Yahoo News Glastonbury founder Sir Michael Eavis performs classics on stage in emotional return
Glastonbury founder Sir Michael Eavis delivered a heartwarming performance that had the crowds cheering as he welcomed this year's band of revellers to the festival grounds. The 88-year-old festival founder took to the Park stage at Worthy Farm to the delight of thousands.
Sir Michael treated festival-goers to a nostalgic set just after half-past four on Thursday, crooning through Frank Sinatra classics like Love's Been Good To Me and It Was A Very Good Year, and even belting out Elvis Presley's Suspicious Minds.
Daughter Emily Eavis said "it was wonderful" to see her father sing on stage, adding that his voice sounded "better than ever". Accompanied by his band, Sir Michael performed with the assistance of a singer who helped by turning the pages of his sheet music, a familiar sight from previous years.
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When asked if there were any doubts about Sir Michael's ability to perform due to his age, Emily stated he was "raring to go". She added: "He’s had a few rehearsals and he was really up for it. It’s just so good to see him out there and receive all that love.”
The crowd's affectionate shouts of "we love you Michael" and the chant of "oh Sir Michael Eavis" to the tune of the White Stripes' 'Seven Nation Army' filled the air, to which Sir Michael gratefully responded: "Thank you very much, that's fantastic, thank you."
Sir Michael's daughter, along with a large group of family and friends, were spotted enthusiastically singing and clapping from the side of the stage during his performance. The audience was seen swaying their arms in the air as he delivered a rendition of Sinatra's My Way, before concluding his set with Elvis's Suspicious Minds.
