Glastonbury Festival: Most Iconic Performances

The long wait for the highly-anticipated Glastonbury Festival is almost over as more than 200,000 music fans from all around the world head to Worthy Farm in Somerset to watch their favourite artists perform over five days at the end of June.

Glastonbury has played host to some of the most iconic performances from the world’s biggest and best names, both past and present. Festival goers over the years always hope to witness the greats in action, with a horde of surprise guests making the journey to join them on stage which often makes for a worthy spectacle.

There have however been some remarkable performances over the years that have withstood the test of time and are widely considered to be some of the most iconic performances that Glastonbury has ever seen. We take a look back at three of them below.

David Bowie – 2000

David Bowie made his iconic reappearance to Worthy Farm back in 2000 after a hiatus of just under three decades, having been at the festival for its second iteration back in 1971. Widely considered as one of the greatest artists of all time and a pioneer in his field, the visionary took to the main Pyramid stage in front of an estimated quarter of a million people.

Bowie managed to tick off some of his greatest hits throughout his setlist such as ‘Life on Mars’, ‘Heroes’ and ‘Let’s Dance’ which ignited the 250,000-strong crowd, which spanned generations, on a serious nostalgia trip. Bowie was known for his flamboyance and managed to blend his theatrical persona with his musical mastery, demonstrating his enduring artistry and influence. His 2000 Glastonbury set remains one of the most pivotal moments not only in his career, but in the history of the festival, as Bowie continues to be celebrated for his profound impact on music, setting the bar extremely high for headliners to come.

Metallica – 2014

Metallica’s 2014 Glastonbury performance marked a historic moment as they became the first heavy metal band to headline the prestigious festival. Despite initial controversy and scepticism about their suitability for the traditionally rock and indie-focused event, Metallica’s set proved to be a resounding success. Opening with ‘Creeping Death’, the band delivered a powerful and energetic performance, winning over the crowd instantly and silencing the critics with their raw intensity and musicianship.

The setlist included iconic tracks like ‘Master of Puppets’, ‘Enter Sandman’ and ‘Nothing Else Matters’, each song met with roaring approval. James Hetfield’s commanding stage presence, Lars Ulrich’s thunderous drumming, and the band’s overall tight performance showcased why Metallica is considered one of the greatest metal bands of all time. Their Glastonbury debut not only proved the doubters wrong but also broadened the festival’s musical horizons, demonstrating that metal could resonate deeply with the diverse Glastonbury audience.

Sir Paul McCartney – 2022

Former member of The Beatles, Sir Paul McCartney, returned to Glastonbury after 18 years and his performance in 2022 is still considered to be a historic and unforgettable moment. At 80 years old, McCartney proved he still had the charisma and energy to captivate an enormous crowd.

His near three-hour set was a journey through music history, featuring timeless Beatles classics, Wings hits, and solo material. Opening with ‘Can’t Buy Me Love’, he kept the audience enthralled with other favourites like ‘Hey Jude’, ‘Let It Be’, ‘Live and Let Die’ and ‘Band on the Run’. Special guests Bruce Springsteen and Dave Grohl joined McCartney on stage, adding to the night’s excitement and making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience for that year’s festival goers. The performance was not just a highlight of Glastonbury 2022 but a celebration of McCartney’s enduring legacy, demonstrating his unparalleled influence and the timeless appeal of the music he’d played a massive part in creating over the years