Kasabian have just delivered an explosive surprise performance at Glastonbury 2024, with a setlist that included their biggest hits, a taste of their forthcoming new era and homages to dance music.
After taking to the Woodsies stage at 6pm today (Saturday, June 29), the band were met with an energetic and hearty response from the crowd, opening with ‘Club Foot’ from their 2004 self-titled debut album. This was their fifth time at Worthy Farm, but the first since the departure of frontman Tom Meighan in 2020.
For Sergio Pizzorno, it seemed to be a momentous occasion. “This has been one of the greatest days in this bands history,” he told the crowd. “20 years, I mean shit. I’m lost for words. I just wanna thank each and every one of you, honestly you’ve been absolutely incredible.”
OOSH! Surprise Surprise @KasabianHQ #Glastonbury2024 pic.twitter.com/aaOehevmkS
— Andrew Trendell (@AndrewTrendell) June 29, 2024
Prior to their performance the tent was packed, with fans being turned away as early as 5pm after the area was closed due to overcrowding.
Access to Woodsies now CLOSED.
— Secretglasto (@secretglasto) June 29, 2024
In line with their dance-inspired new era, much of the setlist was a frenetic homage to dance music. They covered ‘Groove Is In The Heart’, the 1990 disco funk hit from American dance group Deee-Lite, and sampled ‘Breathe’ by The Prodigy before playing a bombastic rendition of their own track ‘Vlad The Impaler’. Elsewhere there was a sample of ‘Intergalactic’ by Beastie Boys and ‘Praise You’ by Fatboy Slim to bring in ‘L.S.F.’.
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The band also previewed their new album ‘Happenings’, which is due for release on July 5. Pizzorno wore a jacket displaying the album’s artwork, and they played ‘Call’, the record’s dance-driven lead single.
Prior to their performance, Pizzorno chatted to NME, calling Glastonbury “the greatest festival” and recalling his past Glasto memories with Noel Fielding. Check it out below:
Earlier this year, Pizzorno hinted to NME that their forthcoming eighth album would have a party theme. “This time I was really into pop structure and making everything super clean and punchy – taking those kooky, crazy, weird sounds and making them hit like a modern record,” he said.
He also teased the euphoric live performances to come with the new era — something that was certainly on display tonight. “‘Happenings’ is a concept so there will be some surprises from stage. Certainly, the aesthetic is from Oz Magazine and early punk zines. There’s a lot of that mixed with the cheekiness of the band,” he said. “The gigs will be pure joy, as this album is a celebration of sorts. It’s all about everyone coming together and having a fucking good time.”
Kasabian playing ‘Underdog’ at their Glastonbury secret set today💥
Look at that crowd 😍pic.twitter.com/jyQDNaLGyt
— The Rock Revival (@TheRockRevival_) June 29, 2024
The set was met with a strong response from the crowd, who seemed to follow Pizzorno’s request that they “Let this music fucking drift into your heart and soul”.
Fire. pic.twitter.com/MJr11v3lnH
— Andrew Trendell (@AndrewTrendell) June 29, 2024
After much speculation, Kasabian confirmed they’d be taking on the slot, which was previously listed as ‘TBA’, earlier today, posting an Instagram video of them on their way to Worthy Farm. Their performance comes a decade since the band headlined the pyramid stage.
Kasabian’s Glastonbury 2024 setlist was:
‘Club Foot’
‘Ill Ray (The King)’
‘Underdog’
‘Call’
‘Shoot The Runner’
‘You’re in Love With a Psycho’
‘Groove Is In The Heart’ – Deee-Lite cover
‘Coming Back to Me Good’
‘Stevie’
‘Treat’
‘Vlad the Impaler’
‘Empire’
‘L.S.F.’
‘Fire’
Check back at NME for the latest Glastonbury 2024 news, reviews, interviews, photos, rumours and more. Check out the NME liveblog here for all the latest Glastonbury action as it happens.