Glastonbury 2025: Lorde secret set, Lewis Capaldi’s return and the biggest headlines from Friday
The first full day of music at Glastonbury 2025 has come to an end – from a secret set by Lorde to Lewis Capaldi’s triumphant return and The 1975’s headlining set, here are the biggest headlines from Friday (June 27).
Lorde plays ‘Virgin’ in full at Woodsies secret set
On Friday, Lorde released her fourth album ‘Virgin’ – and celebrated by playing the record in full in a secret 11am set at Woodsies that was packed to bursting.
“This record took me a lot – I didn’t know if I would make another record, to be honest, but I’m back here completely free,” she told the crowd at one point. Read NME’s 5-star review of the set and see our photos here.
Paul McCartney spotted on Worthy Farm seeing sets by Inhaler and Gracie Abrams
Three years after headlining Glastonbury, Paul McCartney was back on the farm – and was spotted checking out sets by Inhaler and Gracie Abrams.
Inhaler frontman Elijah Hewson dedicated their song ‘It Won’t Always Be Like This’ to “the people of Palestine”, while Abrams performed a new song thought to be titled ‘Out Of Nowhere’ and a cover of The Cure’s ‘Just Like Heaven’.
Lewis Capaldi makes return to Pyramid Stage after premature exit in 2023
In 2023, Lewis Capaldi was unable to finish his Glastonbury set, leaving the Pyramid Stage early due to Tourette’s tics. On Friday, he made a redemptive return with a 35-minute set, getting choked up as he addressed the massive, vocal crowd. “Second time’s a charm on this one,” he said.
Olivia Dean confirms secret set while Robbie Williams quashes his rumours and Jarvis Cocker stokes more Pulp speculation
In other secret set news, Olivia Dean confirmed she’d be playing a surprise afternoon set at Strummerville – while Robbie Williams swiftly stoked and quashed rumours that he’d be a secret performer this year.
The popstar had shared photos of a plaque in the Glasto hospitality area that commemorated 30 years since he made headlines for partying with Oasis following his departure from Take That. However, he quickly poured cold water on rumours he’d perform, telling fans to go see The 1975, Busta Rhymes, Self Esteem, Charli XCX and Reverend and the Makers instead.
Jarvis Cocker also made an unannounced appearance yesterday, playing a DJ set to 50 people, further stoking rumours that Pulp are the mysterious band ‘Patchwork’ playing the Pyramid Stage on Saturday.
CMAT plays a massive set at the Pyramid Stage
It’s the summer of CMAT – the Irish alt-folk-pop artist played a huge set at the Pyramid Stage on Friday. “From her full-band line-dancing, bum slappin’ moves and effortless crowd control, she’s the everywoman people’s champion that Glasto needs,” NME wrote in our five-star review. “There’s nothing cooler than truly not giving a fuck, and [CMAT’s] a real one, oozing with confidence and abandon like she’s on a never-ending night out.”
Franz Ferdinand bring out Peter Capaldi and Master Peace
Franz Ferdinand brought out Peter Capaldi for a huge rendition of ‘Take Me Out’, while Master Peace joined the Glaswegians for ‘Hooked’.
Stay tuned for an NME interview with Franz, Capaldi and Master Peace dropping very soon…
Biffy Clyro cover ‘God Only Knows’ in tribute to Brian Wilson
Biffy Clyro played a storming set on Friday – one that included a tender tribute to the late Brian Wilson via a cover of Beach Boys’ ‘God Only Knows’, a song that soundtracked the first dance at Biffy frontman Simon Neil’s wedding.
Jorja Smith and Sampha join Loyle Carner on the Other Stage
Loyle Carner was joined by Sampha for ‘Desoleil (Brilliant Corners)’ and by Jorja Smith for ‘Loose Ends’ at his biggest Glastonbury performance yet at the Other Stage.
The 1975 wrap up Friday with a headline set on the Pyramid Stage
The 1975 played their first and only gig of the year at Glastonbury as the Friday headliner. Matty Healy walked onstage with a pint of Guinness in one hand and a lit cigarette in the other, and the band launched into a set that included a nod to the Backstreet Boys and a cryptic reference to ‘Dogs’ that fans are speculating is linked to new music.
During the set Healy had wisecracks for the crowd about being “the best songwriter of my generation”, and urged fans to see Deftones and Charli XCX perform. He also said: “Use your platform. The people watching this might have a problem with the lack of politics at this or future shows. We don’t want our legacy to be that of politics, we want it to be that of love and friendship. There are loads of politics everywhere, we need more love and politics.”
See the full setlist and more details of The 1975’s headline set here.
Check back at NME for more from Glastonbury 2025
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Karen Gwee
NME
