At this point in the Glastonbury 2022’s timeline, it’s almost easier to confirm who is definitely not going to be showing up for a set over the week. With the sudden arrival and then disappearance of The Chemical Brothers, IDLES finding the energy to throw out their intense debut Brutalism on the introducing stage, and even Bastille giving it a go on Thursday night, the list seemingly doesn’t end. The latest; Jack White and George Ezra.
With relative urgency, singer-songwriter superstar (and general cutie-pie) George Ezra announced his appearance at the festival’s Park Stage at 2PM. A whole 3 hours of preparation for the appropriately named “Gold Rush Kid” to gather enough curiosity, and then perform a secret set. Some artists are just built for Glastonbury, whether it be the laid-back attitude, hooky-as-hell songwriting or just general British summertime demeanour, Ezra has what it takes. The rumours began to spread about Ezra early, but after pulling out of a show in Denmark earlier this week due to illness, many were sceptical. But no more!
SURPRISE! @glastonbury see you 2pm on the John Peel Stage for a big old party pic.twitter.com/Gft01Zj77O
— george E Z R A (@george_ezra) June 26, 2022
Next on the major last-minute announcement list in today’s proceedings, all-round icon; Jack White. The initial advertisement for White’s show came in the festivals often overlooked “Glastonbury Free Press”. An advertisement in the local paper read, “Exciting opportunity in the field of audience science”, I’m interested, “Musician Jack White is seeking 10,000 lively and loud individuals to participate in a top secret experiment of musical concertry. Qualified applicants must apply in person on 26 June, at 6PM, at The Park Stage”. Now, if anyone had to call a secret Glastonbury set this year, I’d argue that Jack White was probably never a million miles away from being guaranteed. After opening the doors to his new store, Third Man London, and then performing a secret set in the streets of Soho that night, it confirmed that all of the shenanigans White normally gets up to in the states are very much transferable.
As the final day of the festival kicks off we, as punters have unsurprisingly had a lot of special treats over the duration. Beatles legend Paul McCartney was joined on the Pyramid Stage last night by Dave Grohl, in his first onstage appearance since the tragic passing of Taylor Hawkins, for a version of “Saw Her Standing There” and “Band On The Run”, and then none other than The Boss for “Glory Days” and “I Wanna Be Your Man”. The pair then returned one final time together to close the set with “The End”. As festivals go, this one always relishes in its surprises, and despite the fact that this is the last day, I see no reason why they’ll slow down today.
