The 2025 edition of the iconic Glastonbury Festival will go down in music history as one of the most electrifying celebrations of sound and spirit. Among the standout acts that shook the Pyramid Stage and captivated tens of thousands of festival-goers were two artists from different ends of the sonic spectrum — Brandi Carlile, the soul-stirring American singer-songwriter, and the ever-energetic British rock band, Kaiser Chiefs. Their performances not only underscored their musical evolution but also reaffirmed their places as generational live music powerhouses.
This blog post dives deep into the Glastonbury 2025 magic these artists brought, explores their setlists, stage presence, audience engagement, and musical legacy, and brings readers closer to their musical identities.
Brandi Carlile: Americana’s Emotional Powerhouse Shines at Glastonbury
Who Is Brandi Carlile?
Brandi Carlile is a Grammy Award-winning American singer-songwriter whose music bridges the worlds of folk rock, country, Americana, and blues. Born in Ravensdale, Washington, Carlile built her reputation through soul-baring lyrics, powerhouse vocals, and a deep commitment to activism and inclusivity.
Carlile’s music often explores themes of love, family, faith, struggle, and acceptance. Albums like By the Way, I Forgive You and In These Silent Days received critical acclaim for their raw emotional honesty and masterful production.
You can follow her on her verified Instagram and Twitter/X for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and advocacy work.
Brandi Carlile’s Return to Glastonbury
While Brandi Carlile has graced several major stages across the globe, her performance at Glastonbury 2025 was nothing short of spiritual. As dusk blanketed the festival grounds, the anticipation for her set reached a fever pitch. When she emerged on the Pyramid Stage in a gold-embroidered suit jacket, guitar in hand, and the Hanseroth twins flanking her, the crowd erupted.
The Setlist: A Journey Through Heart and Harmony
Carlile's setlist was a sweeping journey across her discography. She opened with the haunting "Right on Time", her GRAMMY-nominated ballad that showcased her dynamic vocal range. As the echo of piano keys faded into the night, she transitioned into fan favorites like:
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"The Joke" – A soul-stirring anthem that resonated deeply with the Glasto crowd.
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"You and Me on the Rock" – A jubilant performance that had fans swaying and singing.
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"The Story" – The career-defining song that drew massive cheers and brought tears to many eyes.
Carlile also paid tribute to her inspirations, performing a heartfelt cover of Joni Mitchell’s "A Case of You", which was met with reverent silence before a thunderous ovation.
Carlile’s Stage Presence and Message
In between songs, Brandi took time to speak to the audience — about love, justice, motherhood, and the power of music. She spoke openly about being a queer artist in country and Americana music, thanking the crowd for their acceptance and energy. The Pyramid Stage has seen legends, but Carlile’s ability to foster connection — raw, intimate, and spiritual — was unforgettable.
Visuals and Vibes
The backdrop for Carlile's performance featured vintage home movie visuals interspersed with abstract art and nature scenes. The lighting was golden and ethereal, accentuating the warmth and timelessness of her sound. Her band, as always, played with finesse and emotion, especially the twin brothers Tim and Phil Hanseroth, who have been musical partners with Carlile since her earliest days.
Kaiser Chiefs: British Indie Rock’s Veterans Light Up the Stage
Who Are the Kaiser Chiefs?
Formed in Leeds in 2000, the Kaiser Chiefs are a British indie rock band known for their explosive energy, anthemic choruses, and sharp lyrics. Fronted by the ever-charismatic Ricky Wilson, the band rose to prominence with their 2005 debut album Employment, featuring hits like "I Predict a Riot" and "Oh My God".
You can connect with the band via their verified Instagram and Twitter/X accounts, where they frequently post tour updates and humorous behind-the-scenes content.
Back on the Glasto Stage
The Kaiser Chiefs are no strangers to Glastonbury, having played several times over their two-decade career. However, 2025 marked a triumphant return that many fans had eagerly awaited. Taking the Other Stage on Saturday evening, the band wasted no time igniting the crowd.
From the moment Ricky Wilson ran onstage, waving a Union Jack and grinning from ear to ear, the energy skyrocketed. The audience—many of whom grew up with their songs—was ready to relive the glory days and experience new tracks from their recent album.
Setlist Highlights: A Riot of Sound and Nostalgia
Their performance was a greatest-hits affair peppered with surprises and fresh material. Highlights included:
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"Ruby" – The crowd-pleaser that had thousands singing in unison.
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"Everyday I Love You Less and Less" – A sarcastic yet lovable anthem delivered with Wilson’s signature theatrical flair.
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"I Predict a Riot" – Easily one of the most explosive moments of the night, with mosh pits and dancing erupting in waves.
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"Jealousy" and "People Know How to Love One Another" – Songs from their newer releases that proved the band is still evolving while staying true to their roots.
The band also introduced a new single, performed live for the first time at Glastonbury 2025, sparking speculation of an upcoming album.
Ricky Wilson’s Showmanship
Ricky Wilson is one of the most dynamic frontmen in modern rock, and his performance was a masterclass in showmanship. He leapt into the crowd, climbed the scaffolding, and encouraged massive singalongs. Between songs, he joked with fans and reminisced about their early Glastonbury days.
His charisma kept the energy alive from start to finish, making the Kaiser Chiefs' set feel like a joyful, communal celebration rather than just a performance.
Visual Spectacle
The Kaiser Chiefs embraced a vivid, retro-futuristic aesthetic with neon backdrops, laser lights, and animated projections. Their visual production was bold and colorful, matching the wild energy of their music. A massive digital clock behind them counted down to the final chorus of their closer, turning the field into a synchronised explosion of sound and light.
Glastonbury 2025: A Festival of Musical Renaissance
The magic of Glastonbury 2025 lies not just in its headliners, but in the stories, performances, and connections it fosters. Brandi Carlile and Kaiser Chiefs represent two different musical ideologies — one rooted in introspection and emotional storytelling, the other in high-energy, raucous rebellion — but both resonated powerfully with the crowd.
Themes That Emerged from Their Performances
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Authenticity – Both artists were completely themselves, and that vulnerability resonated more than ever.
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Evolution – From the early 2000s to now, each has grown musically and personally, bringing new depth to their music.
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Community – Whether it was through Carlile’s quiet reflections or the Kaiser Chiefs’ call-and-response choruses, the audience was part of the performance.
Why These Performances Matter
In a time when live music is regaining its footing after years of disruption, performances like these remind us why festivals matter. They create space for collective joy, healing, expression, and discovery. Carlile and Kaiser Chiefs didn’t just play songs — they told stories, built bridges, and gave their audiences something to remember.
They also reasserted their place in the present music landscape. Carlile has become a cross-genre force whose voice carries weight far beyond music. Kaiser Chiefs, once the darlings of post-punk revival, have shown they’re still capable of commanding massive stages with relevance and style.
Final Thoughts
As the lights dimmed on their sets and the Glastonbury crowd drifted toward the next big act or the comfort of their tents, one thing was certain: Brandi Carlile and Kaiser Chiefs had etched their names into Glastonbury lore once again.
Their 2025 sets were not just concerts — they were moments. And in the sprawling, unpredictable magic that is Glastonbury, those moments become part of something bigger. Something that lives in stories, memories, and, eventually, blog posts like this one.
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