Fans at the first full day of Glastonbury 2025 got an early treat on Friday when Lorde took to the Woodsies stage with a surprise performance early in the day. The New Zealand singer-songwriter performed her recently released album Virgin live for its full debut just hours after it was released for streaming.
The performance was kept as a secret until the very last minute. After it was announced, the Woodsies tent became completely full, and large crowds collected outside the tent. Extra screens were placed outside to try and accommodate those fans that could not get inside the Woodsie's tent for one of the best moments of the day.
Lorde played all of the songs off of Virgin, as well as some unheard songs such as "Hammer" and "What Was That". As is her way with her emotional and raw lyrics, she created a bond with the crowd as she played the songs, and occasionally spoke a few words between songs.
"This may be a one-of-one," she said to the audience at one point, suggesting that this experience might be uniquely and personally important to her. Lorde shared she had clashed with self-doubt regarding the future and making music, but instead offered a joyful reflection on the privilege of presenting and sharing the new work in front owners of the CD.
🚨 Lorde ON STAGE RIGHT NOW at Glastonbury.
— Lorde fix 🩻🧬⛓️ (@Lorde_fix) June 27, 2025
She just live debuted 'Hammer' & 'WWT' and she's into "Shapeshifter", so it looks like she might be singing the whole album in order! [via her IG Livestream] #lorde #Woodsies pic.twitter.com/xD5AX8qBEy
A Forceful Return to Glastonbury
This unannounced appearance represents Lorde's return to Glastonbury after appearing on the Pyramid Stage in 2022. While that performance was a major headline act, Friday had an intimate feeling. Woodsies is a much smaller stage usually reserved for smaller acts or emerging acts that resulted in a much more grounded and heartfelt experience.
After a performance of her entire Virgin album, she closed the set with a couple of fan favorites, “Ribs” and “Green Light”, both of which received major cheers from the audience, many of whom did not think they would be watching Lorde perform at all.
Lorde's set helped kick start the opening day of the festival and was instantly a talking point for index festival goers and fans online. The fact that she released her new album and performed it live on the same day provided excitement and surprise.
ELLA'S CROWD AT GLASTONBURY!!! WE ARE SO BACKKKK!!! @lorde YOU ARE SO LOVED ♥️🩻 pic.twitter.com/YNW4fs36av
— theo 🧬⛓️ (@theogreatwar) June 27, 2025
In the lead up to the festival there had been speculation about potential surprise acts with betting markets pausing odds on acts yet to be confirmed. It still caught everyone by surprise to see Lorde make such a bold opening act for the day.
The performance introduced her new music to a live audience and re-established Lorde as part of the global festival first line-up. Fans and critics alike will appreciate the emotional depth, stark style, and honesty that Lorde provided during her return to the spotlight.
With Virgin now streaming on all major platforms, her Glastonbury appearance has set the stage for what could become new music for Lorde as personal storytelling in a powerful moment live. The surprise performance will likely be remembered as one of the more special and talked about experiences of Glastonbury 2025.
Source(Image / Thumbnail): bbc.com
