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Glastonbury Festival 2022 was one to remember, with an array of notable performances from legendary acts both old and new. Sharing messages of unity and hope over the weekend, even the cool British weather couldn’t dampen the spirits of artists and audiences.
Ukrainian Eurovision Song Contest 2022 winners Kalush Orchestra performed at the festival, going down a storm with the audience.
https://twitter.com/Glasto_Guide/status/1540598102326972416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1540598102326972416%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nme.com%2Fnews%2Fmusic%2Fkalush-orchestra-its-amazing-that-we-can-perform-our-music-at-glastonbury-3255613
Glastonbury Festival has a tradition of the ‘legend slot’, which takes place on the Sunday afternoon. This year the legend was the incredible Diana Ross, who gave a phenomenal performance to an excited audience. The 78 year old seemed just as thrilled to perform, saying:
“I love singing during the daytime where I can see your faces and see your eyes. Can you see me? Cause I can see you!”
Paul McCartney drew in crowds headlining on Saturday night, and featured not only one surprise guest by inviting rock legend Dave Grohl to do a few numbers, but then also invited Bruce Springsteen out on stage shortly after, keeping audiences on their toes. The band performed with Grohl joining on guitar and vocals, playing ‘I saw her standing there’, ‘Band on the Run’, and performed Springsteen’s hit ‘Glory Days’, and The Beatles ‘I Wanna Be Your Man’, with both guests coming back at the end of the set for a nice long guitar-heavy outro.
McCartney turned 80 years old last week, and now holds the esteemed title of ‘oldest headline performer in the festival’s 52 year history’. Speaking to the crowd on Saturday night, the former Beatle said:
“Oh, man it’s so good to be here. We were supposed to be doing this three years ago. But here we are. We’ve got some old songs for you, we’ve got some new songs and we’ve got some in-betweeners… and I’ve got a feeling we’re going to have a great time.”
On the other end of things, Billie Eilish made history for being the youngest ever solo headliner, at just 20 years old, wowing the Pyramid Stage crowd on Friday night.
Musicians have rarely shied away from using their platform to address current events and happenings, and this year’s festival was no different, with Glastonbury always being well-known for its alternative, liberal vibe. While Sir Paul McCartney and his band took to waving the Ukrainian, British, and Pride flags for a few minutes prior to commencing the encore, there were many other artists who also addressed various issues while performing.
Billie Eilish, Phoebe Bridgers, and Kendrick Lamar all spoke up for women’s rights in the USA, following a week that saw the US Supreme Court rulings impact American citizens constitutional rights, speaking to the crowd and dedicating songs to the cause. Additionally, the Pet Shop Boys dedicated their song ‘Being Boring’ to the victims of the recent Oslo Pride shooting.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky opened the festival with a video message to the crowd, which was played to the audience at ‘The Other Stage’, in a speech that asked the crowd for help defending freedom and truth.
A message from President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy was just played on the big screens at The Other Stage, shortly before The Libertines’ stage-opening set. #Glastonbury2022 pic.twitter.com/LuXf2FfEBf
— Glastonbury Festival (@glastonbury) June 24, 2022
President Zelensky’s message said:
“Greetings Glastonbury. The festival resumes this year after a two-year break. The pandemic has put on hold lives of millions of people around the world, but has not broken. We, in Ukraine, would also like to live the life as we used to and enjoy freedom and this wonderful summer.
But we cannot do that because the most terrible has happened – Russia has stolen our peace. But! We will not let Russia’s war break us, and we want to stop the war before it ruins people’s lives in other countries of Europe, Africa, Asia, Latin America – they are all under threat now.
That is why I turn to you for support! Glastonbury is the greatest concentration of freedom these days. And I ask you to share this feeling with everyone whose freedom is under attack. Spread the truth about Russia’s war! Help Ukrainians who are forced to flee their homes because of this war. Find our United24 charity platform. And put pressure on all the politicians you know to help restore peace in Ukraine.
Time is priceless, and every day is measured in human lives. The more people join us in defending freedom and truth, the sooner Russia’s war against Ukraine will end. Prove that freedom always wins! Thank you.”
While there is still much unrest in the world, it feels that Glastonbury Festival 2022 has helped to unite many, in a shared goal of a better future for all, and perhaps the power of music helps until then.
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Michelle is a musician and composer from the UK. She has performed across the UK and Europe and is passionate about arts education and opportunities for women and girls.
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