Glastonbury Festival 2025 ends after weekend of controversy and surprises
The 2025 edition of Glastonbury Festival has come to an end after a weekend of controversial moments and surprise performances.
Punk duo Bob Vylan and Irish rap trio Kneecap have seen both of their sets on Saturday being assessed by Avon and Somerset Police to decide whether any offences were committed.
Bobby Vylan, of Bob Vylan, led crowds on the festival's West Holts Stage in chants of 'death, death to the IDF', before a member of Irish rap trio Kneecap suggested fans 'start a riot' outside his bandmate's upcoming court appearance, and led the crowd on chants of 'f*** Keir Starmer'.
Sir Keir had said in the run-up to the festival that he thought Kneecap's set was not 'appropriate' at Glastonbury.
On Friday, festival goers were treated to surprise performances from alternative pop star Lorde, who played her new album Virgin in full, and Scottish singer Lewis Capaldi, who played two years after a set at the festival during which he struggled to manage his Tourette syndrome symptoms.
The 1975 took to the Pyramid Stage to headline that night, with a set which saw singer Matty Healy joke he was his generation's 'best songwriter', with the band playing songs such as Chocolate, Love Me and About You.
Pulp were revealed to be Patchwork appearing on the Pyramid Stage on Saturday to a backdrop paying homage to their classic 1995 stand in headline set.
The Jarvis Cocker-fronted band performed some of their best known songs such as Common People, Babies and Do You Remember The First Time?.
Their appearance came 30 years after their breakthrough headline performance at the festival when they stood in for The Stone Roses after the Manchester band's guitarist John Squire was injured in a cycling accident.
Candida Doyle, the band's keyboard player, had previously appeared to confirm the band would not perform at the festival, despite being keen to play, telling BBC Radio 6 Music last week 'they (Glastonbury) weren't interested'.
Also on Saturday, Haim made a surprise appearance on the Park Stage opening with one of their best known songs in The Wire, before performing a mix of older songs such as Summer Girl, and new singles including Relationships.
The day saw veteran rocker Neil Young headline, performing some of his best known songs including Cinnamon Girl, Like A Hurricane and Rockin' In The Free World, at one point in the set he performed with Hank Williams' guitar.
Brat star Charli XCX headlined the Other Stage on Saturday, performing tracks from last year's summer sensation such as 360, Von Dutch and Club Classics.
Performing the viral Apple dance, during the song of the same name, was US singer Gracie Abrams, who had played on the same stage a day earlier.
Sir Rod Stewart performed in the Sunday legends slot, bringing out former Faces bandmate Ronnie Wood for Stay With Me, Lulu for Hot Legs and Simply Red's Mick Hucknall for a performance of his band's If You Don't Know Me By Now.
He was also joined by the festival's founder, Sir Michael Eavis, who was wheeled on to the stage by his daughter, organiser Emily Eavis.
Bagpipes had signalled the arrival of Sir Rod, who kicked off his afternoon performance with 1981 single, Tonight I'm Yours (Don't Hurt Me).
Sir Rod's set also included hits such as Maggie May, You Wear It Well and Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?.
The Pyramid Stage was headlined by pop rocker Olivia Rodrigo on Sunday evening, who brought out The Cure frontman Robert Smith to sing his band's songs Just Like Heaven and Friday I'm In Love.
As the 66-year-old indie-goth star arrived on stage on Sunday night, Rodrigo said: 'Glastonbury would you please welcome Robert Smith, give him a big welcome, come on.'
At the end of Just Like Heaven, the pair hugged, before Rodrigo said 'give it up for Robert Smith you guys' before adding she was 'so honoured to play with him tonight'.
The weekend saw many acts express their support for Palestine, with singer Ellie Rowsell of indie rockers Wolf Alice telling the crowd: 'We want to express our solidarity with the people of Palestine, and we shouldn't be afraid to do that.'
Their Other Stage set saw them climax with their best known song Don't Delete The Kisses, which came after they had played snippets of The White Stripes' Seven Nation Army and Black Sabbath's War Pigs.
Irish country star CMAT, real name Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, chanted 'free Palestine' during her set, which included Take A Sexy Picture Of Me, from her forthcoming third studio album Euro-Country.
While frontman Dan Hoff of Irish noise rockers Gurriers said during their Woodsies set: 'Free Palestine, unlike other bands we know where we stand politically.'
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The Independent
38 minutes ago
- The Independent
Bob Vylan and Kneecap face criminal probe as BBC Glastonbury coverage criticised
Kneecap and Bob Vylan are facing criminal police investigations for their performances at Glastonbury Festival as US authorities confirmed the latter group have been banned from entering the country. The BBC also expressed regret at not pulling its livestream of Bob Vylan's 'unacceptable' set, with the Culture Secretary claiming the issue should have been foreseeable and constituted 'a problem of leadership' for the broadcaster. Bobby Vylan, one half of the British rap punk duo, led crowds at the festival's West Holts Stage on Saturday in chants of 'Free, free Palestine' and 'Death, death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)'. In their own set on the stage directly afterwards, Irish rap trio Kneecap similarly led chants of 'Free Palestine' while member Liam Og O hAnnaidh, who appeared in court earlier this month charged with a terror offence, wore a keffiyeh during the performance. Fellow member JJ O Dochartaigh also wore a T-shirt that said: 'We are all Palestine Action' in reference to the soon-to-be-banned campaign group. Avon and Somerset Police said they had launched a probe on Monday into both performances at the festival after reviewing video footage and audio recordings, with a senior detective appointed to lead it. A police spokesman said: 'This has been recorded as a public order incident at this time while our inquiries are at an early stage. 'The investigation will be evidence-led and will closely consider all appropriate legislation, including relating to hate crimes.' US deputy secretary of state Christopher Landau announced that Bob Vylan's US visas had been revoked due to 'their hateful tirade at Glastonbury', with the duo scheduled to tour in Chicago, Brooklyn and Philadelphia in October. The BBC has faced strong criticism for continuing to livestream their performance on iPlayer with on-screen warnings about discriminatory language, leading to broadcasting regulator Ofcom saying it was 'very concerned' by the decision. In a statement on Monday, the BBC said: 'Millions of people tuned in to enjoy Glastonbury this weekend across the BBC's output but one performance within our livestreams included comments that were deeply offensive. 'The BBC respects freedom of expression but stands firmly against incitement to violence. 'The antisemitic sentiments expressed by Bob Vylan were utterly unacceptable and have no place on our airwaves. 'We welcome Glastonbury's condemnation of the performance. 'The performance was part of a livestream of the West Holts stage on BBC iPlayer. 'The judgment on Saturday to issue a warning on screen while streaming online was in line with our editorial guidelines. 'In addition, we took the decision not to make the performance available on demand. 'The team were dealing with a live situation, but with hindsight we should have pulled the stream during the performance. 'We regret this did not happen.' Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the Government was 'exasperated' with the 'lack of account from the leadership' at the BBC during a statement to the Commons on Monday. Addressing a point from Jim Allister, TUV MP for North Antrim, that the livestream was 'an appalling pro-terrorist broadcast', Ms Nandy said: 'He will know that this Government supports the BBC. 'We believe it is an important institution. 'That is why we are so disappointed that this has happened, why we have been so exasperated with the lack of account from the leadership, not just about this, but about a previous Gaza documentary and a number of other issues as well. 'The BBC is one of the most important institutions in our country, and that is the reason why it is held to the highest of standards.' Ms Nandy said the incident had raised 'very, very serious questions at the highest levels of the BBC about the operational oversight and the way in which editorial standards are understood', adding that she wanted to see 'rapid action' from the broadcaster. Glastonbury Festival itself also condemned Bob Vylan's chants, saying it was 'appalled' by what was said on stage. A statement on Instagram said: 'Their chants very much crossed a line and we are urgently reminding everyone involved in the production of the festival that there is no place at Glastonbury for antisemitism, hate speech or incitement to violence.' Bob Vylan, who formed in Ipswich in 2017, have released four albums addressing issues to do with racism, masculinity and class. Bobby Vylan's real name is Pascal Robinson-Foster, 34, according to reports. In a statement posted to Instagram, Vylan said: 'Teaching our children to speak up for the change they want and need is the only way that we make this world a better place. 'As we grow older and our fire starts to possibly dim under the suffocation of adult life and all its responsibilities, it is incredibly important that we encourage and inspire future generations to pick up the torch that was passed to us.' Kneecap have been in the headlines after member O hAnnaidh, who performs under the name Mo Chara, was charged with a terror offence. In reference to his bandmate's upcoming court date, Naoise O Caireallain told Glastonbury they would 'start a riot outside the courts', before clarifying: 'No riots, just love and support, and support for Palestine.'
North Wales Chronicle
42 minutes ago
- North Wales Chronicle
Bob Vylan and Kneecap face criminal probe as BBC Glastonbury coverage criticised
The BBC also expressed regret at not pulling its livestream of Bob Vylan's 'unacceptable' set, with the Culture Secretary claiming the issue should have been foreseeable and constituted 'a problem of leadership' for the broadcaster. Bobby Vylan, one half of the British rap punk duo, led crowds at the festival's West Holts Stage on Saturday in chants of 'Free, free Palestine' and 'Death, death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)'. In their own set on the stage directly afterwards, Irish rap trio Kneecap similarly led chants of 'Free Palestine' while member Liam Og O hAnnaidh, who appeared in court earlier this month charged with a terror offence, wore a keffiyeh during the performance. Fellow member JJ O Dochartaigh also wore a T-shirt that said: 'We are all Palestine Action' in reference to the soon-to-be-banned campaign group. Avon and Somerset Police said they had launched a probe on Monday into both performances at the festival after reviewing video footage and audio recordings, with a senior detective appointed to lead it. A police spokesman said: 'This has been recorded as a public order incident at this time while our inquiries are at an early stage. 'The investigation will be evidence-led and will closely consider all appropriate legislation, including relating to hate crimes.' US deputy secretary of state Christopher Landau announced that Bob Vylan's US visas had been revoked due to 'their hateful tirade at Glastonbury', with the duo scheduled to tour in Chicago, Brooklyn and Philadelphia in October. The BBC has faced strong criticism for continuing to livestream their performance on iPlayer with on-screen warnings about discriminatory language, leading to broadcasting regulator Ofcom saying it was 'very concerned' by the decision. In a statement on Monday, the BBC said: 'Millions of people tuned in to enjoy Glastonbury this weekend across the BBC's output but one performance within our livestreams included comments that were deeply offensive. 'The BBC respects freedom of expression but stands firmly against incitement to violence. 'The antisemitic sentiments expressed by Bob Vylan were utterly unacceptable and have no place on our airwaves. 'We welcome Glastonbury's condemnation of the performance. 'The performance was part of a livestream of the West Holts stage on BBC iPlayer. 'The judgment on Saturday to issue a warning on screen while streaming online was in line with our editorial guidelines. 'In addition, we took the decision not to make the performance available on demand. 'The team were dealing with a live situation, but with hindsight we should have pulled the stream during the performance. 'We regret this did not happen.' Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the Government was 'exasperated' with the 'lack of account from the leadership' at the BBC during a statement to the Commons on Monday. Addressing a point from Jim Allister, TUV MP for North Antrim, that the livestream was 'an appalling pro-terrorist broadcast', Ms Nandy said: 'He will know that this Government supports the BBC. 'We believe it is an important institution. 'That is why we are so disappointed that this has happened, why we have been so exasperated with the lack of account from the leadership, not just about this, but about a previous Gaza documentary and a number of other issues as well. 'The BBC is one of the most important institutions in our country, and that is the reason why it is held to the highest of standards.' Ms Nandy said the incident had raised 'very, very serious questions at the highest levels of the BBC about the operational oversight and the way in which editorial standards are understood', adding that she wanted to see 'rapid action' from the broadcaster. Glastonbury Festival itself also condemned Bob Vylan's chants, saying it was 'appalled' by what was said on stage. A statement on Instagram said: 'Their chants very much crossed a line and we are urgently reminding everyone involved in the production of the festival that there is no place at Glastonbury for antisemitism, hate speech or incitement to violence.' Bob Vylan, who formed in Ipswich in 2017, have released four albums addressing issues to do with racism, masculinity and class. Bobby Vylan's real name is Pascal Robinson-Foster, 34, according to reports. In a statement posted to Instagram, Vylan said: 'Teaching our children to speak up for the change they want and need is the only way that we make this world a better place. 'As we grow older and our fire starts to possibly dim under the suffocation of adult life and all its responsibilities, it is incredibly important that we encourage and inspire future generations to pick up the torch that was passed to us.' Kneecap have been in the headlines after member O hAnnaidh, who performs under the name Mo Chara, was charged with a terror offence. In reference to his bandmate's upcoming court date, Naoise O Caireallain told Glastonbury they would 'start a riot outside the courts', before clarifying: 'No riots, just love and support, and support for Palestine.'
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
BBC bosses publicly shamed by British and Israeli ministers for airing antisemitic death chants at Glastonbury
Director-General Tim Davie denied claims it was his call to keep the livestream on during Bob Vylan's set BBC BLASTED BBC bosses publicly shamed by British and Israeli ministers for airing antisemitic death chants at Glastonbury EMBATTLED BBC bosses were last night publicly shamed by British and Israeli ministers for airing antisemitic death chants at Glastonbury. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the latest corporation scandal shows a 'problem of leadership' that makes it difficult for her to keep supporting them. Advertisement She slammed the BBC for not predicting acts with a history of hateful comments would spout similar bile on their festival livestream. The BBC yesterday admitted it should have pulled the feed of Bob Vylan chanting 'Death to the IDF'. Director-General Tim Davie, who The Sun understands was at Glastonbury, denied claims it was his call to keep the livestream on. The broadcaster said: 'Mr Davie was informed of the incident after the performance and at that point he was clear it should not feature in any other coverage.' Advertisement But the Beeb boss last night still faced calls to be sacked by Israel's deputy foreign minister. Sharren Haskel demanded staff must be held accountable for the decision. She told The Telegraph's Daily T podcast: 'Who's responsible for that? This is literally someone calling for violence, for ethnic cleansing. 'If no one is fired over such an outrageous thing, I think that Tim Davie should take responsibility.' Advertisement Ms Nandy told the Commons she read the riot act to the chief on Saturday over why it took five hours for the broadcaster to remove footage of the punk duo's set on iPlayer. She said: 'I expect answers to these questions without delay. I have made that clear to BBC leadership. When you have one editorial failure, it's something that must be gripped. When you have several, it becomes a problem of leadership.' Fury as Glastonbury crowd chants 'death to the IDF' during Bob Vylan set aired live on BBC The BBC admitted it regretted airing the 'utterly unacceptable' chant. It pledged to re-examine its guidance on live events for teams. Advertisement TV watchdog Ofcom warned: 'We are very concerned about the live-stream of this performance, and the BBC clearly has questions to answer. 'We've been speaking to the BBC and we are obtaining further information as a matter of urgency.'
