TOP TEN GLASTONBURY PERFORMANCES
By Danielle Muldoon
Glastonbury 2020 is yet another event that has been cancelled this year because of Miss Coronavirus’ appearance. So, instead of focusing on what Glastonbury could’ve been this year, I’ve decided that I’m reminiscing on past performances in the hope that it’ll keep me going through this festival-less summer. I’ve compiled what are, in my opintion, the best ten Glastonbury performances from the past couple of decades. So grab a dark fruits, a plastic waterproof poncho and a pair of sunglasses before we dive into the top ten performances Glastonbury has had to offer.
10. Beyoncé – Irreplaceable
Queen Bey holds the number 10 position because of her dominance of her crowd in 2011. From the beginning of her performance by commanding the girls and boys in the crowd to divide, and follow her lead, shows that she is a born performer: she knows how to engage with a crowd. Her vocals also are immaculate: they emulate the track found on her album Sasha Fierce.
9. Dolly Parton – Jolene
In at number 9 is the country legend herself Dolly Parton. In 2014 Dolly made waves at the Somerset festival. Dolly, bejewelled in a white jumpsuit with matching guitar was the first highlight of this performance; she brought the right amount of camp and creativity to Glastonbury. Paired with her incredible anthem ‘Jolene’ she brought a contemporary audience to her iconic country track. The moment the youth-filled crowd belt out the lyrics ‘Jolene, I’m begging of you please don’t take my man’ and the security staff synchronised dancing cemented Dolly’s performance into the top tier league.
8. Coldplay – Yellow
This song is always set to be a crowd pleaser, but this is confirmed when his audience in 2016 chant the chorus: it’s magical. The lighting team adds to the poignancy of the lyrics but lighting up not only the stage but the audience in the yellow lights; this grouping of both band and audience share the experience, showing the inclusive theme that the festival encapsulates. Chris Martin’s lyrics prove that with simple lighting, an appreciative crowd and a great band with him adds to greatness that this performance gives.
7. Lizzo – Juice
American superstar Lizzo comes in at 7th place with her 2019 performance of her hit track ‘Juice.’ Lizzo creates a memorable performance by radiating positivity: she tells the audience ‘I want you to sing this song like it f*cking yours, like it belongs to you and you only’ which clearly riles the crowd as they belt out her hit-topping lyrics. The clincher of the performance was Lizzo thanking all her team for being an integral part in helping her create the performance – what humility!
6. Travis – Why Does It Always Rain On Me?
In the turn of the millennium, Scottish rock band Travis performed their breakthrough single on the Glastonbury stage which was a hit with the audience. The crowd visibly jump to the beat of the song and chant, even before frontman Fran Healy begins singing. The most striking moment is when the crowd are left to sing the bridge; to hear that volume of people sing one of the greatest songs of the noughties is truly special. I would’ve loved to have been there, unfortunately I was only one-year-old at the time.
5. Two Door Cinema Club – What You Know
Irish indie-rock trio were a hit in 2013 when performing their track ‘What You Know?’ Despite the track only reaching number 64 in the singles chart when it was released, the crowd clearly ignored the results of the charts as they went wild. The trio only began playing the guitar riffs on stage and the crowd had already begun synchronised jumping. But even with the sunshine that Somerset provided, Alex’s vocals were not outshined as he emulated his vocals on the single – a mark of a true talented artist. The crowd, the sunshine, the tune combined together to make an unforgettable atmosphere.
4. Paolo Nutini – Iron Sky
Fellow Scot gave an emotional with his rock hit Iron Sky when performing in 2014. Paolo’s husky vocals were only magnified in the open air of the festival environment; and paired with Paolo’s backing singer who complimented the husky vocals with her falsetto voice made for a perfect match. Another striking moment in this performance is the singer’s emotion: he points to the crowd as he sings, almost as if he is pleading with his crowd to listen to the Charlie Chaplin speech which is sandwiched between his lyrics, which they do as there is recital. The performance now only highlights the golden gravel tones of Nutini but provides a message of kindness and unity.
3. Arctic Monkeys – I Bet That You Look Good On The Dancefloor
Sheffield-born rock band Arctic Monkeys ignited the Glastonbury stage in 2013 with their number one track, arguably one of the most famous songs of the band. Because of this the crowd, obviously, went wild, chanting every single lyric. With this crowd reaction; lighting and night setting; and the band’s impeccable live instrument playing with frontman Alex Turner nailing every note, it makes for one of the best Glastonbury performances to date.
2. Freya Ridings – Lost Without You
In 2019 newcomer to the music industry, Freya Ridings, created one of the most memorable performances ever. Usually a festival crowd goes wild which creates an unforgettable experience but with Riding’s performance the crowd was silent: they were overwhelmed by the beauty of the performance. Her hit single ‘Lost Without You’ is pulls on the heartstrings but with her live performance consisting of a sole violin, piano keys and her vocals serve as evidence that powerful lyrics and ethereal voice can be just as effective as banging drums and bass.
1. Florence and the Machine & Dizzee Rascal – You Got The Dirtee Love
In 2010 the best duo since Kenny Rodgers and Dolly Parton was brought to Glastonbury. Covering the classic Candi Station track Florence Welch is a great powerhouse bringing a great balance of strength and ethereality to the dance tune. But breathing new life into the song was the addition of London rapper Dizzee Rascal; he raps about the importance of aesthetic to a generation instead of facing reality: a message that still resonates a decade after its performance.