The music world is abuzz with speculation that the noughties indie band, The Maccabees, are poised for a secret set at the legendary Glastonbury Festival. The band, which originally disbanded in 2017 after a successful 14-year run, recently announced their reunion and a headline performance at the All Points East festival in London this August. This has ignited hopes among fans that a surprise Glastonbury appearance might be on the cards before their official reunion show. Online forums are rife with discussions about the possibility, with fans citing the band’s return to social media and the upcoming 20th anniversary of their debut single, “X-Ray,” as further evidence. While some believe the All Points East gig is their sole reunion performance, many are holding out hope for a secret Glastonbury set, suggesting a “Bloc Party-esque” slot on one of the festival’s smaller stages.
The Maccabees’ split in 2017 was amicable, with the band members stating they had simply “run out of steam” after a challenging period recording their final album. However, their return to social media in October 2023 sparked a frenzy of excitement amongst their devoted followers, with many interpreting it as a clear sign of a comeback. The subsequent announcement of their All Points East headline slot solidified the reunion, sending fans into a frenzy of anticipation. The band’s statement expressing their excitement further fueled the speculation regarding Glastonbury, as it left the door open for additional performances.
Adding to the intrigue surrounding a potential Glastonbury appearance is the band’s history with the festival. Although details of their past performances haven’t been explicitly provided in the source material, the very fact that fans are so readily connecting their reunion with a Glastonbury slot suggests a prior association and a fondness for the festival. This history, coupled with the current wave of excitement surrounding their reunion, makes a secret set all the more plausible. The timing also seems auspicious, given that the band’s reunion coincides with the 20th anniversary of their musical debut. A Glastonbury performance would be a fitting celebration of this milestone.
While the Glastonbury lineup remains unconfirmed, the rumour mill is already churning with potential acts. Names like Olivia Rodrigo, Harry Styles, and Eminem have been thrown into the mix, along with veteran artists such as Stevie Wonder and Neil Young. Electronic music duo Basement Jaxx has also fueled speculation with a conspicuously placed “Glastonbury-shaped” gap in their upcoming tour schedule. This adds another layer of excitement to the already highly anticipated festival. The rapid sell-out of Glastonbury 2025 tickets, despite the lack of a confirmed lineup, speaks volumes about the festival’s enduring appeal and the public’s unwavering faith in its ability to deliver a stellar musical experience.
Amidst this whirlwind of speculation, The Maccabees remain tight-lipped about their plans beyond the confirmed All Points East show. Their social media announcement focused solely on their excitement for the August performance, leaving fans to continue their fervent speculation about a Glastonbury appearance. This calculated silence only adds to the mystique and builds the anticipation. Whether or not they grace the Glastonbury stage, The Maccabees’ reunion marks a significant moment in the indie music scene, rekindling nostalgia for their distinctive sound and reigniting the passion of their devoted fanbase.
The Glastonbury Festival, known for its eclectic mix of musical genres and its penchant for surprise appearances, provides the perfect backdrop for a Maccabees secret set. The band’s indie-rock sound, combined with the emotional resonance of their reunion, would undoubtedly resonate with the Glastonbury crowd. The festival’s history of showcasing both established and emerging artists creates an environment where such a surprise appearance would not only be welcomed but celebrated as a testament to the power of music and the enduring appeal of a beloved band returning to the stage. This combination of factors makes the prospect of a Maccabees performance at Glastonbury 2025 an exciting possibility for fans and a tantalizing mystery for the music world at large.
