Billie Eilish says ‘it’s a dark day for US women’

Billie Eilish said it was a “dark day” for American women when she made history by becoming the youngest solo artist on Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage on Friday night.

The 20-year-old multi-Grammy winner made the comment midway through a crowd-pleasing concert that got off to a successful start. ‘bury a friend’ and ended with ‘Bad boy’ Y ‘Happier than ever’.

Without making direct reference to the US Supreme Court ruling on Friday that overturned Roe v. Wade, who recognized women’s constitutional right to abortion, Eilish said, “Today is a really dark day for women in America.”

“I’m only going to say that because I can’t bear to think about it anymore right now.”

then dedicated ‘Your power’a song about the abuse of power, to the theme.

Near the end of the set, he told the crowd that he “didn’t deserve” to be the starter.

“Thank you for letting me do it,” he said. “I am very honored to be here.”

Billie Eilish closed out the first full day of music at the festival in the south west of England, which returned for its 50th anniversary two years later than planned after the pandemic ruined the 2020 and 2021 events.

Other acts on Friday included Wet Leg, Arlo Parks and Primal Scream.

Rachel Austin, a 43-year-old recruitment officer from Lincoln in the east of England, said no one could prepare him for all the experiences on offer.

“It’s just amazing, the pictures don’t do it justice at all,” he said.

‘CONCENTRATION OF FREEDOM’

On Friday it was opened by the rock band The Libertines on the Other Stage, one level below the Pyramid.

Before that, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy made an appeal via video link to the crowd, urging them to spread the truth about Russia’s invasion.

“Glastonbury is the greatest gathering of freedom these days and I ask you to share this sentiment with all those whose freedom is under attack,” he said in a recorded message that drew applause.

Paul McCartney headlines Saturday, a week after his 80th birthday, while Diana Ross and Kendrick Lamar headline Sunday.