‘I get the Glastonbury 2025 line-up backlash – but here’s the one thing you’re missing’

I get why a lot of people are gutted about the Glastonbury 2025 line-up.

Some fans are so disappointed by this year’s acts that they’re threatening to sell off their tickets, despite chipping at least a weekend off of their life expectancy via virtual-queueing trauma in order to buy these tickets online. Spare a thought for the Glasto rejects still being haunted every by images of a green bar that will never move.

But truly, I get why a lot of people are so upset by today’s line-up announcement. If you saw these acts on the poster for pretty much any other UK festival, you wouldn’t see this kind of uproar on social media. In fact, it’d almost definitely be hailed as one of the best festival bills of the summer.

Here’s the thing, though; Glastonbury is not like other festivals. It’s so much bigger than a festival. People come back from Worthy Farm every year enveloped in what can only be described as a kind of ethereal glow. A new lease for life and memories they’ll cherish forever (not to mention a severely battered immune system).

They talk about “The Farm” like it’s an out-of-body experience, or a dream they’re trying to get back to but can’t. A wave of deep-rooted, almost spiritual yearning for Somerset will fill the pub booth whenever Glasto is mentioned. People expect greatness from Glastonbury and are right to do so.

To tell you the truth, I don’t hate this line-up. Rock bands are my first love and you’ll find some great ones on this poster – Biffy Clyro, Blossoms, Weezer, Deftones, and Wolf Alice to name a few. And look out for rising stars Wunderhorse – one of the only new bands flying the flag for true, modern rock music.

My love for The 1975 runs deep – they are a global sensation and people will travel across land and sea just to see them. Scottish titans Biffy Clyro will return to Glasto like conquering heroes, mark my words. They’re one of the greatest bands of our time and always take the roof off with their festival sets (any Reading 2016 alum in the house?).

There’s plenty of girl power in the pop department. At just 22 years of age, pop titan Olivia Rodrigo makes her Glasto headline debut on the Pyramid Stage and BRITs queen Charli XCX is sure to bring all of the unadulterated BRAT energy you so desperately seek on the Other Stage. You’ve also got Gracie Abrams, Raye, Jorja Smith, JADE and Lola Young in the mix.

There’s folk-pop giant Noah Kahan ready to rip your heart out, and rap sensation Loyle Carner who always puts on an incredible show. TikTok user? Then you’ll have no doubt heard Chicago by retro flame DJO, the musical pursuit of Stranger Things star Joe Keery – these acts are not to be missed.

Glasto is known for its love of legends and you can’t deny that Rod Stewart, Neil Young, Nile Rodgers and Chic have more than earned their status in this department. But it’s safe to say people were expecting more mega stars like these to be announced, especially when Glasto is taking a fallow year in 2026.

There had been rumours of a highly anticipated Spice Girls reunion stunt, and whispers of Taylor Swift and Eminem headline slots. Glasto is definitely big enough to deliver a massive rabbit out of the hat, so people would be forgiven for expecting a bit more star-power – this is, after all, the most iconic festival in the world.

But before you reach for your pitchforks and march on Glasto HQ, remember that more acts will be announced and when when you pitch up your tent on June 25, there are over 100 stages to choose from and those famous secret sets to track down.

And you might have missed some of your favourite acts on the poster. It’s easy to scan the headliners and make your mind up – I’ve been guilty of this myself – but if you squint your eyes you’ll find some pretty huge bands seemingly being swept under the carpet via smaller font.

Further down, you’ll see the likes of Kaiser Chiefs, Franz Ferdinand, The Script, The Libertines, The Maccabees, and Weezer. Royel Otis have set the internet on fire with their viral cover of Linger, and Fatboy Slim dazzled a crowd of 250k at Brighton Beach, lest we forget.

I guess what I’m trying to say is, I understand your pain if the line-up isn’t what you were hoping for, especially if you went through the ringer to secure tickets. But don’t despair just yet, maybe the best is yet to come.

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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk