Queen and Adam Lambert announced as first headline act for The Isle of Wight Festival 2016

The band will take to the stage at the event in June
Headline act: Queen and Adam Lambert will close the annual event
Raphael Dias/Getty
Emma Powell10 November 2015
The Weekender

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Queen and current frontman Adam Lambert have been announced as the first headline act for The Isle of Wight Festival 2016.

The band will close the festival on Sunday June 12 at Seaclose Park, Newport.

Speaking about the band's UK Festival debut next summer, guitarist Brian May said: “I think Queen at The Isle of Wight Festival is a date that was long overdue. How incredible to take on this challenge at this point in our lives.

“With an injection of new blood in the shape of the incredible Adam Lambert, Queen will be ready to tear it up on this legendary stage in 2016. Freddie would have loved it. Can’t wait.”

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Queen are currently celebrating the 40th anniversary of Bohemian Rhapsody.

Speaking about the 1975 song from their fourth album, A Night at the Opera, which topped the UK Single's Chart for nine weeks May said he still listens to it in the car.

"I'm not sick of it. You can't complain that people want to talk about it all these years later.

“I still enjoy hearing it. If it comes on the radio, I'll turn it up and listen. But no air guitar. I'm too old for air guitar now."

Next year will mark the 15th anniversary of The Isle of Wight Festival since it was relaunched in 2002.

It has played host to acts including Sir Paul McCartney, Fleetwood Mac, Foo Fighters and Blur.

Ticket information is at isleofwightfestival.com.

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