Olivia Rodrigo Shakes Up Politically Charged Glastonbury with Surprise Guest Robert Smith of The Cure

Olivia Rodrigo took the stage at Glastonbury Festival, bringing a wave of excitement as she wrapped up the iconic event. With over 250,000 fans in attendance, her performance was a memorable highlight. She played popular tracks from her albums Sour and Guts, including “good 4 u” and “traitor.”

Midway through her set, she invited Robert Smith of The Cure to join her. They performed the fan-favorite songs “Friday I’m in Love” and “Just Like Heaven,” creating a magical moment for the crowd.

Rodrigo also shared a sweet dedication of her song “so american” to her boyfriend, actor Louis Partridge, who was backstage. Expressing her love for England, she said, “I love how nobody judges you for having a pint at noon.” She reminisced about cultural differences, sharing a light-hearted story about their inside jokes that inspired her lyrics.

Glastonbury is more than just a music festival; it serves as a platform for artists to voice their opinions. This year, many performances included political statements. Rap duo Bob Vylan sparked controversy with their chants against the Israeli Defense Forces, prompting festival organizers to release a statement emphasizing that there is no room for hate speech at Glastonbury. Emily Eavis, the daughter of the festival’s founder, expressed disappointment over the incident.

Meanwhile, the Irish rap group Kneecap also took their chance on stage to advocate for Palestine, directly critiquing the UK and US governments. They thanked the Eavis family for their support, especially amidst political backlash.

Interestingly, this year’s festival saw varying levels of political expression. Matty Healy of The 1975 commented on fans being disappointed with the lack of political statements in some performances. He explained that their aim is to promote love and friendship, not to be known solely for political messages. However, during their set, they displayed images tackling serious issues like police brutality and major historical events, reminding viewers of the realities beyond the music.

As we reflect on this year’s Glastonbury, it’s clear that the festival continues to evolve, merging music with cultural discussions. The conversations sparked by artists highlight the influential role festivals can play in society. Whether through heartfelt performances or bold political statements, Glastonbury remains a space where music and message intertwine.

For more insights on music’s role in activism, check out this article from NPR.

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