Glastonbury Abbey Extravaganza, 3rd August 2024
With it being 20 years since the release of their debut album, some may dismiss Keane as a time-worn band, superseded by newer alt-rockers. However, situated amongst the picturesque ruins of Glastonbury Abbey, and coupled with the slowly setting sun and a gentle summer breeze, Keane’s performance is ethereal and otherworldly. With a crowd of 10,000 people, the show is more of a cathartic, collective experience than a simple gig.
The set is a mix of their hit songs, with a particular focus on tracks from their debut album, Hopes and Fears, released 20 years ago. Beginning with the upbeat ‘Can’t Stop Now’, Keane set the tone of the night as energetic but nostalgic, and the crowd are captivated from the start.
A few songs in, singer Tom Chaplin has only three requests for the audience – dance, clap, and sing along – and everyone in sight does so. The crowd is a whirling mass of singing and dancing, with each person basking in the electric, energetic atmosphere induced by the lively numbers ‘Spiralling’ and ‘Crystal Ball’, both of which have a distinctly pop-y sound and shout-worthy choruses. This energy is contagious and spurs the band on, with Chaplin jumping and spinning around the stage, feasting off of the crowd’s enjoyment.
His crowd engagement remains fantastic throughout, such as conducting the whole crowd through the echoing ‘oh-oh-oh, oh-oh’s’ during ‘You Are Young’. This jaunty song is backed by a cheery piano and places Chaplin’s belting voice at its forefront. There are no dynamic visuals on the background of the stage, just a simple stationary, sketch-style drawing, and it is Chaplin’s presence alone that keeps the crowd enchanted.
Hidden amongst the throng within the Abbey grounds, this uncharacteristically peaceful moment feels sacred
Following a touching, heartfelt speech about the importance of discussing mental health is ‘The Way I Feel’, a cathartic pop-rock tune which combines the sensitive topic of mental health struggles with a rather energetic, uplifting beat. The vulnerability of this song makes this performance particularly poignant and moving, amplified by the thousands of voices screaming, wondering if there is “something wrong about the way [they] feel”. By Chaplin’s own admission, ‘The Way I Feel’ is a newer track but a firm fan favourite, and the energetic flurry of jumping bodies and waving arms throughout the song solidifies this.
Richard Hughes’ drumming is also a really impactful, integral part of Kane’s performance. Each thump reverberates deeply and brings each song to life in an even more powerful way when listening to their studio recordings. Nowhere is this more apparent than in ‘Perfect Symmetry’, which sounds significantly heavier and rockier than its studio counterpart.
A hush descends on the crowd during the softer, piano-driven ‘My Shadow’, whilst a sea of phone torches twinkle in a magical spectacle of dancing light. Hidden amongst the throng within the Abbey grounds, this uncharacteristically peaceful moment feels sacred, and the audience’s reverence and wonder is palpable as this is also the first time ‘My Shadow’ has been played on Keane’s Hopes And Fears anniversary tour.
‘A Bad Dream’ also begins slowly with a simple drum beat, but Hughes’ thumping drums eventually erupt into a dramatic, immense instrumental section, with Chaplin even playing the piano. This is a really stand-out moment showcasing the incredible musical talent of the band. Whilst most of the set is very energetic, fast-paced, and upbeat, these slower songs are equally gripping.
The gig literally goes out with a bang, closing with an impressive fireworks display that ties together the spectacle.
The main set ends with the classic tune ‘Somewhere Only We Know’, which is met with a spine-tingling, choir-like reception as 10,000 voices unite to recite every line whilst Chaplin watches on in awe. Paired with the ambience in the Abbey, this is truly magical.
The epic, emotion-driven ‘Bedshaped’ closes the encore with its haunting keyboard and dramatic guitar solo. The song’s rocky quality is really amplified, and Chaplin’s powerful, dynamic voice is stronger than it was when it was released in 2004. The band seamlessly carries the show to its end. The gig literally goes out with a bang, closing with an impressive fireworks display that ties together the spectacle.
Keane put on a stellar performance, showcasing their incredible catalogue spanning the last two decades. The audience’s constant singing, dancing, and laughing is a testament to how deeply their songs still resonate with listeners, and their performance is more refined and engaging than ever before. Having grown up listening to Keane, I feel truly lucky to have attended this gig and to have celebrated 20 years of fantastic music by a band who have defined my music taste for pretty much my whole life.
Words: Abi Manley
Photo: Alex Lake via SJM concerts
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