The 1975 returned from a year-long hiatus to headline Glastonbury’s iconic Pyramid Stage on Friday, marking their only show of 2025 and their first since March 2024. Despite the break, the band showed no signs of rust, delivering a well-rehearsed, crowd-friendly set packed with fan favourites and signature stage banter.
Frontman Matty Healy, as enigmatic as ever, chain-smoked through the performance, embodying both bravado and vulnerability. “This is really scary and I’m really nervous and I thank you so much for coming,” he confessed to the audience at the start of the set—offering a rare moment of genuine humility.
A Set Built on Crowd-Pleasers
The performance opened with a flicker of static, staccato strings, and a haunting saxophone solo before launching into Happiness. From there, it was a nonstop ride through their greatest hits, including If You're Too Shy (Let Me Know), Love Me, and She's American. Healy even threw in a surprise snippet of the Backstreet Boys’ I Want It That Way, which sparked cheers from the crowd.
Musically, the band was tight and polished. They blended digital pop textures with rock riffs and subtle nods to 80s yacht rock. Yet for all their technical excellence, the set lacked a sense of unpredictability. Known for chaotic antics—like kissing fans or bizarre stage props—Healy seemed tamer than usual. Aside from the raw energy of People, there was little of the band’s former recklessness on display.
Classics, Commentary, and Comfort
Formed over two decades ago in Cheshire, The 1975’s early work is now nearing classic status. Songs like Chocolate, Sex, and Robbers brought loud singalongs and nostalgic energy. Meanwhile, Love It If We Made It captured the band’s knack for dissecting modern life—balancing urgency and despair with a flicker of hope.
The introspective Give Yourself a Try found Healy in mentor mode, dishing out semi-sarcastic advice to the younger crowd. “You learn a couple things when you get to my age,” he crooned, drawing cheers with lines that poked fun at modern adulting.
Matty Healy Declares Himself a "Generational Poet"
Mid-set, Healy paused for a “sincere” moment. “What this moment is making me realise is that I, probably, am the best songwriter of my generation. The best poet, ladies and gentlemen, is what I am. A generational poet,” he announced—tongue somewhat in cheek.
He then launched into Chocolate, a light-hearted ode to rebellious youth. As if to underline the performance's self-awareness, a sign flashed onscreen moments later: “Matty is changing his trousers.” It was classic 1975: breaking the fourth wall, deconstructing the rock star image, and yet somehow making it work.
A Subtle Shift Away From Politics
Toward the show’s end, Healy explained the band’s decision to keep politics off the Glastonbury stage this time. Known for their outspoken views, particularly around LGBTQ+ rights (including a Malaysian ban for protesting anti-gay laws), their silence was noticeable.
“We don’t want our legacy to be one of politics,” Healy said. “We want it to be one of love and friendships. Go out into the world and there’s loads of politics out there—we need more love and friendship.” Whether this marks a permanent pivot in their messaging remains to be seen, especially with a new album on the horizon.
Lewis Capaldi’s Triumphant Return Steals Hearts
Earlier in the day, Lewis Capaldi returned to the same stage that brought him to tears two years ago. In 2023, his Pyramid Stage set was cut short when his anxiety and Tourette’s made it impossible to continue. On Friday, he came back stronger and more confident.
“I just wanted to come and finish what I couldn’t finish the first time around,” Capaldi told the crowd, visibly emotional. His return was met with overwhelming support, a moment of healing that resonated deeply with fans.
Final Thoughts: A Memorable, If Measured, Performance
The 1975’s headline slot was a polished, satisfying ride through their back catalogue. Yet some fans may have missed the unpredictability and chaos that once defined their shows. Whether this safer approach signals a new direction—or was simply a choice to keep the focus on the music—remains to be seen.
As Glastonbury 2025 continues to unfold, The 1975's performance will be remembered as a confident, if slightly cautious, celebration of their journey so far.
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