Lorde Surprises Fans with Secret Set at Glastonbury 2025 Festival

New Zealand pop sensation Lorde opened the 2025 Glastonbury Festival with an unannounced performance at the Woodsies Stage, captivating a packed audience just before lunchtime on the festival's first day. This surprise appearance marked her return to Glastonbury after a notable set in 2022, where she performed just before headliner Kendrick Lamar on the Pyramid Stage. The excitement surrounding her set was palpable, amplified by the festival's announcement of a temporary closure of the Woodsies field due to overcrowding, which followed rampant speculation about her surprise performance.

Lorde launched into her latest single, "Hammer," as strobe lights illuminated the stage, and the crowd erupted in cheers. This unexpected performance coincided with the release of her highly-anticipated fourth album, "Virgin," which dropped at midnight on the day of the festival. The album is characterized by its candid exploration of personal themes such as eating disorders, body dysmorphia, and relationship dynamics. In an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald, Lorde expressed the album’s raw emotional content, stating, "Going into this album, I had the sense that something very raw and close to the bone was wanting to come out of me."

The first day of the festival also featured performances from a diverse lineup, including CMAT, Lola Young, Alanis Morissette, Loyle Carner, Busta Rhymes, PinkPantheress, Wet Leg, and Biffy Clyro, with The 1975 set to headline the evening's performances. Additionally, fans have speculated that Lewis Capaldi is poised to make a surprise appearance on the Pyramid Stage later in the day, following his emotional performance two years prior.

Lorde’s promotional campaign leading up to her album release included a series of impromptu fan gatherings and pop-up events, one of which attracted the attention of law enforcement during a guerilla video shoot in New York’s Washington Square Park. This bold marketing strategy aligns with her artistic vision, which prioritizes authenticity and engagement with her fanbase.

During her appearance on Stephen Colbert's late-night show, Lorde revealed that she utilized MDMA therapy to overcome stage fright, a challenge she has faced since childhood. This therapeutic method, which is legal in Australia and has gained traction as a treatment for various mental health conditions, reportedly offered her a transformative experience, allowing her to confront her fears effectively. "I tried everything for my stage fright. I did this therapy and woke up the next morning like, ‘Oh, it’s over. I know it’s over,’" she recounted.

As Glastonbury Festival continues, anticipation builds around further surprise performances, particularly among fans hoping for collaborations during upcoming sets, such as a possible duet with Charli XCX. The festival, renowned for its eclectic lineup and surprise appearances, has once again captured the spirit of music lovers worldwide, with tickets selling out in just 40 minutes last November.

The BBC will provide extensive coverage of the festival, though it has confirmed that Neil Young's set will not be broadcast live at the artist's request. Coverage will include live and on-demand performances available through multiple platforms, ensuring that fans around the globe can partake in the festival experience.

In conclusion, Lorde’s surprise set at Glastonbury 2025 not only highlights her ongoing evolution as an artist but also reinforces the festival’s status as a premier venue for unexpected musical moments. As fans celebrate her return, the implications of her candid lyrical content and innovative marketing strategies continue to resonate within the music industry, prompting discussions about mental health and authenticity in performance art.