Glastonbury Moments
With Glastonbury 2025 fast approaching, I thought I’d take a moment to run you through some of my favourite festival memories.
Glastonbury’s 50+ year history is packed with iconic moments, both legendary and infamous. There’s Pulp’s super-sub headline slot in '95, New Order’s disastrous performance in '81, or the unforgettable ‘year of mud’ in '97. There’s Oasis arriving in '94, just as they were about to explode, Paul McCartney bringing pure magic to the Pyramid Stage in 2004, and Blur’s emotional comeback in 2009 that had the whole field singing along. David Bowie’s legendary return in 2000 a career defining performance that saw him play all of the hits.
I wasn't born when some of those moments happened, so here's some of the ones I remember.
2019 – The Killers’ Redemption
My first moment takes us back to 2019, when The Killers returned to headline the Pyramid Stage for the second time. Their first shot in 2007 had been marred by sound issues and never quite landed the way they’d hoped. But in 2019, they came back with something to prove and they delivered.
Armed with a greatest hits set, they tore through banger after banger, fully seizing their moment. Tracks like ‘Somebody Told Me’, ‘When You Were Young’, ‘Spaceman’, and ‘Human’ had the Pyramid Stage crowd in full voice from the very start.
Just when the energy was peaking, they raised it even higher by bringing out Johnny Marr for a surprise cover of The Smiths’ classic ‘This Charming Man’ an unforgettable Glastonbury crossover moment that sent the field wild. If that wasn't enough before Marr took to the stage, the band peformed 'Always On My Mind' alongide the Pet Shop Boys.
The show ended with 'Mr Brightside' with Marr taking up duties on the guitar, and 100,000 people collectively losing their minds. It was a defining moment for the band and the sound issues that marred their first time headlining the famous festival were all a distant memory.
2015 – Florence & The Machine: The Super-Sub Performance
My second moment was from four years earlier, in 2015, 20 years after Pulp's legendary super sub performance. Florence & the Machine were moved up the line up to replace the Foo Fighters, after Dave Grohl had broken his leg mid tour.
The band stepped in with just a few weeks notice, and they put on one of the very best headline slots in recent memory. Florence wasn't there just to make up the numbers, she put on one of the best and most iconic performances in recent memory.
With her trademark whirlwind energy and ethereal stage presence, Florence tore through a set that spanned her already stellar career. Songs like ‘Ship to Wreck’, ‘Shake It Out’, ‘Spectrum’, and ‘Dog Days Are Over’ had the entire crowd in raptures, singing every word back to her as she bounded barefoot across the stage.
She commanded the space with a mix of raw emotion and joyful abandon, like she was meant to be there all along.
One of the most touching and memorable moments came when Florence paused to pay tribute to Foo Fighters by performing a heartfelt, stripped-back cover of ‘Times Like These’. It was a beautiful, understated gesture that showed huge respect for the band she had replaced. Grohl would return the favour two years later and dedicate the song to Florence, when they finally had their Glastonbury moment.
Despite being a replacement, Florence cemented herself as a headliner. It became one of her best performances, and one of Glastonbury's most underrated.
2013 – Arctic Monkeys: A Second Chance, Perfectly Taken
The third moment on my list is another example of a band coming back to right the wrongs of an earlier Glastonbury appearance. Back in 2007, Arctic Monkeys headlined the Pyramid Stage for the first time, but despite their meteoric rise and huge fanbase, that set never quite clicked. Similar to The Killers, the set was marred by sound issues, and the band were not ready for it, still young and relatively inexperienced. They hadn't even really bit arenas yet.
Fast forward six years to 2013, and everything had changed. Arctic Monkeys returned, older, sharper, and completely in control. They had the swagger, the catalogue, and, crucially, the new material from their soon-to-be era-defining album AM, and this time they absolutely smashed it.
The set was a perfect blend of the band’s journey up to that point. They tore through fresh tracks like ‘Do I Wanna Know?’, ‘R U Mine?’, and ‘Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?’, songs that oozed a new kind of confidence and groove. But they didn’t forget their roots, dipping into crowd favourites like ‘Brianstorm’ and ‘Dancing Shoes’. One of the most memorable moments came when Alex Turner stripped things back for an intimate, acoustic version of ‘Mardy Bum’, which breathed a new sense of life into an old Monkeys song.
The orchestral arrangements, organised by Elbow’s Guy Garvey, added a sweeping grandeur to the set, giving songs an extra emotional weight and texture. Then, the icing on the cake: Miles Kane joined the band on stage for a powerful rendition of ‘505’, his distinctive guitar lines intertwining perfectly with Alex’s vocals, creating a moment that felt like a true celebration of their shared musical journey.
By the time the final notes of ‘R U Mine?’ echoed over the field, the redemption was complete. Arctic Monkeys had arrived properly this time and they owned it.
2022 – Wolf Alice: From Travel Chaos to Glasto Triumph
My fourth moment comes from 2022, when Wolf Alice almost didn’t make it to Glastonbury at all. The band found themselves stranded in Los Angeles due to travel chaos, with their appearance hanging by a thread. But against all odds, they made it just in time.
From the opening notes of 'Smile' all the way through, to the euphoric glow of 'Don't Delete the Kisses' the band put on a show that left the Pyramid crowd gripped. Despite the events leading up to the show, their was no sign of jet lag or travel stress, the band were on fine form.
This was the sound of a band at their peak. It was a set that saw the band dip into their back catalogue. From the festival ready indie anthem 'Bro's' where the band asked the crowd “Should we catch a bit of flavour on a Friday? Should we jump around for three minutes?” Through to the hauntingly beautiful 'The Last Man On Earth' which saw the singer takes a perch on the edge of the stage and the sound of the audience drops to a hush, quelled by the heart-rending song. After its final notes have rung out, the volume rises again with passionate cheers and a teary Rowsell is enveloped in guitarist Joff Oddie’s arms.
It's one of my favourite Wolf Alice performances. They really are one of the best live bands in Britain, and they'll be gracing the stage again at Glastonbury this year. From almost missing the festival to owning the Pyramid Stage, their 2022 performance perfectly captured theunstoppable spirit that makes Glastonbury so unforgettable.
2024 – Fontaines D.C.: Poetry and Power on the Park Stage
I said last year that the 2024 Glastonbury line up was the worst in my lifetime. I still stand by that point, but this Fontaines D.C. performance was definitley a highlight. With the band rising to the Glastonbury occasion and then some.
From the opening chords of ‘Romance’, the band immediately set the tone for a set that was as urgent and heartfelt as it was electrifying.
Frontman Grian Chatten’s commanding presence and distinctive Dublin brogue filled the air as the band powered through a carefully crafted setlist spanning their career. Early highlights included the brooding ‘Jackie Down The Line’ and the propulsive ‘Televised Mind’, songs that blend gritty realism with anthemic urgency.
They didn’t hold back, diving into fan favourites like ‘Roman Holiday’ and ‘Big Shot’, which had the crowd pulsating with energy. The band’s tight musicianship was on full display throughout, especially during the frantic ‘Chequeless Reckless’ and the atmospheric ‘A Hero’s Death’, where the mood shifted from explosive rock to haunting reflection.
As the set unfolded, tracks like ‘Sha Sha Sha’ and ‘Boys In The Better Land’ showcased their ability to channel youthful rebellion and poetic storytelling in equal measure. Grian’s lyrics, often laden with evocative imagery and raw emotion, cut through the noise, drawing the crowd into a shared experience of both defiance and introspection.
The highlight of the night came near the end of the set with three powerful songs, including ‘I Love You’ a track that delves into generational trauma and the struggles of the modern Irish diaspora, uniting the crowd in a profound way. Tears are shed and voices are pushed to their limits, but there’s a deep, shared connection: some teenagers here are likely experiencing the raw intensity of guitar music for the very first time, while older fans are moved and revitalised by the emotional weight of the performance.
'Favourite' which at the time was the bands newest single, which saw Chatten communicate with the Glastonbury faithful, with his beautiful new lyrics, and finally 'Starburster' the biggest leap within the bands discography, by the time we get there Chatten has smudged his eyeliner from dragging his palms down his face, barely hiding the vulnerability and rage inside a song that feels reminiscent of a sudden panic attack. It's Fontaines D.C. at their rawest and most visceral. Glastonbury 2024. Will always be a defining moment for the band.
2023- Rocket Man's Final Flight
Elton John’s 2023 Glastonbury set was nothing short of historic a dazzling debut on the Pyramid Stage that reminded everyone why he’s one of music’s most iconic and enduring performers. This wasn’t simply a greatest hits show; it was a deeply heartfelt celebration of a legendary career spanning decades and touching millions of lives around the world.
The setlist was a masterful blend of rock anthems, soulful ballads, and beloved classics, showcasing Elton’s unique ability to connect across generations. He soared through timeless staples like ‘Bennie and the Jets’, ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’, and ‘Rocket Man’, each performance bursting with his unmistakable charisma and musical brilliance. One particularly moving moment came with ‘Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me’, which he dedicated to George Michael on what would have been the late star’s 60th birthday.
Another standout feature of the night was the soulful collaborations that added fresh energy and emotion to his timeless songs. The London Community Gospel Choir and Gabriels’ Jacob Lusk lifted ‘Are You Ready for Love’ and ‘Sad Songs (Say So Much)’ to soaring heights, while Stephen Sanchez joined Elton for a tender duet on ‘Until I Found You’. Brandon Flowers brought a heartfelt touch to ‘Tiny Dancer’, and pop powerhouse Rina Sawayama energized the crowd on ‘Don’t Go Breaking My Heart’.
Moments of intimate reflection, like the poignant ‘Candle in the Wind’, contrasted beautifully with raucous crowd-pleasers such as ‘Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting’ and ‘I’m Still Standing’. Elton’s charm and storytelling between songs made the enormous Pyramid Stage feel warm and personal.
“I’m so happy to be here,” he says, profoundly touched. “I’m never gonna forget this.”
None of us will. Sir Elton left everything on the field. It was a Glasto set for the ages from a true all-time great. We’ll never see his kind again. So long Rocketman, thank you for one of the best.
2022 – Sam Fender: A ‘Seventeen Going Under’ Soundtrack to Youth and Resilience
Sam Fender’s 2022 Glastonbury set was a powerful testament to his rise as one of the most compelling voices in modern rock. From the opening chords of ‘Will We Talk’, Fender commanded the Pyramid Stage with a raw energy and emotional intensity that instantly hooked the crowd.
His setlist was a perfect blend of gritty, socially conscious anthems and introspective ballads, capturing the spirit of his critically acclaimed albums. Tracks like ‘The Borders’ and ‘Spice’ showcased his ability to mix poignant storytelling with rousing rock melodies, while the crowd erupted during fan favourites such as ‘Seventeen Going Under’ and ‘Hypersonic Missiles’ songs that have become anthems for a generation navigating uncertainty and hope.
Fender’s lyricism, deeply rooted in his working-class upbringing, resonated strongly with the Glastonbury audience, as he tackled themes of youth, struggle, and resilience. The emotional weight of songs like ‘The Dying Light’ and ‘Saturday’ added depth to the high-energy set, creating moments of reflection amid the festival’s electric atmosphere.
By the time he closed with the defiant ‘Hypersonic Missiles’, the crowd was fully captivated, united in a shared experience of catharsis and celebration. It was stirring declaration that he was here to stay, and he did it on the biggest stage at the worlds biggest festival.
2022 – Noel Gallagher: A Masterclass in Nostalgia and New Beginnings
Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds brought swagger, nostalgia, and sharp new cuts to the Pyramid Stage in 2022, in a set that felt like both a celebration of the past and a confident look to the future. With his usual understated cool, Noel delivered a set packed with shimmering solo material, but it was the carefully selected Oasis classics that truly sent the crowd into overdrive.
Opening with the hypnotic pulse of ‘Fort Knox’ and the brass-laden stomp of ‘Holy Mountain’, Noel laid the foundations for a high-energy show. Tracks like ‘It’s a Beautiful World’ and ‘Black Star Dancing’ shimmered in the afternoon sun, their groove-laden rhythms getting the Glastonbury faithful moving. But there were moments of stillness and intimacy too. None more affecting than ‘Dead in the Water’, a raw, stripped-back gem that had the crowd hanging on every word.
Ever self-aware, Noel addressed the balancing act between his solo material and the Oasis anthems the crowd were hungry for. “What’s gonna happen now is I’m gonna play a few more tunes that you don’t give a fuck about,” he quipped with a grin. “Those ones are for me. But if you stick around for a bit, after that there’s gonna be a lot of happy people in bucket hats.”
As the set progressed, Noel leaned confidently into his Oasis legacy, carefully selecting the moments he knew would hit hardest. ‘Little by Little’ and ‘The Importance of Being Idle’ served as reminders of just how deep that catalogue run, but it was when the unmistakable opening chords of ‘Wonderwall’ rang out that the Pyramid Stage erupted into one of those legendary Glastonbury singalongs.
Noel followed it with a beautifully delivered ‘Half the World Away’, which he dedicated to "the real Royle Family" a touching nod to the beloved British sitcom that helped embed the song into the nation's heart. That blend of sharp humour and genuine sentiment is classic Noel. The emotional weight continued with ‘Stop Crying Your Heart Out’, soaring across the fields and tapping perfectly into the bittersweet festival energy somewhere between euphoria and nostalgia.
The finale was pure magic ‘AKA… What a Life!’ lit up the field before Noel closed with ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger’, a song that has grown into something far bigger than just a hit single. Thousands sang every word in unison, arms wrapped around friends, strangers, and memories.
2023 – Blossoms & Rick Astley: The Smiths Reimagined
One of the most unexpected and joyfully bizarre moments in Glastonbury history came in 2023, when Blossoms and Rick Astley joined forces to deliver a full set of The Smiths covers, and it worked, in fact it more than worked it was exceptional. What could have been a novelty turned into one of the weekend’s most talked-about and warmly received performances.
Taking to the Woodsies Stage, the group powered through a 16-song set of Smiths classics, from the sparkling indie jangle of ‘This Charming Man’ to the brooding stomp of ‘How Soon Is Now?’ and the soaring finale of ‘There Is a Light That Never Goes Out’. It was a set that carefully balanced deep cuts like ‘Cemetry Gates’ and ‘Barbarism Begins at Home’ with undeniable fan favourites like ‘Panic’ and ‘Bigmouth Strikes Again’.
Astley was an inspired frontman for the occasion. He didn’t try to imitate Morrissey, nor did he lean too heavily into irony. Instead, his warm baritone, charisma, and genuine enthusiasm gave the songs a fresh, feel-good energy that sidestepped the complications of The Smiths’ frontman’s more controversial legacy. This wasn’t a send-up or a smug wink at nostalgia, this was the sound of 6 fans playing some songs from their favourite band.
Blossoms were more than a backing band, they absolutely nailed the instrumentals, it was straight, tight and sincere. Fully committing to the moment. What made the set so special wasn’t just the song selection which included a beautifully tender ‘Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want’ and the biting wit of ‘Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now’ but the atmosphere. There was joy, there was surprise, there was a bit of “is this really happening?” energy hanging in the air. And there was a sense, as the final chorus of ‘There Is a Light That Never Goes Out’ echoed across the field, that for many, these songs had been given a new lease of life.
Fans and critics alike embraced the performance, with many praising it as both “gloriously surreal” and “unexpectedly perfect.” In a festival packed with heavyweight moments, this collaboration was a reminder of why Glastonbury’s magic often comes from the surprises you didn’t see coming.
2022 – Glastonbury Gets Back: Paul McCartney’s Pyramid Masterclass
Paul McCartney’s 2022 Glastonbury set wasn’t just a headline performance it was a slice of living history. Taking to the Pyramid Stage just days after turning 80, Macca delivered a masterclass that spanned decades, generations, and genres. It was the kind of set Glastonbury is built for: a show that felt both monumental and deeply personal, a celebration of life, music, and the rare magic of shared moments.
From the opening notes, McCartney made it clear this was going to be something special. His setlist was a rich journey through time, packed with hits from The Beatles, Wings, and his solo years. The groove of ‘Got to Get You Into My Life’ had the crowd moving from the start, while the piano-driven power of ‘Maybe I’m Amazed’ landed like a gut-punch of pure emotion. McCartney’s ability to glide effortlessly between soaring rock anthems, tender ballads, and acoustic reflections was breathtaking, his voice still carrying the weight and warmth of a storyteller who has lived it all.
There were moments of unfiltered joy, like ‘Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da’, balanced with moments of quiet reflection. His solo acoustic performance of ‘Blackbird’ was spellbinding in its simplicity, while ‘Here Today’, written for John Lennon, was deeply moving. One of the most touching moments of the night came when McCartney paid tribute to George Harrison, playing ‘Something’ on a ukulele that Harrison had given him.
The emotional peak arrived with a stunning virtual duet on ‘I’ve Got a Feeling’, as McCartney performed alongside isolated vocals of Lennon. It wasn’t just a technical marvel it was a genuine moment of connection across time, as the past and present beautifully collided on the Pyramid Stage.
And just when it seemed like the set had hit its emotional ceiling, McCartney raised it further. He shocked the crowd by bringing out Dave Grohl, making his first public appearance since the tragic passing of Taylor Hawkins. Together, they powered through ‘I Saw Her Standing There’ and ‘Band on the Run’, the crowd lifting Grohl in a wave of love and support. As if that wasn’t enough, Bruce Springsteen soon followed, charging into ‘Glory Days’ and ‘I Wanna Be Your Man’ with his signature grit and energy. Seeing McCartney, Grohl, and Springsteen share the stage was the kind of once-in-a-lifetime Glastonbury magic people will talk about for years.
The final run of songs was pure euphoria. ‘Let It Be’ cast a spell over the entire field, while ‘Live and Let Die’ exploded in a spectacular firework display. And then came ‘Hey Jude’ the ultimate festival anthem. As thousands raised their voices for the iconic “na-na-na’s,” it became one of those perfect Glastonbury moments.
Even at 80, McCartney didn’t just headline Glastonbury he owned it. His set was more than just a celebration of his incredible career. It was a reminder of the power of music to unite, to heal, and to create memories that last forever.
For a festival defined by moments, this was one of its greatest.
That brings us to the end, here's some of my favourite Glastonbury moments. Here's to many more. I think this year could have some special ones. The 1975 on the Pyramid, Olivia Rodrigo's debut, Charli XCX ending 'Brat' a return for Wolf Alice, Kneecap, Patchwork, a return for The Maccabees. It's shaping up to a be a good one.
Before I go though, have one of my favourite Glastonbury songs, a moment from last year. 7 minutes and 51 seconds of pure Glastonbury magic.
Thank you all ever so much for reading.
Enjoy the festival.
Jack x