Michael J. Fox made an unexpected appearance with Coldplay at the Glastonbury Festival in the U.K. on Saturday, creating a memorable moment for fans. The “Back to the Future” star shared his excitement on Instagram, posting photos from the event and expressing his gratitude to the band. “My team: Lauren, John, Jeff, and Steve… 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,” Fox wrote. He added, “Oh yeah, in case you were wondering… it was f—ing mind-blowing. There is a time for every band and a band for every time. This is @coldplay’s time.”
Fox, who has been battling Parkinson’s disease since 1991, joined Coldplay on stage in his wheelchair, playing guitar during their performances of “Humankind” and “Fix You.” Coldplay’s lead singer, Chris Martin, introduced Fox with a nod to his iconic role in “Back to the Future,” saying, “With his Chuck Berry riff and the way he punched Biff: ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Michael J. Fox.”
The crowd was visibly moved as Fox played along on guitar from his wheelchair, with Martin kneeling beside him for parts of the performance. After the song, Martin thanked the audience and paid a heartfelt tribute to Fox, saying, “Especially thank you to the main reason why we’re in a band, is because of watching ‘Back to the Future,’ 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… hero.”
Coldplay also shared the video of the performance on their official Instagram page, writing, “Thank you Michael J. Fox for making our dream come true.” This isn’t the first time Fox has joined Coldplay on stage. In 2016, he performed “Johnny B. Goode,” the Chuck Berry song featured in “Back to the Future,” with the band at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Fox’s appearance at Glastonbury was a poignant reminder of his enduring influence and the deep connection he shares with fans and fellow artists. The actor, who retired from acting in 2020 due to the progression of his Parkinson’s disease, has been a tireless advocate for research and support for those affected by the condition. In 2000, he founded the Michael J. Fox Foundation, which has since become the largest non-profit funder of Parkinson’s disease research in the world, funding more than $1.5 billion in research projects.
In April, Fox was named one of Time’s “Most Influential People,” with fellow Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds writing a touching tribute. “I’ve watched him raise the bar for purpose and passion,” Reynolds wrote. “It’d be kinda lazy to simply characterize him as the greatest champion of Parkinson’s research on the planet. He’s someone who helped my dad, along with millions of others, feel less alone. It’d be kinda lazy to simply regard him as a movie star who shaped the lives of people all over the planet with a uniquely electric wit and self-aware charm. He’s the sum of these beautiful parts.”
Fox’s surprise appearance at Glastonbury was a testament to his resilience and the love and admiration he continues to inspire. Fans took to social media to express their emotions, with many describing the moment as “unforgettable” and “very cool.” One viewer wrote, “Coldplay bringing out Michael J. Fox, baaaaawling.” Another said, “Am I crying in the middle of the night watching a Coldplay gig? I might, yes.” A third added, “Michael J. Fox getting his moment at Glastonbury with Coldplay. What a legend.”
Coldplay made history at this year’s Glastonbury Festival by becoming the first band to headline the Pyramid Stage five times. The British band first performed at Glastonbury in 1999 in the New Bands Tent and went on to headline the festival in 2002, 2005, 2011, and 2016. Their set at Glastonbury 2024 was a celebration of their journey and the impact they have had on the music world.
As the festival continued, the magic of Fox’s appearance lingered in the air, a reminder of the power of music and the enduring legacy of a beloved actor and advocate. The moment was a beautiful intersection of past and present, a celebration of Fox’s contributions to both film and music, and a testament to the enduring power of hope and resilience.
Source: Variety, BBC Music, Time, Instagram
