Glastonbury 2024: Charli XCX, Neil Young, and Scissor Sisters Deliver Memorable Saturday Performances

Glastonbury Festival's Saturday night offered attendees a wealth of musical riches, forcing difficult choices between a diverse lineup of headliners. Pop sensation Charli XCX, rock icon Neil Young, disco revivalists Scissor Sisters, and rising rap star Doechii all delivered sets that resonated with different segments of the festival crowd. While Charli XCX drew the largest audience, each performance offered a unique and unforgettable experience.

Charli XCX Dominates The Other Stage

Charli XCX transformed The Other Stage into a pulsating, laser-lit club, captivating a massive crowd with her high-energy performance. The singer-songwriter, known for her experimental pop sound, showcased tracks from her recent "Brat" album, opening with a dynamic mash-up of "360" and "Von Dutch." Her solo stage presence was a whirlwind of movement, featuring signature hip-rolls, hair tosses, and knee-drops, fueled by an impressive use of the festival's smoke machine budget.

While rumors circulated about potential guest appearances from artists like Lorde and Billie Eilish, the only guest to appear, via the big screen, was Gracie Abrams, performing the viral "Apple dance" to Charli's viral hit Apple. Despite this, the audience embraced the insolent energy of tracks like "Club Classics" and "Sympathy Is A Knife." Charli reclaimed "I Love It," the bubblegum pop anthem she originally wrote for Icona Pop, and reassured fans that she wasn't quite ready to leave her breakthrough album behind.

"I think you have all proven to me that Brat is forever," a message flashed on the video screens, accompanied by glitched siren sounds and pyrotechnics, suggesting a possible return to Glastonbury after the festival's fallow year in 2026.

Neil Young's Timeless Rock on the Pyramid Stage

In stark contrast to Charli XCX's modern pop spectacle, Neil Young delivered a raw and powerful set on the Pyramid Stage. The 79-year-old rocker began solo with a hushed acoustic version of "Sugar Mountain," before being joined by his new band, The Chrome Hearts. They launched into a series of electrifying guitar anthems, including "Be The Rain," "Cinnamon Girl," and "Hey Hey, My My," characterized by jagged chords and intense solos.

The crowd responded enthusiastically to acoustic renditions of "The Needle and The Damage Done" and "Harvest Moon." Young also shared that he was playing Hank Williams' old guitar on the Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young song "Looking Forward." Despite his age, Young's voice remained remarkably clear, complemented by The Chrome Hearts' harmonies. The band excelled on heavier material, particularly "Like A Hurricane," featuring a mesmerizing guitar solo. Young concluded his set with "Tear Your Hatred Down," a scathing critique of politicians and the war machine, offering a poignant commentary on the modern world.

Doechii's Hip-Hop History Lesson

Doechii, the rising rap star from Florida, drew a large crowd to the West Holts Stage, including a dancing Harry Styles. Her 45-minute set, themed as a history of hip-hop, showcased her versatility as a singer, rapper, and dancer. She also demonstrated her fashion sense with multiple costume changes.

Her flow was impeccable on tracks like "Persuasive," "Anxiety," "Denial Is A River," and "Alter Ego." Doechii even poked fun at herself by recreating a viral social media clip from the Met Gala, where she demanded "more umbrellas." Her performance was enhanced by eight dancers who showcased various styles, including twerking and voguing. Doechii's Glastonbury performance felt like a significant milestone in her rapidly ascending career. "Doechii is not just performing; she's curating an experience," notes music critic Sarah Jones. "Her understanding of hip-hop history, combined with her unique artistic vision, sets her apart from many of her contemporaries."

Scissor Sisters Reunite with Special Guests

Scissor Sisters continued their reunion by packing out the Woodsies tent, reminding fans of their extensive catalog of hits. The set included classics like "I Don't Feel Like Dancing," "Laura," and "Filthy/Gorgeous." Beth Ditto joined them for "Filthy/Gorgeous," while Jessie Ware performed "I Don't Feel Like Dancin'." Sir Ian McKellen reprised his monologue from the 2010 single "Invisible Light," prompting the audience to chant "Oh, Ian McKellen" to the tune of The White Stripes' "Seven Nation Army."

Earlier Performances and Controversies

Earlier in the day, Kaiser Chiefs opened the main stage, while Brandi Carlile won over the audience with a cover of Radiohead's "Fake Plastic Trees" and her ballad "You Without Me." Jade delivered a high-energy pop set, including a medley of Little Mix songs, and Raye performed with a miniature orchestra. Pulp, billed as Patchwork, celebrated the 30th anniversary of their 1995 headline performance. Haim drew a large crowd to The Park stage with their rhythmic rock.

The day also saw controversy, with rap trio Kneecap and punk-rap band Bob Vylan criticizing the UK government and Israel's actions in Gaza during their sets. Police are assessing videos of the performances. Deftones had to pull out of The Other Stage due to illness, with Skepta filling in with an impromptu performance. Ezra Collective, with guests Loyle Carner and Sasha Keable, brought a carnival atmosphere to The Other Stage.

The festival continues on Sunday with performances from Rod Stewart, Chic, Wolf Alice, Joy Crookes, and Olivia Rodrigo.