Noel Gallagher Slams Glastonbury
Noel Gallagher, the rock’n’roll icon and former Oasis frontman, has shared his complex sentiments about the recent Glastonbury Festival. Gallagher, a Glastonbury veteran who first performed there with Oasis in 1994 and later as a solo artist, expressed both his enduring love for the festival and his concerns about its changing atmosphere.
This year, Gallagher was spotted at Glastonbury, enjoying performances by bands like Jungle and Kneecap, and socializing with his friend Matt Smith. Despite his affection for the festival, he couldn’t help but notice a shift in its tone. He told The Sun, “Don’t get me wrong, I f***ing love Glastonbury… It’s getting a bit woke now, that place, and a bit kind of preachy and a bit virtue-signalling.”
Gallagher’s critique comes amidst a noticeable change in the festival’s ethos. He suggested that attendees should “donate all your money to the cause” and “stop yapping about it.” Glastonbury, traditionally known for its political engagement, was particularly charged this year due to the upcoming July 4th general election.
The festival’s founder, Michael Eavis, has a history of supporting peace, having donated festival proceeds to CND in 1981. The festival’s commitment to social and environmental causes is further highlighted by initiatives like the Green Fields and campaigns such as Make Poverty History and the Million Mums campaign.
Glastonbury has been a platform for numerous political speakers over the years. For instance, then-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn delivered a powerful speech on the Pyramid Stage in 2017, condemning nationwide poverty and paying tribute to the victims of the Grenfell Tower tragedy.
At this year’s Glastonbury, debates on global issues and political critiques took center stage, with Banksy’s refugee artwork and Idles’ chants making headlines. Damon Albarn also critiqued Biden and Trump while advocating for Palestine.
Gallagher’s critique encapsulates his feelings about the festival’s evolving ethos: “Don’t get me wrong, I f***ing love Glastonbury… It’s getting a bit woke now, that place, and a bit kind of preachy and a bit virtue-signalling.” His words serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between music, politics, and social causes that Glastonbury strives to maintain.
