Headliners 2015

[stuartbert two hats]

I agree, they are past their peak and it's never going to happen now. It's a shame really, there's been loads of opportunities for them to get the headline gig

I guess the point is there are loads of bands who may not have the record sales (though sigur ros have still sold loads I bet) but who given the chance of a headliner slot would surprise everyone.

I think elbow should have been given the headline slot after SSK came out, whenever that was. They were not that popular at the time but would have pulled it off. Likewise arcade fire should have been given the gig after the suburbs came out (or even after neon bible).

It seems to me glastonbury are scared to give bands a leg up these days. You could argue for mumfords but they were ridiculously huge.

It seems like it's all about record sales these days. They are too scared to take a chance. I guess the money at stake means they have to play it safe.

sigur rós are more suited to the Other stage anyway. And they're definitely still big enough for that.

[Frankly Mr Shankly]

I can't see her ever being glasto's first choice, but i'd imagine it would be modelled pretty similar to the metallica booking. An act that would be a bit weird headlining glastonbury, but would probably pull it off very well... And she has that legendary aspect to.

I don't see why she wouldn't be one of their 'first choices'. They should be promoting more females to headline & who better than the best selling female artist of all time. Plus, she still grabs headlines wherever she goes & she's a big ticket seller.

She is strictly speaking the biggest selling living artist, it's only fitting that she has her chance to headline the biggest festival. (Suppose you could argue it's Paul McCartney, but still)

[russycarps]

sigur rós are more suited to the Other stage anyway. And they're definitely still big enough for that.

why are they? someone else said this too, I dont get it. Their sound is huge, so they need the hugest arena.

[Homer]

Sigur Ros wouldn't work - at that time of night you either want bangin' dance music or singalong anthems (basically - everyone's p1ssed). Try singing along in Hopelandic.

Edited January 23, 2015 by Homer

[Matt42]

I don't see why she wouldn't be one of their 'first choices'. They should be promoting more females to headline & who better than the best selling female artist of all time. Plus, she still grabs headlines wherever she goes & she's a big ticket seller.

She is strictly speaking the biggest selling living artist, it's only fitting that she has her chance to headline the biggest festival. (Suppose you could argue it's Paul McCartney, but still)

What I meant was that if they wanted a female headliner, they have a lot of other choices that they'd probably chase after instead of madonna.

Anyway with madge having an album in March... All is likely.

[CaledonianGonzo]

What I meant was that if they wanted a female headliner, they have a lot of other choices that they'd probably chase after instead of madonna.

Like who?

[stuartbert two hats]

why are they? someone else said this too, I dont get it. Their sound is huge, so they need the hugest arena.

I've just always had the feeling that they would. Personally, I think Other actually sounds bigger than the Pyramid, I think it's something to do with the lack of repeaters. Also, the crowd would be better, far fewer people in chairs.

Really, I don't know why, I just feel it from having seen loads of bands at both.

[Frankly Mr Shankly]

What I meant was that if they wanted a female headliner, they have a lot of other choices that they'd probably chase after instead of madonna.

Have they? Like who?

[the wonderwhy]

Taylor Swift

[Matt42]

Have they? Like who?

Rihanna and Adele are releasing albums this year, they'd probably consider taylor swift before madonna.

I'd also imagine florence would be before madonna too, if they wanted to book a more current headline act.

I'm not saying they wouldn't want madonna, I reckon they probably would.. But emily has expressed how much she'd love rihanna or adele.

You'l twist what i'm trying to say anyway, but fundamentally what I mean is they'd probably try for Adele/rihanna first before Madonna.

[CaledonianGonzo]

Rihanna and Adele are releasing albums this year, they'd probably consider taylor swift before madonna.

I'd also imagine florence would be before madonna too, if they wanted to book a more current headline act.

I'm not saying they wouldn't want madonna, I reckon they probably would.. But emily has expressed how much she'd love rihanna or adele.

You'l twist what i'm trying to say anyway, but fundamentally what I mean is they'd probably try for Adele/rihanna first before Madonna.

Our survey said "Uh-huh"

[russycarps]

Have they? Like who?

lykke li for sure

[A Guy Called Matt]

Given the chance any festival organiser in the world would go for Madonna before any of the other names mentioned such as Adelle.

Compared to Adelle, Madonna is simply massive

[Beaver89]

Compared to Adelle, Madonna is simply massive

*Splutter*

[michael eavis' beard]

sigur rós are more suited to the Other stage anyway. And they're definitely still big enough for that.

why are they? someone else said this too, I dont get it. Their sound is huge, so they need the hugest arena.

I don't think it's got so much to do with the size of their sound - just suiting a certain stage more than another.

Personally I'd love to see them headline the Other stage and would watch it over almost anything else. It could be in the same bracket as Massive Attack '08 and Portishead '13 - both of which were breathtaking sets that I don't think would've had as much impact on the Pyramid.

[CaledonianGonzo]

I don't think it's got so much to do with the size of their sound - just suiting a certain stage more than another.

You'd definitely notice the difference between standing in a smaller crowd there specifically to see them and being constantly jostled by people vacating the vicinity in droves as they're not feeling it.

[T-Mouse]

I don't think it's got so much to do with the size of their sound - just suiting a certain stage more than another.

Personally I'd love to see them headline the Other stage and would watch it over almost anything else. It could be in the same bracket as Massive Attack '08 and Portishead '13 - both of which were breathtaking sets that I don't think would've had as much impact on the Pyramid.

Totally agree. I waited a long time to see Sigur Ros and despite massively enjoying their Bestival 12 set, it was definitely lacking the darkness. Also was saddened to hear how much Jonsi n the boys hated it. While this year may be a stretch, it is inevitable that they will headline the Other in the coming years.

[The 38 year old virgin]

I can't think of any British artist that would make a more suitable pyramid headliner than pj Harvey. Consistent quality, coupled with an electrifying live show.

This is a #team i can properly get behind

[LondonTom]

I don't think people realise that she's in the top teir bracket in terms of sales along with MJ, Elvis & the Beatles. Personal preferences aside, there's no doubting she would be a huge booking.

I think they do, its just that mostly shes a bit crap.

[Space Shanty]

Sigur Ros wouldn't work - at that time of night you either want bangin' dance music or singalong anthems (basically - everyone's p1ssed). Try singing along in Hopelandic.

That is nonsense.

Otherwise why would Radiohead be largely regarded as the greatest Glasto headliners of all time?

People want good music, regardless

[ivan]

I saw Sigur Ros headline End of The Road the other year.

They were excellent !

As were Maasive Attack at Glasto - you cannot really sing along to trip hop but it goes down well !

[5co77ie]

Sigur Ros wouldn't work - at that time of night you either want bangin' dance music or singalong anthems (basically - everyone's p1ssed). Try singing along in Hopelandic.

that's why last time they headlined the Other Stage they were one of the acts of the whole festival, it was an emotional high that everyone who was there thought was incredible!

[Purple aki squat]

I saw Sigur Ros headline End of The Road the other year.

They were excellent !

As were Maasive Attack at Glasto - you cannot really sing along to trip hop but it goes down well !

Are you from the West Country by any chaance?

[rawaudioinput]

People seem to be forgetting that Glastonbury is a festival in a competitive market that is just as vulnerable as any other event

If they booked Sigur Ros and PJ Harvey as headliners and tickets were still £200+ the festival would collapse the next year

As much as we all know that Glastonbury isn't just about the music for a lot of people it is and people simply would not pay that amount of money when there are alternatives elsewhere; them booking Sigur Ros to headline isn't going to stop another festival from having Muse with the same ticket price

It is a major festival and so needs major festival headliners

[the wonderwhy]

If they booked Sigur Ros and PJ Harvey as headliners and tickets were still £200+ the festival would collapse the next year

I dunno about that. Ticket sales would fall, sure, but it'd still sell out. There would still be enough people buying tickets 'because it's Glasto' and/or assuming it was just an off year for headliners.

If they continued to make bookings like that year after year and kept putting ticket prices up then yeah, it would lose out to others massively.