Michael J. Fox had an unforgettable experience performing with Coldplay at the 2024 Glastonbury Festival on Saturday. The actor and Parkinson’s activist joined the band on stage to play guitar during their hit song “Fix You” in what he described as a “f*cking mind-blowing” moment.
On Instagram, Fox expressed his gratitude to Coldplay’s team and band members Chris Martin, Will Champion, Johnny Buckland, and Guy Berryman, as well as their manager Phil Harvey. He shared a series of photos, including one of himself in a wheelchair in front of a sign that read “optimism is a political act.” Fox wrote, “There is a time for every band and a band for every time. This is @coldplay’s time.”
Fox also posted a photo of a sign reading “Coldplay special guest” and a short video of the band backstage. During the performance, Chris Martin praised Fox, saying, “The main reason we’re in a band is because of watching Back to the Future,” referencing Fox’s iconic role as Marty McFly. Martin added, “So thank you to our hero forever and one of the most amazing people on Earth, Mr. Michael J. Fox.”
This isn’t the first time Fox and Coldplay have shared the stage. They previously performed together at MetLife Stadium in 2016, playing Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode,” a song famously featured in the 1985 film “Back to the Future.” At Glastonbury, Martin even sang “Go, Johnny, go, go, go” during “Fix You” as a nod to that memorable performance.
The Glastonbury set attracted a star-studded audience, including Martin’s fiancée Dakota Johnson, and “Mission: Impossible” stars Tom Cruise and Simon Pegg, as well as Gillian Anderson.
Fox’s Instagram post also included a picture of him with three members of his team during the set, and another of him in an orange cap in front of a sign that said, “Optimism is a political act.” He teased that he would be sharing more photos from his time at the festival soon.
During the concert, Martin told the crowd that Fox played a pivotal role in the band’s inception. “The main reason we’re in a band is because of watching Back to the Future,” Martin said. “So thank you to our hero forever and one of the most amazing people on Earth, Mr. Michael J. Fox. Thank you so much Michael, our hero.”
Fox has been battling Parkinson’s disease since he was diagnosed in 1991. Despite his health challenges, he continues to inspire many with his resilience and positive outlook. In April, he was named one of Time’s “Most Influential People,” with fellow Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds writing a touching tribute to him. Reynolds praised Fox for his dedication to Parkinson’s research and for helping others, including Reynolds’ own father, feel less alone.
Fox’s appearance at Glastonbury was a testament to his enduring spirit and his ability to bring joy to others through music and performance. His collaboration with Coldplay was not just a highlight of the festival but also a reminder of the power of music to connect and inspire.
Coldplay also shared the video of their performance with Fox on their official Instagram page, writing, “Thank you Michael J. Fox for making our dream come true.” The band’s heartfelt message and the enthusiastic response from the audience underscored the special bond between Fox and the band.
Fox’s performance at Glastonbury was a moment of triumph and celebration, not just for him but for everyone who has been touched by his work and his story. It was a night to remember, filled with music, gratitude, and the enduring spirit of a true hero.
Source: People, CNN, THR
