Glasto rocks (some of the time)

I tend to avoid music festivals in the UK, largely on the grounds of potentially poor weather. But this year Glastonbury has enjoyed sunshine and heat and conditions have been perfect. Of course, the other reason for avoiding festivals such as Glasto is the quality of the music. There are few new bands and singers that I have any time for. But having said that, there have been quite a few artists at Glastonbury who have been of interest - mostly, it has to be said, of the older generation, although I did quite enjoy Raye, who seems to have at least a part of the talent of Amy Winehouse. Of those acts on the first two nights it was good to see reggae band Third World and I thought Rick Astley put on a good show, all things considered. However the most interesting line up was on the final day, Sunday. There was Yusuf (Cat Stevens) - pictured below - who, although never a favourite of mine, was a good songwriter, as 'Wild World' and 'First Cut Is The Deepest' testify. After disappearing from the music business for so long it was good to see him again, and in good form. Even better was the appearance of Blondie. Of course by Blondie I mean Debbie Harry. I remember seeing her at King George's Hall, Blackburn, in February 1978 (one of my spine tingling moments) and she was absolutely gorgeous. I was surrounded by young punks who were pogoing and spitting and I suddenly felt rather old at the age of 31. But Blondie, and Debbie Harry, were great. She is now 77, and even older than me (by a few months), but still looks pretty good, with thigh boots, blonde hair and trendy shades. Her set included many favourites such as 'Atomic', 'Hanging On The Telephone', Rapture'and 'The Tide Is High'. I bought all of Blondie's albums back in the day, and the songs still sound good today.

Another act that I enjoyed was Jamaican reggae artist Barrington Levy, who was excellent on songs such as 'Too Experienced','What Kind Of World' and 'Living Dangerously'.

High point of Glastonbury for me was the appearance of Candi Staton. a singer who I have admired and seen quite a few times over the years. Candi is now 83 but still has a great voice. Her set included some early tracks such as 'I'd Rather Be An Old Man's Sweetheart (Than A Young Man's Fool', recorded at Muscle Shoals in 1968, 'Stand By Your Man' from 1970, 'In The Ghetto' from 1972 and 'Nights On Broadway' from 1976, along with more disco orientated tracks such as 'Suspicious Minds' and 'Young Hearts Run Free'. She was emotional speaking about her cancer - she is now cancer-free, she said - before leading into her huge hit 'You Got The Love'. A great set and very touching at times.

Biggest event at this year's Glastonbury was the first ever appearance at the festival of Elton John and, apparently, his last ever touring show in the UK. There was much fanfare about this and it was claimed that Elton would do a completely different set from his usual one with several special guests. Dressed in a shiny gold suit, he began with 'Pinball Wizard', to much acclaim, and continued with 'The Bitch Is Back'. Although not a great fan, I have to say that he seemed well up for it and it was hard to ignore his professionalism and drive. 'Benny and the Jets' followed along with 'Daniel' and 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road' - reminders of his many hits. 'i Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues' came next, then 'Philadelphia Freedom' and 'Are You Ready For Love' (with Jacob Lusk of the Gabriels). The set meandered a bit in the middle before getting back on track with 'Your Song', 'Candle In the Wind' and 'Tiny Dancer', a duet with Brandon Flowers of The Killers. 'Crocodile Rock' was included as darkness fell over Worthy Farm, then came 'Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting' with an explosion of ticker tape, and 'I'm Still Standing', 'Cold Heart', 'Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me' and, inevitably 'Rocket Man'.

Elton with Rina Sayawama on 'Don't Go Breaking My Heart'.