As this year’s Glastonbury festival comes to a close, here is a look back at some of the weekend’s most memorable moments.
McCartney’s surprise appearances
Paul McCartney, who headlined the Pyramid stage at the festival last year, made an unexpected appearance midway through Saturday night’s performance by the Pretenders.
This time around, his appearance was a brief one, coming on stage to give the audience a thumbs up before exiting a moment later.
A surreal moment amongst an already mad weekend. Walked to the top of the @glastonbury hill for a sunset photo, turns out Paul McCartney had the same idea! #lovehim #icon #legend pic.twitter.com/K7b6R7hkGt
— Chris Arnold (@ChrisArnoldInc) June 24, 2023
Foo Fighters revealed as ‘mystery’ act
Many had speculated that the mystery band billed to perform at the Pyramid stage on Friday afternoon would be Foo Fighters, and the rumour was confirmed to be true when the American rock band, led by Dave Grohl, emerged on stage to rapturous applause.
“You guys fucking knew it was us this whole time, didn’t you?” Grohl said, before performing hits including All My Life and My Hero. “We’re happy to see you guys. It’s nice to see you guys after all this time,” he said.
Security escort Del Rey off stage
Lana Del Rey’s headline performance at the Other stage on Saturday night was certainly memorable. After the singer-songwriter took to the stage more than 30 minutes late, she apologised to fans: “I’m sorry. My hair takes so long.”
Rey was also seen vaping between songs, and was later joined by her stylist, who finished the singer’s hairdo on stage. Her set was then dramatically cut short at midnight when her microphone was cut off, and she was seen arguing with the stage’s management about whether she would be able to finish the eight songs remaining on her setlist. Del Rey then performed Video Games a cappella before being escorted off stage by security.
Crowd comes to Capaldi’s aid
Off the back of cancelling all of his scheduled performances for mental health reasons in the run-up to the festival, there was speculation whether Lewis Capaldi would be able to finish his set.
The Scottish singer was noticeably affected by tics as a result of Tourette’s syndrome. He admitted that he was struggling, saying: “I’m really sorry. I hope the Eavises will have me back on, even though it’s been a bit of a shit show.”
During his biggest hit, Someone You Loved, the 100,000-strong crowd took over the song as his voice broke. It left Capaldi visibly emotional.
We love you Lewis Capaldi ❤️
— BBC Radio 1 (@BBCR1) June 24, 2023
Glastonbury crowds are the best. pic.twitter.com/x6ZnIIgRpP
Astley’s Harry Styles and AC/DC covers
Clad in a salmon-pink suit, Rick Astley’s lunchtime performance on the Pyramid stage on Saturday was full of energy.
There was something for everyone in his Glastonbury debut, with the veteran pop star playing his 80s classics including Never Gonna Give You Up, a cover of Highway to Hell by AC/DC during which he showed off his drumming skills, and his own rendition of Harry Styles’ hit single As It Was.
