Queen, Bowie, Kylie? Here's whose festival set was voted the best

Kylie’s triumphant Glastonbury comeback, The Who’s legendary show at Woodstock in 1968 and Jimi Hendrix burning his guitar at Monterey in 1967 are some of the most iconic festival moments of all time, according to a poll of music fans.

Researchers polled Brits to discover the 40 most memorable festival moments ever, with Adele’s show-stopping Glastonbury performance in 2016, Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain taking to the stage in a wheelchair and hospital gown at Reading in 1992 and Eminem and Rihanna duetting at V Festival, 2011 all making the list.

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However, according to the study commissioned to celebrate the return of Virgin Media’s V Festival, the most iconic festival moment of all time is Queen performing We Will Rock You at Live Aid in 1985 (27 per cent).

Adele's headlining performance at Glastonbury in 2016 was chosen as among the best ever (photo: Ian Gavan/Getty Images)Adele's headlining performance at Glastonbury in 2016 was chosen as among the best ever (photo: Ian Gavan/Getty Images)
Adele's headlining performance at Glastonbury in 2016 was chosen as among the best ever (photo: Ian Gavan/Getty Images)

Watched by 1.9 billion people around the world, the gig made music history and cemented Queen’s status, all while raising funds for Live Aid.

This was followed by David Bowie’s headline slot at Glastonbury 2000, where crowds enjoyed classic hits like Life on Mars? and Heroes (13 per cent). The set was later released as a live album and remains a fan favourite.

Kylie Minogue’s Glastonbury performance in 2019, 14 years after the pop princess had to pull out due to her breast cancer diagnosis, completes the top three of the most iconic festival moments of all time (13 per cent).

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Other moments included another Live Aid performance in 1985 from U2 (12 per cent) and Jimi Hendrix setting his Stratocaster guitar alight during the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967 (10 per cent).

Top 10 greatest festival moments according to those polled

1 Queen at Live Aid, 1985

2 David Bowie at Glastonbury, 2000

3 Kylie Minogue performing at Glastonbury, 2013

4 U2 at Live Aid, 1985

5 Adele at Glastonbury, 2016

6 Jimi Hendrix burning his guitar mid-set at Monterey Pop Festival, 1967

7 The Who, Woodstock 1969

8 Bob Marley performing at Smile Jamaica, two days after being shot, 1976

9 Eminem and Rihanna performing “Love the way you lie” together at V Festival, 2011

10 The Rolling Stones performing at Glastonbury, 2013