Music festival headliner The 1975 put on a professional, yet predictable performance at Glastonbury

Kicking off the 2025 Glastonbury festival with a bang, The 1975 made a triumphant return to the Pyramid Stage after a lengthy hiatus. With a polished and crowd-pleasing performance on the only show of their year, the band wowed the audience with hits from their extensive catalog.

Frontman Matty Healy, renowned for his mix of confidence and vulnerability, captivated attendees with quirky banter and thoughtful lyrics touching on topics like modern love and societal disconnection. Opening up the set with a mix of static and saxophone before launching into their hits like She’s American, the band merged digital pop elements with rock influences while keeping the energy high throughout.

Although known for their wild antics, The group opted for a more restrained performance, with their only moment of pure abandon on display during the energetic track People. The band’s focus seemed to be on delivering a well-rounded and polished set, highlighting their evolution from their earlier hits like Chocolate and Robbers to newer tracks like Love It If We Made It and Give Yourself A Try.

In a moment of self-reflection, Healy declared himself the best songwriter and poet of his generation, a bold move that either humanized the band or detracted from their mystique, depending on the viewer. Regardless, follow-ups like Chocolate kept the crowd engaged with its blend of charm and self-awareness, making for a dynamic concert experience.

Navigating their way through their extensive discography, The 1975 took fans on a trip down memory lane, reminding audiences of their impact on modern music and culture. Despite avoiding political commentary during the show, opting for a message of love and friendship, the band’s upcoming sixth album holds the promise of continued evolution and exploration.

In a day that was rife with surprises including Lewis Capaldi’s emotional return and Lorde’s album debut performance, The 1975 stood out as a polished and nostalgic highlight of the festival’s opening day. With performances from a range of artists spanning different genres and styles, Glastonbury 2025 kicked off with a bang, promising an unforgettable weekend of music and celebration.