Lord Mountcharles says Oasis are 'always welcome' at Slane Castle - but that he isn't ready to announce a headliner for next year's concert.
Alex Conyngham, who took over as lord of the castle following his father Henry's death, announced earlier this month that he plans to hold a major concert on the historic grounds in 2026.
After their two sold out gigs in Croke Park last weekend, Oasis have been heavily rumoured to be the mystery headliner.
Mr Conyngham called Oasis 'one of the great rock 'n' roll acts in modern history'. Speaking about the Croker gigs, he said: 'I was delighted for the fans... Not many bands could have people out singing in the streets like that'.
He said Oasis 'would always be welcome' at Slane, but stopped short of giving any hints as to whether the Gallaghers would be playing Meath in 2026. He noted Oasis had played Slane twice before, as an opening act for REM in 1995 and again as a headliner in 2009.
Mr Conyngham pointed out that if the band were to play Slane again, they would be the second group to play the venue three times, joined only by U2.
He said anyone could play the venue next year, explaining: 'Over the years we have been known to switch genres.' He noted that while Slane Castle has a reputation as a rock 'n' roll venue, it has also hosted rapper Eminem and pop star Harry Styles.
Asked if next year's headliner would be a legacy act such as Oasis or someone newer, he said: 'We don't want to box ourselves in'. He went on to say he would be 'open to both' types of artists playing at Slane.
Mr Conyngham also stressed that he was continuing on the legacy from his father, Lord Henry Mountcharles, who had planned for more concerts on the grounds. Lord Henry died in June, aged 74.
The 2026 show will mark the 45th anniversary of concerts being held at the estate. The first gig at Slane Castle was in 1981, with Thin Lizzy headlining.
Acts such as Bob Dylan, Queen, Madonna and David Bowie have since appeared.
