Billie Eilish’s backstage rider revealed ahead of making Glastonbury history
BILLIE EILISH may sing about being a Bad Guy but in reality she is anything but.
The superstar, who will become the youngest Glastonbury headliner in history when she takes to the Pyramid Stage this evening, has gone out of her way to make sure her backstage area is fully sustainable.
The US star has banned all single-use plastics in favour of only reusable or compostable products.
Billie has also requested locally sourced snacks that are fully vegan.
A source said: “She is one of the biggest stars on the planet and knows she can use her platform for good and to encourage change.
“The climate and sustainability have been top of her agenda for a while so when it comes to life on the road and her rider, it’s all as clean as possible.
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“During her string of shows at The O2 Arena recently she insisted only vegan food was served but obviously she can’t do that to the whole of Worthy Farm, as much as she might like to.
“Nevertheless, where she can make a difference, she has.”
Billie first played the festival back in 2019 when she performed on the Other Stage, following a last minute decision to upgrade her from a smaller stage due to her rocketing popularity.
Speaking at the time, she admitted she had no idea what the festival was.
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She explained: “I ignorantly didn’t know how big of a deal it was.
“You know, most festivals feel like the same thing — but getting to Glastonbury did not feel like a normal festival.”
However, as her stage time draws closer, the reality of what she is on the cusp of achieving has hit home.
Earlier this week she said: “It’s a serious once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be asked to go to and to do.
“And I’m constantly feeling like I’m undeserving of everything, and I think that’s a good thing. I would say that that’s a good thing for the most part.”
Despite kicking off the biggest weekend in music, Billie is unable to hang around as she has more gigs in London this weekend.
However, that doesn’t mean she won’t be checking out the sights of Worthy Farm ahead of her set.
During her recent appearance at Coachella Festival in California, Billie used one of her dancers as a double so she could go under the radar.
She admitted: “‘I had a body double, one of my dancers. We got a black wig and we put buns in and we gave her a mask and sunglasses.
“Everybody thought it was me. I put on a big black coat and a traffic vest, hood, and glasses.”
SURPREZRA!
FRESH from topping the album charts, George Ezra is gearing up for a secret set at Glastonbury after getting FOMO about not being there.
The Green Green Grass singer will be one of several acts, including Bastille and Paolo Nutini, who will pop up for surprise performances this weekend.
I’ve learned George arranged a last-minute set after the line-up was announced because he was so jealous of everyone else getting to play.
Talking to The Sun in April, when doubts were clearly creeping in, he said: “The thing about the Glastonbury line-up is, it’s something I concern myself with until I’m actually there.
“And when I’m there, I’m like, ‘Just stick me on in any tent, I’ll come and play in somebody’s tent. I just want to be there’.
“I’m gutted to be missing Glastonbury this year, genuinely.
“That’s another thing I do, I kid myself like, ‘Oh I’m used to festivals now because I work them, I don’t need to go for myself’.
“Then the promo starts and you start hearing interviews from people who are going and you’re like, ‘Oh f***, I’m going to miss that’.”
Now I can confirm he will make a surprise appearance on the John Peel stage on Sunday - so he won’t actually have to play in anyone’s tent.
But I wouldn’t be surprised if that happens too.
BALL NOT COMING OUT FOR DIANA ROSS
ZOE Ball will swerve Diana Ross’ set.
The BBC Radio 2 host admits she would rather watch it on TV in favour of catching Irish punk-rock band Fontaines D.C.
Diana will follow in the footsteps of Kylie Minogue and Dolly Parton and play the legends slot on Sunday on the Pyramid Stage.
Zoe said: “Oh Fontaines D.C.! I fricking love them, I love them! All the way! I can watch Diana Ross on telly when I get home.”
The weekend promises to be a family affair for the former party girl as her son last night on the Greenpeace stage.
Meanwhile, ex-husband Fatboy Slim will also be on site playing the Sonic stage this evening.
GRIFF SET TO MAKE A SPLASH
RISING star Griff is keen to make her first Glastonbury one to remember.
The Black Hole singer, who recently supported Dua Lipa on her European tour, told me she has splashed out on a luxury teepee to camp in following her spot on the John Peel Stage today.
Griff told me: “After my set I am going to get to be a punter, which I have never done at a festival. I have a teepee.
“I am staying for a few days. I have brought a couple of friends and we are going to chill.
“Everyone has been hyping it up to me so I thought as I’m playing I’ve got to do it. I’m not too scared of camping so I will be all right.”
If she needs to know the hotspots, she’s should ask Dua.
In 2019 the New Rules singer partied until 3am in the very kinky onsite club NYC Downlow.
This year the venue has some of the biggest names in dance music playing, including Honey Dijon, who is rumoured to have worked on Beyonce’s upcoming album.
Of course, I would never partake in such debauchery but rumour has it NYC Downlow is the place to be.
GLASTO-WONDERLAND
WHEN Alice went down the Rabbit Hole she was invited to her Unbirthday.
So it seems only right that the Lewis Carol-inspired hidden area The Rabbit Hole at Glastonbury should pull out all the stops for the festival’s 50th Un-Birthday.
Organisers were forced to scrap plans for a 50th anniversary weekend in 2020 due to the pandemic.
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Keen to keep the party going around the clock, Frank Sinatra’s granddaughter AJ Lambert will take to the secret stage this evening at 3am.
Tomorrow Dermot O’Leary will also play a celeb-packed DJ set at 2am.