FEATURE:
D N’ R
Does the Traditional Rock Band Headliner Have the Same Pull?
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OVER the Glastonbury long weekend…
IN THIS PHOTO: Elton John/PHOTO CREDIT: Dave Hogan/Hogan Media/Shutterstock
the best-reviewed and received performances were away from the headline slots. Apart from Elton John’s emotional and hugely impressive Sunday night performance, there was a little bit of disappointment on Friday and Saturday. Arctic Monkeys’ Friday night set was a bit middling. There were some fine moments, but I think a lot of people were expecting something more intense and electric. For a band whose sound has changed notably since their debut album in 2006, it would have been hard pleasing everyone. Maybe the assumption was that the set would be a fired-up and bigger than it was. The headline set got some positive reviews…but there were performances elsewhere that were more headline-worthy. In addition to some incredible sets from Rick Astley and Blossoms, and Rina Sawayama, it was a festival where we saw some future headliners. Lizzo played the Pyramid Stage before Guns N’ Roses. Much more exciting, engaging and memorable than the legendary band that she proceeded, there was greater colour and spectacle away from the headliners. You can check out some of the sets here. Christine and the Queens, RAYE, Blondie, Lil Nas X, Caroline Polachek, Cat Burns, Lewis Capaldi and Billy Nomates’ sets were clear highlights. Although Lana Del Rey’s unfortunate lateness cut short her set, you do wonder just how it would have been if she had not been cut short. This year’s festival had ample highlights and an embarrassment of riches. Most would say, aside from Elton John’s magnificent and historic farewell, the other two headline sets were good but not exceptional! Many who saw Lizzo play would say she’d have been a better Saturday night headliner!
IN THIS PHOTO: Axl Rose and Slash of Guns N’ Roses/PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images
Maybe it is that idea that male Rock band are what people want as a headliner. This Glastonbury perhaps proved otherwise. Foo Fighters were an exception. They have headlined before, but they did give a crowd-pleasing set. It was other genres and artists who were giving much more thrilling, nuanced and crowd-connecting performances. Even Lana Del Rey’s truncated set was received rapturously. I always wonder why Björk was not asked to headline! There were brilliant women across Pop, R&B and a wide range of genres who could have created a more sonically, racial and gender-diverse outlook. I know there are two female headline acts booked for next year. It is a positive step that is well overdue! Not to say that Guns N’ Roses and Arctic Monkey were boring and lifeless, but there is an argument to say that (white) Rock bands are no longer what people want as a headline act. Or, at the very least, they are not delivering the biggest and most discussed sets. Though, I can see the brilliant Nova Twins headlining in years to come. Elton John was a perfect choice, but Friday and Saturday could have gone to other artists. The festival was a roaring success and there was something for everyone. I am not criticising the organisers. More, this is a sign that the traditional Rock headliner is no longer crucial and the go-to. In past years, headliners like Billie Eilish (2022) have been a much more compelling proposition. Although some of the best performances from the festival were not headline-ready just yet, there were artists who were primed and ready. Lizzo is top of that list. Even if Elton John’s epic and stirring headline set is still ringing in the ears, the best of the rest was away from the Pyramid headline sets. In terms of the type of act that is booked to headline a massive festival like Glastonbury, it is evident that…
IN THIS PHOTO: Lizzo/ PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images
THINGS have to change!