Loose Women panellist Denise Welch has given an impassioned response following her son Matty Healy’s headline performance with The 1975 at Glastonbury Festival. While the night was filled with pride and emotion for the actress, she made it clear: “Never again!” when it comes to attending the iconic festival.
At 67, Denise watched with heartfelt admiration as Matty took to the Pyramid Stage on Worthy Farm. Despite mixed reviews from fans — some labeling the frontman “insufferable” — she found the experience overwhelming and deeply moving. During Tuesday’s ITV episode of Loose Women, she shared, “It was emotional, it was overwhelming, the bit when we were on the tower watching… it was fantastic.”
Reflecting on the band’s long journey, Denise fondly recalled the early days. “They started in my garage when they were just 13 years old, going through various band names before becoming The 1975. Hearing those same songs Matty and George wrote when they were so young brought back so many memories,” she said.
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However, Denise’s festival experience was far from smooth, as she revealed her frustrations surrounding the logistical challenges. Despite spotting a flag with her name, she was disillusioned by the lack of VIP treatment. “There’s no such thing,” she admitted. “You never have the right wristband to get to where you need to be — even if you’re the mum of the headliner!”
Matty’s headline set itself was a point of contention among attendees. Entering the stage with a pint of Guinness in hand and a cigarette, his demeanor sparked polarized reactions. He boldly declared, “I probably am the best songwriter of my generation… A poet, ladies and gentlemen, is what I am. I wanted to remind you — this poetry, I believed in it for you.”
Some fans interpreted these comments as a pointed nod towards his ex, Taylor Swift, who allegedly explored themes related to their breakup in her recent work. Meanwhile, others criticized Matty’s onstage swagger. One onlooker found the pint-holding choreography particularly irritating, stating, “Matty Healy swaggering about with a pint he’s no intention of drinking is the most annoying thing I’ve ever seen.” Another fan lamented the night’s tone, saying, “It should have been all about The 1975, but Healy hijacked it and delivered a car crash of a performance. You could see it on the band’s faces. He just needed to hold it together for one day, and he failed miserably.”
Though Denise was clearly moved by the personal significance of the event, she made her feelings about the festival crystal clear. “Glastonbury, I’ve done it once. I’ve seen my son headline, and I will never go again!” she declared.
Loose Women airs weekdays at 12:30pm on ITV1.