When it’s Glastonbury Festival, they all come. Especially if it is the first time after an involuntary Corona break. Tens of thousands gathered to finally celebrate the music again. And this year’s line-up of the British cult festival was bursting with magnificent names.
But first someone else had the floor. The opening remarks were made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In a video message he asked for the support of festival visitors. The Glastonbury Festival is “the greatest concentration of freedom” these days. He asked to take this opportunity to share information about the war, donate and support the people who have fled.
The first concert of the festival was also dedicated to solidarity with Ukraine. None other than The Libertines set the tone. This year the indie greats are finally back together as a band. They weren’t the only ones who surprised.
Paul McCartney causes a huge rush
Ex-Beatle Paul McCartney gave the festival visitors an absolute moment of glory. He had just celebrated his 80th birthday a few days earlier and was bursting with energy. Guest appearances by Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl and US superstar Bruce Springsteen got the crowd going wild. The icing on the cake of the spectacular performance, however, was a duet with his late ex-band colleague John Lennon. Modern technology made it possible.
In addition to business icons such as Diana Ross, Herbie Hancock and Robert Plant, a number of current megastars also performed. Of course, pop supergirl Billie Eilish, who, as the youngest headliner, did not miss the opportunity to raise her voice against the US verdict on abortion rights, could not be missing. She wasn’t the only musician who used the festival stage to take a stand.
Greta Thunberg also caused heated spirits with a surprise appearance. The climate activist took the opportunity to call for action. “Don’t let us move an inch closer to the abyss,” she said.
Despite the serious tones, festival-goers euphorically celebrated the return of the Glastonbury Festival. According to the BBC, McCartney’s performance is said to have seen more people in front of the stage than ever before. A total of 200,000 visitors were expected at the festival weekend.