The worst set-clashes of Glastonbury 2023: From Arctic Monkeys vs The Chemical Brothers to Kelis vs WizKid
Glastonbury officially kicks off tomorrow (June 21) when the hallowed gates of Worthy Farm open to its army of revellers.
The build-up for this year’s festival has been at fever-pitch since ever since the extensive line-up dropped - with a host of big names, including Sir Elton John, Arctic Monkeys and WizKid, due to play over the course of the week.
But while Glasto-lovers will once again be spoiled for choice, there will also be some epic performance clashes to contend with. What are you going to do when your beloved childhood band graces The Park Stage at the same time the “Legends Slot” kicks off on the Pyramid Stage? Or your favourite singer hits up Woodsies while your other fave croons on the West Holts Stage?
With some advance planning, we can help you get through this tricky time. Here’s our handy list of the most difficult clashes to be aware of.
You can do this!
Friday
Royal Blood vs Fred again..
Time: 8:15pm, Pyramid Stage vs 8:30pm, Other Stage
Glasto-goers will be forced to miss out on one of these rocking performances as rock duo Royal Blood will hit the Pyramid Stage at the same time producer and DJ of the moment, Fred again.., will be scratching and mixing up some banging tunes. Fred is also expected to bring out a special guest or two (our money is on one of his most recent collaborators, Romy).
Both acts are adored by those who like straight-up partying and letting their hair down, though Fred again.. might slightly edge it. But, you’ll have a blast with either choice.
Wizkid vs Kelis
Time: 10:15pm, West Holts Stage vs 10:30pm, Other Stage
Oh boy! Now this is an especially tricky one. Pop legend Kelis is set to perform a string of her pumping, iconic anthems, including Milkshake and I Hate You So Much Right Now to rev up those fond memories of the early 2000s.
At the same time, the very “of-the-moment” Afrobeats king Wizkid (who sold out three nights at the O2 in 2021 in under 15 minutes) will be putting on a typically storming show with his string of belters such as Essence and Mood, on the Other Stage.
Sorry, we actually have no idea what to suggest to help with this travesty.
Arctic Monkeys vs The Chemical Brothers
Time: 10.15pm, Pyramid Stage vs 10.30pm, Arcadia’
The beloved Sheffield rock band are Friday night’s headliners and will put on an epic show from 10.15pm to 11.45pm, if their recent sold-out tour is anything to go by.
Sadly, their appearance butts heads with The Chemical Brothers DJ set from 10.30pm for two hours in the returning Arcadia (aka, the flaming spider) area. The electronic duo was forced to cancel its Worthy Farm show last year after band member Tom Rowlands contracted COVID-19 leaving fans itching to see them return to the festival.
As lovers of both indie rock and electro-music excellence, this has us a bit stumped too.
Saturday
Rina Sawayama vs Central Cee
Time: 9pm, Woodsies vs 8:45pm, Other Stage
The two Indie artists will be making their solo Glasto debut at the nearly the exact same time. Just 15 minutes after Cee hits the Other Stage on Saturday night, Sawayama will be on Woodsies.
Japanese and British singer, Sawayama has been labelled a “musical chameleon” for her musical versatility, while Shepherds Bush rapper and songwriter Central Cee has also received similar praise since the 2020 release of his UK drill single Day in the Life.
Two alternative artists worth a watch, but the slightly better-known Cee is likely to steal the show.
Jockstrap vs The Murder Capital
Time: 3:15pm, The Park Stage vs 3:15pm, Woodsies
Popular Indie bands Jockstrap and Dublin five-piece The Murder Capital hit their different stages at the same time.
NME describes Jockstrap, who will perform on The Park Stage, as a “unique, unpredictable brand of pop” while The Murder Capital has been widely praised by music critics as having one of best guitar albums so far this year with Gigi’s Recovery.
A tricky one, but decide on your vibe as Jockstrap is said to put on a seriously energetic performance while The Murder Capital is a bit more “chill”.
Lana Del Rey vs Christine and The Queens
Time: 10:30pm, Other Stage vs 10:30pm, Woodsies
The pair are known for their intense and empowering pop music. Del Rey, who played Glastonbury almost ten years ago, slammed the initial men-dominated line-up poster that was first revealed.
She will be headlining the Other Stage while Christine and the Queens will be headlining Woodsies around the same time with their more electro pop-style sound for the third time at the festival.
Lewis Capaldi vs Maggie Rogers
Time: 5.35pm, Pyramid Stage vs 5:15pm, the Other Stage
There may be a shared-fan struggle with this clash. Lewis Capaldi last played at the festival in 2019 when he famously rocked up onto the Pyramid stage dressed as Noel Gallagher after the Oasis singer questioned the singer’s slot.
He’s back on the main stage from 5.35pm until 6.35pm while American singer/songwriter Maggie Rogers will hit the Other Stage at 5.15pm for an hour.
The good news is that you can always take in both acts if you leave one a bit early.
Sunday
Yusuf/Cat Stevens vs The Teskey Brothers
Time: 3.15pm, Pyramid vs 3pm, the Other Stage
Yusuf/Cat Stevens will do the annual Sunday afternoon legends slot.
The 1970s legend, who was chosen by Glasto founder Michael Eavis, will be revisiting his back catalogue with hits like Wild World and Morning Has Broken on the final day of the festival from 3.15pm to 4.30pm on the Pyramid stage.
On the Other Stage at 3pm will be blues rock group, The Teskey Brothers - who’ve been around for 15 years and have gained a loyal group of rock fans. While guitar music lovers may have opted to see both, it’ll probably be a preference for ‘new or old’ rock on this one.
Thundercat vs The War On Drugs
Time: 7:45pm, The Park Stage vs 7:45pm, Other Stage
The War On Drugs’ hazy sound will be just what festival-goers may need on this the final day of a heady and relentless Glastonbury on The Park Stage.
But then there’s the engaging and whimsical Thundercat and his six-string bass guitar performing at the same time. A tough one, but you’re likely to find them equally satisfying as the big chill.
Elton John vs Queens of the Stone Age
Time: 9pm, Pyramid Stage vs 9.45pm, the Other Stage
Sir Elton will be the closing act at Glastonbury 2023 on the Pyramid Stage, which he has said will be his last-ever UK performance before he makes his final curtain call on music.
The I’m Still Standing star’s set from 9pm to 11.05pm will span his entire decades-long career and he’s promised to bring out a host of secret guests. Meanwhile, US rock band Queens of the Stone Age, who’ve been around since 1996, will headline the Other Stage from 9.45pm-11.15pm for what will be only their third time in the festival’s history.
But while this will be a fairly rare performance and will mark the release of their new album, with Sir Elton bidding farewell he should triumph here.
Or, you could just steer clear of the clashes?
If you’re not bothered about seeing the Rocketman jetting off into retirement, other Glastonbury final night fun includes rocking out to guitar bands Phoenix at Woodsies, while QOTSA will close the Other Stage and Alt-J will rock The Park Stage.
The choice... is yours.
