American singer-songwriter Noah Kahan charmed the crowd at Glastonbury Festival on Sunday, 29 June, with both his introspective music and an amusing admission. During his headline set on the iconic Pyramid Stage, the Grammy-nominated artist, 28, revealed that he had previously mispronounced the name of the famous UK River Thames, saying he used to call it the “River Thaymes” with a soft “th”. Kahan, who spent about a month living alone in London before his rise to fame, confessed this error as part of reflecting on his time of solitude, which he described as a period of personal growth and self-friendship. He introduced his performance with this candid moment before launching into his 2022 track “You’re Gonna Go Far,” a song that resonated deeply with his audience.

Throughout his set, Kahan was joined by special guests, including Icelandic singer Laufey and Americana star Brandi Carlile, who had also played her own set earlier in the festival. This collaboration highlighted the close artistic connections Kahan has forged as his career has progressed. Hailing from New England, Kahan released his third album, Stick Season, in 2022, which significantly raised his profile. His breakthrough was cemented in 2024 following the release of an updated edition of the album featuring high-profile artists such as Carlile, Hozier, and Post Malone. These collaborations helped propel the album’s title track to the top of the UK singles chart, marking a watershed moment in his international acclaim.

The day’s festivities featured other memorable performances that contributed to the vibrant closing moments of Glastonbury. South London rapper Kae Tempest delivered an energetic and captivating show on The Park Stage, while Nile Rodgers & Chic brought their legendary funk to the Pyramid Stage. Amidst these highlights, veteran rocker Rod Stewart also appeared in the Legends slot on the Pyramid Stage; however, his performance was met with mixed reactions, with critics describing it as a weary coda to a storied career. Meanwhile, pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo was scheduled to headline the Pyramid Stage that Sunday night, rounding off the festival’s diverse and dynamic lineup.

Noah Kahan’s blend of heartfelt storytelling, memorable collaborations, and his ability to engage with the Glastonbury audience underscores his ascent from a newcomer to a mainstay in the contemporary music scene. His openness about personal experiences and artistic journey added a relatable layer to his performance, making his appearance at the festival a standout moment in a weekend filled with musical variety and intensity.

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Source: Noah Wire Services