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Glastonbury, UK – The 1975 kicked off Glastonbury 2025 as the first major headliner, delivering a performance that was as much a theatrical experience as it was a concert [[3]]. Matty Healy, the band’s frontman, took on multiple roles throughout the set, switching between earnest engagement with the crowd and a self-aware parody of a tormented rock star. The performance, characterized by elaborate staging and visual commentary, has already become a talking point among festival-goers and music critics alike.
A Performance of Contrasts
The band’s headlining slot was preceded by rumors of extravagant staging costs, reportedly exceeding the band’s performance fee. While claims of Healy shaving his head proved false, the investment in the visual aspects of the show was undeniable. The stage featured massive video screens displaying everything from news footage montages to song lyrics and even critical commentary on the band’s music. This meta-commentary included on-screen critiques such as “MINDLESS HOLLERING” and the observation that the 1975 were “essentially making robotic Huey Lewis tunes.”
Healy’s performance involved a constant shift in persona. He would engage the audience with typical “Glastonbury-are-you-with-us?” enthusiasm, then transition into a caricature of a troubled musician, complete with a pint and cigarette. This duality was further emphasized by his pronouncements of being “the greatest songwriter of my generation… a poet,” instantly followed by self-deprecating jokes [[2]].
Did You Know? The 1975’s 2018 tour featured a treadmill that Healy used to glide around the stage with deliberate nonchalance. This treadmill made a reappearance at Glastonbury 2025.
Visual Spectacle and Musicality
the extensive use of video screens created a visually immersive experience, sometimes bathing the stage in vibrant colors or displaying Adam Curtis-esque montages. Though, this visual bombardment occasionally threatened to overshadow the music itself. Despite the spectacle, the set served as a reminder of The 1975’s core strength: their songwriting. Songs like “If You’re Too Shy (Let Me Know)” and “She’s American” demonstrated the band’s ability to craft catchy and memorable melodies.
one particularly risky moment involved the band leaving the stage while the message “Matty is changing his trousers” flashed on the screen. This interlude led to a noticeable exodus from the audience, highlighting the challenge of maintaining engagement during a festival performance. However, the band rebounded with a string of hits, including “It’s Not Living (If It’s Not With You),” “Sex,” and “Love It If We Made It,” culminating in an emotional performance of “About You.”
Pro Tip: When attending a festival, be prepared for experimental performances that may challenge your expectations. Sometimes the most memorable moments come from the unexpected.
The 1975’s Glastonbury Setlist
The 1975’s Glastonbury setlist included a mix of their popular hits and deeper cuts, showcasing their range and evolution as a band. The setlist included:
- if You’re Too shy (Let Me Know)
- She’s American
- It’s Not Living (if It’s Not With You)
- Sex
- Love It If We made It
- About You
The 1975’s Impact on Music Festivals
The 1975’s performance at Glastonbury 2025 underscores the evolving role of headliners at major music festivals. Bands are increasingly expected to deliver not just a concert, but a complete sensory experience that incorporates visual elements, performance art, and social commentary. The 1975’s willingness to experiment and challenge conventions
