Photo: WENN.com
28 June, 2013: Biblical numbers flocked to the Pyramid Stage to catch half a glimpse of Sheffield heroes Arctic Monkeys. Suited, booted and dressed head to toe in Spencer Hart menswear, they waltz on stage to open with the slow-burning filth of 'Do I Wanna Know?' - a clear statement of intent. 'Brianstorm' acts as the perfect release before the scuzz poetry of 'Don't Sit Down 'Cause I've Moved Your Chair' drowns Glasto in an innebriating swoon.
The deafening howls reserved for 'Fake Tales of San Francisco' and 'I Bet You Look Good On The Dance Floor' are the stuff that Glastonbury magic is made of, while the devious little rocker 'R U Mine?' proves itself to be a true festival favourite. New track 'Mad Sounds' lands well and carries all of the snarling desert-rock hallmarks of their latter day sound, before old friends 'Flourescent Adolescent' and 'A Certain Romance' bring the first part of their set to a celebratory close.
The underrated slow-burner 'Cornerstone' sinks the mood somewhat, before 'Mardy Bum' acts as the one that everyone came to see. Getting all of Glastonbury to sing happy birthday is probably the best birthday present that Alex Turner's mum will ever receive, sealed with the sweet kiss of welcoming Miles Kane back to roll through '505'.
It's a formidable effort, and they definitely lived up to their promise of surpassing their previous headline attempt. It's true that at Glastonbury you can't afford to skip on the classics, but with only two new songs and all the usual favourites, their set feels a little bit safe. Still, with style and aplomb they stand brazen like a band in their true prime. Will tonight go down in history? Only time can tell.
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