28 June 2024 (gig)
29 June 2024
Squeeze heralded the opening of the main stage midday Friday with 'Take Me I'm Yours'. A class act for almost as many years as this stage has stood. Celebrating 50 years, their masterful lyrically driven upbeat classic songs never fail to deliver and have many more years to go. 'Pulling Muscles From A Shell' a highlight, even the title is lyrical genius.
Overcast and 17 degrees it was maybe slightly chillier than you'd want but wonderful Glasto weather nonetheless.
"This is what Glastonbury is all about, smiling faces," says Tilbrook before launching into 'Up The Junction' the crowd beaming.
Scotland’s finest, The Snuts, brought their brand of anthemic, guitar pop to The Other Stage. This year adorned with a flying car about to crash land centre stage the sound quality here is second to none. Jack Cochrane’s vocals are a delight, last album ‘Millennials’ was exceptional and you'll find if you give yourself a chance to tune into their sound they could become your favourite band.
"I will never forget this view" Olivia Dean says it all mid-set on the legendry Pyramid Stage. Complete in Glasto tartan miniskirt and boots, the look was complete. A skilled backing band with full brass section bolstering her upbeat sound. Performing Kelis cover 'Millionaire' she was clearly relishing the moment gyrating to the beat.
"Music is very powerful it can clearly take you places" she said before playing her first single 'Reason To Stay'. I think she has a lot further to travel.
Headie One in black jeans, white t-shirt and gold 'ONE' medallion looked the part. Since releasing his second solo mixtape, titled ‘The One’ in 2018 he’s been creating ripples which are only betting bigger. Now supporting the release of his second album ‘The Last One’ he was joined by his DJ JTK and hypeman as well as full live band knocking out well received drill and rap tunes.
Back on the Pyramid stage 13-strong k-pop phenomenon Seventeen had the youngsters dancing and OAPs slightly puzzled as they presented their carefully choreographed set. It's harmless breezy pop from fresh faced teens, what's not to like? The arms were waving, pulses racing, and new K-pop fans being created. Making history as the first K-pop group to play the main Pyramid Stage you could see it meant something to them. A good time was had by all. The biggest-selling group in the world last year, with more than 10 million albums sold, the UK remains a relatively untapped market for them, prepare to hear a lot more from these boys.
Bombay Bicycle Club fans rightly swamped The Other Stage for their fix of well-crafted melodic indie pop. A more consistent band would be hard to find. Jack Steadman dedicated 'Diving' to his partner after confessing his love in this very field 17 years ago. The sun even shone on as Damon Albarn took to the stage for ‘Heaven’ from their latest album on which he featured.
Albarn went on to say: “Palestine. Do you feel that’s an unfair war? The importance of voting next week. Now I don’t blame you for being ambivalent about that, but it’s still really important. Maybe it’s time we stopped putting octogenarians in charge of the world.”
They then sang Blur's 'Tender', prompting a full crowd sing-along and rapturous applause. Their wonderful 'Always Like this' closed the set as we bathed in sunshine.
Over at the plush Acoustic tent adorned with red draped curtains and chandelier, Tanita Tikaram reminded us why she sold so many records. Her string section’s rousing chorus of 'Love Is In The Air' a special moment.
Scouting For Girls followed, a band which I can claim to have written their first ever single review when they self-released ‘Walking 'Til The Sun Comes Up’ in 2006 (not officially listed) and posted it through my letterbox. That was how long ago it was, and I can claim to have started the ball rolling and it still hasn't stopped.
The 007 intro sees the tent packed to the rafters and as the piano chords to ‘James Bond’ started the crowd erupted and the party started. ‘Heartbeat’ was a cacophony of sound, the crowd sang every word, as Roy Stride said “you are the fifth member of the band” and he was not wrong.
They are a heart-warming band, well-worked tunes that never fail to put a smile on your face. Singing their ‘Glastonbury’ song whose chorus is “I'll see you at Glastonbury next year” another highlight.
The a hop skip and jump and we were standing in front of musical troubadour Billy Bragg. In a red shirt (of course) dark blue slacks, on the Leftfield stage (of course), playing a Gibson semi-acoustic he begins to weave his magic. He began solo acoustic but for ‘Sexuality’ an early favourite, joined by another guitarist, unfortunately not Johnny Marr, but nearly as good.
‘Which Side Are You On’ and ‘Shirley’ follow as he works the crowd. An accomplished orator, his thoughts are always political. He rightly highlights the many inequalities in life, racism, sexism, sinicism and the rise of fascism (of course).
"No-one comes to see me sing, luckily I have other offerings" he says knowingly, and 'Levi Stubbs Tears' is one of them. His distinctive voice is (of course) another.
‘Waiting For The Great Leap Forward’ always gives me shivers although tonight it failed, but the next delivered beautifully. Closing on ‘A New England’ "sing it for Kirsty McColl" he said and we did. A national treasure let's hope he never stops. Solidarity brother.
"Wow, Glastonbury! It's a lot to take in. Can we put the house lights on? I want to see everybody ... Oh man, this is a massive, massive dream come true for me” says Dua Lipa from the main stage. Wearing a leather leotard together with her plethora of dancers she commands the stage with high tempo moves, sounds and fireworks.
Already embroiled in a ‘was she’ ‘wasn’t she’ miming controversy, I must confess I was’t there for long enough to decide although it sounded live to me, the magnetic pull of Idles on The Other Stage was too much to resist.
Their set is already in full flow and with a huge LED white on black IDLES backdrop the band look impressive. Singer Joe Talbot sporting pink hair, in his standard apparel, white t-shirt and black trousers, covers every inch of the stage in a high-octane performance.
At one point asking the whole crowd to get low and repeat after him “F**k the King”. But it was the ending pro-immigration protest that this set will be remembered for. A pink flair was lit in the crowd then we saw a rubber dingy, filled with life-sized inflatable migrants hurriedly swept floating across the crowd. As Idles sang the classic hit ‘Danny Nedelko’ the second single from their second studio album. Then they launched into ‘Rottweiler’ and the backdrop changed to ‘CEASEFIRE NOW’ with Talbot shouting ‘Viva Palestina’ and Mark Bowen wearing a dress standing on the shoulders of the crowd ending with “we’ll see you in 2027, when we headline the Pyramid Stage.” An impressive and emotional ending to a memorable Glastonbury set, and I wouldn’t mind having a small wager that things will pan out exactly like that.
Then The Levels beckoned for Charli XCX Presents PartyGirl and the party lasted long into the night. Today New Model Army headline Avalon, Coldplay headline the Pyramid and Disclosure headline The Other Stage as well as must-see act the Last Dinner Party, Bar Italia and Cyndi Lauper. Another huge day awaits.
