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Every year, speculation around who will perform, who will champion the ticket queues and just how much suncream will be necessary circulate through music-lovers’ conversations, and this year is no different. With the lineup announcement earlier in March, festival-goers immediately gave their thoughts, feelings and even more rumours about who will be joining those officially confirmed already.
The Pyramid stage this year will see headline acts from The 1975, Neil Young and Olivia Rodrigo across the three days, all returning artists but with previous experiences of Glastonbury in very different capacities. In line with mass excitement for the headliners, they have come with certain speculation and controversies.
Perhaps the biggest divide among fans is The 1975’s involvement in the festival; as a somewhat controversial group, the sudden announcement of their set brought about its own disputes amongst overwhelming levels of excitement. First performing back in 2014 on the Other Stage, The 1975 are notorious for their unique, against-the-grain performance style; Matty Healy’s recent on-tour behaviour especially has brought on public slamming and discourse around his intentions. As the band is widely known for making satirical, political comments in their music and performance, the vast majority of existing fans of the band believe his behaviour to be a continuance of this character. So, as time goes on, ticket holders, and those looking at resales after missing out the first time, find great excitement in the prospect of their return. Friday evening’s show will ultimately be an eclectic blend of their indie sound and chaotic vibe, drawing in huge crowds of their loyal fans.
Coming amongst some confusion around his initial public disengagement with the festival and its BBC connection, Young’s appearance was speculated, cancelled and then confirmed within just a few days. And the artist’s fan base was with him in both respects. With some Facebook comments deeming him rightful for stepping back and some speculating unattained respect, the ultimate reception of his eventual confirmation was overwhelmingly positive. Headlining the same stage as he did in 2009, his individualistic take on life and music in combination makes for such a great choice from the festival itself, and music to appease festival-goers of all ages.
Following Rodrigo’s performance just two days before Glastonbury in Hyde Park, the confirmation of her set brought many to press play once again on her ‘GUTS’ album and relive their days of teenage angst. Her reaction to the news online is in itself anticipatory of her upcoming set, with fans commenting messages of love and hugely speculating a third album release, with the instruments and red motif finding a place across the chosen images of the post. After her last Glastonbury set came with Lily Allen’s appearance and a political musical statement, there was some division between spectators who found the commentary inappropriate, whilst the majority stood by the artists and even hoped to see more activation this year.
Loyle Carner, Deftones, and the legendary Rod Stewart are amongst just some of the other acts set to perform across the weekend, with comments on the official Instagram post from the festival seeming incredibly excited at the prospect of hearing them perform live, some for the first time and some as returning fans. Charli XCX, another huge name that is stirring much excitement after her incredible BRIT Award performance and effective social domination with the release of her BRAT album last year, is performing on the Saturday, alongside Weezer and The Script, two musical staples in so many spheres. The Script’s online post spurred many a heart emoji and joyful expression as they announced their confirmed place in the festival, and Weezer’s 30-year absence sees their return to the stage, causing many a (poetically complimentary) disappointed fan among those unable to get their hands on a ticket.
With more bands, DJs and activities to be announced, speculation continues as excitement grows, the ‘out of the box’ thinking from the Glastonbury team has surely paid off wonderfully. The rumors for these other acts include artists such as Lola Young, Billy Bragg, and Sports Team - all incredibly popular artists both rising in fame and living in an already established popular artistry. Alongside these, fans speculate a set from Sam Fender and Fred again…, both neither officially nor self-confirmed but definitely acts we would not be surprised to encounter at the event, and certainly two that people would love the chance to get involved with.
With one comment saying the ‘Line-up is fire’, another deeming it an ‘epic lineup’ and the bbcsounds account commenting ‘OBSESSED’, the festival will surely be a myriad of music appeasing all ticket holders, and spurring on chaotic resale engagement. As one comment on Instagram reads, they are ‘forever an inspiration’ to the festival culture.
