Gorillaz are to replace U2 as headliners on the opening night of this year’s Glastonbury festival.

The band, fronted by Damon Albarn, will play the Pyramid Stage on June 25.

U2 were forced to pull out of their slot yesterday (May 25) after singer Bono injured his back during rehearsals.

Organiser Michael Eavis said Gorillaz would offer "a massive audio visual spectacle” for festivalgoers.

"I'm very excited about Gorillaz' show coming here because they're so open to guests and collaborations,” he added.

Gorillaz’ Murdoc said: "We're like some great big horrible warship pulling in to the Bay of Glastonbury to save the day.

“It was us or The Beatles and they split up years ago. The previous soldiers got pulled from duty last minute so it's up to my ‘Plastic Beach’ naval cavalry to sail in and sort the battlefield out.”

He added that they would be joined by some ”extra troops”.

(by Jason Gregory)