Glastonbury 2024: Coldplay joined by special guest Laura Mvula
During their headline set at Glastonbury Festival on June 29th, Coldplay were joined by a special guest, Laura Mvula. Together, they performed a stripped-back version of the classic track, ‘Violet Hill’ from their fourth album, Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends from 2008.
Laura Mvula was one of the many artists who supported Coldplay during their 2022 tour. The British soul singer is no stranger to Glastonbury Festival herself having played on multiple occasions as a solo performer. However, she won’t have ever played to a crowd bigger as Coldplay’s mass has been noted for stretching well into the tens of thousands any leaving other stages at the festival notable sparse.
On June 28th, Dua Lipa headlined the Pyramid Stage, marking a dream come true for the 28-year-old Londoner. As part of her triumphant set, she was joined by Tame Impala mastermind Kevin Parker, who served as co-producer on this year’s hit album, Radical Optimism. In light of the record’s electronic neo-psychedelic feel – which the Australian has made his own in recent years – the pair performed a duet of Tame Impala’s 2015 staple ‘The Less I Know The Better’. It can be seen as a spiritual precursor to elements of Dua Lipa’s latest album.
In another notable special guest appearance, during Paul Heaton’s set on Friday afternoon, he brought out former Housemartins bassist Norman Cook – better known as DJ and producer Fatboy Slim – to perform their old band’s classic 1986 single, ‘Happy Hour’. In the festival’s spirit, Cook, who played as Fatboy Slim at Arcadia at 10pm that evening, took on the mantle of bassist for the rendition.
During their extensive headline set on the Pyramid Stage, Coldplay had some tough acts to follow. A highlight of their eclectic set, which also featured famous hits such as ‘Yellow’ and ‘The Scientist’, frontman Chris Martin and the rest of the band were buoyant, as Laura Mvula brought a welcome addition to their performance, which was received to thunderous applause by the massive audience. The classic lyrics rang out across the paddock.
Coldplay last played Glastonbury in 2016, marking their fourth time as headliners. That performance saw them match goth icons The Cure’s record as the act to have headlined the Worthy Farm celebration most. 2024’s appearance will see them make history and break this shared record.
In the run-up to Coldplay’s historic performance, in May, U2 frontman Bono discussed his love for the ‘Clocks’ group on the BBC Sounds series, Music Uncovered: The Genius Of Coldplay. Hosted by Greg James, it featured an array of famous faces, including festival co-organiser Emily Eavis, Coldplay manager and Martin’s lifelong friend Phil Harvey, as well as new stars Rachel Chinouriri and Maisie Peters.
Explaining what makes the group so singular, Bono said: “I should mention Coldplay are not a rock band. I hope that’s obvious. There is something much more interesting going on there like the Isley Brothers or something. They should not be judged by rock rules… Rage is the river running under most rock formations. Coldplay’s music has a different source and I think it’s best revealed in this song ‘Clocks’.”
The final headliner at Glastonbury 2024 is R&B star SZA on June 30th. Far Out is bringing direct coverage from the ground throughout the festival.
You can watch Coldplay, a full choir and Laura Mvula perform ‘Violet Hill’ below.
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