Glastonbury 2023, Sunday live: Elton John plays final UK show to one of festival’s biggest ever audiences

Elton John performed what will go down as one of the greatest headline shows in Glastonbury history tonight (Sunday 25 June), to one of the biggest crowds the festival has seen in years.

Lil Nas X was the final artist to take to the main stage before the 76-year-old at Worthy Farm, Somerset, after a joyful Yusuf/Cat Stevens entertained fans with songs including “Wild World” and “Father and Son”.

The revered folk singer-songwriter performed with his band in the coveted Legends Slot, a gig previously handed to artists including Lionel Richie, Kylie Minogue and Dolly Parton. He also gave superfan/comedian Ricky Gervais a shout-out on his birthday, before playing his song “Tea for the Tillerman”.

At 9pm, John launched his performance with some of his best-known songs, including his 1975 cover of “Pinball Wizard” and “Benny and the Jets”. From the moment he sat down at the piano, the show has been a pure blast of euphoria from one of the world’s greatest living entertainers, with surprise guests including The Killers frontman Brandon Flowers, and Gabriels singer Jacob Lusk.

Glastonbury 2023 highlights

• In pictures: Elton John’s breathtaking headline set on the Pyramid Stage

• What the audience is saying - reactions to Elton John’s set

• Who is Stephen Sanchez? Meet Elton John’s second musical guest

• Meet Elton John’s first surprise guest of the night

• The Killers frontman Brandon Flowers joins Elton for ‘Tiny Dancer'

Watch: Elton John superfans queue up at 4am to get front row for his Glastonbury set

11:15 , Nicole Vassell

People wasted no time in securing their spot for Elton John’s headline set last night – some even started queuing at 4am – a good 17 hours ahead of time!

Lil Nas X review, Glastonbury 2023: Grammy-winner injects some needed oomph into a mostly sedate weekend

11:00 , Nicole Vassell

The “Old Town Road” star took the Pyramid Stage by storm on Sunday as the penultimate performer of the evening.

According to our reviewer Ben Bryant, Lil Nas X more than lived up to his reputation for an exciting and inventive show.

Here’s his four-star review in full:

Lil Nas X injects some needed oomph into a pretty sedate Glastonbury weekend – review

Watch: Rina Sawayama sings ‘Don't Go Breaking My Heart’ with Elton John

10:45 , Nicole Vassell

The Rocket Man has long been a supporter of Rina Sawayama, so it didn’t come as a massive surprise when he invited her to join him on stage for this fabulous cover of his 1976 hit, “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart”.

Glastonbury 2023 – the highlight reel

10:30 , Nicole Vassell

From Lana’s lateness to the glitz and glamour of Elton John’s on-stage retirement party, Glastonbury 2023 was one to remember.

Here’s a rundown of the highlights from this year’s fun at Worthy Farm:

Glastonbury highlights: Elton John’s last UK show to Lana Del Rey booed off stage

Glastonbury clean-up begins as thousands leave Worthy Farm

10:15 , Nicole Vassell

Every year, hundreds of volunteers participate in a post-Glastonbury clean-up drive dedicated to ensuring that the working farm in Somerset is completely free of litter and debris left behind by campers.

Now that the festival’s officially over, the clean-up has begun.

Peony Hirwani has more:

Glastonbury clean-up begins as thousands leave Worthy Farm

Sophie Ellis-Bextor review, Glastonbury 2023: Pop singer dispenses disco bangers and sequinned vibes

10:00 , Nicole Vassell

There was no shortage of sequin fabulosity when Sophie Ellis-Bextor performed on the Pyramid Stage on Sunday afternoon.

In his review, Adam White said she embodied the spirit of your favourite primary school teacher who just happens to moonlight as a pop star – pretty darn delightful.

Here’s his take in full:

Sophie Ellis-Bextor dispenses disco bangers and irresistible sequinned vibes – review

Time to say goodbye...

09:45 , Nicole Vassell

...and here’s some official advice for all those driving home from the festival.

Glastonbury big clean-up underway as thousands pick up trash at Worthy Farm

09:30 , Nicole Vassell

And after the party’s over... comes the clean-up.

Blondie review, Glastonbury 2023: Debbie Harry whips the crowd into a frenzy with this best-of set

09:00 , Peony Hirwani

Debbie Harry whips the crowd into a frenzy with this best-of-Blondie set – review

Rick Astley brands Glastonbury crowd the ‘loveliest’ ever

08:30 , Peony Hirwani

ICYMI: Rick Astley has called Glastonbury revellers the “loveliest crowd” he has ever played in front of, but joked even his debut performance at the festival could not make him “cool”.

Read more:

Rick Astley brands Glastonbury crowd the ‘loveliest’ ever

Elton John review, Glastonbury 2023: The glitziest, most high-energy retirement party the world has ever seen

08:00 , Peony Hirwani

People were ready for a spectacle and the Rocket Man delivered.

Kate Hutchinson writes.

At Glastonbury, Elton John throws the world’s greatest retirement party – review

All the best fashion at Glastonbury 2023

07:30 , Peony Hirwani

Glastonbury 2023: All the best fashion at the biggest UK festival of the year

How to get tickets for Glastonbury 2024

07:00 , Peony Hirwani

If you missed out on Glastonbury tickets this year, here’s how you can be in with a chance of securing them in 2024.

How to get tickets for Glastonbury 2024

Glastonbury viewers stunned at ‘insane’ crowd size for Elton John’s Pyramid Stage concert

06:30 , Peony Hirwani

Viewers at home have been left in awe of the size of the crowd who gathered to watch Elton John’s headline performance at Glastonbury.

Read more:

Glastonbury viewers stunned at ‘insane’ crowd size for Elton John concert

ICYMI

06:00 , Peony Hirwani

A man in his 40s died at Glastonbury after a “medical incident” on the festival site in the early hours of Sunday morning (25 June).

Read more:

Man dies at Glastonbury Festival after ‘medical incident’

Surprise guests and all the hits: Elton John closes out Glastonbury 2023 with a spectacular farewell show

05:30 , Roisin O'Connor

Elton John closes out Glastonbury 2023 with a spectacular farewell show

Elton John pays tribute to late George Michael on his birthday during Glastonbur

05:00 , Roisin O'Connor

Lizzo review, Glastonbury 2023: Life-affirming performance leaves you baffled as to why she wasn’t a headliner

04:30 , Roisin O'Connor

Lizzo’s Glastonbury set leaves you baffled as to why she didn’t headline – review

Steven Sanchez announced by Elton John as second special guest for Glastonbury set

04:25 , Peony Hirwani

Elton John introduces Gabriels singer Jacob Lusk as his first special guest

03:30 , Roisin O'Connor

Lana Del Rey review, Glastonbury 2023: A promising performance with a devastating end

03:00 , Roisin O'Connor

Lana Del Rey’s Glasto set was a promising performance with a devastating end - review

Guns N’ Roses review, Glastonbury 2023: Frontrunners for the worst Glasto headline set of all time

02:30 , Roisin O'Connor

Guns N’ Roses are frontrunners for the worst Glasto headliners of all time - review

Elton John brings out Brandon Flowers as third special guest

02:00 , Roisin O'Connor

Arctic Monkeys review, Glastonbury 2023: Alex Turner croons his way through crowdpleasers and subversive showmanship

01:30 , Roisin O'Connor

Arctic Monkeys at Glastonbury was a masterclass in subversive showmanship – review

Elton John: All the guest acts invited for bumper Glastonbury set

01:00 , Roisin O'Connor

Elton John’s full setlist for his Glastonbury 2023 performance

Monday 26 June 2023 00:30 , Roisin O'Connor

Full setlist for Elton John at Glastonbury 2023

Rina Sawayama sings ‘Don’t Go Breaking My Heart’ with Elton John

Sunday 25 June 2023 23:58 , Roisin O'Connor

The Killers frontman Brandon Flowers joins Elton John at Glastonbury for rousing performance of ‘Tiny Dancer’

Sunday 25 June 2023 23:41 , Roisin O'Connor

Brandon Flowers joins Elton John at Glastonbury for ‘Tiny Dancer’

Glastonbury viewers stunned at ‘insane’ crowd size for Elton John’s Pyramid Stage concert

Sunday 25 June 2023 23:22 , Roisin O'Connor

Glastonbury viewers stunned at ‘insane’ crowd size for Elton John concert

I am speechless

Sunday 25 June 2023 23:07 , Roisin O'Connor

Partly at the audacity of the crowd chanting “one more song”. You want one more song after THAT?! Come on guys, what do you think he was going to follow with? Honestly. But what a show, what a showman. Kate Hutchinson is reviewing Elton for us tonight, and we’ll have that with you very shortly. In the meantime, sit back, relax, and soak in the gloriousness that was Elton John’s headline show on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury Festival.

Let’s get some more reactions in

Sunday 25 June 2023 22:52 , Roisin O'Connor

And we have 15 minutes to go...!

Sunday 25 June 2023 22:49 , Roisin O'Connor

“I’ve had the most incredible time, and I will never forget you in my heart and in my soul,” Elton tells the audience. “Thank you so much Glastonbury.”

I rest my case

Sunday 25 June 2023 22:47 , Roisin O'Connor

This is categorically one of the greatest Glastonbury sets in history

Sunday 25 June 2023 22:31 , Roisin O'Connor

I can’t believe there’s only 30 minutes left of Elton’s two-hour set - it feels as though it’s only been 10 seconds?! And you know why that is, right? Because he doesn’t give you a second to feel bored, not one moment. This is a masterclass in entertainment, I hope the other Glastonbury headliners are watching carefully and taking notes.

This Hell is better... without you?

Sunday 25 June 2023 22:21 , Roisin O'Connor

A certain 1975 frontman is probably feeling mighty uncomfortable right now, given Sawayama called him out (not by name, by it was clear who she was referring to), during her set yesterday:

Rina Sawayama publicly calls out Matty Healy at Glastonbury Festival

Rina Sawayama joins Elton John for “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart"

Sunday 25 June 2023 22:20 , Roisin O'Connor

Elton John brings out Rina Sawayama, who played a belter of a set on the Woodsies stage last night, for “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart”. Elton has supported her basically since her career first began, so it’s no surprise that she should be one of his guest stars.

Glastonbury viewers stunned at ‘insane’ crowd size for Elton John’s Pyramid Stage concert

Sunday 25 June 2023 22:17 , Roisin O'Connor

Viewers at home have been left in awe of the size of the crowd who gathered to watch Elton John’s headline performance at Glastonbury.

On Sunday evening (25 June), the musician played the Pyramid stage, delighting his audience with performances of hit songs including 1973’s “Benny and the Jets” and “Your Song”.

The 76-year-old is the last of three headliners to play at Worthy Farm, Somerset this weekend. His show follows sets from Guns n’ Roses and Arctic Monkeys, who played on Saturday (24 June) and Friday (23 June), respectively.

My colleague Annabel Nugent reports:

Glastonbury viewers stunned at ‘insane’ crowd size for Elton John concert

Sunday 25 June 2023 22:14 , Roisin O'Connor

The next musical guest is The Killers frontman Brandon Flowers!

Sunday 25 June 2023 22:13 , Roisin O'Connor

This is amazing, so Brandon Flowers, whom Elton met in Las Vegas back in 2005, is joining him on stage right now for “Tiny Dancer”.

Elton John’s next guest is... Stephen Sanchez!

Sunday 25 June 2023 21:59 , Roisin O'Connor

OK so “save for one person”, Elton’s musical guests are younger artists, a display of his utter dedication to new music, which is one of my favourite things about him.

So the next guess is US musician Stephen Sanchez, who delivers quite a beautiful tribute to Elton’s kindness and generosity (I teared up) before beginning a rendition of his song “Until I Found You”, one of the best singles of 2022 and, quite recently, a viral sensation on TikTok.

Elton John introduces Gabriels singer Jacob Lusk as his first special guest

Sunday 25 June 2023 21:49 , Roisin O'Connor

A sublime performance from Jacob Lusk, who looked as though he was bricking it in those first few moments

Sunday 25 June 2023 21:44 , Roisin O'Connor

Dressed in his resplendent hot pink suit, Jacob Lusk did look VERY nervous as he looked out at the (100,000? more) people in the audience. I thought he might have been half a beat or so behind but he swiftly caught up, and then got into the swing of things for a tremendous gospel-backed finish.

First surprise guest revealed!

Sunday 25 June 2023 21:39 , Roisin O'Connor

And Elton’s first guest is Jacob Lusk of the band Gabriels, along with a gospel choir, here to sing “Are You Ready For Love”! What an astonishing moment for Lusk, whose band have been on the rise for the past year or so. If you needed anything to help boost your popularity, this would do it.

Let’s see what you’re all saying about Elton’s performance on Twitter

Sunday 25 June 2023 21:38 , Roisin O'Connor

There’s a lot of noise about the crowd size:

Spotted: Elton John’s husband watching with their sons, Zachary and Elijah, plus Lewis Hamilton and director Sam Taylor-Johnson

Sunday 25 June 2023 21:32 , Roisin O'Connor

Elton John’s full setlist for his Glastonbury 2023 performance

Monday 26 June 2023 00:13 , Roisin O'Connor

Full setlist for Elton John at Glastonbury 2023

Some pictures of the absolute scenes unfolding right now

Sunday 25 June 2023 21:28 , Roisin O'Connor

The sun is going down but no one’s going to bed anytime soon

Sunday 25 June 2023 21:22 , Roisin O'Connor

I’m working from home in Folkestone and I’m convinced I can hear the rapturous applause from here. John is on absolutely superb form: his voice has a wonderfully rich timbre to it, the keys on his piano sound bright and sharp, and the band are loving life, soaking up the adulation from the crowds.

Thunderous applause for Elton John as he greets his audience

Sunday 25 June 2023 21:14 , Roisin O'Connor

“Oh wow, I never thought I’d ever play Glastonbury. But here I am, and it’s a very emotional night for me, because it might be my last ever show in Britain... so I’d better play well,” John says, before careening into “Benny and the Jets”!!

The biggest fomo I’ve ever experienced

Sunday 25 June 2023 21:10 , Roisin O'Connor

Genuinely, I’m already close to tears at the euphoria we’re witnessing tonight. John has kicked off with a sizzling rendition of “Pinball Wizard”, his 1975 cover of The Who’s track.

Is everyone sitting comfortable?

Sunday 25 June 2023 21:03 , Roisin O'Connor

Here we go! I’m already convinced that this is going to be one of the best Glastonbury sets in living memory. Come on, Rocket Man!

What a crowd!

Sunday 25 June 2023 20:59 , Annabel Nugent

It seems everyone has come to see the Rocket Man’s last-ever show!

Not long now...

Sunday 25 June 2023 20:52 , Annabel Nugent

Just eight more minutes until these Elton fans get their fill!

T-minus 26 minutes until Elton John takes the stage!

Sunday 25 June 2023 20:34 , Annabel Nugent

Roni Size at midnight?

Sunday 25 June 2023 20:23 , Annabel Nugent

Mark Beaumont on Cat Stevens, and Adam White on The Chicks

Sunday 25 June 2023 20:18 , Annabel Nugent

Cat Stevens comes across as a folk Nile Rodgers in legendary Glastonbury set– review

ICYMI

Sunday 25 June 2023 20:17 , Annabel Nugent

Here’s Ben Bryant with a four-star review of Blondie...

Debbie Harry whips the crowd into a frenzy with this best-of-Blondie set – review

Here’s what on right now...

Sunday 25 June 2023 20:12 , Annabel Nugent

The Other Stage: The War on Drugs 19:45 – 20:45

West Holts Stage: Candi Staton 20:00 – 21:00

The Park Stage: Thundercat 19:45 – 20:45

Woodsies: Caroline Polachek 20:00 – 21:00

The Acoustic Stage: Gilbert O’sullivan 20:00 – 21:00

Arcadia: Dubkasm 20:15 – 21:00

Caroline Polachek at the Woodsies stage

Sunday 25 June 2023 20:03 , Annabel Nugent

I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again: if you’re watching from home, tune into Caroline Polachek on at the Woodsies stage now.

And if you’re at Glastonbury – run!

A final twerk...

Sunday 25 June 2023 19:59 , Annabel Nugent

Lil Nas X and his dancers give the crowd one final twerk and bow before exiting the stage after what has been one of the most lively, and surprising shows of Glastonbury 2023.

Surprise!

Sunday 25 June 2023 19:56 , Annabel Nugent

It’s Jack Harlow, who arrives on stage for a speedy appearance, singing his verse in the smash hit “INDUSTRY BABY”.

Xoxo

Sunday 25 June 2023 19:53 , Annabel Nugent

Before launching into “LOST IN THE CITADEL”, Lil Nas X appears to kiss one of his dancers on stage. Pucker up!

Heads up

Sunday 25 June 2023 19:49 , Annabel Nugent

“THAT’S WHAT I WANT"

Sunday 25 June 2023 19:45 , Annabel Nugent

Lil Nas X is bringing peak summer vibes with his 2021 smash hit “THAT’S WHAT I WANT” and the crowd are absolutely loving it. There’s not a voice in the crowd who isn’t singing along to every word.

Am I hallucinating?

Sunday 25 June 2023 19:43 , Annabel Nugent

Or has a massive, shaggy white bull wearing a gold chest plate just strolled on stage, sceptre in hand?

Lil Nas X is back!

Sunday 25 June 2023 19:40 , Annabel Nugent

And the outfit change was well worth the wait...

A vision in electric blue, Lil Nas X is wearing a monochromatic look featuring the shaggiest shaggy boots, knee pads (safety first!), and a shiny sheath of sorts with a bull’s head around the waist.

If you’re as obsessed with these dancers as we are... read up!

Sunday 25 June 2023 19:35 , Annabel Nugent

Meet the Dancers Who Slayed Lil Nas X's 'Long Live Montero' Tour

Dance break!

Sunday 25 June 2023 19:32 , Annabel Nugent

We’re treated to a fabulous performance from Lil Nas X’s dancers (soundtracked to Rihanna’s “S&M”) while the Grammy-winner pops off stage for a speedy wardrobe change.

“SUN GOES DOWN"

Sunday 25 June 2023 19:31 , Annabel Nugent

It’s hard to think of a more perfect moment for Lil Nas X to perform his 2021 hit “SUN GOES DOWN” than right now, as the Glastonbury crowd become awash in the warm orange glow of sunset.

Ok, wow...!

Sunday 25 June 2023 19:29 , Annabel Nugent

Rocking a gold chest plate and white fringed flares, Lil Nas X looks incredible as he takes the Pyramid stage by storm – and by horse.

It’s certainly one of the biggest, most elaborate sets we’ve seen this weekend with a group of dancers, a sculptural backdrop, a giant horse and a massive bird sharing the stage with the musician.

An emotional post from Raye who absolutely smashed her set yesterday

Sunday 25 June 2023 19:07 , Roisin O'Connor

Any minute now...

Sunday 25 June 2023 19:02 , Annabel Nugent

Lil Nas X is due on the Pyramid Stage – and if the musician’s past shows are anything to go by, it’ll be a spectacular, show-stopping performance!

PSA: Caroline Polachek on at Woodsies at 8pm

Sunday 25 June 2023 18:50 , Annabel Nugent

If I were at Glastonbury, I’d soon be making my way over to the Woodsies Stage where Caroline Polachek is due to perform in approximately an hour.

Having seen the New York artist at Primavera a couple of weeks ago, I can confidently say Polachek will be putting on a brilliant performance, complete with stunning vocals and swoon-worthy choreography.

Sunday 25 June 2023 18:45 , Roisin O'Connor

Spice Girl Melanie C has raised hopes the famous girl band could play at Glastonbury in the future, saying they “all” would like to perform at the music festival.

The singer, 49, took to the stage on Saturday night on the Avalon Stage, and speaking to BBC Radio 6 Music’s Matt Everitt, she responded to whether the Spice Girls would accept an offer to play the legends slot.

According to BBC News, she told Everitt: “All of the Spice Girls would like to play Glasto, that is the truth.

“Like I said to the audience (on Saturday night), doing a couple of Spice Girls songs, ‘a bit of a warm-up for next year?’

“They’re rehearsed, they know the words, they’re ready.”

“So, if I can drag the other girls along... I say ‘drag’ the other girls along - all of the Spice Girls would like to play Glasto, that is the truth.

“It’s just getting it together, the timing being right.”

The pop star, also known by her nickname Sporty Spice, added: “And it’s quite daunting, some of the girls haven’t been up on stage for years.

“But I think it’s, we call it (playing Glastonbury) the bucket list, because as an artist it really is the ultimate.”

Video footage shared on Instagram shows Mel C, full name Melanie Chisholm, performing some of the band’s hits such as 2 Become 1 and Spice Up Your Life on Saturday night.

In a separate interview talking to Huw Stephens and Arielle Free, on the BBC’s iPlayer channel, Mel C said of the band doing Glastonbury: “There are certain members of the band, most of them, who would jump at the chance. We would love to do it, the thing is when we do it - do you like that?”

“I’m manifesting - when we do it, it’s got to be amazing. We’ve not been out since 2019 when we did our stadium tour.

“So we need to be out there, we need to be doing shows, we want to come to this stage being on top form.

“So, we’ve got a little bit more planning to do before we get here... you want to be brilliant and for some of the girls they’ve not been on stage since 2019 so a lot of it is psychological as well.”

In 2019, the beloved girl band of Mel B, Geri Halliwell, Mel C, and Emma Bunton, and minus Victoria Beckham, got back together for a string of tour dates across the UK and Ireland.

It was the first time the Spice Girls had performed together since the 2012 London Olympics closing ceremony.

If they were to play in the legends slot they would be following in the footsteps of this year’s performer, Yusuf/Cat Stevens, and other prolific music names like Dolly Parton, Kylie Minogue and Dame Shirley Bassey.

Press Association

And on the West Holts Stage

Sunday 25 June 2023 18:39 , Annabel Nugent

Jamiacan reggae and dancehall artist Barrinton Levy is wowing the crowd over at the West Holts Stage, where Candi Station and Rudimental are due to perform later tonight.

Rami Malek loves Blondie, too

Sunday 25 June 2023 18:33 , Annabel Nugent

Kate Hudson isn’t the only celebrity Blondie fan at Glastonbury this year.

Oscar-winner Rami Malek was also spotted in the wings of Debbie Harry’s stellar performance on the Pyramid Stage.

What’s the weather looking like?

Sunday 25 June 2023 18:31 , Annabel Nugent

After a threat of rain clouds over the Pyramid Stage earlier today, it’s looking like Glastonbury is in the clear with the Met Office reporting less than a five per cent chance of rain tonight.

Becky Hill is on over at the Other stage

Sunday 25 June 2023 18:28 , Annabel Nugent

Donning an outfit emblazoned in bright yellow smiley faces, Becky Hill is certainly bringing the summer vibes to the Other Stage.

Her song “Afterglow” is proving to be a hit with the audience, who eagerly sing along with every word.

Spotted: Kate Hudson and Stella McCartney watching Blondie on the Pyramid Stage

Sunday 25 June 2023 18:15 , Roisin O'Connor

Where are we at with the Britney rumours?

Sunday 25 June 2023 17:58 , Roisin O'Connor

OK so yes, the fields at Worthy Farm are buzzing with speculation that Britney Spears could be one of Elton John’s special guests at his headline show tonight. Some are dismissing this as nonsense, but a very reliable source told me the locals around the festival site were talking about this before revellers even turned up, and they usually hear these things first.

Britney’s definitely in a British mood, too - her Instagram is suddenly full of images of apples cut into a St George’s flag shape, along with fish and chip sandwiches, and the caption GBGBGB. There is a completely unverified/unconfirmed report that she was spotted at Bristol airport yesterday, though I’m not too sure how much I believe that one.

I’m not saying I think she’s going to perform, but I do think there’s a strong chance she might pop in to say hello.

We’re loving Blondie on the Pyramid Stage!

Sunday 25 June 2023 17:50 , Roisin O'Connor

I think I’ve seen Blondie three times now, and it never gets old, so the fomo is real as I watch this Pyramid Stage set from home. Debbie Harry’s such a legend, and they know how to do a crowd-pleasing set: “Maria”, “Call Me”, “Rapture”... And she gets the crowd going!

Yusuf / Cat Stevens

Sunday 25 June 2023 17:26 , Mark Beaumont

Of recent years the Legend Slot has tended towards the camp mid-afternoon party starter – Barry Gibb, Jeff Lynne’s ELO, Diana Ross – and pop, soul and country one-namers: Kylie, Dolly, Lionel.

Anything that the stage-front security can do a synchronised routine in aid of consigning to history the phrase “guilty pleasure”. 2023, however, recalls the roots of the slot, when Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and Brian Wilson would take a Sunday lunch pedestal as Yusef Islam - the artist previously known as Cat Stevens - emerges with a gently supportive band and an acoustic guitar set to “glistening arpeggios”.

“What a journey” he says of his path from the 1960 folk clubs to the Pyramid, then takes a skipping trip back along it. For a dedicates peacenik – his suggestion to end all war, he tells us, is to “lock all the leaders up in London Zoo” – it’s a pretty punk statement to throw “Moonshadow” away early, but he has plenty more folk gold in the vault.

An early medley takes in “The First Cut is the Deepest”; the stirring gospel “Tea For The Tillerman”, theme from Extras, floats sweetly out of the cultural subconscious; “(Remember the Days of the) Old Schoolyard” is a synthesised diversion into truly classic pop.

By the time “Wild World” and “Father and Son” – accompanied by footage of a young Cat – drift by and “Morning Has Broken” arrives like all of your assemblies come at once, it’s apparent that Yusef is so embedded within pop culture, he comes across as a folk Nile Rodgers. As lovely as a “Here Comes the Sun” tribute to George Harrison is, he’s quite enough sunshine on his own.

The Chicks review

Sunday 25 June 2023 17:23 , Adam White

Who’s ready for a hootenanny?” asks Natalie Maines, frontwoman of The Chicks, during their Sunday afternoon set on the Pyramid Stage.

The Texas three-piece (Maines is joined by sisters Martie Maguire and Emily Strayer) remain one of country’s most purely anarchic acts, celebrating the historic sounds of bluegrass and pop but also always pushing forward, tangling with politics, feminism and race (the Confederate connotations of their previous name, The Dixie Chicks, led to their decision to change it in 2020).

They’re born rebels, with the historic controversies to prove it (they were famously blacklisted by US radio for criticising President George W Bush and his invasion of Iraq, and absolutely refused to apologise despite taking a massive commercial hit).

Their set is a brilliant encapsulation of their appeal, with a mix of Nineties classics such as the uplifting “Wide Open Spaces” and modern hits like the glitchy, atmospheric “March March”.

A cover of Beyoncé’s “Daddy Lessons” massively pops off, as does a cover of Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton’s “Rainbowland” to acknowledge Pride Month. For sheer potency, though, look no further than Maines belting out the group’s 1999 pop crossover anthem “Ready to Run” at the front of the stage with a silver-frosted mohawk.

Cat Stevens’ birthday message for Ricky Gervais

Sunday 25 June 2023 17:00 , Annabel Nugent

Cat Stevens gave comedian and TV writer Ricky Gervais a special shout out during his Glastonbury set.

The music festival continued on Sunday (25 June) at Worthy Farm, with The Chicks, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Blondie all taking the stage before Elton John’s much-anticipated headline show.

Yusuf Islam – commonly known by his other stage name Cat Stevens – performed on the Pyramid Stage in the sunny afternoon.

The 74-year-old and his band delighted the crowd with hits including the 1967 tracks “The First Cut Is the Deepest” and “Here Comes My Baby”.

Introducing his 1970 song “Tea for the Tillerman”, Stevens shouted out one of his biggest fans, Ricky Gervais.

“Oh Glastonbury, are you enjoying yourselves?” Cat Stevens asked his audience. “You should be, it’s teatime! The only person missing right now is Ricky Gervais.”

The comedian and actor – who celebrates his birthday on Sunday (25 June) – is known to be a huge fan of Stevens.

Full story:

Cat Stevens gives special shout out to Ricky Gervais during Glastonbury Legends set

Breaking news: Man in his 40s dies at Glastonbury after ‘medical incident'

Sunday 25 June 2023 16:32 , Roisin O'Connor

Just in:

A man in his 40s has died at Glastonbury Festival after suffering a “medical incident”, police have said.

Avon and Somerset Police said in a statement: “Shortly before 4am today emergency services responded to a medical incident involving a man in his 40s at Glastonbury Festival.

“The incident happened on a footpath known as the old railway line.

“Sadly, the man died at the scene. His next of kin have been informed and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.

“The man’s death is not being treated as suspicious and officers are carrying out inquiries on behalf of the coroner.”

More to follow

Cat Stevens closes his Legends set with two classics, “Wild World” and “Father and Son"

Sunday 25 June 2023 16:30 , Roisin O'Connor

What a perfect afternoon set from Cat Stevens, and how wonderful he sounds up there on the Pyramid Stage. These are the vibes we need.

‘Lock all the leaders up in London Zoo, that’s my solution’ - Cat Stevens

Sunday 25 June 2023 16:23 , Roisin O'Connor

‘Here comes the sun'

Sunday 25 June 2023 16:03 , Roisin O'Connor

Beautiful Beatles cover from Cat Stevens, and just what we needed. It really does feel like years since summer’s been here, but here it is!

Cat Stevens just shouted out his biggest fan, Ricky Gervais

Sunday 25 June 2023 15:56 , Roisin O'Connor

“Oh Glastonbury, are you enjoying yourselves?” Cat Stevens asks his audience. “You should be, it’s teatime! The only person missing right now is Ricky Gervais.”

In case you didn’t know, the comedian is a massive fan of Stevens’, and picked his classic song “Lilywhite” as his Desert Island Disc favourite back in 2007.

“It’s just beautiful, he said of the song.

Stevens has previously said the song was inspired by an “amazingly bad trip”.

“I was at Noel Redding’s house, we were on tour and he introduced me to this substance,” he told Mojo. “That was the worst night of my life!

“It was in his flat in Clapham Common. By the time I got to dawn and I was able to get out of the door it had snowed and it was like looking at an angelic gift from heaven! It was beautiful. Now, the song represents a recapturing of that moment where after darkness comes light.”

Gervais was likely also behind “Tea for the Tillerman” being used as the closing title track for his comedy sketch show Extras.

Moshing – to Weyes Blood?

Sunday 25 June 2023 15:43 , Annabel Nugent

When you think of Weyes Blood’s psychedlic folk, you don’t exactly think of mosh pits but anything is possible.

“I’ve heard this festival is extremely known for having the best moshes so this is your chance. This is our one extremely upbeat song...”

Weyes Blood: ‘A beguiling blend of nostalgia and optimism’

Sunday 25 June 2023 15:38 , Annabel Nugent

Our music critic Helen Brown is also a fan...

Weyes Blood’s new album is a beguiling blend of nostalgia and optimism – review

Weyes Blood at the Park Stage

Sunday 25 June 2023 15:38 , Annabel Nugent

If anyone can tear themselves away from Cat Stevens’s gorgeous vocals, I would suggest tuning into Weyes Blood over at the Park Stage.

Natalie Mering’s psychedlic folk is not something you want to miss.

Weyes Blood: ‘I wanted to be an artist but I didn’t have the family money’

In other news...

Sunday 25 June 2023 15:33 , Annabel Nugent

Those not watching Cat Stevens right now can catch The Teskey Brothers at the Other Stage, Cat Burns at Woodsies, and Weyes Blood at The Park Stage.

‘Course not!'

Sunday 25 June 2023 15:29 , Annabel Nugent

Cat Stevens is certainly not camping this year...

Keep ‘em coming

Sunday 25 June 2023 15:26 , Annabel Nugent

Cat Stevens is reeling through the hits! From “Here Comes My Baby” to “First Cut Is The Deepest”, this is a crowd-pleasing set if ever there was one.

“What a journey!"

Sunday 25 June 2023 15:24 , Annabel Nugent

Cat Stevens reflected on his long, storied career in between songs on stage.

The musician recalled the first ever time he walked up to a microphone at a small folk venue in Soho in 1965.

“And now walking on the great Pyramid stage of Glastonbury – what a journey!”

Now on the Pyramid Stage

Sunday 25 June 2023 15:21 , Annabel Nugent

Yusuf Islam – aka Cat Stevens – is here, and winning over the crowd with a gorgeously sung rendition of his 1971 “Moonshadow”.

Applause for Rick Astley

Sunday 25 June 2023 15:19 , Annabel Nugent

Rick Astley has just finished up a crowd-pleasing set over at the Pyramid Stage, with his 1987 hit “Never Gonna Give You Up” proving to be the ultimate antidote to this sweltering weather.

Ready for Elton!

Sunday 25 June 2023 15:15 , Annabel Nugent

Rumours are swirling...

Sunday 25 June 2023 15:13 , Annabel Nugent

With just under six hour to go until Elton John’s headline show, whispers are rife about who will be joining the musician on stage...

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website