Lorde Surprises Glastonbury, Performs New Album In Full

Before lunch Friday at the Glastonbury Festival, early arriving festivalgoers rushed to the Woodsies area, as New Zealand singer Lorde made a surprise appearance, playing her new album Virgin in full.

In recent interviews, Lorde had said she was “pretty keen” to return to Worthy Farm, sparking rumors she’d be among the unannounced performers.

Her set also included a smattering of her most popular songs in addition to the new material. Eventually, festival organizers had to close off the tent due to the swelling crowd.

The shock set matches the vibe of the entire pre-release marketing campaign for the record, which has embraced a guerilla strategy. She’s popped up at Lorde-themed parties in Australia and an impromptu video shoot in New York’s Washington Square Park drew the attention of the NYPD.

Glastonbury runs through Sunday and there’s a chance of more surprises. Charli XCX performs Saturday night, which provides another chance for Lorde to stop by, as the two collaborated on the “Girl, so confusing” remix. A Friday afternoon slot at the Pyramid stage is open, as well, prompting many to believe Lewis Capaldi will make his way back to the festival, as he’s released new music.