Glastonbury 2022: Six of the biggest talking points from the Worthy Farm festival
US rapper Kendrick Lamar’s headline set closed an impressive weekend of live music
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The final day at Glastonbury ended with a jaw-dropping performance by American rapper Kendrick Lamar.
Over the course of five days, fans had danced to performances by top artists such as Paul McCartney, Little Simz, Pet Shop Boys, Sam Fender, and Billie Eilish.
On the last day of the festival, George Ezra turned up at the John Peel stage in what was possibly the worst-kept secret set in Glastonbury history, while jazz-fusion legend Herbie Hancock delighted crowds relaxing at the Pyramid stage with a virtuosic performance.
Here’s a look back at six of the biggest talking points from the entire Glastonbury 2022 festival...
Roe v Wade
News of the US Supreme Court’s highly controversial legal ruling broke on Friday, and it was clearly on a lot of people’s minds at Glastonbury. It certainly didn’t escape the attention of the artists, many of whom were American. From Billie Eilish, to Phoebe Bridgers, to Olivia Rodrigo, to Kendrick Lamar, lots of the performers included powerful statements about abortion rights in their sets.
From the youngest ever headliner…
Eilish made history with her Friday night headline slot, delighting fans with an intimate but lively set of songs from the 20-year-old’s two albums. As the festival’s youngest ever solo headliner, the pressure was certainly on Eilish’s shoulders, but as Mark Beaumont’s five-star review attests, she pulled it off with aplomb.
…to the oldest
On the other end of the spectrum, we had Paul McCartney, who delivered an absolute barnstormer of a set on Saturday. Performing a range of hits from his Beatles and Wings repertoires, as well as his solo career (and a couple of covers), Macca delivered a Glastonbury experience for the ages. At 80 years old, he became the festival’s oldest ever headliner.
Kendrick Lamar
Closing the festival on Sunday was Kendrick Lamar, who held the Pyramid Stage in the palm of his hand from the start of his electrifying, career-spanning set to the end. The stunning climax of his set – a rendition of “saviour” performed while blood dripped from his diamond crown of thorns, before he began a furious chant about women’s rights – was pure chills-down-the-spine stuff.
Ukraine
The ongoing war in Ukraine was also a core political issue for many of the festival’s acts and attendees. Ukrainian flags were spotted commonly around the festival site, with McCartney holding one aloft in solidarity as he took the stage for his encore. The Pyramid Stage also played host to Ukrainian band Dakhabrakha on Sunday, one of several Ukrainian artists the festival championed.
A little help from my friends…
While Kendrick’s set may have been all him, many of the festival’s other acts deployed some heavyweight guest stars. McCartney brought Bruce Springsteen and Dave Grohl on stage towards the end. Olivia Rodrigo welcomed Lily Allen for a duet of “F*** You”. Phoebe Bridges joined forces with Arlo Parks (who had her own full set at the festival) for a couple of numbers. Pete Doherty even showed up on stage during Hak Baker’s performance, having performed with the Libertines shortly before. It was a festival chock-full of unexpected – but thoroughly enjoyed – cameos.
Look back at our live blog below:
Secret Set rumour just in...
Just in via a message in a bottle of Irn Bru... fans of a certain Scottish singer might want to get themselves down the Rabbit Hole at 7pm tomorrow (Saturday)...
Domino's delivers pizzas to Glastonbury punters stuck in huge traffic queues
Chemical Brothers cancel Arcadia set due to Covid
The Chemical Brothers have been forced to cancel their DJ set at Arcadia this evening as Tom is yet to recover from Covid.
Statement below:
The FOMO is setting in...
While it was my choice to be the one working from home while my colleagues frolick around Worthy Farm, I have the tiniest hint of FOMO ahead of Crowded House’s set on the Pyramid Set. I just know they’re going to be phenomenal. Have grabbed a Magnum from the freezer as some kind of consolation.
Blossoms tear it up on the Other Stage
Great set from Blossoms going down on the Other Stage! I went off them a bit after their first album but they’re still a great live band.
Mel C is a surprise guest for Blossoms!
OMG, IT’S MEL C! Joining Blossoms for a surprise performance of “Spice Up Your Life” on the Other Stage. Utterly delightful.
A reminder that you can catch loads of great Glastonbury coverage on the BBC
Those who aren’t venturing to Worthy Farm for Glastonbury this year can keep up with the action from the comfort of their sofa.
This year’s festival – taking place from Friday 24 June to Sunday 26 June – will see Billie Eilish, Paul McCartney and Kendrick Lamar perform as headliners. Diana Ross will perform in the Legends slot.
Here’s the full schedule:
Full TV schedule of BBC’s Glastonbury coverage
Coverage will be spread across BBC channels over the next four days
Crowded House sing the hits on the Pyramid Stage
I am absolutely loving Crowded House right now, singing all the golden oldies: “Pineapple Head”, “Into Temptation”, “Fall At Your Feet”... even a cover of “Sunny Afternoon” by The Kinks! Glorious.
Hundreds of acts are performing at Worthy Farm between Friday 24 and Sunday 26 June – but with so many options, there are also some significant set time clashes, making it impossible to see everyone.
Check out the full lineup here to see when your favourites are playing:
Full TV schedule of BBC’s Glastonbury coverage
Coverage will be spread across BBC channels over the next four days
Glastonbury reviews: Kae Tempest and Plastic Mermaids
Kae Tempest proves their work comes to life when it’s performed live, while Plastic Mermaids excel in their Glastonbury debut...
Check out reviews of each here:
Glastonbury reviews: Kae Tempest and Plastic Mermaids
Kae Tempest proves their work comes to life when it’s performed live, while Plastic Mermaids excel in their Glastonbury debut
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