Gorillaz have been confirmed as U2's replacements at the Glastonbury Festival.

Damon Albarn's project will top the bill on Friday night after the Irish rockers were forced to cancel after frontman Bono underwent back surgery.

Festival founder Michael Eavis said the band called to offer their services after news of U2's withdrawal broke.

"This is going to be Gorillaz' only UK festival appearance, and it'll be a massive audio visual spectacle which will really ignite the Pyramid on the Friday night, with Muse, then Stevie Wonder to follow," he said.

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

"The alchemy of Friday's show is going to be astonishing: a perfect, contemporary way to kick off the 40th anniversary celebrations.

"I am so grateful for the enthusiasm of the media and the whole of the music industry for their willingness and eagerness to support us in what could have been a crisis."

Murdoc from Gorillaz 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.

"I can assure you though, I'm bringing extra troops. Loads of them.

"Glastonbury will be ours... cutlasses drawn, trumpets ready. We're coming in."

Speculation had surrounded possible replacements since the announcement on Tuesday, with acts including Coldplay, Led Zeppelin and Kylie Minogue among those rumoured to be playing.