Glastonbury 2015 who to watch: Ten of the best from Florence to Wolf Alice
What to look out for on the Pyramid, Park, John Peel, and Wow! stages
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Your support makes all the difference.Florence + The Machine
What is it with leg injuries at the moment? After the Foos pulled out due to Dave Grohl's broken leg last week, Florence Welch (left) and her broken foot got upgraded to the prime slot. True, the "Dog Days" singer might be doing a bit more sitting down than we're accustomed to, but she managed to hike up some scaffolding at Bestival, so she's definitely on the mend. Last week on Instagram she wrote: "We hope we will be able to give you as good a Friday night as the Foo's would have." So do we, Florence, so do we.
Friday, Pyramid stage, 22:15-23:45
Ibeyi
2015 breakthrough act Ibeyi is a French-Cuban musical duo consisting of (non-identical) twin sisters, Lisa-Kaindé Diaz and Naomi Diaz. With a slow, slinky sound that's a little bit Bjork, a little bit Billie Holiday, they're a charismatic force.
Saturday, Park stage, 13:00-13:45
Wolf Alice
Hot guitar-rock group Wolf Alice had a crack at the John Peel stage at Glastonbury last year and they must have done well as they've been invited back for more, this time on the Park stage. If you yearn for those Glastonbury days of yore, Wolf Alice's hint of folk and messy performance style might well appeal.
Friday, Park stage, 17:00-18:00
Lionel Richie
Last year it was Dolly Parton who won over the crowds; in 2008 it was Leonard Cohen performing a string of his best-loved hits. This year it's corny soul star Lionel Richie's chance to fill the "here's one for the dads" Sunday afternoon slot on the Pyramid stage. He may have his detractors, but Richie, like Cohen, is an undeniably charming performer with a permanent twinkle in his eye. If you're up early enough, check out His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who's rumoured to be addressing his public before Richie's set.
Sunday, Pyramid stage, 16:00-17:15
The Who
Immediately preceded by a set from modfather Paul Weller are The Who, who will be the last act on the pyramid stage on the final night, a fitting tribute to 50 years of music from the rock gods. Expect theatrical amp-smashing and guitar-windmilling from the band that loves to put on a good show.
Sunday, Pyramid stage, 21.45-23.15
Alabama Shakes
If you missed Alabama Shakes' unmissable 2013 performance at Glasto, here's your chance for a do-over. Frontwoman Brittany Murphy's facial contortions and foot-stomping dances are legendary, not to mention her emotional, husky voice. The band's second album, Sound & Color, features even more of the earthy purrs and howls that everyone loves about the enigmatic lead singer.
Friday, Pyramid stage, 14:30-15:30
Kate Tempest
Imagine a modern-day version of Shakespeare but with more grit and you'll have a good idea of the power this 29-year-old spoken word rapper, poet and playwright, who won the Ted Hughes Award and was shortlisted for the Mercury Music Prize, wields. To see her live is spellbinding.
Sunday, Wow! stage, 19:00-20:00
Years & Years
BBC Sound of 2015 winners Years & Years have all the ingredients of a band you'll want to say you saw at Glastonbury. Teetering on the edge of fame, this is a crucial gig for the band whose debut album comes out on July 10. Fronted by Skins actor Olly Alexander (above, centre), the group's first single "I Wish I Knew" is a cute, understated number, while "King" is all dancey sunbursts of synths with an earworm chorus. Both would be perfect for dancing along to in a field on a sunny day.
Saturday, John Peel stage, 17:00-17:50
FKA twigs
One-time backing dancer for Jessie J, FKA twigs's ethereal vocals and sensual dance moves make for a captivating live show. After getting the nod from the BBC's Sound of 2014 and Mercury Prize shortlists last year, the artist formerly known as twigs has gone on to be nominated for a Brit, a Grammy and an NME award this year. Her Glastonbury show could become her long-awaited breakthrough into the big time.
Sunday, West Holts, 20:30-21:30
Kanye West
Yeezy is taking the prestigious Saturday headline slot in spite of numerous online protests about his limitless ego. But even if you're not pro-Kanye, and even if, instead of actually performing, he delivers a lecture on everything that's wrong with the music industry (namely that he doesn't have a monopoly on controlling it), can you really afford to miss the car-crash performance that everyone will be talking about?
Saturday, Pyramid stage, 22:15-23:45
Highlights on BBC 1, 2, 3 and 4 or at bbc.co.uk/glastonbury.
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