Controversial US rapper Eminem is to headline Oxegen 2010, it was revealed today.
It will be his first appearance in Ireland since his sold-out shows to over 200,000 fans in 2004.
Eminem pulled out of a concert at Slane Castle in 2005 and his subsequent European tour citing "emotional exhaustion".
He was later sued by MCD, the same promoters that run Oxegen 2010. MCD claimed it incurred losses of €2.1 million arising out of that cancellation.
The case was settled in 2007 without Eminem, whose real name is Marshall Mathers II, having to give evidence. Details of the settlement were never announced.
Clearly, MCD has not lost faith in Eminem who claims to have dealt with many of his demons and remains a major draw judging by the success of his last album Relapse.
"I'm excited to get back to Europe to rock some shows," Eminem said in a statement today. "The crowds there are always big, crazy and dedicated…it's going to be great to feel that energy again."
The festival, which takes place at Punchestown Racecourse between Thursday, July 8th and Sunday, July 11th, also features Jay-Z, another huge name rapper.
His appearance at Glastonbury in 2008 incurred the wrath of Noel Gallagher from Oasis who said such a festival was no place for a rapper. Jay-Z had the last laugh putting on a triumphant show, which included a version of Wonderwall.
The Black Eyed Peas are another huge name from the rap end of the spectrum who will appear high up the bill. Their single I Gotta Feeling is the most downloaded in the history of iTunes.
Other more conventional acts include Muse, who have a dynamic reputation as one of the best live bands in the world Kasabian, Paulo Nutini and former Slane headliners Stereophonics.
The Prodigy, Faithless, Goldfrapp and Calvin Harris will bring a strong dance element to Oxegen.
The harder edge of the spectrum will be catered for my Wolfmother and Rise Against.
Mumford and Sons, Vampire Weekend, David Guetta, Hot Chip, Temper Trap, Newton Faulkner, Empire of the Sun, Broken Social Scene, Ellie Golding and Bangor band Two Door Cinema Club will also appear.