Glastonbury organisers have “set the bar high” for next year’s festival with the early announcement of Radiohead, broadcaster Jo Whiley said.
The Radio 2 DJ recalled the band’s “apocalyptic” 1997 headline slot when a lightning bolt hit the Pyramid Stage during their set
On a visit to the prestigious Brit School in Croydon, south London, Jo said she hoped the music stalwarts play “all the songs that we love and cherish”.
She told the Press Association: “I hope they don’t bring the apocalypse with them because that’s my memory of Radiohead playing.
“Doing No Surprises and fireworks going off and John Peel giving me a piggy back as they were playing and we were just walking off into the distance.
“It really, truly felt like the end of the world so I hope they don’t do that this time around.”
Radiohead’s Saturday night headline performance in 1997 saw the band battle wet and cold weather in a set which was later dubbed the greatest performance in the festival’s history by founder Michael Eavis.
Last month the group became the first headline act to be announced for next year’s festival after the band’s “angry bear” logo appeared as a painted “crop circle” in front of the Pyramid Stage.
Jo said: “It’s just good knowing now at this early stage that Radiohead are going to play. It really sets the bar high.”
The 51-year-old was at the Brit School ahead of hosting the Music Industry Trust Awards on Monday night.
She praised the school for nurturing young stars such as Adele and Katie Melua.
Jo said having the chance to “express themselves” is vital for young people.
She said: “It’s felt like a long time coming because I’ve interviewed so many people who have come through these doors and worked here.
“I think it’s absolutely vital that we have somewhere like the Brit School and as many of these kinds of establishments as possible.
“The fact that somewhere like this exists to nurture that talent and to give people a chance to express themselves and to fulfil their potential is so fundamentally important.
The broadcaster also sat in on a session at music therapy organisation Nordof Robbins which is partly funded by MITS and offers services to children and adults across Britain.
Jo praised the services and said she “knows the power of music” and how important it is for her sister who has learning difficulties.
“Frances just loves music and she has got an amazing instinct for music,” she said.
