GDW Media
The Prodigy brought raw energy and emotion to Glastonbury Festival on Sunday, June 29, 2025. This marked their first major festival appearance since the death of frontman Keith Flint in 2019. Performing on the Other Stage, the band delivered one of the most memorable sets of the weekend mixing nostalgia, firepower, and vibrant tribute. This article dives deep into their performance, setlist, production, emotions, and the ripple effect it will have on their future.
1. Why This Performance Mattered
- **First major Glastonbury since 2019**. The Prodigy’s return carried weight Keith Flint was gone, but his spirit loomed large.
- **Seamless headliner**. They closed the Other Stage with the kind of explosive set usually reserved for Pyramid headliners.
- **Nostalgia meets renewal**. Classics like “Firestarter” mixed with newer tracks showed resilience and growth.
- **Emotional tribute to Keith Flint**. Maxim Reality ensured the performance honored Flint’s legacy.
2. Full Setlist Breakdown
| Track | Era | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Voodoo People | Early ’90s | Blazing opener; fire effects lit the stage |
| Omen | 2012 onward | Hard-hitting and tightly produced |
| Light Up the Sky | 2022 | Modern track that ignited the crowd |
| Firestarter | 1997 | Reimagined with visual flame tribute |
| Invaders Must Die | 2009 | Massive energy mid-set |
| Breathe | 1996 | Chorus led by crowd, Flint present in spirit |
| Smack My Bitch Up | 1997 | Unfiltered rave anthem |
| Out of Space | 1992 | Finale with lasers and full-throttle mayhem |
2.1 Highlights and Interpretations
- **Opening with “Voodoo People”** created immediate atmosphere with smoke and lights.
- **“Firestarter” tribute**: visuals included Flint’s silhouette, echoed by green lasers and haunting edits.
- **“Breathe” took on new life** as fans sang Flint’s lines, turning crowd into living mixer.
- **Final “Out of Space”** featured glitch visuals, lasers, and shameless carnage perfect send-off.
Read Also: Jarvis Cocker Leads Pulp’s Epic Glastonbury 2025 Return
3. Emotional Tribute to Keith Flint
Maxim Reality paused mid-set to speak directly to the audience:
“Six years ago we lost our brother. This is his night.”
“I think Mr Flint would have been proud of you.”
The giant screens displayed Flint’s instantly recognizable silhouette. For many, this was more than a tribute it was a resurrection.
4. Maxim Reality: Front and Centre
- Took over vocal and emcee duties flawlessly.
- Engaged the crowd, led chants, and guided energy.
- Maintained presence and charisma Proven leadership without replacing Flint.
5. Production, Stage & Crowd Energy
- **Other Stage transformation**: high-def screens, immersive lighting.
- **Pyro, lasers, glitch visuals** fit The Prodigy’s chaotic aesthetic.
- **Crowd response**: unified, loud, near maniacal “Prodigy warriors” came to play.
6. Audience & Critical Reaction
Fans on eFestivals declared, “They just won Glastonbury.” One said:
“Prodigy always brings the energy and the noise. A perfect balance of dance and punk. Liam Howlett can orchestrate this in his sleep.”
Critics praised Maxim and the production. Reviews called it emotionally powerful and sonically fierce.
7. Streaming & Broadcast Coverage
The set aired via **BBC iPlayer**, **BBC4**, and **Radio 6 Music** on Sunday night. Clips circulated widely on TikTok and YouTube, fueling international buzz, while Mixmag captured the laser tribute at Coachella.
8. What the Set Means for 2026 and Beyond
- Announced plans for a **UK & Ireland arena tour in 2026**, featuring support from Carl Cox.
- Hints of new material “Light Up the Sky” showed creative rejuvenation.
- A global comeback is shaping, blending heritage and innovation.
9. The Prodigy Compared to Other Headliners
Sunday’s lineup included Olivia Rodrigo, Rod Stewart, and The Cure. Yet The Prodigy stood out with raw energy and cultural homage.
10. Historical Context & Legacy
The Prodigy first rose to fame in the early 1990s. They headlined Glastonbury’95 at the NME Stage; their return to headlining Other Stage in 2025 marks full-circle glory.
11. Setlist Comparison: Then and Now
| Year | Notable Tracks | Changes in 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Everything from “Firestarter” era | Raw rave, union of punk and electronics |
| 2019 | Before Flint’s death, similar energy | Still explosive, but missing Flint’s presence |
| 2025 | Newer hits + classics | Emotional tribute; modern shine |
12. Why Legacy Sets Matter Now
- Offer energy and connection missing in many modern sets.
- Bridge generations old fans join young ravers in moshing bliss.
- Tributes to passed members (like Flint) create emotional resonance.
13. FAQs
Did The Prodigy dedicate their Glastonbury 2025 set to Keith Flint?
Yes. Maxim made a moving dedication mid-set, and visuals emphasized Flint’s silhouette.
What songs did they play?
They performed fan favourites including “Voodoo People,” “Firestarter,” “Breathe,” along with newer tracks like “Light Up the Sky.”
Where did they perform?
The Prodigy headlined the Other Stage on Sunday evening, delivering an intense set that bridged rave and rock energy.
Is the set available online?
Yes. Viewers in the UK can watch on BBC iPlayer or BBC4. International audiences can find clips on YouTube and TikTok.
Are they touring after Glastonbury?
Yes, a UK & Ireland arena tour is planned for 2026 with Carl Cox as supporting act.
Is there new material coming?
The appearance of “Light Up the Sky” hints at new music on the horizon, with live response encouraging more releases.
14. Where It Fits in Festival History
The Prodigy stood out as one of the few legacy acts to close a major stage at Glastonbury in recent years. Their performance joined ranks with iconic moments from Rod Stewart, Olivia Rodrigo, The Cure, and other headliners.
The Prodigy at Glastonbury 2025 wasn’t just a concert it was a statement. It merged nostalgia and growth, heartbreak and celebration. Maxim held the space for Flint’s memory while leading with a refreshed energy. The set not only electrified fans but reasserted The Prodigy’s relevance. Their 2026 tour will likely ride this wave, and if this performance is any indicator, it will be nothing short of spectacular.
