Legendary Performances at the Glastonbury Festival

1. David Bowie (2000)

David Bowie’s Glastonbury performance in 2000 is considered one of the most iconic sets in the festival’s history. Taking the Pyramid Stage by storm, Bowie delivered a masterful mix of his greatest hits, captivating the audience with his charismatic presence and timeless music. The setlist featured an array of classics, opening with “Wild Is the Wind” and moving seamlessly through favorites such as “China Girl,” “Changes,” and “Life on Mars?” The crowd erupted with excitement during “Ziggy Stardust” and “Starman,” reliving the magic of Bowie’s alter ego. “Heroes” resonated deeply, uniting the audience in a collective euphoria.

He also performed “Let’s Dance,” “Ashes to Ashes,” and “Fame,” showcasing his versatile musical genius. Bowie concluded with an electrifying rendition of “I’m Afraid of Americans” and a nostalgic “Under Pressure.” His performance, filled with emotion and energy, left an indelible mark on Glastonbury, solidifying his legendary status in music history.

2. Radiohead (1997)

Radiohead’s Glastonbury performance in 1997 is widely regarded as one of the festival’s most legendary sets. Taking the Pyramid Stage amidst torrential rain and mud, the band delivered a spellbinding show that coincided with the release of their critically acclaimed album “OK Computer.” Opening with “Lucky,” they set a powerful tone, followed by a haunting rendition of “Airbag.” The setlist featured standout tracks from “OK Computer,” including “Paranoid Android,” “Karma Police,” and “No Surprises,” which showcased their innovative sound and lyrical depth.

Radiohead also revisited earlier hits like “Creep” and “My Iron Lung,” much to the crowd’s delight. Thom Yorke’s raw and emotional vocals, particularly on “Exit Music (For a Film)” and “Street Spirit (Fade Out),” captivated the audience. The performance peaked with the anthemic “Just” and the electrifying “The Bends.” Despite technical difficulties and the challenging weather, Radiohead’s 1997 Glastonbury set is remembered for its intensity and artistry, marking a defining moment in the band’s career and the festival’s history.

3. Beyoncé (2011)

Beyoncé’s 2011 Glastonbury performance was a landmark moment, as she became the first solo female headliner in over 20 years. Her set was a high-energy spectacle, featuring a mix of her greatest hits and captivating choreography. Opening with a powerful rendition of “Crazy in Love,” Beyoncé immediately electrified the crowd. She continued with fan favorites like “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It),” “Halo,” and “Irreplaceable,” showcasing her vocal prowess and dynamic stage presence.

The performance also included tracks from her then-recent album “4,” such as “Run the World (Girls)” and “Best Thing I Never Had,” blending seamlessly with her earlier hits. Beyoncé paid homage to iconic artists, incorporating elements of Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams” and Kings of Leon’s “Sex on Fire” into her set, demonstrating her versatility and appreciation for diverse musical influences.

Her rendition of “At Last,” originally by Etta James, was particularly memorable, highlighting her ability to deliver powerful ballads. Beyoncé’s Glastonbury set was a masterclass in performance, combining impressive vocals, energetic dance routines, and a commanding stage presence, cementing her status as one of the greatest entertainers of her generation.

4. The Rolling Stones (2013)

The Rolling Stones’ Glastonbury debut in 2013 was a historic and electrifying performance. Taking the Pyramid Stage by storm, the legendary band delivered a setlist packed with their greatest hits, thrilling the massive crowd. They opened with “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” setting a high-energy tone for the evening. Classic tracks like “Paint It Black,” “Gimme Shelter,” and “Wild Horses” followed, showcasing their timeless appeal and musical prowess.

Mick Jagger’s charismatic stage presence and dynamic vocals, combined with Keith Richards’ iconic guitar riffs, captivated the audience. The band also performed “Honky Tonk Women,” “Brown Sugar,” and “Start Me Up,” each song met with enthusiastic sing-alongs from the crowd. The highlight was a powerful rendition of “Sympathy for the Devil,” with striking visuals and a fiery atmosphere.

They closed the set with the anthemic “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” leaving the crowd in awe. The Rolling Stones’ 2013 Glastonbury performance was monumental, celebrating their enduring legacy and proving their status as rock and roll icons.

5. Paul McCartney (2004)

Paul McCartney’s Glastonbury performance in 2004 was a landmark event, blending Beatles classics with his solo hits to create an unforgettable experience.  Opening with “Jet” from his Wings era. He continued with timeless Beatles songs like “Drive My Car,” “Penny Lane,” and “Get Back,” each met with enthusiastic sing-alongs.

The set also featured poignant moments, such as “Blackbird” and “Hey Jude,” showcasing McCartney’s vocals and ability to connect deeply with the audience. He paid tribute to his late bandmates with “Here Today,” written for John Lennon, and “Something,” honouring George Harrison.

McCartney’s solo work was well-represented with hits like “Band on the Run” and “Live and Let Die,” featuring a spectacular pyrotechnics display. The performance of “Let It Be” was particularly moving, uniting the crowd in a heartfelt sing-along.

Closing with a rousing rendition of “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)” and “The End,” McCartney’s 2004 Glastonbury set was a celebration of his storied career, reaffirming his status as a living legend and leaving an indelible mark on the festival’s history.

6. U2 (2011)

U2’s Glastonbury performance in 2011 was a highly anticipated and triumphant event, marking their first appearance at the festival. The band delivered a powerful setlist that spanned their illustrious career, starting with “Even Better Than the Real Thing,” which immediately captivated the crowd. They continued with iconic tracks like “Mysterious Ways,” “Beautiful Day,” and “Elevation,” each song showcasing Bono’s dynamic vocals and the band’s tight musicianship.

The performance also featured politically charged songs such as “Sunday Bloody Sunday” and “Pride (In the Name of Love),” resonating deeply with the audience. “Where the Streets Have No Name” and “With or Without You” provided emotional high points, with the crowd passionately singing along.

U2 also played “Vertigo” and “City of Blinding Lights,” displaying their ability to blend rock anthems with introspective lyrics. The set included “I Will Follow,” a nod to their early days, and “Moment of Surrender,” which closed the show on a poignant note. Despite the rain and mud, U2’s Glastonbury set was a resounding success, reaffirming their status as one of the world’s greatest rock bands and delivering a memorable night for festival-goers.

7. Arcade Fire (2014)

Arcade Fire’s Glastonbury performance in 2014 was a spectacular showcase of their eclectic sound and theatrical stage presence. Opening with the anthemic “Reflektor,” the band immediately set an energetic tone. The setlist included a mix of tracks from their acclaimed albums, highlighting their musical versatility and emotional depth.

They performed fan favorites like “Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)” and “Neighborhood #3 (Power Out)” from their debut album “Funeral,” which resonated deeply with the crowd. “No Cars Go” and “Keep the Car Running” from “Neon Bible” added to the set’s dynamic energy.

Arcade Fire’s performance of “The Suburbs” and “Ready to Start” from their Grammy-winning album “The Suburbs” were standout moments, with the audience singing along passionately. “Afterlife” and “It’s Never Over (Oh Orpheus)” from “Reflektor” showcased their newer material, blending danceable beats with introspective lyrics.

The band’s theatrical elements, including elaborate costumes and vibrant visuals, enhanced the live experience. Closing with “Wake Up,” Arcade Fire left an indelible mark on Glastonbury 2014, solidifying their reputation as one of the most captivating live acts.

8. The Cure (1986)

The Cure’s Glastonbury performance in 1986 was a defining moment for the band and the festival. Taking the Pyramid Stage, they delivered a mesmerizing set filled with their signature gothic and post-punk sound. Opening with the atmospheric “Shake Dog Shake,” the band captivated the audience.

The setlist featured a blend of tracks from their early albums and more recent releases. Highlights included “A Night Like This” and “Push” from their 1985 album “The Head on the Door,” as well as classics like “Charlotte Sometimes” and “In Between Days,” showcasing their evolving musical style.

Robert Smith’s vocals and stage presence were complemented by the band’s performance. They played “Primary” and “A Forest,” which resonated deeply with the crowd, demonstrating their ability to blend introspective lyrics with compelling melodies. The Cure also performed “Boys Don’t Cry” and “10:15 Saturday Night,” bringing a sense of nostalgia and raw energy to the set. Closing with the anthemic “Killing an Arab,” their 1986 Glastonbury performance solidified The Cure’s status as a seminal force in alternative music, leaving a lasting impression on festival-goers.

9. Kanye West (2015)

Kanye West’s Glastonbury performance in 2015 was one of the festival’s most talked-about events. As the headliner, West delivered a high-energy set that showcased his influential career in hip-hop and beyond. Opening with “Stronger,” he immediately commanded the stage with his dynamic presence.

The setlist spanned his extensive catalog, featuring hits like “Power,” “Black Skinhead,” and “All Day,” each performed with intense energy and captivating visuals. He also included fan favorites such as “Jesus Walks,” “Gold Digger,” and “Touch the Sky,” which had the crowd singing along enthusiastically.

West’s performance was not without its controversial moments. He proclaimed himself the “greatest living rock star on the planet,” a statement that polarized viewers. Nevertheless, his set was filled with memorable highlights, including an emotional rendition of “Runaway” and a surprise appearance by Justin Vernon of Bon Iver during “Lost in the World.”

Despite mixed reviews, West’s Glastonbury performance was a spectacle of ambition and artistry, reaffirming his status as a boundary-pushing artist. The set concluded with “Bound 2,” leaving a lasting impression on the audience and solidifying his place in Glastonbury history.

10. Pulp (1995)

Pulp’s Glastonbury performance in 1995 was a pivotal moment in the festival’s history. Stepping in as last-minute headliners after The Stone Roses withdrew, Pulp delivered a career-defining set that captivated the audience. Opening with “Do You Remember the First Time?,” they set an exuberant tone.

The setlist featured tracks from their breakthrough album “His ‘n’ Hers” and the then-upcoming “Different Class.” Highlights included “Sorted for E’s & Wizz,” “Disco 2000,” and “Mis-Shapes,” each resonating with the crowd’s youthful exuberance. Jarvis Cocker’s charismatic and often cheeky stage presence was a focal point, enhancing the connection with the audience.

“Common People,” Pulp’s anthem of class and culture, was the standout moment of the night. The crowd’s enthusiastic sing-along turned it into a communal experience, embodying the festival’s spirit. Tracks like “Babies” and “Razzmatazz” further showcased the band’s wit and energy.

Pulp’s 1995 performance solidified their place in Britpop history and demonstrated their ability to captivate a massive audience. The set is remembered for its spontaneity, energy, and the band’s undeniable connection with the Glastonbury crowd.