Eighteen minutes prior to stage time and two hundred thousand Glastonbury apps pinged with the same news: ‘Woodsies is full’. There’s no doubt that this notification would have sunken some hearts. Likely, those more lax with the concept of time, either ill-prepared or hungover, or both, to get to Woodsies in good time. As it was, folks flocked to Woodsies to see the opening performance by an artist ominously listed as ‘TBA’ in the schedule. The rumour mill had predictably gone into overtime, with more ‘it’s going to be…’ suggestions than the average Agatha Christie whodunnit or self-styled ITKs during the transfer window.

While Woodsies is normally known for providing a Glasto-styled launchpad for those artists whose star is on the ascent, this morning, it was different. It was the temporary home of a giant pop star playing what would be, for her, an intimate show. ‘Good morning’, Lorde casually announced to deafening cheers four songs in. The Kiwi had herself seemingly revealed her ‘TBA’ identity the previous night. Greeting her was an audience of the like Woodsies has rarely seen. A giant screen was erected outside to assure those who couldn’t sneak under the tent’s canopy that they wouldn’t miss out. As it happens, we later learned that the sound cut from the speakers outside and the masses still remained, somewhat transfixed by even the dampened sound they could hear from afar. For us, within the tent itself, the impression was of an artist embracing a new chapter with poise and purpose. New album Virgin has been like an electric volt of the good, old stellar stuff. A welcome return to the strident platinum pop that the Kiwi had perfected a dozen years ago, but with enough twists and turns to hint at growth and progression.

This was an entirely different affair from Lorde’s 2022 trip to Worthy Farm. Then, she had a carefully manicured stage routine; all choreographed moves and actions, bolstered by an ornate stage design. This time, things were stripped back and simple. Donning a matching white hipster jeans and t-shirt combo, Lorde writhed around the stage running through the entirety of her new album. It was a live debut of each track. ‘This is sick!’ she announced, clearly thrilled to offer the live debut of her new album in running order. The likes of hit single ‘What Was That’ had feet moving and by the time she wrapped up with old favourite ‘Green Light’ she had the crowd in the palm of her hand. Not that that was ever in doubt. Is this a rebirth? Who knows. As a litmus test for the groundswell gathering under her, this made it all too apparent that Lorde is back and ready to take over.