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'
Lizzo review, Glastonbury 2023: Life-affirming performance leaves you baffled as to why she wasn’t a headliner
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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
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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
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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
Killer song after killer song. Most of us artists can only dream of having a catalogue like this. What a SET. The legacy Elton leaves us is immeasurable. @eltonofficial #EltonJohn #Glastonbury ❤️ pic.twitter.com/bnmwIJMUhw
— Beverley Knight💙 (@Beverleyknight) June 25, 2023
Elton John seems so genuinely bloody happy to be up there. And a little surprised by the magnitude of it all. Which is mental, when you consider the sheer volume of stage time he’s clocked in 50+ years.
Love it ❤️#Glastonbury #EltonJohn pic.twitter.com/9Eramym82K— Phil Clifton (@philclifton) June 25, 2023
I’ve never been to Glastonbury but I’ve watched it on TV lots of times over the years. That’s the biggest crowd I’ve ever seen at a performance. Wow. #EltonJohn #glastonbury2023 pic.twitter.com/5SyrjvFgDx
— Colm Hanratty (@colmhanratty) June 25, 2023
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 EXACTLY what I was talking about with the Arctics set, by the way. You want FUN at a Glastonbury headline show, you want a boogie. All killer no filler. Cue Elton, and one of the greatest headline shows in festival history.
— Roisin O'Connor (@Roisin_OConnor) June 25, 2023
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
Elton John is a genius in so many ways, but it's his unwavering support for new music that gets me every time. He could have had anyone - literally anyone, this is the biggest gig of the year - but "save for one person" he's offering up his stage to young talent. Beautiful.
— Roisin O'Connor (@Roisin_OConnor) June 25, 2023
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:
Literally insane! #Glastonbury #EltonJohn pic.twitter.com/umoc2F1a92
— Sarah Woodhead 💙🚑💚 (@HalloweenGirly) June 25, 2023
Wow…. That’s some crowd!!! Sir Elton John rocking it #Glastonbury #EltonJohn pic.twitter.com/qvH2ESCFEk
— Jenny Bailey (@JennyBailey_) June 25, 2023
Elton when he brings out Lady Gaga as one of his surprise guests#glastonbury2023 #EltonJohn pic.twitter.com/RuTz3lraFm
— Gene McGurk (@magawk) June 25, 2023
I’m going to finish every email I write on my laptop tomorrow like this#EltonJohn #Glastonbury pic.twitter.com/OvJeioAhpV
— Jude MacLaverty (@Jude_Maclaverty) June 25, 2023
This feels like such a moment. Elton’s first and last Glastonbury performance has started with massive energy and passion. Must feel so epic to be in the audience. #glastonbury2023 #pyramidstage #Glastonbury #EltonJohn pic.twitter.com/qRFtDF8aM8
— Dan (@danrobertson89) June 25, 2023
Absolutely amazing the size of crowd at Glastonbury for the legend that is #EltonJohn #Glastonbury
Pleased to see that people have turned out in force for the potential last ever show in the UK for Elton! pic.twitter.com/ZE6o3g3sO0— Ph1l1p (@philipfolop) June 25, 2023
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
Roni Size secret set tonight. We think midnight at the Rum Shack but could be wrong as we’re making an educated guess.
— Secretglasto (@secretglasto) June 25, 2023
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
Very busy at the Pyramid. Word is stewards and security are expecting a Stones sized crowd and are going to institute a one way system. Please respect staff and listen to their instructions - they’re doing it to keep you safe.
— Secretglasto (@secretglasto) June 25, 2023
“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
How can I ever recover, 60,000 people came to watch us at Glastonbury’s Pyramid stage, followed by our surprise set at the BBC Introducing stage which was somehow just as magical 🫀🫀🫀🫀🫀😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 #Glastonbury pic.twitter.com/SDeW03FQQC
— RAYE (@raye) June 25, 2023
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...
'What do you mean? Course I'm not camping'
Yusuf Islam, also known as veteran folk singer Cat Stevens, spoke to #BBCBeakfast about playing the 'legend slot' at Glastonbury https://t.co/9DW0NU5gam pic.twitter.com/CjdLeCqPe7— BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) June 24, 2023
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...
I've collated all the helpful DMs in regards to Eltons special guests, think he might need to break curfew pic.twitter.com/3EXGQDzNPt
— Secretglasto (@secretglasto) June 25, 2023
Sunday 25 June 2023 14:49 , Louis Chilton
Adam White on The Chicks:
“Absolutely massive set by The Chicks over on the Pyramid Stage just then – lovely mix of Nineties classives like ‘Wide Open Spaces’ and modern hits like the glitchy, atmospheric ‘March March’.
“A cover of Beyonce’s ‘Daddy Lessons’ massively popped off, but for me the highlight was frontwoman Natalie Maines belting out ‘Ready to Run’ at the front of the stage with a silver-frosted mohawk. I may have ascended.”
Sunday 25 June 2023 14:30 , Louis Chilton
Looking very likely that Rina Sawayama will be one of the guest to feature during Elton’s set later.
Courtesy of an overheard mic check...
Elton John's team just performed a soundcheck at Glastonbury. As one mic was being tested, a member of the crew said: "One, two, one two. Rina mic, one, two."
So is that @rinasawayama confirmed for the Pyramid Stage tonight?— Mark Savage (@mrdiscopop) June 25, 2023
Sunday 25 June 2023 14:15 , Louis Chilton
People think Aitch just leaked the new Manchester United 2023/24 football kit during his Glastonbury appearance yesterday.
Either that or it’s a very convincing knock-off...
Aitch repping our new home shirt at Glastonbury 🔥 pic.twitter.com/R8ztF1uyS4
— 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐫 🇶🇦 (@UtdEra_) June 25, 2023
Sunday 25 June 2023 14:00 , Louis Chilton
For the last time!
Here’s a full rundown of all the performers and stage times coming today.
Fatigue may be setting in at Worthy Farm, but there are still bangers left to come...
Glastonbury 2023: Full line up and stage times for Sunday
Sunday 25 June 2023 13:48 , Louis Chilton
Four stars for Sophie Ellis-Bextor from Adam White.
“There is a specific kind of performer whose ability to bring the house down at Glastonbury tends to come as a shock to those watching – they tend to be women, they tend to lean towards pop (or at least dabble in it), and they tend to never have achieved the kind of international stardom their litany of recognisable bangers probably deserved. Case in point: Sophie Ellis-Bextor.
“‘This is pretty flipping exciting,’ she says at the top of her set, very much embodying your favourite primary school art teacher — who also moonlights as a pop behemoth. ‘Can you feel my sequinned-leotard, excited-mother energy?’ she asks. It’s a question that sums up the following set: one that is cosy and gentle when it’s not bopping.”
Read the full review here:
Sophie Ellis-Bextor dispenses disco bangers and irresistible sequinned vibes – review
Sunday 25 June 2023 13:35 , Louis Chilton
One of the spicier moments from yesterday’s sets.
Rina Sawayama appeared to call out The 1975’s Matty Healy on stage.
While introducing the song “STFU!” on the festival’s Woodsies stage, the 32-year-old Japanese-British artist made reference to Healy’s recent racism controversy, as well as his self-admitted pornography habits.
Crouching on the floor, Sawayama said: “Tonight, this goes out to a white man that watches Ghetto Gaggers, and mocks Asian people on a podcast... he also owns my masters... I’ve had enough.”
Rina Sawayama publicly calls out Matty Healy at Glastonbury Festival
Sunday 25 June 2023 13:17 , Louis Chilton
From Kate Hutchinson: “Sophie Ellis Bextor is absolutely killing it on the main stage, bringing the kitchen disco to the Pyramid in a shimmy-shake of gold glittery tassels and huge disco-pop bangers.”
Full review from Adam White coming imminently...
Sunday 25 June 2023 13:02 , Louis Chilton
A replacement was announced earlier for Japanese Breakfast, who withdrew from the festival this morning amid travel issues.
Eaves Wilder is currently taking their spot on The Other Stage.
Unfortunately, Japanese Breakfast are not able to perform their Other Stage slot today at 12.30pm. They will be replaced by Eaves Wilder.
— Glastonbury Festival (@glastonbury) June 25, 2023
Sunday 25 June 2023 12:47 , Louis Chilton
A matter of hours now until Elton John performs his last ever live set.
We’ve been told to expect four special guests.
Could Britney Spears be one of them? Stranger things have happened...
Britney Spears ‘drops clues’ she’s performing at Glastonbury
Sunday 25 June 2023 12:44 , Louis Chilton
A matter of hours now until Elton John performs his last ever live set.
We’ve been told to expect four special guests.
Could Britney Spears be one of them? Stranger things have happened...
Britney Spears ‘drops clues’ she’s performing at Glastonbury
Sunday 25 June 2023 12:21 , Louis Chilton
ICYMI: Mark Beaumont’s full review of Guns N’ Roses last night.
He didn’t mince his words...
Guns N’ Roses are frontrunners for the worst Glasto headliners of all time - review
Sunday 25 June 2023 11:51 , Louis Chilton
A very moving moment from Lewis Capaldi’s set yesterday...
Sunday 25 June 2023 11:31 , Louis Chilton
Glastonbury have issued some advice before what’s sure to be a sweltering day of music at Worthy Farm.
It’s hot enough here in London – I’m told the festival site was a “furnace” yesterday.
It’s looking like being another warm day on the farm. Please read our advice for dealing with the heat below. pic.twitter.com/FFv6xOXYYO
— Glastonbury Festival (@glastonbury) June 25, 2023
Sunday 25 June 2023 11:11 , Louis Chilton
This just in on social media: Japanese Breakfast have to cancel their set today. The band, led by Michelle Zauner, were struck by late-in-the-day travel issues.
“Well Glasto… we hustled out of Luxembourg at 9 pm, woke for customs at 3 am, and again for a 6 am ferry, hired an additional driver to floor it for our 12:30 set and due to various travel delays out of our control we are just not able to make it in time. We are devastated.
“I’ve always wanted to play Glastonbury and we did everything we could to be there. Hopefully we will be back for another year.”
Gutted for them.
Well Glasto… we hustled out of Luxembourg at 9 pm, woke for customs at 3 am, and again for a 6 am ferry, hired an additional driver to floor it for our 12:30 set and due to various travel delays out of our control we are just not able to make it in time. We are devastated.
— Japanese Breakfast (@Jbrekkie) June 25, 2023
Sunday 25 June 2023 11:03 , Louis Chilton
Checked in with The Independent’s people on the ground at Worthy Farm. Some fallout from Lana Del Rey’s abrupt ending...
“Summertime Sadness” was apparently one of the songs cut off.
“Lots of frustration in the press tent/hospitality that Lana got cut off, when she wasn’t exactly going to be keeping anyone in Exeter awake with her music...”
Here’s a full review of the (not so full) set, if you’ve not read yet:
Lana Del Rey’s Glasto set was a promising performance with a devastating end - review
Sunday 25 June 2023 10:32 , Louis Chilton
A wee look back at some of the highlights from yesterday.
Just one day to go – which will include Elton John’s final ever performance.
Sunday 25 June 2023 10:17 , Louis Chilton
Astley certainly had a ball yesterday.
This is a photo from the evening, after his full set of Smiths covers alongside Blossoms.
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website