Loyle Carner has joined Annie Macmanus and Nick Grimshaw for episode three of their BBC Sounds podcast special, Sidetracked by Glastonbury.
During the chat he shared candid stories about nerves, headlining and using his voice for change ahead of Glastonbury 2025.
Carner, who first appeared on the BBC Introducing stage ten years ago in 2015, admits that despite a decade of performing, pre-show jitters remain intense.
“I don’t get nervous until the day and then I’m just besides myself,” he told Annie and Nick, adding that his young son, who tours with him, helps him stay grounded before stepping on stage.
Reflecting on his career’s high points, Carner discussed meeting Dave Grohl, revealing that even the Foo Fighters frontman underestimated Glastonbury’s scale at first.
“He didn’t know that it was a big deal… he just played the show like it was whatever,” said Carner, laughing about how Grohl realised the festival’s global reach only afterwards.
Beyond music, Carner stressed the responsibility he feels to use his platform to speak up. “You have to stand up for people who can’t stand up for themselves,” he said. “I’m not only representing myself, I’m representing every other mixed-race man who looks like me, younger and older.”
He’s determined that any political statements resonate meaningfully with the huge Glastonbury audience, recalling his ‘f**k Boris’ t-shirt from his last Other Stage appearance.
This year, despite headlining the Other Stage, Carner plans to keep things simple as a fan, with Turnstile and Doechii being the only acts on his must-see list. For him, though, the true joy lies in sharing the experience with his band, who have become like family on the road.
New episodes and three special bonus shows of Sidetracked by Glastonbury are now available on BBC Sounds and iPlayer, offering more behind-the-scenes festival stories from the artists shaping Glastonbury 2025.
