Glastonbury 2023: some of the most iconic headlining acts from the Pyramid Stage, and their setlists

The gates to Worthy Farm will be swung open as revellers are set for the 2023 edition of Glastonbury on Wednesday, as the heavens at present look to remain closed to avoid a repeat of previous year’s mud baths that took place. No… that wasn’t part of any glamping package either…

With this year’s headliners Arctic Monkeys, Guns ‘n’ Roses and Sir Elton John set to take to the hallowed Pyramid Stage, it had some of us at PeopleWorld nostalgic about the other headline acts that have graced what is considered Glastonbury Festival’s “main stage.” Certainly, there have been some iconic moments that have emanated from the Pyramid Stage.

The stage takes its name from its distinctive pyramid-like shape and is located at Worthy Farm in Somerset, England. The Pyramid Stage has become synonymous with Glastonbury and has hosted numerous iconic performances by a wide range of artists since the festival's inception in 1970.

The Pyramid Stage serves as the festival's centrepiece, attracting the largest crowds and showcasing headline acts. It has a vast open-air design, with a large stage and a towering structure resembling a pyramid. The stage is known for its impressive production values, including elaborate lighting, visuals, and sound systems, creating a memorable and immersive experience for festival-goers and viewers watching on television who missed out on tickets.

Even if you’re not a fan of a headlining act, the sheer spectacle of the structure itself has always warranted even a pitstop to the area to revel with others. But given the calibre of acts who can proudly say they’ve headlined the Pyramid Stage previously, and the diversity of those acts, we’re sure at some point you’ll be making your way there.

Setlists for each performance courtesy of Setlist.fm.

One person’s iconic list of Glastonbury Pyramid Stage performances

David Bowie (2000)

David Bowie's appearance at Glastonbury in 2000 was nothing short of legendary. As a music icon and visionary artist, Bowie took to the Pyramid Stage and delivered a captivating performance that showcased his timeless talent and showmanship. 

His setlist was a blend of classic hits and newer material, enchanting the audience with his distinctive voice and magnetic stage presence. Bowie's Glastonbury performance solidified his status as a true musical icon and remains a standout moment in the festival's history… and I missed it because I only went to watch Nine Inch Nails play instead. A life regret.

Setlist:

• Greensleeves
• Wild Is the Wind (Johnny Mathis cover)
• China Girl (Iggy Pop cover)
• Changes
• Stay
• Life on Mars?
• Absolute Beginners
• Ashes to Ashes
• Rebel Rebel
• Little Wonder
• Golden Years
• Fame
• All the Young Dudes
• The Man Who Sold the World
• Station to Station
• Starman
• Hallo Spaceboy
• Under Pressure (Queen cover)

Encore:

• Ziggy Stardust
• Heroes
• Let's Dance
• I'm Afraid of Americans

Jay-Z (2008)

Jay-Z's headline performance at Glastonbury in 2008 sparked both excitement and controversy. As the first hip-hop artist to headline the festival, Jay-Z faced scepticism from some who questioned his suitability for the traditionally rock-oriented event. However, Jay-Z embraced the challenge and delivered a groundbreaking performance that silenced the doubters.

His set was an electrifying showcase of his chart-topping hits, accompanied by a full live band. Jay-Z's Glastonbury performance not only showcased his prowess as a live performer but also marked a pivotal moment in the festival's willingness to embrace diverse genres and artists.

Setlist:

• Wonderwall (Oasis cover)
• 99 Problems
• Is That Yo B*tch
• Smack My B*tch Up (The Prodigy cover)
• Rehab (Amy Winehouse cover)
• Takeover
• U Don't Know
• Say Hello
• Roc Boys (And the Winner Is ...)
• I Know
• A Billi
• Blue Magic
• Public Service Announcement
• Dirt Off Your Shoulder
• N***a What, N***a Who (Originator 99)
• Izzo (H.O.V.A.)
• Can I Get A...
• Mundian to Bach Ke (Beware of the Boys) (Panjabi MC cover)
• I Just Wanna Love U (Give It 2 Me)
• Show Me What You Got
• Excuse Me Miss
• Song Cry
• Girls, Girls, Girls
• American Boy (Estelle cover)
• Umbrella (Rihanna cover)
• Big Pimpin'
• Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)
• Heart of the City (Ain't No Love)
• Encore

Beyonce (2011)

Beyoncé's appearance at Glastonbury in 2011 was a masterclass in musical excellence and stage presence. As one of the biggest pop stars of her generation, Beyoncé commanded the Pyramid Stage with her unmatched energy, impeccable vocals, and intricate choreography. 

Her performance was a high-octane spectacle, featuring a stunning live band, dazzling visuals, and a flawless setlist that spanned her illustrious career. Beyoncé's Glastonbury set solidified her status as an incomparable performer and left the audience in awe of her talent and star power.

Setlist:

• Crazy in Love
• Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)
• Naughty Girl
• Baby Boy (with Tricky)
• Best Thing I Never Had
• End of Time
• If I Were a Boy
• Sweet Dreams
• Why Don't You Love Me
• Love Hangover
• The Beautiful Ones (Prince cover)
• Sex on Fire (Kings of Leon cover)
• 1+1
• Irreplaceable
• Destiny's Child Medley: Independent Women, Pt. 1/Bootylicious/Bug a Boo
• Telephone (Lady Gaga cover)
• Say My Name (Destiny’s Child song)
• Jumpin', Jumpin' (Destiny’s Child song)
• Survivor (Destiny’s Child song)
• At Last (Harry Warren cover)
• Run the World (Girls)
• Halo

Portishead (2013)

Portishead's performance at Glastonbury in 2013 was a highly anticipated reunion for the influential trip-hop band. Known for their haunting soundscapes and emotive performances, Portishead delivered a mesmerising set that captured the festival's spirit of musical exploration. Their atmospheric and brooding sound filled the air, creating an ethereal atmosphere that enraptured the audience. 

Portishead's Glastonbury appearance was a testament to their enduring musical impact and cemented their status as pioneers in the genre.

Setlist:

• Silence
• Mysterons
• The Rip
• Sour Times
• Magic Doors
• Wandering Star
• Machine Gun
• Over
• Glory Box
• Chase the Tear
• Cowboys
• Threads
• Roads
• We Carry On

Radiohead (2003)

Radiohead's headline performance at Glastonbury in 2003 is widely regarded as one of the festival's most iconic moments. The band, known for their experimental and thought-provoking music, crafted a setlist that combined their ethereal soundscapes with explosive rock anthems. Radiohead's performance was a sonic journey, filled with intricate melodies, haunting vocals, and powerful instrumentation. 

Their ability to captivate the massive crowd and create an intimate connection through their music showcased their immense talent and established their place as one of the greatest live acts of their time. Radiohead's Glastonbury set remains a cherished memory for both the band and festival-goers alike.

Setlist:

• There There
• 2 + 2 = 5
• Lucky
• The National Anthem
• Talk Show Host
• Where I End and You Begin
• Climbing Up the Walls
• The Gloaming
• No Surprises
• Fake Plastic Trees
• Sit Down. Stand Up.
• Go to Sleep
• Sail to the Moon
• Paranoid Android
• Idioteque
• Everything in Its Right Place

Encore:

• Just
• Karma Police
• Street Spirit (Fade Out)