Jo Whiley recalls magical Glastonbury interviews – despite ‘painful’ interaction

Radio 2 DJ Jo Whiley has pretty much seen it all when it comes to Glastonbury. 

She’s interviewed musicians from all around the world (and some before they hit the big time), but it hasn’t always been smooth sailing.

In a new interview, seasoned pro Jo, 57, recounts her years at the popular festival – she first went when she was just 17 – and though she soon went for work and a slightly more sober experience no doubt in the years that followed, Glastonbury, she says, still makes her ‘heart soar.’

‘I actually really love working there. I love talking to fans and being part of the whole Glastonbury team, so I’ve got no desire to go and just get drunk. I love my job!’ she told The Mirror. 

Jo has interviewed all the biggest stars from Sir Paul McCartney to Adele and Beyoncé and appreciates seeing them before they light up the stage or in the moments after.

Superstar Adele, she says was ‘overwhelmed with nerves ahead of her performance’ and the radio DJ was glad to be there to witness just how far the megastar had come.

‘It was a really big deal for Adele playing Glastonbury,’ she continued. 

‘That’s one of my favourite memories from Glastonbury. I’d played her right in the beginning and then seeing her go from being a tiny backing singer to having this amazing career felt special.’

From Dolly Parton to Coldplay to The Killers, there are few stars she hasn’t struck up chats with.

However, naturally, she says some are easier to interview than others, purely because there’s so much pressure once you grace the now iconic stage. 

No one is ever tricky, Jo insists, but some can be slightly painful. 

‘[Paul Simon] wasn’t very well when he did his Glastonbury,’ Jo said. ‘It was quite painful because he was just analysing his performance. It was a difficult situation. There is a lot of pressure.’

This year’s Worthy Farm event will see Arctic Monkeys, Guns N’ Roses, and Sir Elton John fill this year’s top slots.

As more names were added to the bill, it was found that the full 2023 line-up has nearly double the amount of male acts than female.

Something the organisers said they were working hard to address after a mystery female headliner apparently pulled out.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE : Who is playing the Glastonbury 2023 legends slot and who has done it before?

MORE : Glastonbury Festival 2023: How and when you can watch the live webcam at Worthy Farm