The Selecter Hit Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage – But Were Missed by the BBC
Two-Tone pioneers The Selecter brought ska to the Pyramid Stage this weekend at this year’s Glastonbury Festival, delivering a high-energy set that showed exactly why they remain one of the genre’s most vital acts.
Unfortunately, fans at home missed out, as the BBC’s coverage didn’t begin until midday—and with the band scheduled earlier in the day, their performance wasn’t shown live and is also absent from iPlayer.
Thankfully, a large portion of the set has surfaced thanks to YouTuber ‘Pianogeezer’ who captured the band in full swing from the fourth song onward.
Opening on Pianogeezer’s video is a reggae-infused cover of Edwin Starr’s “War”, a track that feels tailor-made for The Selecter’s fiery anti-authoritarian stance. The band then rip through a powerful selection of their classics, including “Murder”, “Missing Words”, “Train to Skaville”, “Carry Go Bring Come”, and of course, the ska anthems “On My Radio” and “Too Much Pressure”—the latter cleverly interwoven with Toots and the Maytals’ “Pressure Drop.”
Pauline Black, the ever-charismatic frontwoman and original rude girl, commanded the stage with fierce energy and unmistakable style, while drummer Charley “Aitch” Bembridge locked the groove down tight. The absence of longtime co-vocalist Arthur ‘Gaps’ Hendrickson, who sadly passed away in 2024, was deeply felt—but his spirit echoed through every note. Forty-six years since the band first formed, The Selecter still sound razor sharp and totally relevant.
Founded in Coventry in 1979, The Selecter were at the heart of the 2 Tone movement—a uniquely British blend of ska, punk, and social commentary that tackled racism, inequality, and youth unrest head-on. Alongside The Specials and Madness, they helped soundtrack a generation of working-class rebellion with style, unity, and rhythm.
And what better place for them to play than Glastonbury—the UK’s most iconic music festival. First held in 1970, Glastonbury has grown from a Somerset farm gathering into a world-renowned cultural institution. The Pyramid Stage itself hosted those other Two-Tone legends The Specials in 2009, and seeing The Selecter take their rightful place on that platform is a testament to ska’s lasting impact.
It’s a shame mainstream coverage missed them!
