More about: gabriels

For their second ever Glastonbury appearance, Gabriels received quite the reception. Their set received a rapturous reception that many bands would kill for. But playing with Elton John was the cherry on their hype-band cake.

But this hot anticipation does have its perils. Christening any band as the greatest current live act generates immense pressure, but for a band so early in their career it could be an unattainable title. Gabriel’s have yet to release the second half of their debut album, Angels and Queens, and only released their debut EP in 2021. Recent weeks have seen much twitter backlash at bands early on in their career being praised too outlandishly - think of “industry plant” accusations surrounding The Last Dinner Party, or Picture Parlour. Whilst there are differences - for one, Gabriels have an established recording career, whilst the other bands have scarcely released singles on Spotify - the intense backlash demonstrates the risks of too much praise too early in a career.

Another difference is the audiences of the respective bands. Whilst only some have seen The Last Dinner Party at their recent gigs, with their Glastonbury set broadcast on the BBC, Gabriels were very publicly very good. Their set featured vocals that were stronger, if that is possible, than on the songs’ recordings. Singer Jacob Lusk put on a show that was at once energetic and effortless, complete with a kilt and a glittery waistcoat. As he welcomed the audience to the “Glastonbury Missionary Baptist Church,” Lusk does not seem at all daunted by the size of the crowd or the newness of his position as frontman.

And all of this was before Lusk was summoned by Sir Elton John in his Sunday night headline show. An outspoken fan of the band, the legend performed ‘Are You Ready For Love’ alongside the Gabriels singer, compounding Lusk’s status as a bona fide star himself.

There are natural similarities between the two singers; both fuse soul with other genres, both are unabashedly camp in their performance, and both have a commanding and striking stage presence. However these comparisons could prove limiting for Lusk, and for Gabriels as a trio. Given the pair’s likenesses, they could risk Lusk veering too closely to Elton John, or struggling to mimic his commercial success.

"Gabriels are more than capable of living up to the hype"

This isn’t to downplay the significance of Elton John’s invitation. For Lusk’s third Glastonbury appearance to be in the headline slot on the Pyramid Stage is both a remarkable achievement, and an amazing opportunity to bring Gabriels’ music to the masses. A celebrity endorsement is often a better indicator of success than critics’ reviews, and Elton John has a pretty good list of ex-mentees - Lady Gaga, Christine and the Queens, and Rina Sawayama are just a few. Gabriels are more than deserving of this praise, and I’m sure that with the arrival of Angels and Queens Part II next week, Gabriels will soar to even greater heights in the future.

For all the pressure that comes with the label of a “Rising Star”, it is no doubt a good thing for smaller acts to be championed and admired. Gabriels are more than capable of living up to the hype, despite the risks that exist. With their Glastonbury triumph, Gabriels have proved that 2023 is well and truly their year.

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More about: gabriels