Coldplay with special guest for new song

On June 28, Dua Lipa headlined the Pyramid Stage, fulfilling a dream for the 28-year-old Londoner. She was joined for her triumphant performance by Tame Impala mastermind Kevin Parker, who co-produced this year’s hit album Radical Optimism. Given the electronic, neo-psychedelic feel of the record – which the Australian has embraced in recent years – the pair performed a duet of Tame Impala’s 2015 classic “The Less I Know The Better”. It can be seen as a spiritual precursor to elements of Dua Lipa’s latest album.

Another notable guest appearance was Paul Heaton’s performance on Friday afternoon. He brought along former Housemartins bassist Norman Cook – better known as DJ and producer Fatboy Slim – to play their old band’s classic 1986 single “Happy Hour”. In the spirit of the festival, Cook, who played at the Arcadia that night as Fatboy Slim at 10pm, took over as bassist for the performance.

During their extensive headlining set on the Pyramid Stage, Coldplay had to outdo some heavy numbers. However, they put their own stamp on this aspect of the festival by bringing Little Simz on stage for ‘We Pray’. A highlight of their eclectic set, which also included famous hits such as ‘Yellow’, ‘The Scientist’ and their most recent offering ‘Higher Power’, was the exuberant mood of frontman Chris Martin and the rest of the band as Little Simz provided a welcome addition to their set, which was met with thunderous applause from the huge crowd, the classic lyrics echoing across the paddock.

Coldplay last played Glastonbury in 2016, making it their fourth headlining appearance. This performance saw them equal gothic icons The Cure’s record as the band to headline the Worthy Farm celebration the most times. They will make history by breaking this joint record with their 2024 performance.

Ahead of Coldplay’s historic performance in May, U2 frontman Bono opened up about his love for the band Clocks on BBC Sounds’ Music Uncovered: The Genius Of Coldplay. The show, hosted by Greg James, featured a host of famous faces including festival co-organiser Emily Eavis, Coldplay manager and Martin’s lifelong friend Phil Harvey, and new stars Rachel Chinouriri and Maisie Peters.

Bono explained what makes the group so unique: “I should mention that Coldplay is not a rock band. I hope that’s obvious. There’s something much more interesting going on, like the Isley Brothers or something. They shouldn’t be judged by rock rules… Anger is the river that flows beneath most rock formations. Coldplay’s music has a different origin and I think that’s best expressed in this song ‘Clocks.'”

The final headliner at Glastonbury 2024 is R&B star SZA on June 30. Far Out will be reporting live from the ground throughout the festival.

Watch Coldplay perform “We Pray” with Little Simz at Glastonbury below.

Related topics