Coldplay headlines Glastonbury 2024 with Little Simz: A legendary performance at Worthy Farm

Coldplay’s headline performance at Glastonbury 2024 on Saturday night left an indelible mark on the festival, with fans and critics alike praising the band’s ability to deliver a spectacular and emotionally resonant set. As the first band to headline the festival five times, Coldplay proved why they remain a global phenomenon.

Starting their set at 9:45 PM on June 29, Coldplay opened with their iconic hit “Yellow,” setting the tone for a night filled with fan favorites and new surprises. The band played an extensive setlist, including hits like “Higher Power,” “Paradise,” “The Scientist,” “Hymn For The Weekend,” and “Viva La Vida.” Their performance also featured new material, such as the live debut of “We Pray,” which included collaborations with Nigerian star Burna Boy and British rapper Little Simz, and a vibrant rendition of “Arabesque” with a saxophone solo by Femi Kuti.

The band’s frontman, Chris Martin, made a point of connecting with the audience throughout the night. He thanked fans who had been at the front barriers all day, acknowledged those in the middle of the field, and even those “five time zones away” at the back. This inclusive approach was enhanced by LED wristbands given to the audience, turning the entire field into a dynamic light show, and frequent bursts of fireworks added to the sensory experience.

One of the night’s highlights was the appearance of actor Michael J. Fox, who joined Coldplay on stage to play guitar on “Fix You.” This moment was particularly poignant given Fox’s recent documentary about living with Parkinson’s disease. The performance was a tribute to Fox’s enduring influence, with Martin explaining that “Back to the Future” was a significant inspiration for the band.

In addition to Coldplay’s unforgettable performance, Saturday at Glastonbury featured a range of other notable acts. Little Simz delivered a powerful hip-hop set on the Pyramid Stage, showcasing her lyrical prowess and stage presence. Nigerian singer Obongjayar joined her for “Point And Kill,” adding depth to the performance.

Elsewhere, Jessie Ware headlined the West Holts stage, bringing her feel-good disco anthems to a smaller but dedicated crowd. Despite the competition from Coldplay, Ware’s performance was full of energy and joy, delighting her diehard fans.. Kasabian’s not-so-secret set at the Woodsies tent drew a massive crowd, highlighting their continued popularity and the festival’s ability to surprise and engage its audience.

The diversity of performances continued across other stages. Disclosure brought out Sam Smith for a rendition of “Latch” on The Other Stage, while South Korean DJ Peggy Gou energized the Park Stage with a set that included a cameo from Sophie Ellis-Bextor, singing “Murder On The Dancefloor”​.

Glastonbury’s Sunday line-up promises more excitement with R&B star SZA headlining the Pyramid Stage and Shania Twain expected to draw the weekend’s largest crowd for her mid-afternoon performance in the legend slot. With such a rich array of talent and memorable moments, Glastonbury 2024 has once again cemented its status as a premier global music festival​.