One of the most talked-about moments at glastonbury 2025 unfolded when pop superstar Olivia rodrigo welcomed an unexpected and legendary guest to the iconic Pyramid stage: Robert Smith, frontman of the pioneering English band The Cure. This surprise collaboration on Sunday night, June 29th, sent a buzz through the festival grounds and across social media, instantly becoming a highlight of Rodrigo’s debut as a headliner on the main stage. The two artists joined forces for intimate acoustic renditions of two beloved The Cure classics, creating an unforgettable intergenerational duet.
Rodrigo, visibly thrilled to be performing on the massive stage for the first time, took a moment during her headlining set to introduce her special guest. She showered Smith with heartfelt praise, calling him “perhaps the best songwriter to come out of England.” Rodrigo went on to declare him a “Glastonbury legend” and, most personally, “a personal hero of mine.” This warm introduction set the stage for a performance that blended different eras and genres, celebrating the enduring power of great songwriting.
An Acoustic Dream: “Friday I’m in Love” and “Just Like Heaven”
With Rodrigo and Smith both armed with acoustic guitars, they launched into stripped-down versions of two of The Cure’s most cherished hits. The first was the perpetually optimistic 1992 track, “Friday I’m in Love.” This choice immediately resonated with the audience, filling the massive field in front of the Pyramid Stage with cheering fans. The simpler, acoustic arrangement allowed the melodic strength and lyrical charm of the song to shine through, showcasing a new dynamic between Rodrigo’s vocals and Smith’s distinctive delivery.
Following the cheerful opener, they transitioned to the slightly older but equally iconic tune, “Just Like Heaven,” from The Cure’s 1987 album, Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me. This song, known for its dreamy, romantic feel, also translated beautifully to the acoustic setup. The raw, unadorned performance highlighted the intricate melodies and emotional depth that have made both tracks timeless favorites. Reports from the festival noted a “rapturous reaction” from the massive crowd, underscoring the impact of seeing these two artists share the stage on such classic material.
A Significant Moment for Rodrigo and Glastonbury
Rodrigo’s decision to bring out Robert Smith was a significant statement during her first time headlining the Pyramid Stage. Her performance marked a major step up from her 2022 Glastonbury debut on the smaller Other Stage. Headlining the main stage at such a renowned festival is a milestone for any artist, and Rodrigo clearly recognized the magnitude of the occasion. Speaking to the immense crowd, she expressed her awe and gratitude, reportedly exclaiming, “Holy fucking shit, this is the most people I’ve ever seen in my entire life.” She added that the experience felt like “a dream come true.”
For Robert Smith, this was another chapter in his extensive history with Glastonbury. The Cure has headlined the festival multiple times over the decades, including in 1986, 1990, 1995, and 2019. His appearance with Rodrigo connected his legendary status at the festival with one of the biggest contemporary artists. It demonstrated Smith’s willingness to engage with new generations and celebrate the lasting influence of his band’s music. In a past interview, Smith commented on The Cure’s unique place in music, noting that headlining major events like Glastonbury while still being seen as “slightly weird and outsider” is a “perfect position to be in.”
Olivia Rodrigo’s Pattern of High-Profile Guests
The collaboration with Robert Smith at Glastonbury fits into a recent pattern for Olivia Rodrigo, who has been making a point of inviting established and influential artists to join her on stage during her current tour and festival appearances. Just the week before her Glastonbury set, Rodrigo surprised fans in London’s Hyde Park. During a sold-out show that opened the BST Hyde Park series, she was joined by British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran.
Introducing Sheeran as “one of my favorite Brits and one of the best songwriters of all time,” Rodrigo performed Sheeran’s 2011 debut single, “The A Team,” with him. Both artists played acoustic guitars and traded verses on the popular track. Rodrigo had previously shared online that “The A Team” was “literally one of my fav songs ever.” Sheeran later commented on the experience, expressing his admiration for Rodrigo’s music and calling it an “honor and privilege” to play the song with one of the “brightest stars of the next generation” to new audiences.
Other Notable Performances
Beyond the collaborations, Olivia Rodrigo has also been showcasing her musical tastes through covers. Earlier in her tour, during a performance in Dublin at Marlay Park, she covered the song “I Love You” by Irish band Fontaines D.C. Rodrigo told the audience she had become “obsessed” with the band and had been playing the song “alone in my room for fun” before deciding to perform it live for her fans. These choices highlight Rodrigo’s appreciation for diverse musical influences, spanning different genres and generations.
Rodrigo’s setlist at Glastonbury was reportedly split between tracks from her hugely successful debut album, Sour (2021), and her equally popular second album, Guts (2023). Songs like “Get Him Back!”, “Brutal,” and “Drivers License” were noted for receiving strong crowd reactions during her performance.
The Cure has also been active recently. While Smith was making guest appearances, the band released Mixes of a Lost World, a remix album complementing their 2024 studio album Songs of a Lost World. This activity shows Robert Smith remains engaged with The Cure’s musical output while also participating in unique live events like the Glastonbury duet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What songs did Olivia Rodrigo and Robert Smith perform together at Glastonbury 2025?
During Olivia Rodrigo’s headlining set on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury on Sunday, June 29th, 2025, she was joined by The Cure frontman Robert Smith. Together, they performed acoustic versions of two classic songs by The Cure: “Friday I’m in Love” (from 1992) and “Just Like Heaven” (from 1987). Both artists played acoustic guitar and shared vocal duties on the tracks.
Why was Robert Smith joining Olivia Rodrigo at Glastonbury a surprise or notable moment?
Robert Smith’s appearance was notable for several reasons. It was a surprise guest spot during Olivia Rodrigo’s first time headlining the main Pyramid Stage. The collaboration brought together a legendary figure from alternative rock, known for his distinctive style and long history with Glastonbury, and one of the biggest stars in contemporary pop. It highlighted an intergenerational connection through music, with Rodrigo expressing that Smith is a personal hero and “perhaps the best songwriter to come out of England.”
What other notable performances did Olivia Rodrigo have during her recent tour dates?
Olivia Rodrigo has recently featured other prominent artists during her live shows. The week before Glastonbury, she performed with Ed Sheeran during her show at BST Hyde Park in London, singing Sheeran’s debut single “The A Team” together acoustically. She has also recently covered songs by other artists, such as “I Love You” by Fontaines D.C. during her show in Dublin. These performances indicate Rodrigo’s interest in collaborating with and celebrating artists from different musical backgrounds.
Conclusion
Olivia Rodrigo’s Glastonbury 2025 performance was already a landmark moment as her first time headlining the Pyramid Stage. Bringing out Robert Smith of The Cure for surprise acoustic duets of “Friday I’m in Love” and “Just Like Heaven” elevated it to an iconic festival highlight. The collaboration celebrated the lasting appeal of The Cure’s music while showcasing Rodrigo’s respect for musical history and her knack for creating memorable live moments. Alongside her recent appearance with Ed Sheeran, this duet with a genuine “Glastonbury legend” solidified Rodrigo’s standing as a major force capable of commanding the world’s biggest stages and connecting with artists across generations. The surprise performance undoubtedly left a lasting impression on everyone who witnessed this unique blending of pop and post-punk greatness.
