Rick Astley ‘better than Arctic Monkeys’ as Glastonbury fans slam ‘painful’ performance

Glastonbury fans felt Rick Astley “blew the Arctic Monkeys out of the water” following his performance on Saturday.

Arctic Monkeys headlined the festival on Friday night, however, some viewers branded their performance “painful”.

Some claimed the Never Gonna Give You Up hitmaker’s performance was far better than the headliner act.

Introducing Rick to the stage, Huw Edwards began: “Welcome to day two of the Glastonbury channel, I hope you’re keeping well and ready for a day of extraordinary performances.

“We have got performances today from the likes of Aitch and Amadou & Mariam which will be very special and we’re delving into some of last night’s amazing performances of which there were many.”

READ MORE:Nervous Rick Astley seen reaching for shot before taking to Glastonbury stage

He continued: “We’ve got some cracking guests coming in for a chat on the Glastonbury channel.

“Raye will be here after her much anticipated performance on the Pyramid Stage. Tom Grennan will be here before his Glastonbury debut, a big moment for him, and we’re going to be talking to this next man as well.

“He’s coming around for a cup of tea. I never thought I’d be at Glastonbury having a cup of tea and a chat with Rick Astley but that is the plan.

“We can’t believe he’s here, he can’t believe he’s here, but over there a stone’s throw away on the Pyramid Stage. This is Rick Astley on Saturday afternoon at Glastonbury.”

Taking to Twitter in droves to share their thoughts about both Rick Astley and Arctic Monkeys’ performances, @julia202 shared: “Rick Astley, a million times better than the dreary Arctic Monkeys yesterday #Glastonbury.”

@GaryPanton tweeted: “I know it’s not a competition and all that, but I’m enjoying Rick Astley so much more than Arctic Monkeys. #Glastonbury.”

While @EverydayNick added: “Watch and learn #ArcticMonkeys. @rickastley owning the #Glastonbury crowd!! What a performance Rick.” (sic)

@benm_jones went on to say: “Rick Astley was better than the Arctic Monkeys #Glastonbury #Glasto #Glastonbury2023.”

Praising the pop star, who was dressed in a salmon suit, @Scaretroducing commented: “Rick Astley just blew Arctic Monkeys out the water.” (sic)

While some fans branded Arctic Monkeys act as “painful to watch”.

@leetaylor7905 505 said: “Was a painful watch #ArcticMonkeys #glastonbury2023.”

@ihatemanu added: “#ArcticMonkeys that was the most excruciating painful set I’ve ever seen, I’m 50, well done #glastonbury2023.”

Defending the band, @AledWynDavies stated: “Seems like this is an unpopular opinion but…i actually thought @ArcticMonkeys were superb #Glastonbury.” (sic)

Glastonbury Festival 2023 coverage is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.