Inside Tom Grennan’s prep for huge Glastonbury set after bagging his second number one
HE’S the man of the moment after landing a second No1 album yesterday – and today Tom Grennan looks to be the man of the festival.
It’s not lost on him ahead of his performance on the Other Stage this afternoon, telling me he thinks it will be a defining moment in his career, just as it was for his pal Lewis Capaldi.
And he credits turning his life around for thrusting him to “the next level” over the past 18 months.
Tom said: “This is the biggest weekend of my career.
“I couldn’t be more excited, nervous, a bit of everything. But it’s brilliant.
“I’ve been on a real push lately — looking after myself physically, clean living for a while. And it’s paid off.
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“I realised every mistake I’ve ever made has been after too much partying, living too hard.
“That said, it’s Glastonbury.
“So after I’ve performed, I’ll buy you a pint, as long as it goes well!”
He added: “I’m not changing things too much.
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“It’s a mega show but I’ve got to stick with doing what I do because it got me here.
“But no slow numbers, it’s banger after banger.
“I’ve been to Glasto as a punter when I was younger so I know what it’s about.
“Hopefully I’ll get to enjoy it again after I’m done.
“There are some amazing names on the bill. I can’t wait.”
Tom was presented with his second official No1 trophy this week, ahead of the gig, joking it will have pride of place next to his telly so he always has something to look at.
He said with a laugh: “I’ll never get bored of looking at it.”
Tom plans to bring his family and friends along for his Worthy Farm set.
He said: “Everyone is coming, I’m bringing half of Bedford.
“It’s definitely my career highlight.
“I know it can be a huge moment for me, but I still think there’s a lot more to do.
"I hope so, anyway.
“I’ve already started thinking about and planning the next album.
"I’m just on it at the moment and I don’t want to stop.”
Steff struts stuff
STEFFLON DON helped kick the action off yesterday in a beaded pink and gold two-piece.
The British rapper debuted new single Move It as the festival really got under way.
The track samples Reel 2 Real’s classic I Like To Move It.
During the high-energy set she also blasted out Beyonce’s hit Diva.
Later this year, Stefflon Don will drop her debut album, Island 54.
She said of her rise to the top: “I came from a little area called Hackney and made it with little to nothing.
“I want to give you some words of advice: If you’re chasing a dream, please do it.
“Do what you want to do.
“Keep working hard.
“Whatever you do it will happen.
“I am living proof it works.”
Abs fab Elt disguise
I’M fully expecting to see the field full of fans dressed as Sir Elton John when he headlines tomorrow.
Alongside the super-fans will be Abbey Clancy and Peter Crouch, who love dressing up at Glasto and will be putting on their best Rocket Man outfits.
Before travelling to Worthy Farm, Abbey said: “We should all do an Elton glittery baseball outfit.”
Pete added: “We should do Elton through the years.
“We’ll all just go as Elton as different eras.”
The couple first started going under cover at festivals after 6ft 7in ex-England footballer Pete thought he might be mobbed.
Abbey explained: “The very first festival we went to was Isle of Wight and Pete was really worried about being in the crowds.
“Unlike other people in the public eye, Pete does not blend into a crowd.
“He bought himself a wig, a hat and sunglasses, and looked like one of the Bee Gees.
“Literally the first thing that came to my mind was, ‘There’s Pete in a wig’.”
MARMITE, Elton’s favourite sandwich spread, has created four special pyramid-shaped jars for the event.
Two are going into the Marmite archives, one will be given to Elton and the other is up for auction on eBay, for the Elton John Aids Foundation.
MAE STEPHENS has Lewis Capaldi to thank for helping her to stop getting starstruck.
She had a huge hit this year with If We Ever Broke Up and has found herself meeting loads of celebrities.
Backstage at British Summertime Hyde Park, ahead of her Glastonbury set tomorrow, Mae said: “I’ve met Lewis Capaldi. He is so funny.
“I mean, he’s really got a cracking sense of humour.
"One of my biggest learning curves as an artist is realising these celebrities are just people.”
Lizzo blows top slot
LIZZO could have been a headliner this year if she’d been a bit more timely.
The US star will still play a huge set tonight.
Organiser Emily Eavis wanted her to top the bill but she confirmed her booking too late.
She told Anita Rani on Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour: “Lizzo confirmed way after.
So when people think, ‘Why didn’t you put her there?’ it doesn’t really work like that.
"It would have been a great idea. Lizzo would have been an amazing headliner and hopefully she will headline.”
MIQUITA OLIVER turned barmaid backstage at party area Shangri-La.
The presenter’s mum – foodie and fellow TV host Andi – set up a bar there called Guerilla and got her daughter to serve drinks.
One punter said that Miquita was pouring out doubles for the price of singles.
That’s enough to persuade me to pay a visit.
SHARLEEN SPITERI got emotional during Texas’ performance on the Pyramid Stage yesterday and praised organiser Emily Eavis for supporting women in music.
She said: “Emily Eavis is a massive supporter of female musicians.
“Not because she’s ticking a f***ing box to have them on the stages.
"She’s put us on these stages because she thinks we’re f***ing amazing.”
WHEN your mum and dad are as famous as David and Victoria Beckham, you’d think you could dodge queuing for your breakfast.
But Cruz had to line up for nine minutes to get his fry-up.
He was asked for a pic, and politely declined, before going to his snazzy living quarters.
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Brother Romeo didn’t fare much better.
He queued for 15 minutes to get a slice of pizza with his pals and girlfriend Mimi Regan in the Pyramid Stage field.