Coldplay breaks records at Glastonbury with historic set featuring surprise Michael J Fox cameo
GLASTONBURY, ENGLAND: In a heartwarming surprise, Michael J Fox, 63, made an emotional appearance during Coldplay's record-breaking fifth headline set at Glastonbury on Saturday.
Despite battling Parkinson's disease, the iconic actor took the stage with the band to play guitar during 'Fix You' and 'Humankind,' profoundly moving the crowd of 100,000 and BBC viewers alike.
Michael J Fox joins Coldplay onstage, moves the crowd to tears
Chris Martin, 47, the frontman of Coldplay, credited Fox as a significant inspiration for the band. He said, "The main reason why we're in a band is because of watching 'Back to the Future,' so thank you to our hero forever and one of the most amazing people on Earth, Mr. Michael J. Fox. Thank you so much, Michael."
Unforgettable moment in Glastonbury history.
— Karl Cunliffe (@KDCunliffe) June 29, 2024
Michael J Fox on stage with Coldplay ❤️#coldplay #ColdplayGlastonbury #glastonbury2024 #Glastonbury #michaeljfox pic.twitter.com/AtqIuhPiIr
Coldplay's performance marked their fifth time headlining Glastonbury, making them the first band to achieve this feat. Their journey with the festival began in the New Bands Tent in 1999, leading to headline spots in 2002, 2005, 2011, and 2016.
Prior to Fox's reveal, Martin performed a serenade for Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis, setting the stage for the beloved Hollywood actor's appearance.
Martin introduced him with a playful nod to Fox's 'Back to the Future' character, Marty McFly, saying, "Here is another legendary Michael, one who just totally rocks, with his Chuck Berry quiff and the way he punched ('Back to the Future' villain) Biff, ladies and gentleman, please welcome Michael J Fox."
Diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s at the age of 30 in 1991 and publicly disclosing his condition in 1998, Fox has become a symbol of resilience. Since its establishment in 2000, his Michael J Fox Foundation has raised over $2 billion for Parkinson’s research, significantly advancing the understanding and treatment of the disease.
Fans and viewers were deeply moved, flooding social media with expressions of admiration and tears. Comments on X (formerly Twitter) ranged from “Michael J Fox joined Coldplay on stage, oh my god,” to “Blown away by the selfless performance by Coldplay at Glastonbury... bringing on Michael J Fox, truly beautiful.”
Images capturing the enormous crowd have gone viral on social media after the concert.
Genuinely don’t get all of the Coldplay hate. Truly one of the great bands over the last 25 years. Incredible live performances. Banger after banger after banger. Difficult to think of other artists who deliver this level of consistency. And never seen Glastonbury look like this. pic.twitter.com/umSQz0o0qv
— Jason Brautigam (@DizzyJB) June 29, 2024
The performance, attended by an audience of over 100,000, featured Hollywood stars such as Tom Cruise, Simon Pegg, and Gillian Anderson, highlighting the event's significance and emotional impact.
Coldplay's record-breaking Glastonbury set and Michael J Fox's cameo delight fans
Coldplay's historic fifth headline performance at Glastonbury was not only a musical milestone but also an emotional journey for the audience, especially with the surprise appearance of Michael J Fox.
Fans flooded social media with their reactions, capturing the unique essence and impact of the night.
One user encapsulated the spirit of the concert, writing, "There’s something quite spiritual about their concerts. An expression of universal joy. Not many things bring people together in such harmony, unity, and positivity in this world we live in. So who can begrudge them that?"
There’s something quite spiritual about their concerts. An expression of universal joy. Not many things bring people together in such harmony, unity and positivity in this world we live in. So who can begrudge them that?
— Jason Brautigam (@DizzyJB) June 29, 2024
Another fan praised the band’s live presence, saying, "They are great live... really put on a great show as we all saw tonight."
They are great live..really put on a great show as we all saw tonight..👏👏🥳
— WindsorWatcher👑👸👑👸👑 (@Windsor_Watcher) June 29, 2024
A concertgoer shared a profound experience, stating, "I have seen them live. I’ve also seen countless other bands. Nothing, but nothing has filled me with the sense of joy that they did."
I have seen them live. I’ve also seen countless other bands. Nothing, but nothing has filled me with the sense of joy that they did.
— Sinead💙 (@SineadfromGuern) June 29, 2024
One user simply wrote, "Put on a great show. Brilliant."
Another fan highlighted the band's frontman, saying, "I love them, Chris brings so much energy to the band."
I love them, Chris brings so much energy to the band.
— Veronica Kropf ❤️ (@VeronicaHoungan) June 30, 2024
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.