Michael J. Fox celebrated a memorable moment at the Glastonbury Festival by joining Coldplay on stage for a performance of their hit song “Fix You.” The actor, known for his iconic role in “Back to the Future,” played guitar alongside the band, creating an unforgettable experience for the massive UK music festival audience.
Fox expressed his gratitude and excitement on social media, sharing a series of photos from the event. “Glastonbury, all the love and thanks to the @coldplay team who took such great care of us. And many thanks to Chris, Will, Johnny, Guy, and Phil,” he wrote. “Oh yeah, in case you were wondering…it was f*cking mind-blowing. There is a time for every band and a band for every time. This is @coldplay’s time.”
During the performance, Coldplay’s frontman Chris Martin highlighted Fox’s influence on the band. “The main reason we’re in a band is because of watching ‘Back to the Future,'” Martin told the crowd. “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.”
This wasn’t the first time Fox and Coldplay shared the stage. In 2016, Fox joined the band at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where they performed “Johnny B. Goode,” a song famously featured in “Back to the Future.”
Coldplay’s set at Glastonbury was historic, marking their fifth time headlining the festival. The performance was filled with incredible songs, fan interactions, and surprise appearances by other talented artists, including U.K. soul singer Laura Mvula, Palestinian-Chilean singer Elyanna, Little Simz, and Spanish-American singer-songwriter Victoria Canal. However, the standout moment was undoubtedly Fox’s appearance.
The crowd of 100,000 in Somerset was ecstatic to see Fox, who is well-known for his “Johnny B. Goode” guitar solo in “Back to the Future.” Despite his battle with Parkinson’s disease, which led him to retire from acting in 2020, Fox’s performance was a testament to his enduring spirit and talent.
Earlier this year, Fox received the second annual TIME100 Impact Award, recognizing his contributions to the global community. In his acceptance speech, he spoke candidly about his experience with Parkinson’s, a disease he was diagnosed with in 1991 at the age of 29. In 2000, he founded the Michael J. Fox Foundation to fund research for a cure.
Fox’s appearance at Glastonbury resonated deeply with fans, both at the festival and online. Social media was abuzz with emotional reactions, with many expressing their admiration and joy at seeing Fox perform. One user tweeted, “Michael J Fox playing the Fix You riff and I’m just sobbing like a baby.” Another wrote, “However cynical and hard-bitten you are, impossible not to feel something joyful when Coldplay plays with Michael J Fox at Glastonbury.”
The collaboration between Coldplay and Fox was seen as a beautiful gesture of unity and support for people with disabilities. One fan noted, “Coldplay bringing out not one but two disabled people in their set is everything. (One being Michael J Fox!! + Victoria Canal) That’s how you show unity for disabled musicians and disabled fans alike.”
Fox’s Instagram post also included a picture of him with three members of his team during the set, a photo of him in an orange cap in front of a sign that says, “Optimism is a political act,” and a welcome sign for the festival. He teased that he would be sharing more photos from his time at the festival soon.
Chris Martin’s tribute to Fox during the concert was heartfelt. “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’s previous collaboration with Coldplay in 2016 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey was also a memorable event, where they performed “Johnny B. Goode” by Chuck Berry. This song was featured in “Back to the Future,” further cementing Fox’s influence on the band.
The Glastonbury performance was not just a musical highlight but also a moment of solidarity and inspiration. Fans were reminded of Fox’s legendary moment in “Back to the Future” where, after playing “Johnny B. Goode” to little reaction, he says, “Your kids are going to love it.” This sentiment came full circle as a new generation got to enjoy Fox’s talent during the Glastonbury set.
Coldplay’s set was watched by around 100,000 attendees, including A-listers like Tom Cruise, Simon Pegg, and Gillian Anderson. The band’s historic fifth headlining slot at Glastonbury was a testament to their enduring popularity and ability to create magical moments on stage.
Michael J. Fox’s performance with Coldplay at Glastonbury was a celebration of music, resilience, and the power of coming together. It was a night that fans will remember for years to come, a testament to the enduring impact of both Fox and Coldplay.
Source: CNN, PEOPLE, BBC, TIME
