Following the release of the Glastonbury festival timetable, a band named “Patchwork” has captured everyone’s attention, despite the fact that no such band exists.
Patchwork is slated for a prominent Saturday night performance on the Pyramid Stage. This is a placeholder, much like the “ChurnUps” in 2023, which proved to be the Foo Fighters.
The mystery has ignited intense speculation among festival-goers eager to decipher the “surprise” act.
Leading contenders include:
Ultimately, the answer remains elusive.
“Radiohead are a strong possibility, given their recent tour hints,” suggests Georgie Rogers, music journalist, broadcaster, and Glastonbury emerging talent competition judge. “Or perhaps Elton John, collaborating again with Brandi Carlile?”
Sir Elton headlined in 2023, and Carlile, his recent collaborator, is scheduled on the same day.
The Patchwork slot is one of several intriguing unknowns in this year’s schedule.
A “TBA” Friday afternoon Pyramid Stage act adds to the intrigue, alongside unfilled slots on the Park and Woodsies stages – venues known for past surprise appearances by major artists.
“These are significant slots, typically filled by big names,” Rogers confirms.
The Secretglasto social media account (Secretglasto) claims to have solved many of the mysteries.
“We might have three or four of the four main slots figured out,” states Ad from Secretglasto. “It likely involves artists with strong festival ties, potentially emotional returns or unfinished business.”
This speculation points towards Lewis Capaldi, who cut short his 2023 set before a health-related hiatus. His recent return to performing makes this a popular theory.
Similarly, Lana Del Rey, whose 2023 set was curtailed due to curfew violations, is touring the UK with free dates coinciding with Glastonbury.
Other rumored acts include Lady Gaga, absent from Glastonbury since 2009, who previously expressed openness to returning. Lorde, not on the bill but keen to appear, added to the excitement.
Secretglasto, active for over a decade, boasts a network of sources, sometimes confirming acts directly. They note a shift towards artists using secret sets strategically for publicity. The team recalls the exclusive 2009 Lady Gaga after-show set, highlighting the coveted nature of such performances.
The impact of these surprise appearances, ranging from small, intimate shows to massive crowds drawn by word of mouth, has been a Glastonbury fixture for years, exemplified by the 1992 Tom Jones appearance. The ultimate legend is the 1995 Stone Roses’ comeback gig.
Could Patchwork be The Stone Roses, making a highly anticipated return? Regardless of the probability (-100/10), it remains a compelling prospect.
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