Glastonbury 2020 headliners: confirmed and rumoured
From the rumours about who is playing Glastonbury 2020 to the two confirmed headliners... here's who will (and might) be rocking Worthy Farm
Glastonbury 2020 headliners: confirmed and rumoured
Glastonbury Festival 2020 sold out in a stressful 33 minutes as 2.4 million people from all around the world clamoured to book 135,000 tickets – without knowing a single thing about the line-up. Such is the unparalleled pull of the original music festival...
And next summer's landmark 50th anniversary festival is set to be the best Glastonbury yet, with whispers that the biggest, most exciting artists have been held back and saved to ensure 2020 is all killer, no filler.
With over 2,800 performances across 79 stages, there is truly something for everyone. And, as Glasto veterans know, much of the magic is in stumbling across something totally new. Still, it's the headline acts playing the Pyramid Stage that demand the most attention. The full line-up won't be announced until early summer 2020, but hype is already building as bands begin to confirm (or at least not deny) and rumours run rife.
Glastonbury 2020 headliners: confirmed
Taylor Swift, who is on a candy-coloured comeback mission, will play the Pyramid Stage for the headline slot on Sunday 26 June. Taking advantage of a conveniently timed Blank Space in her European tour, the country star turned pop sensation will draw on seven albums' worth of hits that span cutesy Love Story to the more mature musings of Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince. Having never played a UK festival, Swift has declared she is 'Taylor made' for Glastonbury. Expect a mixture of soulful guitar singalong and theatrical big dance numbers to end the Glasto weekend.
Announcing the news on Twitter, the festival's founder Michael Eavis said: 'She’s one of the biggest stars in the world and her songs are absolutely amazing. We’re so delighted.'
Who better to headline the landmark 50th anniversary Glastonbury Festival than one quarter of the Fab Four, Paul McCartney? He last played the Pyramid stage in 2004, with a set that spanned The Beatles' greatest hits, via Wings and McCartney's solo material. And he will return to headline on Saturday 27 June, at the ripe age of 78.
McCartney broke the news with cryptic flair, via a tweet picturing Philip Glass, Emma Stone and Chuck Berry. Glastonbury organiser Emily Eavis said of the announcement 'There really was no-one that we wanted more for the 50th anniversary.'
Motown queen and supreme talent Diana Ross will play the Sunday afternoon Legend slot on the Pyramid stage, following in the footsteps of Dolly Parton, Kylie Minogue, Lionel Richie and Shirley Bassey. Sharing the news on Twitter, Ross enthused: 'This is a dream come true. To all the fans across the world, this is my tribute to you.'
The former lead singer of The Supremes broke records as the most successful girl group in America, shaping the sound of the 60s with 12 number ones including Baby Love, Stop! In the Name of Love and You Can't Hurry Love. As a solo artist in the 70s and 80s, she reached giddy new heights with Ain't No Mountain High Enough and I'm Coming Out, and now reigns supreme as the most successful female musician in history.
She certainly has a wealth of anthems and her confirmed slot at Glastonbury 2020 is sure to spark a chain reaction of more legendary musicians joining the line-up.
Glastonbury 2020 rumours...
The Friday headline slot is still to be announced, but Emily Eavis has given heavy hints, saying it will be a male artist, playing Glastonbury 'for their first time'. The bookies' favourite is currently American rap sensation Kendrick Lamar. The Compton-bored artist, who won a Pulitzer Prize for his raps, is the most innovative and celebrated hip-hop star of his generation. His lyrical flair and fearlessness have fuelled a stream of hits from 'To Pimp and Butterfly' to 'Humble'. And a headline slot in 2020 would be Lamar's first time playing Glastonbury.
The Kinks headlined the first Glastonbury in 1970, so it would be an extraordinary journey full circle if they were to return to play for the 50th anniversary. As the band are barely on speaking terms and haven't played together for over 20 years, it's quite unlikely. But bookies' odds on The Kinks at Glastonbury are getting more favourable now brother Ray and Dave Davies have reunited to work on a new album with the intention of playing live shows.
Pop fans and 90s nostalgics are still hoping for a Spice Girls reunion. After four of the fivesome re-formed for sellout stadium shows in 2019, it's clear fans really really want them back together again for Glastonbury. Mel B has promised that the 'plan' is for all five 'to do Glastonbury next year for the 50th anniversary'. She added: 'I’m in the process of persuading Victoria to do it. And I will make it happen'. But would the prestige of the Pyramid Stage be enough to finally persuade Victoria Beckham to Wannabe Posh Spice again?
Probably the most fanciful Glastonbury headline rumour is an Oasis reunion. Noel Gallagher played solo in 2019, treating crowds to a set stuffed with Oasis classics such as Wonderwall and Champagne Supernova, and heavily hinting that he will be returning for 2020. Fans are pushing hard in hope that the Mancunian rockers might reunite for the sake of Glastonbury's 50th anniversary. But Liam and Noel have not played together since 2009. As they are still at loggerheads, with no tours or new albums to promote, the prospect of Oasis on the Pyramid stage is more maybe than definitely.
Other favourites in the game of who is playing Glastonbury include British indie heroes Arctic Monkeys, who last headlined six years ago; Elton John, who will be in the last leg of his retirement tour and possibly keen to say farewell with a bang; Greenday, Weezer and Fall Out Boy, who are touring as a trio next summer, with a notable gap in their schedule for some pop-punk classics on Sunday of Glastonbury.
Who definitely is NOT playing Glastonbury 2020?
Fleetwood Mac
There have been, ahem, rumours about them headlining for years, but Glasto organiser Emily Eavis has confirmed that it is 'not going to happen for 2020'. 'Forget it. I'm sorry,' she added, speaking at Hay Literary Festival.
Led Zepplin
Another mega-band always mentioned in the Glastonbury headline speculation is Led Zepplin. But Eavis has strongly suggested it's not on the cards for 2020: 'Let's clear that up now. I do not think that is going to happen,' she said when questioned about the Led Zepplin rumours.
Coldplay
After popping up as a guest in so many sets at Glastonbury 2019, and headlining a record-breaking four times, Coldplay have had their fill of the festival. Chris Martin confirmed on an Australian radio show that they will not be playing, but did say he's likely to attend the festival - so don't be surprised if he turns up in someone else's set.
The full Glastonbury line-up will not be announced until a few weeks before the festival. But watch this space for updates as new acts are confirmed.
And next summer's landmark 50th anniversary festival is set to be the best Glastonbury yet, with whispers that the biggest, most exciting artists have been held back and saved to ensure 2020 is all killer, no filler.
With over 2,800 performances across 79 stages, there is truly something for everyone. And, as Glasto veterans know, much of the magic is in stumbling across something totally new. Still, it's the headline acts playing the Pyramid Stage that demand the most attention. The full line-up won't be announced until early summer 2020, but hype is already building as bands begin to confirm (or at least not deny) and rumours run rife.
Glastonbury 2020 headliners: confirmed
Taylor Swift, who is on a candy-coloured comeback mission, will play the Pyramid Stage for the headline slot on Sunday 26 June. Taking advantage of a conveniently timed Blank Space in her European tour, the country star turned pop sensation will draw on seven albums' worth of hits that span cutesy Love Story to the more mature musings of Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince. Having never played a UK festival, Swift has declared she is 'Taylor made' for Glastonbury. Expect a mixture of soulful guitar singalong and theatrical big dance numbers to end the Glasto weekend.
Announcing the news on Twitter, the festival's founder Michael Eavis said: 'She’s one of the biggest stars in the world and her songs are absolutely amazing. We’re so delighted.'
Who better to headline the landmark 50th anniversary Glastonbury Festival than one quarter of the Fab Four, Paul McCartney? He last played the Pyramid stage in 2004, with a set that spanned The Beatles' greatest hits, via Wings and McCartney's solo material. And he will return to headline on Saturday 27 June, at the ripe age of 78.
McCartney broke the news with cryptic flair, via a tweet picturing Philip Glass, Emma Stone and Chuck Berry. Glastonbury organiser Emily Eavis said of the announcement 'There really was no-one that we wanted more for the 50th anniversary.'
Motown queen and supreme talent Diana Ross will play the Sunday afternoon Legend slot on the Pyramid stage, following in the footsteps of Dolly Parton, Kylie Minogue, Lionel Richie and Shirley Bassey. Sharing the news on Twitter, Ross enthused: 'This is a dream come true. To all the fans across the world, this is my tribute to you.'
The former lead singer of The Supremes broke records as the most successful girl group in America, shaping the sound of the 60s with 12 number ones including Baby Love, Stop! In the Name of Love and You Can't Hurry Love. As a solo artist in the 70s and 80s, she reached giddy new heights with Ain't No Mountain High Enough and I'm Coming Out, and now reigns supreme as the most successful female musician in history.
She certainly has a wealth of anthems and her confirmed slot at Glastonbury 2020 is sure to spark a chain reaction of more legendary musicians joining the line-up.
Glastonbury 2020 rumours...
The Friday headline slot is still to be announced, but Emily Eavis has given heavy hints, saying it will be a male artist, playing Glastonbury 'for their first time'. The bookies' favourite is currently American rap sensation Kendrick Lamar. The Compton-bored artist, who won a Pulitzer Prize for his raps, is the most innovative and celebrated hip-hop star of his generation. His lyrical flair and fearlessness have fuelled a stream of hits from 'To Pimp and Butterfly' to 'Humble'. And a headline slot in 2020 would be Lamar's first time playing Glastonbury.
The Kinks headlined the first Glastonbury in 1970, so it would be an extraordinary journey full circle if they were to return to play for the 50th anniversary. As the band are barely on speaking terms and haven't played together for over 20 years, it's quite unlikely. But bookies' odds on The Kinks at Glastonbury are getting more favourable now brother Ray and Dave Davies have reunited to work on a new album with the intention of playing live shows.
Pop fans and 90s nostalgics are still hoping for a Spice Girls reunion. After four of the fivesome re-formed for sellout stadium shows in 2019, it's clear fans really really want them back together again for Glastonbury. Mel B has promised that the 'plan' is for all five 'to do Glastonbury next year for the 50th anniversary'. She added: 'I’m in the process of persuading Victoria to do it. And I will make it happen'. But would the prestige of the Pyramid Stage be enough to finally persuade Victoria Beckham to Wannabe Posh Spice again?
Probably the most fanciful Glastonbury headline rumour is an Oasis reunion. Noel Gallagher played solo in 2019, treating crowds to a set stuffed with Oasis classics such as Wonderwall and Champagne Supernova, and heavily hinting that he will be returning for 2020. Fans are pushing hard in hope that the Mancunian rockers might reunite for the sake of Glastonbury's 50th anniversary. But Liam and Noel have not played together since 2009. As they are still at loggerheads, with no tours or new albums to promote, the prospect of Oasis on the Pyramid stage is more maybe than definitely.
Other favourites in the game of who is playing Glastonbury include British indie heroes Arctic Monkeys, who last headlined six years ago; Elton John, who will be in the last leg of his retirement tour and possibly keen to say farewell with a bang; Greenday, Weezer and Fall Out Boy, who are touring as a trio next summer, with a notable gap in their schedule for some pop-punk classics on Sunday of Glastonbury.
Who definitely is NOT playing Glastonbury 2020?
Fleetwood Mac
There have been, ahem, rumours about them headlining for years, but Glasto organiser Emily Eavis has confirmed that it is 'not going to happen for 2020'. 'Forget it. I'm sorry,' she added, speaking at Hay Literary Festival.
Led Zepplin
Another mega-band always mentioned in the Glastonbury headline speculation is Led Zepplin. But Eavis has strongly suggested it's not on the cards for 2020: 'Let's clear that up now. I do not think that is going to happen,' she said when questioned about the Led Zepplin rumours.
Coldplay
After popping up as a guest in so many sets at Glastonbury 2019, and headlining a record-breaking four times, Coldplay have had their fill of the festival. Chris Martin confirmed on an Australian radio show that they will not be playing, but did say he's likely to attend the festival - so don't be surprised if he turns up in someone else's set.
The full Glastonbury line-up will not be announced until a few weeks before the festival. But watch this space for updates as new acts are confirmed.
