The older I get, the more I seem to be taking notice of—and an interest in—the music industry. Maybe it’s because I’m enjoying being back on radio and sharing what I see and hear with the listeners.
Last weekend, I took an active look at Glastonbury over Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and I thoroughly enjoyed what I saw.
On a very positive note, Lewis Capaldi has announced he’s heading on a UK and Ireland tour this year, following his triumphant return to Glastonbury. He left music lovers thrilled as he took to the Pyramid Stage at Worthy Farm on Friday—two years after his battle with Tourette’s left him unable to finish his set.
Days after his emotional return to the festival, Lewis thrilled fans once more as he revealed he’s set to hit the road in September, humorously noting on Instagram that it’s “about time I got back to work.”
The Someone You Loved hitmaker will play 10 dates later this year, performing in cities including Sheffield, Aberdeen, Birmingham, and Nottingham. Lewis also confirmed on Instagram that these would be his only shows in the UK and Ireland.
On a less positive note, police are investigating after hip hop group Kneecap and punk duo Bob Vylan led Glastonbury crowds in separate “Free Palestine” chants. Why artists feel the need to impose their politics on a festival crowd is beyond me. Perhaps it’s because it gives them maximum exposure—but why can’t they just stick to the music?
From a new artist point of view, I turn to an old rep friend of mine called Jason Jones from way back in the ’90s here in Mallorca. Alessi Rose is his daughter, whose rise this year has been meteoric. She’s been touring with Dua Lipa and opened the Other Stage on Friday.
I really enjoyed En Vogue on Friday afternoon—their voices were unbelievable. No help needed as far as they were concerned, as they belted out hits like Hold On, Free Your Mind, My Lovin’, and Don’t Let Go.
Also on Friday evening, Alanis Morissette delivered a performance where her energy matched her on-point vocals. Another artist who needed no help whatsoever.
You can’t get more legendary than Rod Stewart, who at 80 years of age can still rock it with the best of them. To be honest, he struggles a little with the faster-paced songs, but his band and backing singers certainly support him. His unmistakable gravelly tone, though, shows he can still deliver a ballad when it counts. He was joined by other legends: Ronnie Wood, Lulu, and Mick Hucknall.
I know a family that lives here in Mallorca and goes to the festival every year. I asked them for their feedback.
Sarah said:
“My highlights were Alanis Morissette, En Vogue, and Prodigy. This is our 7th time, and the whole experience was the best yet—even though we’ve seen bigger artists. A little less sun, please, next time—if Emily Eavis has that power!”
Yasmin said:
“For me, the best Glasto I’ve ever been to—and this was our 7th time. Lots of exciting surprise sets, from Pulp to Lewis Capaldi, who made his first public appearance after having to leave the same stage at Glasto two years ago—so an emotional comeback.
Personal highlight was Raye—unbelievable voice, set, full band, and all-round brilliant performance. She’s one of those artists where you don’t mind if they play a song you don’t know—her voice is amazing to listen to for days.
No improvements to the festival needed, actually—the festival had already made improvements. Following the overcrowding at Avril Lavigne on the Other Stage last year, they increased the field space in anticipation of the large crowd predicted for Charli XCX, and the crowd was managed brilliantly.
Best weekend of the year, as always.”
Glastonbury Festival will be taking a temporary hiatus in 2026. Every five years, the organisers take a fallow year to allow Worthy Farm to recover and the natural environment to regenerate.
Dad Taxi Mallorca 