Robert Smith, the legendary frontman of The Cure, is set to close the Glastonbury Festival 2025. This was confirmed after his surprise appearance during Olivia Rodrigo’s headline performance on June 29, 2025, at the iconic Pyramid Stage. Smith’s presence thrilled fans and marked a significant moment in this year’s festival.
Olivia Rodrigo, who headlined the festival for the first time, introduced Robert Smith as “possibly the greatest songwriter to emerge from England”, a personal idol. She expressed her deep admiration and excitement before Smith joined her on stage to perform two of The Cure’s most beloved songs: “Friday I’m In Love” (1992) and “Just Like Heaven” (1987). The crowd responded with great enthusiasm, singing along and celebrating the collaboration.
The Cure has a long history with Glastonbury, having headlined the festival multiple times, with their most recent appearance before this year being in 2019.
Robert Smith, now 66 years old, appeared in his signature makeup and sparkly attire, playing acoustic guitar alongside Rodrigo. Their joint performance was a highlight of the festival’s closing night and was widely shared and praised on social media.
Olivia Rodrigo’s set was a mix of songs from her two albums, Sour (2021) and Guts (2023). She performed hits like “Get Him Back!” and “Drivers License,” captivating a packed crowd. She also shared personal moments on stage, including a dedication of the song “So American” to her British boyfriend, actor Louis Partridge, who watched from backstage.
Rodrigo humorously recounted cultural differences between them, such as jokes about English foods and accents, which inspired the song.
The 2025 Glastonbury Festival, held from June 26 to 30, attracted over 250,000 attendees and featured a diverse lineup. The event was marked by both musical highlights and political undertones.
Alongside Rodrigo and Smith, other notable performances included the 1975, Neil Young and appearances by artists like Lorde and Charli XCX. The festival also saw moments of political expression, with artists addressing issues like the Israel-Palestine conflict and social justice.
Festival founder Michael Eavis and his daughter Emily Eavis remain key figures in organising the event, which continues to be one of the world’s most prestigious music festivals. The surprise collaboration between Olivia Rodrigo and Robert Smith was a fitting close to Glastonbury 2025, blending generations and genres in a celebration of music’s enduring power.
Although Robert Smith’s role in closing Glastonbury 2025 alongside Olivia Rodrigo was a historic and emotional moment. It honoured The Cure’s legacy while highlighting the vibrant new wave of artists shaping music today. Fans and critics alike hailed the performance as unforgettable, cementing Smith’s status as a Glastonbury legend and a timeless icon in music history.
