The hallowed grounds of Worthy Farm, synonymous with the legendary Glastonbury Festival, may soon witness the triumphant return of a British music icon. Craig David, the R&B and UK Garage sensation who rose to prominence in the early 2000s, has openly declared his fervent desire to not just perform, but to headline the iconic Pyramid Stage in 2027. This ambitious declaration comes a decade after his last, widely acclaimed appearance at the festival, setting the stage for what could be one of Glastonbury`s most anticipated comebacks.
Recalling the 2017 Phenomenon
Craig David`s last Glastonbury performance in 2017 was, by all accounts, nothing short of a spectacle. Nestled between sets by music legends Jools Holland and political figure Jeremy Corbyn, with Katy Perry and Foo Fighters closing the day, David`s slot captivated an astounding 100,000 live attendees. For context, that`s roughly the population of a small city, all gathered to witness a single artist. The digital footprint was equally impressive, with his set`s broadcast attracting an additional 7.6 million viewers.
The artist himself was visibly overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the event. He recounted, “I had never seen so many people and thought that`s how it always is [at the festival]. But people said: ‘No, Craig, not always, but now the crowd stretches beyond the hill. It was amazing and just incredible!`” This deeply personal and impactful experience has, as he often shares on social media, become a “core memory,” driving his ambition to recreate that unique blend of euphoria and connection with an audience.
The Road to 2027: Evolution and `Commitment`
Now 44, Craig David has spent recent years exploring new facets of his artistry, notably through his popular TS5 DJ sets. These performances have seen him traverse various niche festivals, including Summer Sessions in Southampton and Kew The Music in London, allowing him to reconnect with fans in a different, often more intimate, setting. However, his upcoming ninth studio album, “Commitment,” marks a significant return to his roots as a vocalist, a move perfectly timed to coincide with the 25th anniversary of his seminal hit, “7 Days.”
This return to his core identity as a singer, coupled with the imminent release of “Commitment,” positions him strongly for a major festival resurgence. It`s a strategic blend of nostalgia for his classic sound and a demonstration of his continued artistic evolution.
A Headliner`s Ambition: Beyond the Ego?
When questioned about his motivations, David offered a rather elegant, if slightly self-aware, response: “It`s not about me, but about what I do and what good I can bring. And then I just enjoy it.” One might detect a faint trace of irony in this statement, a subtle nod to the inherent desire for recognition that often fuels such grand declarations. After all, what artist wouldn`t relish the chance to stand atop the Pyramid Stage, commanding an ocean of revelers?
His ambition isn`t merely to “participate”; it`s a clear statement of intent to dominate. He aims to “tear up” or, more politely translated, “rock” Glastonbury, leaving an indelible mark as the main act.
Glastonbury`s Calculated Silence
As of now, the organizers of Glastonbury Festival remain tight-lipped. With 2026 designated as a traditional “fallow year” – a necessary break for the land to recover – plans for 2027 are still under wraps. Craig David`s persistent overtures, while enthusiastic, have yet to elicit any official comment from the festival`s notoriously meticulous bookers. Whether his public campaign will sway the decision-makers remains to be seen, but it certainly adds a compelling layer of anticipation to the perennial speculation surrounding Glastonbury`s future lineups.
Should Craig David`s wish be granted, 2027 promises to be a landmark year for fans eager to witness an R&B legend reclaim his throne on one of the world`s most iconic stages. The countdown, unofficially, has begun.
