Glastonbury 2007 - Sunday main stages

United Kingdom | | 24 June 2007

Mmmm not really.

The final day of mud-soaked glory emerges in yet more drizzle as seasoned folksters the waterboys quip that the crowd now share their soggy name - by this point anything seems hilarious. With a beautiful selection of warming classics including ‘The Glastonbury Song’ and ‘Fisherman’s Blues’, they cheerfully brighten up the saturated scene.

The Other Stage sound falters on numerous occasions during Cold War Kids’ set but that doesn’t stop the newcomers from bashing out an emotional set to an enthusiastic gathering. Singer Nathan Willett's unique voice crackles over tribal drumming, pulling the crowd with him on every burst and lull. 'Old Saint John' is a masterpeace with its spitting, almost hip-hop lyrics but it's 'Hang Me Up To Dry' that everyone's waiting out for. 

She might be almost as old as Mr Eavis himself, but Shirley Bassey’s divine mid-afternoon performance is as fresh as brand new Park stage. Showing the Arctic Monkeys how it’s done with a sterling Bond medley, including ‘Diamonds Are Forever’, she is easily the classiest thing to ever grace the Pyramid Stage, donning a stunning glittery pink ballgown and feather boa. The biggest singalong of the weekend comes with ‘Big Spender’ and there's even a meek appearance from the sun. A classic.

The flamboyance continues over on the Other Stage with Mika and his accompanying inflatable ladies. The danceable cartoon-pop delight of ‘Grace Kelly’ echoes throughout the crowd as this inimitable performer bounds around the stage for the duration. Good going for someone who until six months ago hadn’t even played live - and despite his fears, he didn't get bottled!

Joyous dance pop six-piece The Go! Team bring an ecstatic atmosphere to the bedraggled masses and a torrent of infectious hits, including snippets from their forthcoming album. New single ‘Grip Like A Vice’ rattles through the crowd and their usual complementary video footage keeps everyone on the move.

Plucky Dundee pin-ups The View keep the spirits alive, their underlying mission to keep people dancing and puzzled by Kyle's weird bird warblings. Forthcoming acoustic single 'Face For The Radio' is a rare tender moment in their otherwise frenetic set, which you worried could be all over the shop considering they've been here all weekend. But they drown any doubters in the sludge, tearing Glastonbury apart with all their hits and a cheeky cover of 'Up The Junction' by Squeeze. Never has 'Same Jeans' been so apt.  

Other Stage headliners and Glasto veterans The Chemical Brothers give us a spectacular act replete with a glittering light show and insane visuals. The inexorable duo stomp through a dominating collection from their greatest hits, including 'Galvanize', 'Out Of Control' and 'Do It Again', splicing and bending them into a never-to-be-repeated treat and winning over the throbbing crowd as the rain makes its final attempt on our sanity.

Meanwhile, closing the Pyramid Stage with all the bombast of their earlier years, The Who take rock back to its starting point in a fantastic finish to the weekend.  A set chock full of legendary hits, some outstanding fretwork and amazing guitar pyrotechnics prove that the hits of old still work on the biggest of stages. It's easy to forget how many huge songs The Who have been responsible for and there's no better reminder than tonight. You just don't hear tune like 'My Generation' and 'Won't Get Fooled Again' played back to back but here they are, before an incredible medley from ‘Tommy’ for the encore brings prog to the Pyramid in a rapturous finale. Oh and then it starts to rain real hard.