After months of speculation, U2 have ruled themselves out of headlining next year's Glastonbury Festival.
The Irish band had been the favourites to play the Saturday night slot that was last year filled by Paul McCartney.
Festival founder Michael Eavis told Virtual Festivals that the band have reluctantly declined his invitation due to a world tour next summer.
"U2 are not doing it. We heard last week," he explained. "They are doing a tour with Clear Channel and it would get in the way of their schedule. But their manager said they will do it at some point in the future."
Eavis gave a few clues as to who the 2005 headliners might be.
He said: "What I will tell you is that we have sent someone out to the States this week to pursue an artist we want. Yes, they are American and yes, they are of superstar proportions. That’s all I can say!"
Prince is one of the favourites, along with Eminem, Madonna, Marilyn Manson, or Lou Reed.
Eavis indicated that Northern Irish band Snow Patrol, Razorlight, Franz Ferdinand and The Streets will all be performing at Glastonbury 2005.
U2's new album, 'How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb', is due out on 19 November.
