Glastonbury 2015: Burt Bacharach proves that the oldies really are the goodies - review
'That's What Friends Are for' sparks a proper Glastonbury moment on the hill
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Kelly Rissman
US News Reporter
No raindrops were falling on our heads at the Pyramid Stage for Burt Bacharach.
He might not sing much anymore, but Bacharach can still run a show from a piano. A troupe of soul singers fill in vocals for 'Do You Know The Way To San Jose', 'Always Something There To Remind Me', 'Look Of Love', 'Walk On By', hits recorded by everyone from Tom Jones to Dionne Warwick to Cilla Black.
At 87, Bacharach is all class. Dressed in a blue shirt and black suit, he plays the piano without even the slightest stiffness. The real highlights come in the second half of the set when he sings 'Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head', from 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid' and 'This House Is Not A Home', recorded by Luther Vandross, Dionne Warwick and Barbra Streisland. There's barely a croak in his voice.
Burt was supposed to play Glastonbury 15 years ago when he was a spritely 72 years old, but had to pull out due to a shoulder injury. "I have enjoyed this afternoon so much. It's really a joy for me to be here," he says at the end of the show, before thanking his band.
In the final song, 'That's What Friends Are For' a long human chain links arms across the back of the hill. It's a proper Glastonbury moment and proof that the oldies really are the goodies.
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