Cat Stevens Delivers a Magical “Legends” Set at Glastonbury 2023

Glastonbury 2023 was brimming with rock giants like Arctic Monkeys, Guns N’ Roses, and Blondie, but it was folk-rock legend Cat Stevens — also known as Yusuf Islam — who created one of the festival’s most unforgettable moments. With just his acoustic guitar, Stevens turned the Pyramid Stage into a sea of harmony as thousands joined him in a soul-stirring rendition of “Wild World.”

A Song That Still Resonates

Fifty-three years after its original release, “Wild World” proved as moving as ever. Fans of all ages sang every word back to Stevens, their voices echoing across the fields in perfect unison. Remarkably, Stevens’ voice sounded almost identical to his 1970 recording, stunning both longtime admirers and new listeners alike.

Reflecting on the performance, Stevens described the experience as “something of a dream,” adding that the overwhelming energy from the crowd was “beyond anything I’d experienced in Britain before.”

Highlights of the Set

His 21-song setlist was a journey through decades of timeless music. Classics like “The First Cut Is the Deepest,” “Moonshadow,” and “Morning Has Broken” filled the air, each met with rapturous applause. Stevens also paid a heartfelt tribute to his late friend George Harrison with a moving performance of “Here Comes the Sun.”

A Legacy That Transcends Time

Though Stevens once stepped away from the music industry, his Glastonbury appearance reaffirmed the enduring power of his work. His songs continue to transcend time, bridging generations and reminding the world why he remains one of folk-rock’s most cherished voices.

Watch the Performances