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

Hazel Sheffield
Sunday 28 June 2015 08:42 EDT
Comments
Burt Bacharach performs on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury 2015
Burt Bacharach performs on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury 2015 (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

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.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in