Damon Albarn made a surprise appearance at Glastonbury, joining Bombay Bicycle Club on stage during their performance on the Other Stage. The band, performing ahead of artists like Anne-Marie, D-Block Europe, and Idles, had teased a special guest without revealing a name.
Speculation was rife about Albarn’s appearance, particularly because he features on Bombay Bicycle Club’s 2023 song “Heaven.” The @secretglasto Twitter account had hinted at this surprise, suggesting that a mystery artist could make the band’s set “go by in a Blur.”
Albarn, known for his roles in Blur and Gorillaz, previously headlined Glastonbury with Blur in 2009 and with Gorillaz in 2010.Bombay Bicycle Club revealed to Sky News that their collaboration with Albarn was unexpected.
They simply asked him to join, and he was eager to participate. Despite having only about an hour to rehearse for the live performance, the band expressed confidence in Albarn’s ability to deliver.
The band’s set was part of the first full day of the festival, which is headlined by Dua Lipa. Other early performers included Squeeze, K-pop act Seventeen, Olivia Dean, and The Snuts.In addition to musical acts, fitness guru Joe Wicks led a workout session just days after the birth of his fourth child.
He attracted about 2,000 participants and expressed hopes of taking his workouts to the Pyramid Stage. Wicks noted that people at festivals still want to maintain their fitness, despite the challenges of sleeping in tents.
The festival will continue with Coldplay headlining on Saturday, Shania Twain filling the Sunday afternoon “legends slot,” and SZA closing the weekend.
