The chief grumble about Pyramid stage sets is about artists who aren’t perceived to have enough hits to play it (Stormzy and Billie Eilish have been the chief recent targets of this opprobrium, each with an undercurrent of prejudice). Of all the bands to play this weekend, the one least burdened by this problem has to be Blondie.
It’s easy to forget just how broad and deep their discography goes, until you’re socked again and again with hit after hit; even with 75 minutes to play with there’s no room for Union City Blue, Picture This, Sunday Girl and so many more. And aside from a couple of tepid latter day choices – the dull Doom or Destiny makes the sun-parched field suddenly feel very boggy – they show off that slate of hits with great panache.
