Glastonbury ’s Sunday Legends slot is one of the most prestigious sets in music. Every year, the seasoned pro of choice takes to the Pyramid Stage to unleash a thrilling performance of their biggest hits, often spanning decades. For the perfect Legends Slot headliner, the artist needs to be known to the majority of Glastonbury-goers while also having that cultural heft beyond one or two recognisable songs.
It’s the home for long-established and beloved artists who are still going strong. But where did it all begin? “Sunday Legend” is a relatively new expression for Glastonbury . For many years, the veteran performers would simply be in the same company as the newer artists on the Pyramid Stage.
There is great debate over who really launched this distinguished spot. Many argue that it was Johnny Cash’s performance in 1994. However, Welsh star Sir Tom Jones has also claimed that he was he who invented the gig with his show on the Pyramid Stage two years prior.
The coveted set officially began in 1998, when the late American jazz singer Tony Bennett took to the main stage on Sunday afternoon after Scouse Britpop group Space. The 20-time Grammy Award-winner, who died last year, wowed his audience and set the standard for every act that has followed. In the 25 or so years since, there have been an array of unforgettable moments .
Perhaps one of the most famous “Legends” is Dame Shirley Bassey, who rocked up in her hot pink gown matched with personalised wellies singi.