Glastonbury 2024: Watch Coldplay perform ‘Paradise’ with special guest Victoria Canal
During their headline set at Glastonbury Festival on June 29th, Coldplay were joined by a special guest, pianist and vocalist Victoria Canal. Together, they performed the 2011 classic, ‘Paradise’.
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. However, they resoundingly put their own spin on this aspect of the festival by bringing out Canal for ‘Paradise’ from Mylo Xyloto. A highlight of their eclectic set, which also featured famous hits such as opener ‘Yellow’, ‘The Scientist’ and recent effort ‘Higher Power’, frontman Chris Martin and the rest of the band were exultant, as Canal brought a welcome addition to their performance with her vocals and piano work, 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’.”
Glastonbury 2024: Who is Coldplay’s guest pianist on ‘Paradise’?
Victoria Canal is a Spanish-American singer-songwriter born in 1998. She’s been songwriting since the age of 11, and has continued to develop her craft since those formative years, with an eclectic mix of influences, including fellow singer-songwriters John Mayer and Gavin DeGraw.
In 2021, a significant career moment materialised when she relocated to Amsterdam, The Netherlands, with her family due to the Covid-19 pandemic that swept the world, and she continued to write songs there. During that period, Coldplay’s Martin discovered her through an online post, and was shortly after sent her Instagram profile. Taken by her talent, he introduced her to Parlophone Records, his band’s long-time home. She soon signed a deal with the label and started releasing under their name in 2022.
In March last year, it was announced that Canal would open for Irish musician Hozier on his Unreal Unearth tour. Gaining prominence due to the jaunt, it was during this time she took home her Ivor Novello. It made her the fourth woman to win ‘Rising Star’ since it debuted in 2020.
Last year, speaking to Far Out after winning ‘Rising Star’ at the Ivor Novello Awards, Canal revealed more about her artistry: “My favourite songwriter of all time is Leith Ross but they’re 22 and still underground. But I worship everything they do.” On a future collaboration with Ross, Canal said: “I know them personally, we’re friends. I love them, and the music-making is pending. I just have to get to wherever they live in Canada.”
Watch Coldplay perform ‘Paradise’ with Victoria Canal at Glastonbury below.
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