Glastonbury: The greatest Legends performances ever, ranked

23 June 2022, 16:31

Dolly Parton, David Bowie and Lionel Richie have performed at Glastonbury. Picture: Alamy

By Tom Eames

Glastonbury Festival has become a staple of the music calendar, and arguably the biggest pop culture event of the summer.

The iconic venue welcomes visitors again after a couple of years away, and music-lovers can't wait to head to Worthy Farm (and hope to avoid the mud, but that's part of the fun, right?).

Each edition of Glastonbury throws up its surprises and memorable moments, and in particular the coveted Legends Slot, when a music maestro returns to the stage, alongside other headlining icons.

We've gathered the very best legendary stars to have graced the Pyramid Stage, who brought a touch of class to the proceedings and wowed fans, young and old:

James Brown (2004)

Just two years before his death, the 71-year-old James Brown took to the stage for a crowd-pleasing set of funk classics.
The Godfather of Soul didn't show any signs of slowing down, throwing some shapes as he rocked it out.
Rod Stewart (2002)

The early 2000s might have seen Rod Stewart focus on his big band covers abums, but when he graced Glastonbury in 2002 he reminded everyone of his rock icon status.
Case and point: the giant singalong of 'Sailing'.
Brian Wilson (2005)

If you want to capture the essence of summer at a festival, you need the Beach Boys.
Brian Wilson and his band performed a joyous set, with Brian's voice particularly great as he belted out 'Good Vibrations;.
Shirley Bassey (2007)

It doesn't matter how old you are or what music you play, the Glastonbury crowd will welcome you with open arms. Particularly if you're called Dame Shirley Bassey.
The Welsh icon proved she still had some of the greatest vocal powers around with an incredibly fun setlist, backed by her big band.
Jeff Lynne's ELO (2016)

Jeff Lynne brought his ELO experience to Worthy Farm in 2016, and it reminded everyone just how great the band were.
'Mr Blue Sky' was made for moments like this as the "sun is shinin' in the sky".
Tom Jones (2009)

Want the crowd to singalong and have the best atmosphere possible? Get Tom Jones on to sing 'Delilah'.
Sure, it's about a grisly murder, but think about all the "why, why why"'s!
The Rolling Stones (2013)

It's amazing that it took so long to get the Rolling Stones to headline Glastonbury, but it was worth the wait.
Mick Jagger and the boys put on a brilliant night full of hits and moments that fans will never foget.
Johnny Cash (1994)

Johnny Cash arugably kick-started what is known as the Legends Slot by appearing on the Pyramid Stage back in 1994.
The Man in Black brought his iconic brand of country to Glastonbury, including 14 songs and a guest appearance from wife June Carter.
Kenny Rogers (2013)

Nearly 20 years since Johnny Cash appeared on Glastonbury, another country superstar graced the stage for 2013's Legends Slot.
- When Kenny Rogers ruled Glastonbury with a singalong of 'Islands in the Stream' and country hits
Kenny Rogers was a real treat, and no doubt secured thousands of new fans that day.
Dolly Parton (2014)

Kenny must have told his good pal Dolly Parton that he had a ball at Glastonbury, as a year later it was the Queen of Country's turn.
In her Legends Slot set, Dolly proved just why she's one of the best-loved and most talented singers of all time.
Kylie Minogue (2019)

Pop royalty was welcomed to Glastonbury in 2019, as Kylie Minogue graced the stage.
Kylie had the crowd beaming as she played a set of her most famous pop nuggets, leaving everyone in a brilliant mood.
Lionel Richie (2015)

Another close confidant of Kenny Rogers, this time it was Commodores superstar Lionel Richie who took to the stage.
Lionel was on absolute top form, giving fans all the hits on a brilliant summer's evening.
Stevie Wonder (2010)

A music genius headed to Glastonbury in 2010, as Stevie Wonder burned through his epic back catalogue.
Highlights included a tribute to Michael Jackson a year after his death, and a singalong of 'Happy Birthday' for Glastonbury's 40th.
Paul McCartney (2004)

Paul McCartney became the first Beatle to headline Glastonbury in 2004, and he didn't disappoint.
He sang a whopping 33 songs in his setlist, with all the Beatles songs you could ask for.
Barry Gibb (2017)

If you need someone to fill the Legends Slot who has nothing but bangers in their setlist, then Barry Gibb was the ultimate choice.
- Barry Gibb's mind-blowing Glastonbury performance of Bee Gees 'Stayin' Alive'
The Bee Gees legend was on top form, and it was a pure joy to see him belt them out, even if he was without his brothers.
David Bowie (2000)

David Bowie returned to the mainstream after a relatively low-key 1990s, with a supremely triumphant headline setlist in 2000.
The rock legend performed many of his classic tracks, topped off with the emotional 'Heroes' that had a packed Worthy Farm in raptures.