For a band that started with a Funeral, Arcade Fire have made an impressive trajectory from a Montreal high school to the hallowed Pyramid Stage.
Latest album Reflektor was released last year after much teasing, and bore the magical touch of LCD Soundsystem's James Murphy plus backing vocals from David Bowie and, to everyone's surprise, TV talk show host Jonathan Ross. Filled with anxious lyrics and a maniacal energy, the album showcased the unpredictability of a band that regularly challenge convention in all that they create - be that film soundtracks, music videos or their much-talked about live performances which have previously included bobbleheads and fancy dress.
With husband and wife combo Win Butler and Regine Chassagne at the helm, the band have gone on to produce four highly-acclaimed albums. The hypnotic intensity of their music, later drawing on Haitian voodoo rhythms in honour of Chassagne's home country, is revered from Bruce Springsteen to Barack Obama and having previously played the Other stage at Glastonbury in 2007, it's only right to see them take Friday's crown.
Butler, speaking on Jo Whiley's 成人快手 Radio 2 show earlier this year exclaimed his desire to play the festival, calling it a 'special experience' and encouraging us to "Get your wellies ready!' It's worth walking through flames to see these formidable headliners light up the first night of this year's Glastonbury.
For a band that started with a Funeral, Arcade Fire have made an impressive trajectory from a Montreal high school to the hallowed Pyramid Stage.
Latest album Reflektor was released last year after much teasing, and bore the magical touch of LCD Soundsystem's James Murphy plus backing vocals from David Bowie and, to everyone's surprise, TV talk show host Jonathan Ross. Filled with anxious lyrics and a maniacal energy, the album showcased the unpredictability of a band that regularly challenge convention in all that they create - be that film soundtracks, music videos or their much-talked about live performances which have previously included bobbleheads and fancy dress.
With husband and wife combo Win Butler and Regine Chassagne at the helm, the band have gone on to produce four highly-acclaimed albums. The hypnotic intensity of their music, later drawing on Haitian voodoo rhythms in honour of Chassagne's home country, is revered from Bruce Springsteen to Barack Obama and having previously played the Other stage at Glastonbury in 2007, it's only right to see them take Friday's crown.
Butler, speaking on Jo Whiley's 成人快手 Radio 2 show earlier this year exclaimed his desire to play the festival, calling it a 'special experience' and encouraging us to "Get your wellies ready!' It's worth walking through flames to see these formidable headliners light up the first night of this year's Glastonbury.
