In what's certain to be one of the concert events of the year, the Red Hot Chilli Peppers look set to headline at Slane Castle this year. While no confirmation has been forthcoming as yet, Hot Press has learned that promoters MCD have been in negotiations with the act, widely regarded as among the finest live bands in the world.

Having already performed in what many consider the best natural amphitheatre on the planet, supporting U2 on the first of the latter’s triumphant 2001 shows there, the Chilli Peppers are familiar with the attractions of the Meath site. A consummate live act, they are both hugely visual and exciting. However, with their By The Way album going multi-platinum here – it was the fourth best selling album in Ireland in 2002 overall – they are now clearly in the front rank of live draws.

"I don’t like to say it, but they’re just about the perfect Slane act," a rival promoter tells Hot Press. "It’s going to be a busy summer, but everyone else is now going to have to operate in the knowledge that 80,000 people will be in Slane on August 23. Or at least that’s the way I’ll be looking at it."

Speculation is mounting as to who else will be on the bill, with the likelihood that MCD will copper-fasten the attractiveness of the gig with a strong supporting cast.

With the Chili Peppers already confirmed for the twin V2003 festivals in Chelmsford, Essex and Weston Park, Staffordshire on August 16 and 17, it also makes logistical sense that they'd chose to play Ireland at this time.