Jay-Z replaces Beastie Boys as All Points West headliner

One of the tour dates that the Beastie Boys had to cancel this week when Adam Yauch was diagnosed with a treatable form of cancer was a headlining gig on the first night of New Jersey’s All Points West festival next month. As disappointing as that news was — get well soon, MCA! — festival organizers have found one hell of a replacement act: The one and only Jay-Z will headline the Friday, Aug. 1 show, according to an announcement last night.

If you’ve seen Jay in concert, you know he rocks a crowd like no other. And his triumphant performance last year at Glastonbury in the U.K. proved the man knows how to headline a festival. (Check out his opening routine from Glastonbury ’08 below; some NSFW language.) As for this particular show, you have to assume Jay’s set will feature some fresh material from his long-planned The Blueprint 3, due in September. Plus, Coldplay are headlining All Points West’s third night. How much do you want to bet festivalgoers will get to see Hov and his pal Chris Martin share a stage during at least one of their headlining sets?

So, who’s psyched about this late-breaking addition to the All Points West line-up? Anyone thinking about buying a last-minute ticket now that Jay-Z’s been confirmed? Weigh in below.

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