The 1975 Headline Glastonbury's Opening Night: A Polished Performance with a Touch of Controversy

The 1975 took to Glastonbury's Pyramid Stage on Friday night, delivering a slick and well-received headline set that marked their only performance of the year and their first since March. While the performance showcased the band's musical tightness and catalogue of hits, some critics noted a sense of "safety" compared to their more unpredictable past performances.

A Setlist of Streamlined Hits

Emerging amidst a flurry of static and saxophone, the band launched into "Happiness," followed by a string of their most popular tracks, including "If You're Too Shy (Let Me Know)," "Love Me," and "She's American," even incorporating a snippet of the Backstreet Boys' "I Want It That Way." The crowd responded enthusiastically, singing along to the band's well-known lyrics. Songs from their early albums, such as "Chocolate," "Sex," and "Robbers," were met with particular fervor, solidifying their status as modern classics.

"Love It If We Made It" provided a moment of reflection on the complexities of modern life, while "Give Yourself A Try" saw frontman Matty Healy offering advice to the younger members of the audience. The band's musical prowess was undeniable, blending elements of pop, rock, and 80s yacht rock seamlessly.

Healy's On-Stage Persona: Calculated or Genuine?

Healy, known for his often-controversial stage presence, presented a somewhat toned-down version of himself. While still chain-smoking and delivering verbose lyrics, his more extreme antics, such as kissing fans or eating raw meat, were absent. This led some observers to question whether the band were consciously playing it safe, perhaps mindful of the broader audience watching at home.

Dr. Eleanor Green, a musicologist at the University of Manchester specializing in contemporary performance, commented on Healy's performance: "Matty Healy has always cultivated an image of provocative authenticity. His Glastonbury performance seems to suggest a negotiation between that persona and the demands of a mainstream audience. It's a fascinating example of how artists adapt their performance to different contexts, potentially sacrificing some of their edge for wider appeal."

A Generational Poet?

Adding to the night's intrigue, Healy declared himself "the best songwriter of my generation" and "a generational poet" before launching into "Chocolate." This moment of self-proclaimed genius, followed by a song about evading the police with marijuana, highlighted the band's characteristic blend of self-deprecation and artistic ambition. A sign flashing "Matty is changing his trousers" further deconstructed the artifice of the rock show, blurring the lines between performance and reality.

Steering Clear of Politics

Perhaps the most notable aspect of the performance was the band's conscious decision to avoid overt political statements. Healy explained that they didn't want their legacy to be one of politics but rather one of "love and friendships." This was a significant departure for a band that has previously been outspoken on social issues, including their recent ban from Malaysia for protesting anti-LGBTQ+ laws.

Music critic and cultural commentator, Mark Beaumont, suggests this shift could be strategic. "The 1975 have always used their platform to address social and political issues. Their decision to abstain from political commentary at Glastonbury could be seen as a calculated move to broaden their appeal and avoid alienating viewers. However, it remains to be seen how this will impact their future work, as social commentary has been a defining element of their artistic identity."

Glastonbury's Opening Day: Other Highlights

The 1975's headline performance capped off a day filled with surprise sets and memorable moments. Lewis Capaldi made an emotional comeback after taking a break due to health concerns, while Lorde played a secret set featuring her new album, "Virgin." Other surprise appearances included Jarvis Cocker and Olivia Dean.

CMAT delivered a spirited performance on the Pyramid Stage, while Wet Leg proved their worth on the Other Stage. Hip-hop legend Busta Rhymes brought his energetic performance to the festival, followed by Loyle Carner's more mellow set. Alanis Morissette made her Glastonbury debut, running through the hits from her iconic album "Jagged Little Pill," with fans holding up spoons during "Ironic" in a nod to the song's famous lyric.

Glastonbury continues on Saturday with performances from Charli XCX, Neil Young, Doechii, Kaiser Chiefs, Kneecap, Raye and Scissor Sisters.