In the sprawling fields of the Glastonbury Festival, where music lovers from all corners of the globe converge, one stage stood as a beacon of electronic euphoria: the West Holts Stage. And in 2022, amidst the sea of ecstatic fans, Bicep, the Northern Irish electronic music duo, took center stage, igniting a frenzy of pulsating beats and sonic bliss.
It had been a very very hot weekend, and this was the closing act, I expected the crowd to be a little bit frazzled in many ways, but boy did they show up for this set.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting hues of orange and purple across the horizon, Bicep stepped onto the stage, greeted by thunderous applause and eager anticipation. Matt McBriar and Andy Ferguson, the masterminds behind Bicep, wasted no time in unleashing their unique blend of house, techno, and electronica upon the ecstatic crowd.
From the moment the first bassline reverberated through the speakers, it was clear that this would be a performance to remember. With meticulous precision, Bicep crafted a sonic journey that transcended mere music, enveloping the audience in a symphony of sound and rhythm.
As a photographer, there are certain moments that really stick with you, and luckily, it is my job to capture those moments as accuratly as possible. I managed to capture a few images in the pit, but I quickly realised that I was in the wrong spot. I knew if I was going to capture the essence of the moment, I would have to get further back. Luckily being an official photographer for the stage, I was able to get access into the sound/lighting tower, which was a smart move.
The pulsating lights danced in harmony with the music, casting an otherworldly glow over the sea of swaying bodies. Each track seamlessly blended into the next, creating an immersive experience that kept the crowd entranced from start to finish.
Songs like "Glue" and "Aura" sent waves of euphoria rippling through the audience, while tracks from their latest album, "Isles," showcased their evolution as artists. With every beat drop and synth riff, Bicep proved why they are held in high regard in the electronic music scene.
But perhaps the most magical moment came when the duo played "Apricots," a hauntingly beautiful track that seemed to encapsulate the essence of the festival itself. As the melody washed over the crowd, it felt as though time stood still, and for a brief moment, we were all united in the collective experience of pure musical ecstasy. If you listen to that track and look at some of these images below you can feel the power. It still gives me tingles to this day.
As the final notes faded into the night, the crowd erupted into cheers and applause, their energy spent but their spirits soaring. Bicep had delivered a performance for the ages, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all who were lucky enough to bear witness. And as the echoes of their music faded into the distance, one thing became abundantly clear: at Glastonbury's West Holts Stage, Bicep had truly redefined what it means to perform live.
I heard rumours that our festival neighbours were knocking on our door to tell us to turn the music down. That is how to close the stage for 2022.
Shout out to the West Holts crew and Bicep and AC Lasers & SFX for creating this iconic Glastonbury and West Holts set.
All images are the copyright of Scott van der Zanden, please contact me for usage.
You can also buy prints of these images here https://scottvanderzanden.com/prints
