Glastonbury Festival: The Biggest Rock Festival on the Planet Begins
From Somerset, UK – The biggest rock festival on the planet is about to begin and a special celebratory atmosphere is palpable in the air. The dream of a legion of young people with music as a uniting element, conceived by farmer Michael Eavis in 1970, turns 53 today. And the mystique continues…
It is difficult to talk about emotions and much less about utopias in times of anxiety, but despite the ominous forecasts about the planet and its inhabitants, there are still symbols that human beings have not yet thrown in the towel; There is nothing wrong with leaving for a while the existential nihilism that is slowly poisoning us and putting body and soul in a celebratory mode. Just because; because we need it like that air that we demand thirteen times a minute.
On the winding roads of Somerset, an hour and a bit west of London, traces of the new pilgrims are already visible. The Worthy Farm is gradually seeded with multicolored carp and bodies that come and go. On the big stages, the rattling of hammers is heard, scaffolding with clusters of speakers and dozens of light reflectors are raised. In the distance, in the hills that surround Glastonbury, the first sonorous echoes sound. DJs unleash hypnotic beats for early dancers and food stalls hand out the first supplies. Glastonbury, that gentle giant, wakes up from his annual sleep and gracefully stretches out to get the fanfare going again, as the ineffable Miguel Abuelo would say.
When talking about Glastonbury, it is hard to resist the temptation to mention its immensity or its scrolls, to ponder the musical diversity of its dozen main stages, to which are added hundreds of prosceniums scattered throughout the vast Eavis farm where it is held. place this multitudinous celebration, the last weekend of June, in accordance with the boreal summer solstice. Three days –plus the previous “vermucito”- in which the sounds of a good part of the world will literally parade. Rock from all eras, pop, jazz, reggae, folk, electronic, ethnic music from different latitudes and unclassifiable experiments as well.
But Glastonbury is much more than music: mention could be added of thematic and healing fields, where people can take a break from the pressures of contemporary society. Also add the offer of theatrical, circus, film, comedy shows. And yet, it would be insufficient to explain why more than 140,000 people sell out the festival tickets nine months in advance, the very day they go on sale. It is clear that people come to Glastonbury looking for something more than the music, or rather, something that comes along with the music.
It has been said that Glastonbury is a life-changing experience forever: a coming to terms with those parts of ourselves that we missed and, perhaps, gave up on. It can be said that what is resurrected, to begin with, is the capacity for wonder, plain and simple. The fact is that for three days or a little more, one has the sensation of living in a more humane, optimistic and – why not – supportive environment. And no small feat, in an age when life-affirming messages are needed more than ever.
And of course, there is a lot of music at Glastonbury, and for all palates. The 2023 edition is loaded with an expectation that has, at the same time, a melancholic tinge, because it has been said that it will be the last presentation before a massive audience of one of the greatest rock artists of all time. If this premise is fulfilled, the Elton John recital that will close on the night of Sunday June 25 will mark his farewell to the stage. There is talk of great invited figures and, most certainly, of a parade of classics from his pen that span more than half a century.
While one is surprised that Elton John’s career spans more than half a century, one also realizes that if one adds the “primal scream” of the pioneers, this music that we broadly characterize as rock has been around for seven decades now. of life, and counting. In this sense, Glastonbury brings a reminder of the variety of sounds that rock has appraised since Elvis moved his Pelvis and the world went plop!, back in 1954. The 2023 edition will have among its protagonists a symbol of singer-songwriter folk as Yusuf Cat Stevens is already an eminent guitarist who also started from folk in the Fairport Convention days to later shoot off in his own direction and style: the great guitarist, singer and songwriter Richard Thompson. And it’s no surprise that their audiences also pack the Acoustic Stage on the first night of the festival for the performance of outlaw folk cult hero Steve Earle. And not a few will return to the same stage on Sunday to hear the ineffable sounds of the marriage of Toyah Willcox and Robert Fripp… Yes, the same one from King Crimson.
Although it is easy to talk about rock as an accumulation of geological layers, there is no doubt that throughout its history there were shocks that changed the course of events, and one of them was undoubtedly punk. This year Glastonbury will have one of its most conspicuous representatives on the English scene, The Damned, on its Avalon stage. But that cry that fought for changes in music and in life also had those who paved the way from the other side of the Atlantic, although the spark that lit the fuse for change in New York’s lower Manhattan in the mid-’70s was stylistically much more eclectic, as evidenced by Blondie’s pop between innocent and battle-hardened. The band led by Debbie Harry will be another attraction on the Pyramid Stage, Glastonbury’s main stage, on Sunday’s final night.
It is worth persisting for a while in a kind of chronological order of the rock eras represented in this new edition of Glastonbury to observe that the vectors of British rock that opened up after the paradigm and aesthetic change brought by the new wave, are also present in this edition of the festival, through bands and soloists who have left their mark on the sounds of recent decades, such as Manic Street Preachers, Slowdive, Martin Stephenson & the Daintees, Badly Drawn Boy and Billy Bragg. And the Glastonbury of surprises did not want to leave out a singer-songwriter like Rickie Lee Jones, the exquisite chamber folk duo The Unthanks and a melodious soul personality like Candi Staton.
Due to geography, tradition and the main target audience, it is understandable that a good part of the protagonists of Glastonbury are of Anglo-Saxon origin, but this apparent monopoly is broken by important artists from the international scene, particularly from Africa, with the presence of a key band of the so-called Blues of the Desert, like the Malians Tinariwen and their compatriots Amadou & Mariam. And the Pyramid Stage performances will be opened by none other than The Master Musicians of Joujouka, a long musical tradition sustained by Moroccan Sufi performers, who first rose to Western fame in the 1960s when Brian Jones of The Rolling Stones, recorded a tape “in situ” that was later released by the band’s short-lived record label.
Glastonbury also has a well-earned reputation as a launching pad for bands that are already finding an increasingly solid place in the new rock scene. Such is the case of The Murder Capital and its gothic sound for the 21st century; the vibrant pop of The Big Moon and the detectable neo-punk influence of groups like the Viagra Boys, Shame, and Jockstrap.
In addition to the understandable anxiety to see Elton John’s possible farewell to the stage, the other two “seeded” have also aroused his expectation: Arctic Monkeys enters its third decade of life reaffirmed by a new musical and lyrical maturity, and Guns N’ Roses seems to have successfully emerged from its long period of musical limbo, leaving a glimpse of a creative renaissance that has yet to be reflected in new editions. The other performance that is awaited with special interest is that of Lana del Rey, after the unanimous thumbs up that received her most recent album Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd.
Of course, not everything is music at Worthy Farm: in the fields of Avalon, to the west of the festival site, the other GGlastonbury, the biggest rock festival on the planet, is set to begin in Somerset, UK. The festival, which was conceived by farmer Michael Eavis in 1970, is celebrating its 53rd year. The atmosphere is filled with excitement and anticipation as young people from all over the world gather to celebrate their love for music.
Despite the current state of the world and the anxieties that come with it, Glastonbury serves as a symbol of hope and unity. It offers a break from the existential nihilism that plagues society and provides a space for people to come together and celebrate. The festival is a much-needed escape, a breath of fresh air that we all crave.
As the festival site in Worthy Farm starts to come alive, with colorful tents and bodies moving about, the sound of hammers can be heard as stages are being set up. DJs are already playing hypnotic beats for early dancers, and food stalls are providing the first supplies. Glastonbury, the gentle giant, is waking up from its annual sleep and preparing for the fanfare to begin.
Glastonbury is not just about music; it offers so much more. The festival features thematic and healing fields where people can take a break from the pressures of society. There are also theatrical, circus, film, and comedy shows to enjoy. The festival attracts over 140,000 people who eagerly buy tickets months in advance, indicating that they are looking for something more than just music.
Glastonbury is known for its diverse musical lineup, featuring rock from all eras, pop, jazz, reggae, folk, electronic, and ethnic music from different parts of the world. The festival showcases a wide range of artists and genres, ensuring that there is something for everyone.
This year, Glastonbury will see the possible farewell performance of one of the greatest rock artists of all time, Elton John. The Sunday night performance is expected to be a grand celebration of his career, spanning over half a century. The festival will also feature other iconic artists such as Yusuf Cat Stevens, Richard Thompson, The Damned, Blondie, and many more.
Glastonbury is not just about established artists; it is also a platform for emerging bands to showcase their talent. Bands like The Murder Capital, The Big Moon, and Viagra Boys are finding their place in the new rock scene and are set to make their mark at the festival.
Apart from the music, Glastonbury offers a wide range of experiences. The festival has themed fields, cafes with local artists, and stands for organizations like Greenpeace, Oxfam, and Water-aid. The Healing Fields provide various therapies for physical and spiritual well-being. And for those seeking peace and tranquility, the mythical sacred stone circle offers a serene view of the festival.
Glastonbury is a place where music, art, and love come together. It is a celebration of life and a reminder of the power of music to bring people together. The festival is a testament to the resilience and spirit of humanity, providing a much-needed escape from the challenges of the world.
As the Glastonbury ritual continues, attendees are encouraged to immerse themselves in the music, embrace the unique experiences, and let themselves be carried away by the magic of the festival. Glastonbury is a place where exhaustion is overcome, and a sense of wonder is rediscovered. The festival is a reminder that there is still beauty and joy in the world, and that music has the power to uplift and inspire.
What makes Glastonbury Festival more than just a music event and why do people come seeking a unique experience?
From Somerset, UK – The Glastonbury Festival, known as the biggest rock festival on the planet, is set to begin with an electrifying atmosphere in the air. Created by farmer Michael Eavis in 1970, this dream of uniting young people through music celebrates its 53rd year today, keeping its mystique alive.
In troubled times, discussing emotions and utopias seems challenging. However, amidst the gloomy forecasts for our planet and its inhabitants, there are still symbols of hope. It is not wrong to let go of existential nihilism for a while and immerse ourselves in a mode of celebration. We need it, just like the air we breathe thirteen times a minute.
In the charming roads of Somerset, a little over an hour’s drive from London, signs of new pilgrims are already visible. Worthy Farm is gradually filling up with vibrant colors and moving bodies. The sounds of hammers echo from the massive stages as scaffolding, speakers, and light reflectors are erected. In the surrounding hills of Glastonbury, the first notes of music can be heard. DJs unleash mesmerizing beats for early dancers, while food stalls provide sustenance. Glastonbury, the gentle giant, awakens from its year-long slumber and gracefully sparks the fanfare once again, as the indescribable Miguel Abuelo would say.
When discussing Glastonbury, it is impossible to resist mentioning its immensity or musical diversity across its dozen main stages, along with hundreds of smaller performance areas scattered throughout the vast Eavis farm. This massive celebration takes place during the last weekend of June, aligning with the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere. Over three days, plus the pre-festival “vermucito,” sounds from all over the world will permeate the air. Rock from various eras, pop, jazz, reggae, folk, electronic, ethnic music from diverse regions, and unclassifiable experimental sounds will come together.
Yet, Glastonbury is more than just music. It features thematic and healing fields where attendees can take respite from the pressures of modern society. The festival also offers theatrical performances, circus acts, film screenings, and comedy shows. However, these factors alone cannot explain why over 140,000 tickets sell out within hours, nine months before the festival begins. Clearly, people come to Glastonbury seeking more than just music; they come for a unique experience that accompanies the music.
Glastonbury has been described as a life-changing event, a moment to reconnect with the parts of ourselves that we may have lost or given up on. It reignites our capacity for wonder. For three days, or a little longer, participants feel like they are part of a more humane, optimistic, and, dare we say, supportive environment. This is no small achievement in an era when messages that affirm life are needed more than ever.
Of course, music takes center stage at Glastonbury, catering to all tastes. The 2023 edition is filled with anticipation, tinged with melancholy, as it is rumored to be the final performance of one of the greatest rock artists of all time in front of a massive audience. If the rumors hold true, Elton John’s Sunday night concert on June 25th will mark his farewell to the stage. Speculation is rife about the stellar guest appearances and a showcase of his timeless classics spanning over five decades.
As one marvels at the fact that Elton John’s career has spanned more than half a century, it becomes apparent that if we include the primal screams of the pioneers, rock music, broadly speaking, has been alive for seven decades and counting since Elvis made his groundbreaking debut in 1954. Glastonbury serves as a reminder of the diverse sounds that rock has embraced over the years. The 2023 edition will feature iconic singer-songwriter and folk symbol Yusuf Cat Stevens, who pivoted from folk beginnings with Fairport Convention to forge his own unique direction and style. Additionally, the renowned guitarist, singer, and songwriter Richard Thompson will perform, having started his journey in the world of folk with Fairport Convention before carving his own path. On the first night of the festival, outlaw folk cult hero Steve Earle will grace the Acoustic Stage, drawing a packed audience, while on Sunday, fans will flock to the same stage to experience the unmatchable sounds of the dynamic duo Toyah Willcox and Robert Fripp – yes, the same Robert Fripp from King Crimson.
Though rock music has gone through various incarnations, it retains its power to captivate and connect people. Glastonbury Festival continues to be a testament to this enduring legacy, bringing together music, art, and a sense of community that transcends time and generations.
