Music

Glastonbury 2023: from Lana Del Rey to Lewis Capaldi – the memorable and controversial moments

From the crowd helping a struggling Capaldi, to Del Rey being escorted off stage by security, the weekend had some unplanned events

Glastonbury 2023: During Lewis Capaldi's biggest hit, Someone You Loved, the 100,000-strong crowd took over the song as his voice broke. Photograph: Oli Scarff/AFP via Getty

Tobi Thomas
Mon Jun 26 2023 - 12:04

This year’s Glastonbury festival was not short of dramatic moments and surprise appearances. Here is a look back at some of the weekend’s most memorable moments.

McCartney’s surprise appearances

Paul McCartney, who headlined the Pyramid stage at the festival last year, made an unexpected appearance midway through Saturday night’s performance by the Pretenders.

This time around, his appearance was a brief one, coming on stage to give the audience a thumbs up before exiting a moment later.

[ Elton John at Glastonbury delivers a send-off to remember, Britney or no Britney ]

Foo Fighters revealed as ‘mystery’ act

Many had speculated that the mystery band billed to perform at the Pyramid stage on Friday afternoon would be Foo Fighters, and the rumour was confirmed to be true when the American rock band, led by Dave Grohl, emerged on stage to rapturous applause.

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Glastonbury 2023: Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighters perform on the Pyramid Stage at this year's festival. Photograph: Oli Scarff/AFP via Getty

“You guys f**king knew it was us this whole time, didn’t you?” Grohl said, before performing hits including All My Life and My Hero. “We’re happy to see you guys. It’s nice to see you guys after all this time,” he said.

Security escort Del Rey off stage

Lana Del Rey’s headline performance at the Other stage on Saturday night was certainly memorable. After the singer-songwriter took to the stage more than 30 minutes late, she apologised to fans: “I’m sorry. My hair takes so long.”

Rey was also seen vaping between songs, and was later joined by her stylist, who finished the singer’s hairdo on stage. Her set was then dramatically cut short at midnight when her microphone was cut off, and she was seen arguing with the stage’s management about whether she would be able to finish the eight songs remaining on her setlist. Del Rey then performed Video Games a cappella before being escorted off stage by security.

Crowd comes to Capaldi’s aid

Off the back of cancelling all of his scheduled performances for mental health reasons in the run-up to the festival, there was speculation whether Lewis Capaldi would be able to finish his set.

The Scottish singer was noticeably affected by tics as a result of Tourette’s syndrome. He admitted that he was struggling, saying: “I’m really sorry. I hope the Eavises will have me back on, even though it’s been a bit of a s**t show.”

During his biggest hit, Someone You Loved, the 100,000-strong crowd took over the song as his voice broke. It left Capaldi visibly emotional.

Astley’s Harry Styles and AC/DC covers

Clad in a salmon-pink suit, Rick Astley’s lunchtime performance on the Pyramid stage on Saturday was full of energy.

Glastonbury 2023: Rick Astley performs on the Pyramid Stage at this year's festival. Photograph: Ben Birchall/PA Wire

There was something for everyone in his Glastonbury debut, with the veteran pop star playing his 80s classics including Never Gonna Give You Up, a cover of Highway to Hell by AC/DC during which he showed off his drumming skills, and his own rendition of Harry Styles’s hit single As It Was. – Guardian

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