Paul McCartney shares moving note following “magical” Glastonbury set
Paul McCartney has shared a note to fans reflecting on the “magical” experience of headlining this year’s Glastonbury festival alongside Dave Grohl and Bruce Springsteen as special guests.
The former Beatle headlined the festival’s Saturday night as it returned after a three-year gap due to Covid-19 cancellations. The career-spanning three-hour set was flanked by headline sets from Billie Eilish and Kendrick Lamar on Friday and Sunday, respectively.
In a new essay written for the BBC, McCartney reflected on the experience and shared new backstage photos from the big night alongside footage of his band rehearsing before the set.
He wrote: “Festivals are special, but Glastonbury is particularly so and it’s a big event in lots of people’s year. Because it had been cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid, it became more important to pull it off.”
Adding: “I’d asked Bruce Springsteen in 2020 if he’d be happy to come on board and he said yes, and he kept his promise two years later. So that was very exciting, having him and Dave Grohl up on the stage.”
Of the Glastonbury atmosphere, he added: “It’s a pretty impressive scene for people in the audience, but we get the whole view up on the stage with the flags and the hills going back forever, so it was quite a big deal that they said yes to joining me in that experience.
“Of course, up on stage I can’t really see people’s reactions, but I love to hear them because I’ve found myself doing that at concerts. I went to see James Taylor once and started blubbing because it was just so lovely! I was thinking, ‘Oh, I love this guy’ – I’m getting emotional even now!
“It’s a magical thing, knowing music can do that to people,” Macca added. “We’re the only animal on the planet that does that.
“Then you’ve got the spirituality of the place, knowing about the ley lines and everything else. When you have an event like Glastonbury, and everyone comes together with good vibes and energy, I’m very happy to be part of that.”
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out Music Newsletter
All the latest music news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.