Glastonbury Pyramid Stage Headliners (1990-1999)
Some moments in music history genuinely matter. Most don’t. And then, there’s Glastonbury. More than just a festival, it’s a cultural institution where headliners either solidify their legend or crumble under the weight of expectation. The 1990s were a defining decade for Glastonbury's Pyramid Stage, featuring an eclectic mix of Britpop heroes, electronic pioneers, and rock royalty. Some delivered iconic performances still etched in the collective memory, while others, well, let's just say they tried.
Here’s a sharp look back at the 1990s Glasto headliners, with a few reasons why you might want to revisit these performances or remember them with a wry smile.
1990 - The Cure, Sinéad O’Connor, and Happy Mondays
Kicking off the Nineties, The Cure brought their signature goth melancholy to Glasto. YYou haven’t properly experienced “Disintegration” until you’ve sobbed uncontrollably in a muddy Somerset field. Sinéad O'Connor followed with a poignant performance, a reminder of her unmatched vocal range and raw emotion. Then came the Happy Mondays. Chaos personified. Shawn Ryder stumbling on stage felt less like a headline slot and more like a dare.
1992 - Carter USM, Shakespears Sister, and The Shamen
A weird one, this. Carter the Unstoppable Sex Machine turned up with their socio-political indie-punk anthems, leaving the crowd simultaneously headbanging and Googling (well, metaphorically Googling) the references. Shakespears Sister? Their drama-filled synth-pop was wonderfully odd. The Shamen gave it a shot with their rave-tastic beats, though it might have been better suited to a warehouse at 3 am.
1993 - The Orb, Lenny Kravitz, and Velvet Underground
The Orb. Ambient pioneers who convinced people that two hours of trippy beats counted as spiritual enlightenment. Lenny Kravitz swaggered in with leather trousers tighter than anyone's comfort levels. Meanwhile, the Velvet Underground’s reunion was part euphoria, part “Are they past it?” Either way, Lou Reed gave no tosses, which made it iconic.
1994 - The Levellers, Peter Gabriel, and The Pretenders
If you were into dreadlocks, patchouli oil, and acoustic guitars, this was your year. The Levellers’ folk-rock had the crowd spinning like tie-dye. Peter Gabriel added some gravitas, showcasing his talent for dramatic storytelling. The Pretenders, led by the legendary Chrissie Hynde, proved that punk attitude ages better than any crowd's cider tolerance.
1995 - Oasis, The Cure, and Pulp
Ah, 1995. Britpop ruled, and Glasto reflected the zeitgeist. Oasis swaggered on stage, beer in hand, and ignored professionalism for rock-star unpredictability. Their set cemented their status, even if Liam screamed more than sang. The Cure returned with their timeless brilliance. Then there was Pulp. Jarvis stepping in for The Stone Roses at the last minute was less substitution and more divine intervention.
1997 - The Prodigy, Radiohead, and Ash
1997 was dark, euphoric, and brilliant – a perfect mirror of Glastonbury mud. The Prodigy brought rave anthems to the Pyramid Stage, shaking the field with every bassline. Radiohead’s performance swiftly entered the “all-time best” rankings, leaving critics gushing and the audience in post-performance shock. Ash, the eternal plucky underdogs, brought youthful energy no one could dislike.
1998 - Primal Scream, Blur, and Massive Attack
This was the “big moods” year. Primal Scream delivered a manic energy that felt one step away from blowing the speakers. Blur ditched their cheeky Britpop personas for a darker, more intense sound. Who knew melancholy Damon Albarn was even better than pint-in-hand Damon Albarn? Then Massive Attack closed with a brooding set that wrapped you in shadows and mysticism.
1999 - R.E.M., Manic Street Preachers, and Skunk Anansie
Closing out the decade with transatlantic coolness. R.E.M. made everything sound anthemic, whether they were performing “Losing My Religion” or “Everybody Hurts.” The Manic Street Preachers brought poetic militancy, ripping through the Pyramid Stage with raw energy. Skunk Anansie’s electrifying set was all about Skin’s unrivalled stage presence. Political, in-your-face, and unforgettable.
The Legacy of the 1990s Glastonbury Headliners
The 1990s gave us everything: Britpop anthems, baggy madness, electronic revolutions, and rock legends defying age and expectations. It’s a decade that shaped Glastonbury into the cultural giant it is today.
Want to relive these legendary performances? Start with Pulp’s 1995 set. Trust us, there’s nothing quite like it.
