Rolling Stones tour 2018: Liam Gallagher, Florence + The Machine, The Vaccines, James Bay and Elbow announced as special guests

Rock band have invited some huge stars to support them at their eight stadium shows in the UK

The Rolling Stones have announced what is essentially a festival's worth of special guests to support them on their UK tour this year.

Liam Gallagher, Florence + The Machine, The Vaccines, The Specials, Richard Ashcroft, Elbow and James Bay will join the legendary rock band on their Stones - No Filter tour which will take in eight huge UK stadium shows.

Gallagher commented: "It's a dream come true to be asked to open for the mighty Rolling Stones - the best Rock n Roll band EVER."

Florence + The Machine said: "We're so excited to be supporting the Rolling Stones, it is a huge honour to be playing with one of our biggest influences."

The Vaccines added: "The Rolling Stones are one of our favourite bands. We love them so much we named a song after them. At their best they are unparalleled, and few artists will go down in history for being as good for as long. Supporting them in Hyde Park in 2013 was a career defining moment for our band and we have no doubt that playing with them in Southampton, at the stadium I visited every week as a boy, will be just as special."

Elbow frontman Guy Garvey said: "I saw The Stones at Glastonbury and it blew me away. To play with them is not just to share a stage with THE rock and roll band of all time, it's to connect with everything that came before them. They are a conduit to the very roots of youth culture and rebellion. And they are a f**king amazing band."

Keith Richards said previously of the Rolling Stones tour: “It’s such a joy to play with this band there’s no stopping us, we’re only just getting started really.”

Mick Jagger added: ‘‘This part of the ‘No Filter’ tour is really special for the Stones. We are looking forward to getting back onstage in the summer and playing to fans in the UK and Ireland. It’s always exhilarating going to cities we haven’t played for quite a while and also some new venues for us like Old Trafford & The London Stadium.’’

“When I look out at the sea of people when we play all I can see is smiles,” Ronnie Wood said. ”It’s heart-warming and I’m glad we make people happy. Music makes me happy, and it makes them happy…. it’s infectious”