands of all time".
In 1999, they won two Grammys for their single, Room at The Top, and their album, Echo. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.
They will headline the Friday night and Bruce Springsteen And The E Street Band will perform Sunday's top billing.
Saturday's headlining act has yet to be announced.
The Isle Of Wight Festival was launched in 1968 and ran for two years. It was revived in 2002.
The date for the event next year has been moved to avoid a clash with the Diamond Jubilee and half-term holidays.
The three-day festival has been moved to 22-24 June.
- Published21 November 2011