Five mind-blowing Glastonbury performances from years gone by

Image: Glastonbury (Credit: Andrew Allcock)

Glastonbury is without doubt the world's flagship festival, no matter what people say. Just ask the guys who manage the sites server when the tickets are released, I'm sure they'll attest. Whether you're bitterly jealous and wishing torrential rain on the weekend, or have managed to bag a ticket to see your beloved Kanye, one thing that can bring all of us happiness is the memorable moments from years gone by. 

After much discussion in the office, we came up with five that stand out from our very own experiences of the festival. Don't get us wrong, we're pretty certain that you'll shout at your screen in disgust at something we've missed out, but here's five mind-blowing performances that are undoubtedly up there.

Oasis 1994

It's crazy to think about Oasis playing at Glastonbury 21 years ago, back when brotherly love was ripe and they were more intent on making mega hits and getting off their heads than digging each other in the media. Oh, and we're also talking Oasis drawing from a sole Definitely Maybe record when What's The Story Morning Glory and The Masterplan were still in the womb. What a time to be alive, 'Wonderwall' wasn't even a thing! 

David Bowie 2000

We're talking about a man who appeared at just the second ever Glastonbury in 1971, playing almost 30 years beyond that on its 40th anniversary. It's talked about as one of the greatest sets of all time and we quite frankly agree. Before launching into a sensational rendition of 'Changes', Bowie exchanged over the mic: "[In 1971] I stayed at the Worthy Farm farm house with a couple of other people, huge bottle, tincture of Cannabis from a London dodger, for medicinal reasons...". And even now, Bowie's as relevant today as he was when he was smoking pot in that barn. 

Paul McCartney 2004  

Paul McCartney is the choice of many around our office and we're sure you'll agree. Clad in a 'No More Land Mines' t-shirt, he strayed between cult classics like 'Hey Jude' behind his all faithful piano and some of the Beatles greatest hits. He ended with 'SGT Peppers' Lonely Hearts Club', providing one of the most savoured and memorable Glastonbury moments of all time. 

Arctic Monkeys 2007

Most British people can relate to their liking of Arctic Monkeys, although one thing that usually divides us is which album is best. Turner and co will never lose their rebellious quick-witted edge, although it's clear to see that these days they're more slick and refined. By far the bands most raucous performances arrived with the earlier albums, and 2007 at Glastonbury was arguably their best. With Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not and Favourite Worst Nightmare to play from, they were suitably armed to blow the Pyramid Stage apart only a year since their debut album - and that's exactly what they did.

Arcade Fire 2014 

Just last year, Arcade Fire provided one of the most spectacular and visual sets we've ever seen at Glastonbury. To see so many musicians on stage at one time performing on the grandest festival can only be a site to behold. I mean look at them, look at their outfits, face paint, instruments - Win Butler looks like a reincarnation of The Ultimate Warrior!

Like this? Read five incredible live acts to enhance your Glastonbury experience.