Glastonbury 2015: Can Kanye West Replicate Jay Z's Worthy Farm Success?
Can Kanye Replicate Jay Z's Glastonbury Success?
Rachel McGrath— The Huffington Post UK
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Whether you like him or not, there’s one thing we can all agree on - Kanye West is definitely one of the most controversial Glastonbury bookings of all-time.
Nevertheless, Emily stuck to her guns, and penned an editorial, hitting back at claims that Kanye isn’t right for the “rock” festival.
“One of the world’s biggest superstars and a music legend, always interesting, never boring,” she wrote in the Guardian. “He has agreed to play a festival where headliners get paid a fraction of their normal rate in support of Oxfam, Water Aid and Greenpeace as well as thousands of other worthy causes. We think that’s pretty great.”
But, as long-term Glasto fans will remember, this isn’t the first time a booking has caused uproar and back in 2008, the news that Jay Z would be closing the the festival on the Pyramid Stage sparked similar outrage.
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Wonder if Jay's dished out any useful advice?
Music fans questioned the decision, and even Noel Gallagher gave his verdict, blaming Jay for the festival’s unusually slow ticket sales.
"Sorry, but Jay-Z? Fucking no chance,” he told the BBC. “Glastonbury has a tradition of guitar music, do you know what I mean? Even when they throw the odd curveball in on a Sunday night and you go, ‘Kylie Minogue?’ Don't know about that.
"I'm not having hip-hop at Glastonbury. It's wrong."
So how did Jay Z respond? By opening with a cover of Oasis’s indie anthem ‘Wonderwall’, of course.
He then rolled out hits including ‘99 Problems’, ‘Izzo’ and ‘Public Service Announcement’, before closing with ‘Encore’, his collaboration with Linkin Park.
Fans on site were impressed, and the critics agreed - but can Kanye replicate his pal’s success?
With seven solo albums, eight including his collaboration with Jay Z, and another in the works, the ‘All Day’ rapper certainly has enough material to choose from, and potential guests could include everyone from Paul McCartney and Chris Martin to Skepta and um, Estelle.
Even if he's not your cup of tea, Kanye's set is sure to go down in festival history - we'll just have to wait and see whether it's for the right reasons.
Still not convinced? Here's what else is on offer at Glastonbury on Saturday night...
Things To Do Instead Of Seeing Kanye West At Glasto
1. Climb the ribbon tower(01 of11)
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During the headline acts, the queue for the ribbon is usually shorter than normal so put your legs to work. You'll also be *puts on nana voice* miles away from the racket of Kanye's Pyramid stage set. (credit:Matt Cardy via Getty Images)
2. See Suede (02 of11)
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Brett Anderson's Suede are on in the John Peel tent at 10.35pm. (credit:Rob Ball via Getty Images)
3. Soak up the atmosphere (03 of11)
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Many of the best Glastonbury moments come when you have no plans at all. Head up to the top of the site, for spectacular views, or just have a wander round and see where the moment tankes you. (credit:Matt Crossick/Matt Crossick)
4. Get to Shangri-La early (04 of11)
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When the main stage closes, fans flock to the infamous 'Naughty Corner' of the festival site for some late-night fun. If you've decided to skip Mr West, get a headstart and head there early to nab a good spot for Slaves' set on the Hell Stage. (credit:Jim Dyson via Getty Images)
5. Get on stage (05 of11)
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Fancy yourself as the next Chris Martin? The Croissant Neuf bandstand is holding an Acoustic Open Mic night at 9pm. (credit:John Shearer/Invision/AP)
6. See the Arcadia show (06 of11)
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The 'Metamorphosis' show kicks off at 11pm. (credit:Matt Cardy via Getty Images)
7. Find the secret piano bar(07 of11)
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While Yeezy is busy smashing through his hits, hunt for the festival's most famous secret area. (This picture is just a random one of a person playing the piano, FYI. There are no snaps of the elusive underground venue.) (credit:Matt Cardy via Getty Images)
8. Actually look at Block 9 (08 of11)
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Block 9 is probably the most visually impressive section of Shangri-La. Get there before the crowds to see it in all of its glory - and nab a moustache for later if you plan to head to the NYC Downlow. (That last bit will make sense once you're there, don't worry). (credit:Shirlaine Forrest via Getty Images)
9. Watch the sun set at Stone Circle (09 of11)
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Plenty of Glastonbury veterans will go on about how you need to see the sun rise over the festival, but watching it set is just as magical. (credit:Matt Cardy via Getty Images)
10. Explore the circus field(10 of11)
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The circus field is home to a whole host of performers, artists and magicians. Think Kanye's a ridiculous man? Just wait until you see this lot... (credit:AFP via Getty Images)
11. Just go and see Kanye West (11 of11)
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Yes, he's an egomaniac, he rants a lot, he thought the 'Bound 2' video was a good idea, and this is supposed to be a list of things to do instead - but let's be honest, Kanye's going to be amazing. And even if he's not, it'll be so bad that it's *actually* brilliant. We promise. (credit:Jeff Kravitz/BMA2015 via Getty Images)