Sometimes, a single moment on a massive stage can remind the world why we fall in love with certain figures. That was certainly the case when the legendary Michael J. Fox made a surprise appearance alongside Coldplay at Glastonbury on a recent Saturday. Fans were left in tears, a testament to the profound impact this beloved actor has had, not just through his iconic roles, but through his unwavering grace in the face of unimaginable challenges.
He joined the band, seated in his wheelchair, and played the guitar. It was a powerful visual, especially considering his ongoing battle with Parkinson’s disease. As he strummed alongside frontman Chris Martin, the air crackled with emotion, a blend of admiration for the performer and empathy for the man.
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Chris Martin, at 47, didn’t just introduce him; he spoke from the heart. He revealed that the ‘main reason’ Coldplay even exists traces back to seeing Michael on screen. “The main reason why we’re in a band is because of watching Back to the Future,” Chris told the massive Glastonbury crowd. He added, with clear reverence, “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”.
This powerful statement wasn’t just hyperbole for the moment. Chris had previously shared this inspiration, telling Kelly Clarkson on her chat show in 2022 that the scene where Michael’s character, Marty McFly, plays “Johnny B. Goode” in the 1985 classic *Back To The Future* was the catalyst for his own musical aspirations. “That’s what made me want to be in a band, you know?” Chris had said, referencing that specific, electric moment from the film, adding, “That scene, yeah”.
This wasn’t the first time Michael had graced the stage with Coldplay. Back in 2016, he joined them for a concert in New York, where, fittingly, he also played songs from *Back To The Future*. Chris fondly recalled that time, saying, “Michael J. Fox came and played two of the songs from Back to the Future with us. That was really wonderful.” He specifically highlighted the performance of “Johnny B. Goode,” noting, “Him coming to play Johnny B. Goode and stuff, that was wonderful.”
The 2016 appearance had a particularly sweet origin story. It was prompted by a request from Chris Martin’s son, Moses, who was ten years old at the time. A video of young Moses was played to the audience, where he touchingly said, “I was just wondering if you could play a song from both of our favourite movies, Back To The Future. I love you so much.” It’s clear the admiration for Michael spans generations and runs deep, influencing music and lives in profound ways.
Coldplay was making history themselves at Glastonbury, becoming the first group to headline the iconic festival five times. Their sets are known for their scale and spectacle, and this one was no exception, featuring fireworks and confetti showering the massive audience. Yet, amidst all the production, Michael’s appearance stood out as a moment of pure, human connection and inspiration.
His introduction was built with palpable anticipation. Glastonbury cameras scanned the crowd, even playfully serenading Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis, before finally revealing the beloved Hollywood actor to the audience. Chris Martin’s sung introduction added to the excitement: ‘Here is another legendary Michael, one who just totally rocks, with his chuck Berry quiff and the way he punched [Back To The Future villain] Biff, ladies and Gentleman please welcome Michael J.Fox’.
The performance itself was a powerful reminder of Michael’s multifaceted talents. While globally known for his acting, he is also an avid musician, a skill famously showcased in that iconic 1985 sci-fi movie scene. His guitar playing, even now, resonates with the energy and spirit that captivated a generation.
The audience at Glastonbury was immense, a whopping crowd of 100,000 plus, though one passage of text specified 30K watching, including some famous faces. In a swanky VIP area, Hollywood stars like Tom Cruise, 61, Simon Pegg, 54, and Gillian Anderson, 55, were spotted watching the show, adding another layer of star power to the already electric atmosphere. Viewers at home were equally stunned by the sheer scale of the audience.
The emotional impact of Michael’s surprise performance was immediate and widespread. Viewers, both in person and watching from home, were left in ‘tears’. Social media platform X (formerly Twitter) lit up with reactions, capturing the raw emotion of the moment. Messages poured in, reflecting the collective awe and admiration.
Fans tweeted things like, ‘Michael J Fox joined Coldplay on stage oh my god’. Another user shared, ‘I love that Chris Martin from Coldplay brought Michael J Fox on stage, love Coldplay’. The sentiment was echoed by many: ‘Coldplay rocking Glastonbury and then bringing out Michael J. Fox will be the best thing I see all year’. The simple joy was palpable: ‘Michael J. Fox on stage with Coldplay at Glastonbury, great to see’.
The depth of emotion was evident in posts like, ‘Coldplay, wow just wow. What a show and Michael J. Fox, don’t tell me you weren’t in tears’. The performance was seen by some as more than just entertainment: ‘Blown away by the selfless perfomance by Coldplay at Glastonbury a celebration and reminder of hope in our world. Brining on Michael J Fox truly beautiful’. And a simple, heartfelt tribute summed up the feelings of many: ‘Michael J Fox bless his heart on stage with Coldplay’.
Earlier this year, at 63, Michael spoke about exceeding the expectations set by his original prognosis. Doctors told him in 1998 that they were ‘hopeful’ he would be ‘functional for at least another 10 years and maybe well into old age.’ Now, more than 25 years after receiving that information, he is still thriving.
