David Bowie told Scottish fans he would be back next summer

The pop music icon is the first act to be confirmed for the T in the Park at Balado in Perth and Kinross.

Organisers expect more than 100,000 revellers to gather for the 11th annual music festival on 10 and 11 July 2004.

Bowie told fans at his Glasgow SECC concert on Friday that he would be returning to Scotland next summer.

Very special moment

Geoff Ellis, chief executive of promoters DF Concerts, hailed the signing as a major coup.

"It is testament to the world status of T in the Park that a music legend such as David Bowie is keen to sign up so early for the 2004 festival," he said.

"Bringing David Bowie to T in the Park fulfils a personal achievement and I know that his performance will become a very special moment in the festival's already rich history.

Coldplay headlined this year's festival

"He is a timeless artist who never stops innovating and reinventing himself and his influence will undoubtedly be seen on many of the other artists and bands who will accompany him at T in the Park next year."

US supergroup REM and Grammy Award winners Coldplay headlined this year's event.

Previous headliners have included Oasis, Travis, Texas and the Chemical Brothers.