One stage to rule them all, One stage to find them, One stage to bring them all, and in the darkness bind them. That quote is from Tolkien’s Lord of The Rings. I have replaced the word ring with the word stage because the Glastonbury Pyramid Stage has similar power.
The First Pyramid Stage
The Pyramid Stage is Glastonbury’s main stage. It made its debut in 1971 as a temporary structure. It was built by theatre designer Bill Harkin. The reason why he chose a Pyramid shape was because it is a very powerful shape. It draws energy up from the earth and energy down from the stars. Underneath where the stage is built are two ley lines meeting. This also creates energy.
The Second Pyramid Stage
Since that first stage, there have been another 2 versions of this iconic stage. The second Pyramid Stage was built in 1981. This time the frame became a permanent structure. In winter it doubled up as a cowshed. I love the fact that this iconic stage had superstars on it in the summer and cows in it in the winter. It is typical Glastonbury. A bit of stardust mixed with cow dung. Sadly the second stage burnt down in 1994 just before the festival was about to open.
The Third Pyramid Stage
The third and current Pyramid Stage was built in the year 2000. This version was based on the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt and was designed by Pilton local Bill Burroughs. This stage is 4 times the size of the original one. The special energy is still there. I have lost count of the artists who break down in tears on that stage. From upcoming ones to veterans they all feel The Pyramid Stage’s magic.
Don’t Just Stay In Front Of The Pyramid Stage
I always advise people when they come to their first Glastonbury not to stay in front of the Pyramid Stage all day. It is tempting because there will always be fantastic performers on it. In a festival with over 100 stages, however, you will miss a lot of what makes Glastonbury special.
What I do suggest is that you make sure during your 5 days at Glastonbury to be in front of the Pyramid Stage for one mass singalong. There is nothing like it. Singing with another 150,000 people to a legend is truly magical. Your body will tingle. I have been lucky enough to have done it with the likes of Stevie Wonder, Elton John, The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney and many more.
Previous Headliners On The Pyramid Stage
Here are some of the past headliners on The Pyramid Stage:
- T-Rex
- David Bowie
- Peter Gabriel
- Van Morrison
- Curtis Mayfield
- The Smiths
- Joe Cocker
- The Cure
- The Communards
- Suzanne Vega
- Sinead O’Connor
- Shakespears Sister
- Lenny Kravitz
- Levellers
- Oasis
- Radiohead
- Pulp
- REM
- The Chemical Brothers
- Coldplay
- Moby
- Paul McCartney
- The White Stripes
- The Who
- Jay Z
- Bruce Springsteen
- Blur
- Gorillaz
- U2
- Beyonce
- Arctic Monkeys
- Metallica
- Kanye West
- Adele
- Foo Fighters
- Ed Sheeran
- The Killers
- Stormzy
- Billie Eilish
- Kendrick Lamar
- Guns N Roses
That is just a few of the legends that have graced The Pyramid Stage.
The Magic Of The Pyramid Stage
When I think about the number of people who have been entertained on that field in front of The Pyramid Stage it blows me away. Since 1970 people have been flocking to Worthy Farm. As I dance into the night I think about them. The millions who have been there before. You can’t help but be swept up by all that energy.
I know I am not the only one who feels this. Many people have had their ashes scattered here and many couples have proposed on the same field. I can’t think of any other stage or festival in the world that would have that. There is magic in those fields.
One of my favourite things to do in front of The Pyramid Stage is to sit there for a while on Wednesday or Thursday. It will be nice and quiet with just a few people scattered around doing the same. I sit quite high up the hill and soak it all in. You can see Glastonbury Tor from up there. From an ancient structure that drew pilgrims to a modern one that does the same. The fields of Avalon are special.
Glastonbury Tips For The Pyramid Stage
- Have the same meeting point to meet up with your friends and family. The mobile signal at Glastonbury is always hit-and-miss. We have had the same meeting point for years.
- Don’t miss some of these early shows. We have watched everything from the local brass band to brilliant musicians from Mali.
- If you want to be right at the front you have to get there early. I am talking at least 3 acts before the one you want to see and that still won’t guarantee you a spot. There are some hardcore fans out there.
- Try to head to the middle. For Elton John, we had loads of space around us even though it was one of the biggest crowds in Glastonbury history. Most people stick to the edges to access food, drink and the toilets. It does mean a bit of a walk to the toilets but we managed to be fine getting to them and back.
- Don’t go to the toilets at the end of a set. Go during because they will be a lot quieter.
- Once a set has finished, hang around for 10 minutes. It is amazing how quickly the area empties. That way you won’t be with the herd.
- For major artists, take some of your own drinks down with you. It saves you from going in and out to the bars.
Do you have any other tips for The Pyramid Stage? Let us know in the comments or on our social channels.
See you on the farm.
Other Glastonbury Posts
The Ultimate Guide To Glastonbury Stages and Areas
Where Is The Best Place To Camp At Glastonbury
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