Sunday June 30, Other Stage: the self-proclaimed “sad dads” bring a sleepy closing day to a cathartic end with the perfect setlist We catch up with The National ’s Matt Berninger backstage a few hours before their Sunday night closing headline set at The Other Stage. Despite facing what could and should be another in a series of real ‘Glasto moments’ for the band, the frontman hasn’t much of a clue of what even he himself can expect. “I don’t like to know what’s going to be on the setlist, because every time is like a new flavoured gum ball,” he tells NME .
“I get to take that little red pill and go to that song in a new way every time. If I knew what all the songs were then I wouldn’t be able to let go as much.” There’s a sleepy vibe over Glastonbury tonight, with revellers seeming a little more reserved than usual after five days of music and hedonism.
What better cure than indie statesmen The National – both a soothing balm and a rousing kick in the shins. When ‘Don’t Swallow The Cap’ kicks in and Berninger pulls a Jarvis Cocker -esque svelte silhouette, you know he’s ready to give Worthy Farm a sloppy kiss goodbye. It’s the shot in the arm we need.
As he puts it himself on the spritely ‘Tropic Morning News’, “ something has now rapidly improved ”. The National live at Glastonbury 2024. Credit: Andy Ford for NME If you like this band, you love this band.
The affection is palpable and reciprocated – both through the generosi.
