The City Calls on the Glade Stage
Power pop quintet The City Calls are as bright and cheerful as a day out at the seaside, blending raw energy with a burst of catchy hooks, they were the perfect band to open up the Glade stage at an extremely sunny Glastonbury.
Much like the other bands and artists from Solent University, being picked to play Glastonbury was a pretty big deal for them. “Glastonbury is the biggest show of the summer, bringing people together with the common interest in music, so when I got a text message from vocalist Lucas saying we had been asked to play, I thought he was joking,” explained Guitarist and Vocalist Scott Perry. “When I found out it was for real I was so excited I couldn’t put it into words. I think we were all a bit stunned that we had such a great opportunity.”
After playing Beach Break Live festival just a few days previously, the band were all set to take on the mighty Glastonbury. “Our schedule was pretty busy with shows and festivals lined up which meant we were gig ready. We upped our practices and had to try and keep our feet on the ground, being as professional as possible instead of getting over excited.”
So how did it feel taking to the stage and being the opening band for Glade’s extraordinary day of music? “For something this huge it's hard not to get nervous, however I don't think it really sunk in till we were standing back stage about to go on through the curtains. Taking to the stage, there was a mixture of feelings; it was exciting and also nerve wracking as we had some faces who had seen us and knew us before and a lot that didn't, so you really feel you've got to give it your all to entertain these people who have come to watch you.” 
Being the opening band is a difficult slot to fill, especially as most people’s days don’t start until lunch time. The City Calls took to the stage bright and early at 11am, and for such an early slot, they managed to pull off a well received show. “At 11am people were just starting to move around, so it started quiet, but by the end of the set we had people moving around and having a good time, so it made the atmosphere very exciting.”
For bands playing side stages at Glastonbury, it is important that they attract the attention of people who are keen to find some new music, so how did the band feel the audience reacted to their sound?
“The response we got was great. I think the thing with these festivals is that people have such broad tastes and they want to hear something new that they may not have heard before so it was awesome and humbling to hear them clap and cheer after every song.”
Playing Glastonbury festival is the highlight of many band’s careers and The City Calls quickly agree that this was one of their best ever live gigs, and being a part of the 40th anniversary celebrations will be something the band will always remember.
“As a band we felt humbled and honoured to have the opportunity to play our songs on such a prestigious stage and at the 40th anniversary of the biggest festival in the UK.”
